The tension in the air was palpable.
I refused to blink, and I forced myself not to gulp, staring at the collossal entities that surrounded me.
If they desired, they could disregard me without a second's thought. They could fling me aside as the mere speck of dust that I was.
BUT… they wouldn't be able to do any of those things.
"We aren't just going to take your word for it." Aquarius' voice echoed, finally breaking the tense silence that consumed the room.
Her tone no longer had the agressive and condescending taste it previously displayed. Instead, her voice felt somewhat… soft?
"We are… quite picky, you know? These friends of yours… there is no guarantee we will select them."
My smile widened the moment I heard that.
'It seems I was right, after all…'
It wasn't that the Constellations wouldn't be able to refuse my offer, but they simply COULDN'T.
'They are wired to operate with the best interests of the Aether Branch at heart. That means, no matter what they personally think of my plans—irrespective of their pride and caution—they will select the most viable means to protect reality.'
Now that I had brought up this solution, they could not refuse it even if they tried.
'... All because of the Unwritten Laws.'
"I have confidence that my friends will be able to garner the favor of at least one Constellation each. Some may even draw the attention of more."
"Do not push it, Jared Leonard. Who do you think we are?" Aquarius instantly raised her voice, causing my very being to tremble that very instant.
I was, once again, reminded of my place.
"A-apologies. Haha… do forgive my disrespect."
If it was for the sake of the world, I could take on whatever role that was expected of me… at least that was what I had initially thought.
But this… this was frustrating.
'I want to do more—be more!'
Merely appealing to a higher power was insufficient. Even if I had a fair amount of confidence in my plans, there was no fulfilment in it.
I was merely a dog doing its possible best to beg for a bone.
"What do you desire in exchange for our acceptance of this deal?" Aquarius' words suddenly lifted me out of my thoughts.
"What?"
"You made an atttractive offer, and we have accepted to consider it. However, you have yet to mention what you want in exchange."
The moment I heard this, my eyes widened in surprise.
'I wasn't expecting this. I can actually get something in exchange for a mutually beneficial plan?'
I had thought the plan I offered was something that benefited both parties, so there was no need for an additional advantage on my end.
It seems I was wrong.
"Do you desire to become a Host as well? Do you have particular Constellations you desire to be bonded with? Certain exceptions can be made for your sa—"
"No. That's not what I want." My answer was swift.
Now that it had come to this, perhaps I could finally obtain what was missing in my current state.
"Then, do wish to maintain a friendly relationship and loose contracts with all of us? That is also something we can consid—"
"No, that's not it either."
Both of their suggestions were appealing. If I had the exclusive ability to decide the Constellations I wanted to have as my Familiars, or even maintain loose Contracts with all of them… that would be HUGE.
I could end up becoming even more powerful than Neron, and I was probably going to surpass any of my peers that had ever existed.
However…
'... It's not enough.'
I didn't like those offers for one major reason.
"I'm tired of it—feeling inadequate and powerless before colossal forces of nature like yourselves."
My thoughts could be interpreted in many ways. Perhaps I was being too greedy, conceited, entitled, or prideful.
I didn't see it that way, though.
"Borrowing power and not being capable enough to properly protect those I love… it's frustrating to me." I said, clenching my fists as the words came forth.
"I desire to fully comprehend Magic, but it feels worthless if I have to appeal to higher powers to obtain it. It is no longer an achievement but a gift…"
A mere bone tossed to the dog.
"I see. So what is it that you really desire?" I heard Aquarius ask.
The direct gazes of the Constellations also seemed to imply the very same question. They desired to know what I really wanted.
Well, it wasn't any form of Contract.
"I want an exchange. Me versus each of you."
"W-what?"
"That's right! I want a fair match between me and each of you. That's a total of twelve matches. No time limit, and the free use of abilities."
That was all!
"Are you serious? Your request is internally inconsistent. A duel between a mortal and a Constellation is not only impossible, but it is far from fair."
I grinned the moment I heard this.
"Well, maybe you are right. But that is what I desire. It is a simple request from me to you…"
I could sense their skepticism as they stared at me in silence. As a result, I decided to push the matter a little further.
"Just as you Constellations are very picky, so am I. You desire to test my friends to determine their worth, do you not? Well, consider me doing the same to you."
~VWUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!~
The moment I uttered those words, I felt a powerful pressure envelop the vast expanse before me.
It felt unbearably dense—like the very aspects of existence had turned against me.
"DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU REFER TO THIS WAY? YOU DARE…?" I heard them thunder, both in surprise and anger.
Despite all the tension that enveloped the world, however, I let out a light chuckle.
"Haha… hahaha…"
Why?
I knew they weren't going to hurt me. They couldn't do so, thanks to the Unwitten Laws.
'No free will, bound by the laws of your existence… yes, I know who you are quite well.' My smile widened as I maintained my defiant stare at them.
"Yes, I dare."
The air felt heavy still, and it was difficult to breathe, but I endured all of that anyway.
Stretching forth my hand slowly, I faced the leader of the twelve, ensuring my expression was that of goodwill.
"So, do we have a deal?"
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[A/N]
Thank you all for reading!
What do you think about Jared's actions? Are they justified, or is he doingt too much?
Let's hear it below!
