[fourth wall: five senses activated]
In the void of her mental space, Hecate's senses flickered to life one by one. Despite the restoration of her awareness, she felt the weight of her physical exhaustion pressing down on her like an anchor. Her body refused to respond; her muscles too drained to even twitch. She lay in this mental stasis, her thoughts sharp despite her immobile state.
"If I can't move my body, I'll use my mind," she resolved, summoning the system she had come to rely on.
"Tell me everything about the constellations," she demanded, her inner voice firm, "and about my construction specifically."
The system's voice was neutral, emotionless, yet filled with profound information:
[Understood. Constellations are unique, powerful entities whose existence transcends mortal limitations. They are exceptionally rare and revered, with their origins split into three primary types:]
1. Ascended Constellations:
These beings were once mortals who fulfilled specific conditions to ascend beyond their mortal forms.
The process of ascension demands significant trials, whether through legendary deeds, immense power, or through embodying a higher purpose, all has their unique way of ascension.
Ascended constellations typically have trials, and achievements tied to their names that justify their rise to immortality.
2. Primordial Constellations:
These are the strongest and most ancient, born with immense power from the start.
They exist outside the constraints of mortal time and logic, their essence tied to the creation or governance of universal concepts.
Primordials are rare but hold unmatched influence over their realms.
3. Born Constellations:
Born between two constellations, these beings inherit a fraction of their parents' power.
They are initially weaker than their counterparts but possess significant growth potential through rigorous training and the development of their "paths."
The system continued:
[Once a mortal ascends to become a constellation, their physical body crumbles, unable to contain the immensely powerful soul that now embodies their essence. This soul becomes their body, enabling them to exist in the Upperworld, a realm capable of supporting their new, ethereal forms.
However, constellations are not invincible. If damaged beyond repair, they cease to exist entirely. There is no reincarnation, no second chances—only complete erasure.]
Hecate processed the information, her thoughts sharp. "So even as an immortal, there's a way to die. A permanent death."
She asked, "Is there a way to preserve one's mortal body during ascension?"
[Yes, but it is only possible through one's own effort.]
The system shifted its tone slightly, delving into a related topic:
[Many constellations offer sponsorships to talented mortals. This allows them to indirectly or directly influence mortal realms through their chosen representatives. Sponsorship comes with perks, such as power, resources, or protection, but it also ties the mortal to the constellation. In some cases, the constellation can descend into the mortal's body temporarily.]
Hecate frowned internally. "Tying oneself to another's will, even for power… sounds dangerous."
The system paused briefly before addressing her specific inquiry.
[Your constellation path is that of a Story Constellation, one of the most powerful statuses possible.
A Story Constellation differs from all others in one key way: they perceive the universe as interconnected stories. Every action, every event, every person—it all weaves into a tapestry of narratives. A Story Constellation can read, influence, and even create these stories, granting them unparalleled potential.]
[To ascend to a Story Constellation, one must fulfill an extraordinary condition: the possession of five or more myth-grade stories.
These stories are not mere tales but manifestations of legendary feats, mythical power, and unshakable influence. Each story represents a world-changing event or achievement.]
Hecate listened intently as the system elaborated:
[Once a Story Constellation ascends, their stories become their foundation. Each story can evolve to a higher grade—divine or cosmic—unlocking abilities and powers tied to the themes of those stories.
For example, a Story Constellation with a story of conquest could wield unmatched dominion, while one with a story of healing could achieve miracles. The potential is boundless.]
[Unlike other constellations, a Story Constellation can embody multiple aspects of power. Each story they possess grants them abilities akin to the strengths of other constellations. In essence, a fully realized Story Constellation is equivalent to a nebula of seven or more regular constellations.
Moreover, Story Constellations have unique latent powers tied to their narrative perception, allowing them to influence reality itself by rewriting or expanding the "stories" of the universe.]
Hecate's mind reeled. "So not only am I on a path to become a constellation, but I also have the potential to surpass most of them?"
[which makes you more dangerous in their point of view]
The system concluded:
[Your current focus should be on cultivating your stories. Each story you acquire and develop will not only bring you closer to ascension but also amplify your latent powers. As a Story Constellation, you are uniquely positioned to understand and influence the world in ways others cannot.
However, with great power comes great risk. Many will seek to exploit or destroy you before you ascend. Tread carefully, Hecate Targaryen.]
In the darkness of her mental space, Hecate allowed herself a faint smile. "I suppose that makes me a protagonist of sorts, doesn't it?"
For now, she rested, letting the knowledge settle. The path ahead was daunting, but it was also exhilarating. She would forge her stories, ascend to her constellation status, and write herself into the annals of legend.
------
[Constellation Nurturing System]
---
Host Information
Name:
Hecate Targaryen
Race:
Ancient Witch
Ymbryne
Dragonic Witch
---
Titles
Professional Liar / Princess of Lies and Deception: Your cunning and ability to deceive are unmatched, allowing you to bend truths and craft illusions with ease.
Dragon Lord: You possess unmatched mastery over dragons, earning their respect and loyalty.
Witch / Hogwarts Student: A young witch who has begun her journey into magic, carrying the legacy of her ancestry.
---
Constellation Status
Constellation: Not awakened
(Progress: Acquire at least 5 myth-grade stories to ascend)
---
Skills
Offensive Spells:
Expulso: A powerful explosive spell that blasts targets with concussive force.
Confringo: Incinerates enemies with a burst of fire and heat.
Incendio Maxima: Amplified fire spell capable of large-scale destruction.
Bombarda Ultima: Ultimate destruction spell, capable of breaking through even reinforced defenses.
Mind's Widge: A spell for manipulating thoughts subtly.
Memoria Removal: Removes or edits memories with precision.
Legilimency: Allows you to peer into the minds of others, extracting thoughts and secrets.
Defensive Spells:
Protego Maxima: Creates an enhanced shield that repels powerful attacks.
Salvio Hexia: Protects an area against hexes and curses.
Repello Inimicum: Wards off enemies and dark entities.
Fianto Duri: Strengthens defensive shields to be near impenetrable.
Transfiguration Spells:
Animagus Mastery [Unlocked]: Achieved mastery over Animagus transformation.
Human-to-Beast Transformation: Transform others into animals temporarily.
Conversion [Unlocked]: Change objects into other materials or forms.
Vanishing Conjuration (Theory): A theoretical basis for vanishing large, complex objects.
Complex Object Shaping: Advanced transfiguration for reshaping intricate objects.
---
Unique Abilities
1. Time Loops (Passive)
Loop Creation: Revert objects, environments, or your body to their state 24 hours ago.
2. Death Song (Passive)
Dragons and creatures resonate with your presence, ensuring loyalty and protection.
3. Color Flag – Faceless:
Transform into any individual by vividly imagining their face and traits.
4. Sky Dancer:
Enhances aerial agility and speed, especially while flying.
5. King's Grace (Passive)
A natural aura of leadership that inspires awe and loyalty in those who follow you.
6. San Galgano's Sword:
Summons a great sword with divine properties, cutting through magic and matter alike.
7. Fourth Wall Perception:
A unique ability to view the "meta" perspective, understanding the unseen connections in the world.
8. Calorie's High:
Grants incredible regeneration abilities at the cost of intense hunger afterward.
9. Sinking Shadow:
Manipulate and merge with shadows, becoming nearly undetectable.
10. Green Green:
Manipulate and accelerate plant growth, turning the environment into an ally.
11. Cold Heart (Passive)
Immune to emotional manipulation, maintaining composure even under duress.
12. Hive Mind:
Share thoughts, strategies, and commands with those under your influence.
13. Killing Intent:
Projects overwhelming intimidation, immobilizing weaker foes.
14. Wandering Eyes (Passive)
---
Affinity
Time
Space
Plants
shadows
---
Attributes
Agility: 75 (Adept reflexes and speed)
Strength: 150 (Above average physical power)
Mana/Magic: 1000 (Immense magical reserves)
Divine Power (Div): 15 (Embryonic celestial power tied to ascension)
Luck: 50 (Moderate fortune in outcomes)
Intelligence: 100 --> 350 (Highly analytical and adaptive mind)
Charisma: 85 (Naturally compelling and persuasive presence)
---
Stories Acquired
Main Stories:
1. Goddess of War / Valkyrie / Mother of Dragons / Owner of Valkyrheim
Grade: Medium-Mythical
2. [Blank]
3. [Blank]
4. [Blank]
5. [Blank]
Subsidiary Stories:
1. [Blank]
2. [Blank]
---
[The system looks forward to your ascension.]
[The above panel is a reflection of your potential and current status. Develop your stories, grow your abilities, and shape your path toward constellationhood.]
-------
The morning sunlight streamed into the grand office of Hogwarts' headmaster, casting a golden glow over the ancient tomes and magical artifacts scattered around. Albus Dumbledore sat behind his desk, his piercing blue eyes fixed on the restless movements of his phoenix, Fawkes. Beside him stood a man with an air of quiet authority, his sharp gaze betraying a mind always calculating. This was Grindelwald, the once-feared dark wizard, now disguised as Dumbledore's secretary. Under the headmaster's watchful eye, Grindelwald had been bound to remain within Hogwarts, his movements restricted, though his presence retained an unsettling power.
As the two men observed Fawkes' unusual agitation, the air in the room shifted. A swirling portal opened near the center of the office, glowing with an ethereal light. From within emerged a woman of striking beauty and undeniable presence. Her tall stature and regal bearing commanded attention, and her dress, crafted of fine silks and intricate embroidery, marked her as someone of great importance. She walked with measured grace, her every step exuding authority.
Behind her, two changewing dragons, each the size of an average elephant, followed silently. Their sleek, iridescent scales shimmered momentarily before they shifted, disappearing into the background as they camouflaged themselves. Their mere presence added a weight of danger and majesty to the room.
If anyone from the modern world were to witness this scene, they might recognize the woman as resembling the actress Gwendoline Christie. However, in this world, she introduced herself in a language both ancient and lilting.
"Excuse me for my rude arrival; it's just how things turned out to be," she said in the Targaryen tongue, her tone cool yet polite.
As if realizing the need to adapt, she repeated herself in perfect Old English, her voice steady and commanding.
"I am Lysandra Targaryen, former queen of the realm you visited and the grandmother of Hecate, a student of your school. I believe you have already met my son and his wife?"
Dumbledore, caught momentarily off guard, recovered quickly, rising from his seat with a courteous nod. "Ah, yes. Good morning, Madam Targaryen."
Grindelwald, ever the observer, remained silent, his sharp eyes fixed on Lysandra, analyzing her every move.
Lysandra's gaze swept over the two men with a mix of disdain and cold curiosity. Her dragons, though invisible, loomed nearby, their protective presence palpable.
"Although I do not appreciate you bringing those creatures with you," Dumbledore ventured carefully, glancing around for signs of the dragons.
Lysandra's lips curled slightly, a faint smirk betraying her pride. "Ah, please do not worry yourself. They will accompany me silently. You won't even notice their presence." Her tone was dismissive, as though the concerns of outsiders held little weight in her mind.
Straightening, she continued, her voice softer but no less commanding. "Anyway, I believe my granddaughter landed in this place. I owe you an apology for how things proceeded. I hope we did not make too much of a fuss."
Dumbledore chuckled lightly, a trace of amusement flickering in his expression. "Yes, she did appear here. In fact, she's already in the medical wing. She's been sleeping, and even if we wanted to examine her, her little dragon won't allow anyone to approach."
Lysandra nodded, her expression softening slightly at the mention of her granddaughter. "Oh, it's okay. She'll recover on her own; don't worry. We, the High Humans, possess quite the regeneration, you see."
To illustrate her point, she dragged a single nail across her arm, drawing a thin line of blood. Within seconds, the wound sealed itself, leaving no trace of injury.
Dumbledore raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Remarkable. May I know what caused her to return in such a state? As her headmaster, I believe I am entitled to ask."
Lysandra hesitated for a moment, her pride and disdain for outsiders battling against the faint warmth she felt toward Hecate. Finally, she relented.
"Well… it won't hurt to tell you. As you know, she was undergoing the Animagus ritual—one your people developed. However, during the process, her abilities, which are engraved in her bloodline, were awakened. To make matters worse, there was an assassination attempt targeting her."
Her voice grew colder, a flicker of anger flashing in her eyes. "Of course, the threats have been dealt with. However, in the chaos, she instinctively used one of her abilities and created a gate. That gate brought her here."
Dumbledore stroked his beard thoughtfully, his expression a mix of concern and fascination. Grindelwald, meanwhile, leaned slightly forward, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed every word.
"And these… abilities," Dumbledore ventured cautiously, "are they tied to her Targaryen heritage?"
Lysandra's lips tightened, a spark of pride lighting her gaze. "They are tied to more than just the Targaryen name. Hecate is no ordinary witch, Headmaster. Her potential far surpasses what you may understand. You would do well to ensure her safety within your walls."
The room fell silent, the weight of her words settling over the two men. In the background, the faint rustle of the dragons shifting into more comfortable positions was the only sound, a reminder of the silent power Lysandra commanded.
"I see," Dumbledore said finally, his voice measured. "I assure you, Madam Targaryen, we will do everything in our power to ensure Hecate's well-being and growth during her time at Hogwarts."
Lysandra inclined her head slightly, her expression as inscrutable as ever. "See that you do. For her sake, and yours."
Dumbledore's expression darkened ever so slightly at Lysandra's words, her tone carrying a subtle edge of provocation. His brows knitted in thought, yet his response remained measured, befitting his usual composure. Meanwhile, Grindelwald, standing nearby, seemed barely able to contain his amusement. A faint twitch at the corners of his mouth betrayed his effort to stifle laughter, his sharp eyes glinting with mischief.
Lysandra, as though oblivious to—or perhaps deliberately ignoring—their reactions, continued with her regal air. "Anyway, let me see my granddaughter. That little dragon needs to go back to where it belongs. I also have some business to attend to. Oh, and do bring the professor named McGonagall. I have something to discuss with her."
With a wave of her hand, she dismissed the conversation and began walking toward the medical wing. Her movements were deliberate and graceful, the very picture of a high queen accustomed to being obeyed.
---
Upon entering the medical wing, the group found Hecate awake, sitting up in bed with the baby dragon curled comfortably in her lap. The sight was almost serene, with the small creature snuggled against her, its contented purring filling the room.
"I see you're alright," Lysandra said, her tone softer than before but still carrying the weight of authority.
Hecate looked up, surprise flickering across her face. "Ah, Grandma, you're here!"
"Of course I am, you little troublemaker," Lysandra replied, striding toward her. With a rare display of affection, she pinched Hecate's cheeks, a small smile tugging at her lips.
The baby dragon on Hecate's lap tilted its head, its sharp, intelligent eyes darting between Hecate and Lysandra. It seemed thoroughly confused, as if it were seeing double.
Noticing the creature's reaction, Lysandra's gaze softened momentarily. She extended her hand, her voice firm yet gentle. "Come here."
At her command, the two changewing dragons that had been invisible materialized beside her. Their scales shimmered in the light as they leaned down, nuzzling the baby dragon affectionately. The gesture seemed to reassure the little one, as if they were conveying a silent message: "It's time to come with us."
The baby dragon hesitated, turning its gaze back to Hecate. Its wide, pleading eyes sought her approval. Hecate smiled softly, giving the creature a gentle nod.
"Go on," she said, her voice filled with warmth.
With that reassurance, the baby dragon reluctantly climbed down from her lap and padded over to the two larger dragons. Lysandra raised her hand again, and with a sharp snap of her fingers, a shimmering gate appeared in the center of the room. The three dragons stepped through the portal in a graceful procession, the baby dragon looking back one last time before vanishing inside.
As the gate closed behind them, Lysandra turned back to Hecate, her regal demeanor firmly in place. "Now, let's discuss the mess you've made, shall we?"
As Professor McGonagall entered the medical wing, accompanied by Newt Scamander, her sharp eyes quickly assessed the situation. She immediately noticed the striking woman standing beside Hecate. The similarities in their features, as well as the regal air they both carried, led her to conclude that they were related.
Dumbledore approached her, lowering his voice to fill her in on the situation. He recounted Lysandra's explanation regarding the events that led to Hecate's sudden appearance at Hogwarts, including the attempted assassination and her instinctive use of a gate.
Outraged, McGonagall exclaimed, "This is outrageous! If even in her own home she isn't protected, how can she ever feel safe?"
Lysandra, calm yet unyielding, replied with a smirk, "This is the life of a royal. Hecate, as the next heir, is obliged to get used to it."
McGonagall's expression hardened as she stepped closer to Hecate, positioning herself between her and Lysandra. "How cruel," she retorted. "This child is talented and intelligent. She doesn't deserve to be treated like this."
Lysandra smirked again, her gaze calculating. "I see why her gate opened near you, hmm?"
McGonagall froze, her sharp mind piecing the implications of Lysandra's words. If Hecate's gate had instinctively sought her, it meant the young girl trusted her deeply, even unconsciously. A surge of protectiveness filled McGonagall as she thought, I should take care of this child.
Sensing the rising tension, Hecate interrupted with a shy but eager tone. "Professor, I think I succeeded. I think I'm an Animagus now."
"What? Wait—what?!" McGonagall exclaimed, her disbelief written all over her face.
Lysandra, unbothered, scoffed. "What do you think of our lineage? Of course, she succeeds in anything she sets her mind to. Hmph."
Even Dumbledore, usually composed, looked stunned. "Quick, show us," he said, though his commanding tone earned a glare from Lysandra.
As everyone took a step back to give her space, Hecate closed her eyes and focused. With a sudden shimmer of magic, her form began to shift and grow.
Before their eyes, Hecate transformed into a magnificent creature, her Animagus form unlike anything anyone had seen before. She stood as a dinosaur-like being, larger than an average elephant, her presence commanding and awe-inspiring.
Her body was covered in silver-blue scales that shimmered under the light, her long neck bearing multiple majestic horns that formed the shape of a crown. Her jaw resembled that of a triceratops, exuding both strength and grace. Her tail was lined with thorns, ending in elegant white feathers that swayed with her movements.
Most striking of all were her wings—two large, powerful wings complemented by two smaller ones, designed for both flight and battle. It was a form that radiated both beauty and danger, a hybrid of dragon and dinosaur, unmatched in elegance and power.
The room fell silent as everyone took in the sight before them.
Newt Scamander, who had spent his life studying magical creatures, was the first to speak. His voice was a mix of awe and disbelief. "Is this… a dragon?"
McGonagall, equally stunned, shook her head. "No… no, it's more like a dinosaur. Yet… it's so different."
Dumbledore's expression softened into a look of wonder. "Hecate, do you realize what you've done? You'll be the youngest Animagus in history! And this form… it's unprecedented. No one will be able to match it."
The murmurs in the room grew louder as everyone expressed their astonishment.
Dumbledore cleared his throat, bringing the attention back to him. "This achievement is monumental. We'll need to hold a press conference. This will cause an uproar in the magical world, and it will also solidify the guise of the Targaryen family as an ancient noble one."
Lysandra nodded in agreement, her regal demeanor unwavering. "Yes, I agree. I think that's why Cerys told me to come here."
"Hmm," Dumbledore mused. "She wants you to represent your house in the conference."
"Naturally," Lysandra replied, her tone laced with pride. "After all, Hecate is not just a student of Hogwarts. She is the next heir to a powerful lineage, and it's about time the magical world recognizes that."
As the discussion turned to the preparations for the press conference, Hecate looked between them, a mixture of excitement and trepidation. but deep down, she was calculating her next move . there was no shyness nor innocence present unlike what she presented on the outside .
it's time to start making her name known all over the magical world.