The universe is far larger than it seems. Celestial bodies, planets, moons, and asteroids are merely tiny fragments of its infinite mosaic. What we perceive with the naked eye is only a fraction of its true form.
When we gaze at the sky, we see shining stars and twinkling planets. Yet, we have no idea what secrets they hold. But what if life flickers on each of those distant dots? What if there are civilizations developing in ways entirely different from our own? Each planet has its own culture, history, and technological level, yet none of them are even aware of the others' existence.
But are they truly completely unaware?
Constellations. Clusters of stars forming shapes in the sky. But this word holds a second, far deeper meaning. "Constellations" are also beings of extraordinary power, almost god-like entities, though not quite gods. Some of them surpass even mythical deities in strength. They can take human form, travel between planets, and shape the fate of civilizations—though most of them act from the shadows, never revealing their true nature.
However, where power exists, so does rivalry. Constellations often wage disputes over territory, over influence on the planets they have chosen as their homes. Sometimes, their conflicts escalate into wars—wars that can lead to the destruction of entire planets.
I stood on a bridge stretching over an abyss of unknown depth. The sky was shrouded in a heavy, dark-gray veil of clouds, through which only a faint light pierced. The air was thick and heavy.
I am now on the planet Leyloris. A planet on the brink of destruction.
I sighed quietly, looking down.
"Who would have thought that I would be the one to bring this upon them…" I muttered under my breath. After a moment, I lifted my head and walked forward. "Not that it really matters anymore. I have my own matters to attend to."
Reaching the edge of the bridge, I stood before a monumental castle, its walls built from dark crimson bricks. The towering gates, standing several meters high, slowly began to slide open with a metallic screech.
I reached for my two swords and stepped inside.
The corridor was vast and ominous. Each of my steps echoed off the floor, so polished and smooth it seemed almost glass-like. Tall pillars stretched along both sides, reaching up to the very ceiling.
Yeah, it's him.
A lone figure leaned against one of the pillars.
Raeliyel. The Constellation that rules over Leyloris.
My grip on the hilt of my sword tightened. I knew what was coming.
Suddenly, a gust of wind struck me with the force of a shockwave. I raised my sword to block the attack. I was certain he would strike first.
The clash lasted only a fraction of a second.
Raeliyel moved at an unimaginable speed, and his blow caused the entire castle to tremble. Dust rose into the air, forming a thick veil that almost completely obscured the battlefield.
I knew I would win.
My sword pierced his chest.
Raeliyel collapsed to the ground, and I watched him with a faint smile on my face. At last, I had achieved my goal—my only goal.
But that smile did not last long.
Lying on the floor, Raeliyel looked up at me… and laughed. Yet it was not a laugh of pain or despair—it sounded as if he was amused by some unknown reason.
"HAHAHA! You've truly gone mad, Cethus…! First Geroi, then Ufren, Septon, Javay…" His voice trembled with excitement. "How many planets have already fallen because of you? Who would have thought that you would come for me as well… and in person, no less."
Raeliyel turned his head to the side, gazing deeper into the castle.
"You know… I almost understand you. Truly. But everything has its limits."
I didn't respond. I just listened to his final words.
"Revenge… it's always a good excuse for everything," he added with a bitter smile.
Suddenly, he looked at me again, and in his eyes, I saw something I couldn't quite define.
"But now… HAHAHA! Now we will both die! I will die now, but you… you will follow, Cethus!"
I frowned.
"Heh? What are you talking about?"
I looked down.
His hand… had pierced through my chest.
I wasn't surprised. My body was merely an imitation of a human's—this was not a mortal wound. And yet… something felt wrong.
Raeliyel smiled one last time.
"You'll understand… in time…" he whispered before dissolving into nothingness.
Constellations leave no trace of themselves upon death. When they die, they simply… cease to exist. When a human body perishes, it leaves behind its physical form. But a Constellation leaves not even ashes.
"Heh…" I exhaled.
It wasn't the first time someone had wished me dead.
Slowly, I rose to my feet and walked toward the throne. There, the artifact I sought awaited me.
I reached out my hand, and my eyes shifted from yellow to white. The throne began to emanate a bright light, which gathered in my palm, forming into a transparent crystal.
I grasped it firmly and lifted it to eye level.
"Lytia…" I whispered.
Would she… truly be the same person once revived?
I fell into thought, slipping the crystal into my pocket.
Then, something dawned on me.
I looked at my chest. The wound… wasn't healing.
My eyes widened in shock.
"Ah, damn it…" I whispered.
Now, I understood what Raeliyel meant.