Reflecting on the events from last night, I have finally collected enough sufficient evidence to satisfy my theory.
I have reincarnated into one of my novels. Not as anyone, but one of the worst characters in this story. Woo Hyunho was a menace.
In this novel, there are seven main deadly sins supported by the malicious constellations: Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, and Sloth.
Woo Hyunho was the definition of pride. Through all of his years he spent alongside Shen Haoyu, he viewed him as a competitor instead of a companion. That is why the moment he had stolen his status, he was known as "The man in vain" among the system of good and evil.
His character was arguably one of the most common examples of pride in humans.
Unfortunately, I was not able to give him a comforting ending. But with this character under my management, I could finally determine a sensible conclusion for him, whether life or death.
But the question is, am I a constellation or not?
I should take another look at my character profile.
[Character Profile]
「Name: Woo Hyunho
Age: 27
Status: Mortal
Exclusive Attribute(s): Imitative Mimicry (???)
Personal Skill(s):
>>[Practical Judgement Lv. 1]
>>[Keen eye Lv. 1]
>>[Deceit Of Lies Lv. 2]
Primary Stats:
>[Stamina Lv. 2]
>[Strength Lv. 1]
>[Agility Lv. 1]
>[Magic Power Lv. 2] 」
Huh.
Woo Hyunho is still a mortal?
So, what timeline am I on?
Damn it. This is really confusing. I have to gather more intel about this timeline.
Let's just say it is safe to assume we are at the beginning of the story. But it is doubtful because of the plot holes, such as Goo Seok's quick progression.
In the early stages of the story, he had been encountered by Shen Haoyu defending him against Ravishers using Diomedes's Shield. And, like a hand-me-down, that shield was eventually given to him after Shen Haoyu had defeated the stage of the Trojan Archer.
As I said, I cherished every detail of my novels; leaving them so soon would be agonizing!
Sigh...
"I should really get back to work."
Beneath my tight grip, a purple shard gem glinted against the burning heat that gave me warmth. We were camping in the forest despite the monsters we just faced, but Seok insisted that we seek shelter first at night.
I almost forgot how terrifying the dark skies were. But it didn't seem to be as frightening as I anticipated. Thanks to the constellations for that.
Their stories were so bright that they were my only comfort.
"Hyunho, why are you still awake?"
GHKK!
That voice behind startled my every being for a moment. I thought another inebriant snuck up behind me again. If that were the situation, my weapon wouldn't be in any shape to protect me.
"Ah... Seok, you're still awake."
"Pfft, sorry if I startled you. I'm naturally stealthy."
Whoa, for a man as huge as him, I'm a little surprised. I totally forgot about that creepy skill this guy had.
Speaking of skills, if I were able to check my own character profile, could I do that with others?
Let me try.
[Character Profile]
「Name: Goo Seok
Age: 29
Status: Mortal
Personal Attribute(s): Carbonic Heart (Rare), Defensive Nature (Common), Honourable Morality (Rare)
Personal Skill(s):
>>[Stone Fists Lv. 5]
>>[Charisma Lv. 2]
>>[Loyalty Lv. 2]
>>[Creeping Heel Lv. 1]
Primary Stats:
>[Stamina Lv. 5]
>[Strength Lv. 6]
>[Agility Lv. 3]
>[Magic Power Lv. 1] 」
Carbonic Heart. A common element that could devour the weakened heart. Goo Seok was an ill man whose life was already limited from the beginning, but as his story was about to end, a blessing from a mysterious constellation revived his dying star.
Despite writing those words with my pen, I had absolutely no idea about who that constellation was.
Even writers shouldn't have to know everything.
But such a generous gift like that hid behind deception. Even as I cherished a constellation, I was widely aware of their cunningness to manipulate mortals to their own satisfaction.
The gift of a carbonic heart is fragile but versatile. It would extend to the holder's will to survive, and a gift like that should belong to someone like Goo Seok.
"So, what are you working on over there?"
"I collected the components from the inebriant that attacked me. I just needed the Chrysalis core. Do you have any more?"
His brow raised in confusion, doubting the artwork I was constructing.
"Chrysalis core? Yeah, I do. But forgive me, but that item is practically worthless."
He said as he handed over an insane amount of crystals.
Yeah, it was widely known as an easily accessible crystal. You can craft a lot of things with such an item; however, as it was an item, it was also food for many creatures.
Fortunately, I am aware of an elixir that began with a simple ingredient such as this that would be useful for someone like Goo Seok.
"Well, it's worthless alone. I was hoping you could help me find a few more materials in this forest."
"Umm, sure? A delicate physique like yours would probably get chewed on."
Ouch. Straight to the bone.
"Alright then! I'm sure Geonsu can handle himself, no?"
"If anything, he would be the predator in these woods."
I took a few materials along with me, including the sharpened branch with a sharpened tip of a stone tied to the branch.
Hehe. I adjusted it to my own preference. But somehow, it feels like I'm experiencing the Stone Age. It's unbelievably exciting!
But while I was holding my modified sword, Goo Seok brought out his Perseus's Shield and the Demons Of the War sword.
If there was anything that I wanted to capture at this moment, it would be the captivating combination of both grace and honour.
"Let's go?"
"Yeah, let's."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
An exaggeration would best fit this scenario. A moment ago, we were striving for victory, confidently walking down the forest with weapons that hardly stood a chance against Woodland Inebriant. The next, we were separated from each other.
Okay, let me do a recap.
Woodland Inebriants are ferocious creatures that roam the woods based on their name. They are creatures that go in groups and mimic the sounds of normal forest animals, but that never meant their copy was perfect. The closer they got to their prey, the more distorted their voices became.
Their weaknesses are high-pitched sounds and fire.
Currently, I was hidden between the towering trees, and I was QUAKING in my shoes. Not only was it dark, but I was also alone.
Where was Goo Seok when I needed him?
I can't just shout his name out! I'd only reveal my location.
In the novel, Shen Haoyu fought these beasts effortlessly without any weapons. That was even before he was deemed a constellation.
It was quite arrogant of me to believe that I could mimic the main character's actions.
Hold on.
I forgot that I obtained the most vital skill...
Imitative Mimicry!
Although I lack enough knowledge of its function, I should attempt to activate it. I just have to think about the skill.
Think.
Think...
Think...!
[Imitative Mimicry Activated!]
Yes! Now mimic those creatures.
[Project unidentified!]
[The exclusive skill Imitative Mimicry is forced to cancel!]
What?!
I thought about who I wanted to mimic. Why isn't it working?
Damn it... Now I have to go back to the Stone Age.
It was necessary to find that bastard Seok.
I gripped the stone sword firmly before steadily stalking to nearby trees. As long as I keep this pace up, surely they wouldn't be able to detect me, right?
Oh, how I was so gullible. In the distant shadow, a silhouette of an ear perked up as soon as I stepped on a crispy leaf.
Curse autumn!
It was only then that I realized the severity of my situation. Multiple eyes woke up from their slumber before staring right into the flesh inside me.
Ah, I was fucked.
.
..
...
....
But not really.
In case a situation like this ever occurred, I carried a handy crystal with me. As I mentioned earlier, one of the weaknesses of Woodland Inebriants was high-pitched sounds. So, if I were to hit this Chrysalis Gaze against my sharpened stone weapon, what do you think would happen?
[Constellation 'Wings of a Bat' chews on his wing.]
The calling of normal forest animals began echoing at an abnormally fast rate. As the inebriants crawled closer, their voices began revealing the truth of their species.
Without sparing a second, I tossed the crystal down to the ground before raising the tip of the stone sword at the angle of the crystal. But my actions only seemed to have caught their interest, as they dropped their act; they instantly dashed towards me with hunger in their eyes.
Interrupting their bound-to-be savory meal, I gathered all of my strength before striking down at the crystal — then began the resonating high-pitched sound.
[Many constellation covered their ears.]
[The constellation 'Pig of the slaughterhouse' complains about the irritating sounds.]
[Constellation 'Maiden of the Triad' was impressed by the outcome.]
[The constellation 'Maiden of the Triad' sponsored 500 coins.]
[The constellation 'Last Believe of Humanity' sponsored 500 coins.]
[The constellation 'Wings Of a Bat' sponsored 500 coins.]
As one monster's screech echoed through the forest, the others perpetually began committing to it.
Thank you for the stock knowledge.
Taking advantage of the vicious cycle, I slipped past them before I suddenly stumbled upon Goo Seok plucking some medicinal herbs.
[The constellation 'Man with busted kneecaps' drools for some medicinal herbs.]
Er... maybe he might have caught on to my experiment.
"Oh, Hyunho! There you are. I'm sorry I lost you. These inebriants are just everywhere. But look! I found some herbs that may be of use."
So while I was gambling with my life, this idiot had been doing my job all along?!
Well, it's not like I can do anything about it. A change of pace wasn't as bad as I expected.
But I only just got lucky...
"We should go back..."
"Yes, yes. I got a couple more herbs. This should be useful for elixirs."
What an exciting day.
Never again.
[The constellation ■■■■ is interested in your story.]