Chapter 760

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

Chapter 760: Voyage (7)

The planetary ship.

One of the wonders of the universe, a rare vessel of which only ten have existed in the history of the cosmos.

In fact, setting aside this rarity, the very fact that celestial bodies left their natural orbits to function as a ship was a marvel in itself.

Therefore, for Nema Jintorio, the news that such a planetary ship was going to pass through a black hole left him not just marveling, but utterly astounded.

—A b… black hole is an entity that exists outside the hierarchy of celestial bodies. No matter who it is, no one can threaten a black hole.

As expected of a hunter of the universe, Nema possessed a fair amount of common sense.

At this, Yeongwoo scratched his cheek and agreed.

“Yeah. Threatening a black hole would be next to impossible. But force isn't the only way to persuade someone, you know.”

—But it’s probably not an entity you can communicate with, either.

“How do you know that?”

—Well, that’s…….

After thinking for a moment, Nema kept his mouth shut.

It was because neither he nor anyone else in this universe could possibly know.

After all, no one had ever been inside a black hole.

—…Honestly, I don't know. Since I've never been.

When Nema finally let out this deflating remark, Yeongwoo stepped onto the elevator heading to the bridge and spoke.

“There is no one who doesn't want to converse. It's just that a lot changes depending on who the other party is.”

—I suppose; if a marvel of the universe came visiting, even I would be curious.

Then Nema quickly added his next words.

—But isn't it too big of a risk? From what I know, once you enter a black hole, you can't escape under your own power.

He was asking because this planetary ship entering a black hole meant that he himself would also be going inside.

“Of course it's a huge risk. That's why the payoff is huge too.”

—But in this case, aren't we only saving a mere three years?

“What, a mere three years? Man, three years to me is practically… anyway, it's a massive amount of time.”

Of course, nothing Nema said was wrong.

Because no matter how great a planetary ship captain he was, he had no means of escaping a black hole under his own power.

He was practically relying on the goodwill of the black holes.

Besides, it wasn't like all black holes possessed the same personality.

—Captain, we will soon enter the black hole's domain.

Presently, Mantero reported with a somewhat nervous expression.

And then.

—The name of this black hole is 198402… For some reason, I couldn't verify its name remotely on the map.

He added, his voice trembling slightly.

And Yeongwoo could understand the reason why.

“It's a randomized identification number.”

It meant that it had rejected the name it held before becoming a black hole.

An implication that this black hole's personality would not be ordinary.

“This won't be easy.”

When Yeongwoo briefly expressed his concern, Mantero spoke cautiously.

—We haven't yet entered its domain.

It meant they could still turn back now.

He also suggested an alternative.

—We could look for another black hole that bears a star's name. Of course, since we wouldn't be able to head straight for Hezara, the travel time would increase significantly.

“By how much?”

—It will take about two weeks.

Two weeks.

It was a long time, but if they could bypass the danger, it wouldn't be that great of a cost.

However.

“But, if we're close enough to verify the black hole's name… wouldn't they have already sensed us too?”

—That is likely.

At this, Yeongwoo looked out the window, closed his eyes deeply, and opened them.

“Then we can't go back. If a rumor spreads that the planetary ship captain is cherry-picking black holes, the other black holes won't open their paths so easily anymore.”

—But…….

“There's no other option. If we want to keep using black holes in the future, we just have to break through head-on.”

When Yeongwoo concluded like this, Mantero gaped for a moment before nodding his head.

—Understood. Then I will head straight toward 198402.

With that, he grabbed the steering column, and Nema, who watched all of this from right beside them, couldn't help but drop his jaw.

Because he felt as if he had caught at least a small glimpse of what it meant to be a marvel of the universe.

Of course, that didn't mean his fear faded.

Because the pitch-black maw of the black hole was visible just beyond.

—I-is it really going to be alright?

When Nema asked with a pallid face, Yeongwoo looked at him with an unfazed expression.

“Didn't you just hear? It's not alright.”

—……!

“But I have to make it alright. Isn't that the role of a captain and patriarch? Everyone is trusting that I'll figure it out somehow.”

In the meantime, as the Earth Ship entered the domain of the black hole ‘198402’, the surroundings began to be drenched in pitch-black darkness.

—Oh my god.

And by this point, Nema had no choice but to put his faith in the planetary ship captain.

Since there was absolutely nothing he could do here anyway.

Swaaaaaa……!

Then, something like the sound of crashing waves was heard from somewhere, and even the silhouettes inside the bridge began to be erased.

And then, an endless darkness spread out ahead.

Everywhere the eye could reach was so immensely dark that the boundary between the floor and the ceiling was indiscernible, yet one could still feel a vast space stretching out in all directions.

And in the middle of that sprawling space, someone draped in pitch-black silk was seen standing.

‘198402.’

As Yeongwoo spotted his negotiation counterpart and swallowed thickly, a sharp voice finally shot out like an arrow from within the darkness.

● So you are the one from the rumors.

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

Then, letting out a breathing sound like grinding metal, it continued.

● The one who shoulders celestial bodies.

And no sooner had these words ended than all sorts of celestial bodies were dragged out into the pitch-black space.

Every planet in the Earth Ship system, including Jupiter Voltu.

[Ugh……!]

[W-what is this?]

Thrown to the floor by an irresistible force, the planets reflexively tried to pay their respects to the Sun, Moro, but froze upon sensing the black hole yonder.

At this, 198402 let out a pitch-black laugh.

● Seeing the etiquette of celestial bodies after such a long time is truly amusing.

At this, Yeongwoo urgently pushed past the planets, stepping forward and bowing at the waist.

“Sir, are you not the very one worthy of receiving our respects?”

● At least you know what to do here.

From within the black silk, 198402 turned its head to look at Yeongwoo.

And right around this time, Moro stepped down from the throne crafted from her own hair and prostrated herself on the floor.

[Since we are in a position of owing a great debt, I shall offer my respect.]

Following this, as the rest of the planets pressed their foreheads to the floor in reverence, 198402 scoffed.

● Cheap etiquette. This is my domain. As uninvited guests, you have no choice but to show respect. Because your very existence could be crushed with a single wave of my hand.

In truth, Yeongwoo had also bowed his head without hesitation, but it seemed the gaze directed at fellow celestial bodies was colder.

[…….]

As the celestial bodies were left at a loss by the black hole's sharp reaction, Yeongwoo soon raised his head.

“We did not strictly need to come here.”

● A contradiction. Are you not actually in front of me? You had no choice but to come.

“…….”

A formidable opponent.

So, just as he had resolved earlier, Yeongwoo decided to break through head-on.

“For the sake of a story, we absolutely had to come. So, your words are correct as well.”

● A story, you say.

198402 knew full well that he was talking about the ‘story’ to be told to the black holes a hundred years from now.

“Coming here is a great adventure for me. Knowing that you rejected your past name, everyone here felt a sense of threat.”

● Why is that?

“Because we thought it would be difficult to predict the outcome. If you do not open the path for us, many things will become difficult.”

● Yet, you still stand here.

“Unpredictability equates to crisis, and wouldn't a story worth listening to absolutely require a crisis?”

In other words, it meant they were here to experience a crisis to make for a great tale.

That in the story passed down a hundred years from now, this scene would be used as a sort of adventure saga.

● These events will only become a ‘story’ if you escape from this place. But unfortunately, I have no obligation to do you any favors.

An apathetic tone.

At this, Yeongwoo stepped even further forward instead.

“As you said, whether this becomes my adventure tale or the story gets buried right here depends entirely on your will.”

At that moment, another voice erupted from beyond the darkness.

● How bold.

It was a completely different timbre from 198402, and upon hearing it, Mantero relayed a message with a voice that seemed to crawl on the floor, yet urgently.

—It's the black hole on the opposite end connected to this place, Magon.

That one was someone who had retained their old name exactly as it was.

Following this, Magon asked Yeongwoo.

● How many accords have you gathered?

It was referring to the special function of the Mythic Map.

[Black Accord]

| Opening new paths gradually becomes easier.

| Accords Secured: 14

Quickly checking the Mythic Map at Magon's question, Yeongwoo replied calmly.

“Fourteen.”

● You've done well to make it this far.

“But I don't know if I can promise a next time. This is the first time someone has shown no interest in my story, so I find myself in a very awkward position.”

No sooner had Yeongwoo indirectly called 198402 a difficult subject than the surrounding darkness rippled.

It was the first time 198402 showed a proper reaction.

● Did you think this universe would always show you favor?

However, there was actually a trace of laughter in this voice.

Although they were close to the strongest among celestial bodies, for black holes that had spent eons completely alone, being given a certain role and character was a joy difficult to hide.

Then, 198402 asked a proper question for the first time.

● Why are you trying to pass through me? What lies beyond Magon?

“A cripple who wishes to leave his family to start a new life and his bodyguard need a refuge. Therefore, we are looking for a galaxy far enough away.”

● That doesn't seem to be a sufficient reason for me to open the path.

“…….”

Sensing that his opponent wanted to play a little longer, Yeongwoo exhaled deeply and continued.

“At our destination, there is a government agency whose identity I do not yet know. I imagine I will involuntarily end up beating up some civil servants there and get dragged into something troublesome.”

At that, the surrounding darkness rippled once more, and the laughter of 198402 and Magon echoed all around.

● Indeed.

● A magnificent story.

It was also at this moment that a white fissure began to form in the endless darkness overhead.

The passage was finally being opened.

● Go. And keep your word.

● A hundred years is but a fleeting moment. I will be waiting for your return.

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]