Chapter 139

Originally, the true essence of any game lies in its customization items.

While items for attack, defense, enhancement, and so on are important, they lose their meaning once you become a veteran player.

Of course, as a god, I was by no means in the position of a veteran player yet.

I was closer to a newbie who started the game knowing nothing, but I was still interested in decorating my Earth.

As I was about to examine the items out of curiosity, I paused for a moment.

They seemed too childish.

The item names, such as ‘Puff Puff’ and ‘Freeze Freeze,’ and the descriptions had the tone of a children’s storybook.

It was supposed to be a trading post used by the gods of the universe, but it didn’t seem quite right.

‘Could it be because of the analysis it did before entering?’

The interface was supposed to adapt to the user.

It would make sense if it was tailored for children because I was a young god.

Since the item descriptions lacked intuitiveness, I looked for the settings to change.

Quickly, the system window popped up.

I deactivated it immediately. As soon as I did, the item names and descriptions changed completely.

I clicked on the items one by one.

‘Wow, I really need this.’

The item descriptions were simply breathtaking.

‘I definitely need this too. It’s a must-have item.’

I checked the next item as if possessed.

‘Crazy…’

It’s been so hot lately that I absolutely wanted to buy the Coolant Core and the Deep Sea Diatom Colony.

And to think they even offer a bundle discount.

I added them to my cart for now and diligently scrolled down to browse other items.

Every single thing I clicked on looked tempting.

‘I want to buy it all.’

Besides items that improve polluted environments, there were also items that literally decorate the planet, such as auroras and crystal rings.

I was tempted by the crystal rings because I thought it would look pretty from space, but the low ratings in the reviews made me decide against it.

As I examined the options seriously, I realized something belatedly.

I hadn’t looked at the prices of the items at all.

I checked the prices of the Coolant Core and the Deep Sea Diatom Set, which were the items I wanted to buy the most.

“…….”

I quietly checked my balance.

It was a clean 0 won.

In comparison, the prices of the environmental items were all… enormous…

Based on the currency of Star Fragments, I needed tens of billions of them at a minimum.

As expected, decorative items seemed to be the most expensive everywhere.

Still, I had a trump card.

It was the cosmic currency I possessed.

Filled with infinite gratitude toward the cat butler and the rabbit butler, I proudly took the fragment out of my inventory.

That was all well and good, but there was a critical problem.

The Dark Star Fragment was essentially cash.

I needed to deposit it into an account to exchange it for Star Fragments, but I didn’t know how.

I stood there awkwardly holding the fragment for a moment before putting it back in my inventory.

‘Do I have to figure out how to open a Cosmic Account first?’

My spirits sank.

I wanted to build a magnificent Earth, but my pockets were terribly destitute.

With a heavy heart, I continued browsing the purchase page at the Galactic Trading Post.

The Attack and Defense sections sold items that allowed one to attack other planets or defend their own.

It seemed like the gods were waging a cosmic war against each other, but as a newcomer to Akasha, these were items I hoped I’d never have to buy.

As for Enhancement, these were items applied to the gods; simply put, they were buff-type items.

Items that provided temporary enhancements were relatively cheap, while permanent enhancement items cost well over the price of planet decorations.

And finally…

I entered an item I hadn’t dared to even click on before.

It was the ‘Subordinate’ section…

It was incredible. All sorts of items for the gods’ subordinates were on sale.

I couldn’t take my eyes off the dazzling weapons, armor, and accessories.

‘This is perfect for Lieutenant Colonel Je. Gasp, this is for Captain Mo! Wow, this is totally for Captain Kwak… Oh! Can I give this to Samra?’

As I browsed frantically, I became even more despondent.

It was because the subordinate items were the most expensive.

‘The other gods must buy all sorts of things for their subordinates…’

I was broke.

Suddenly, a wave of sorrow over my poverty washed over me.

I wanted to give gifts to my subordinates.

I need Star Fragments.

It was when I was consumed by the thought that I needed to quickly earn that Star Fragments or whatever they were called…

At the mention of ‘benefits,’ I immediately switched my status a child user.

A special gift for children…?

With a pounding heart, I claimed the gift.

Then, a small firework exploded with a pop, and a system window appeared.

‘Being a child is the best.’

I resolved to continue living as a child from now on.

Perhaps because it was a special gift, it came with a condition to use it within 24 hours.

I had to use it before leaving this place.

When I sorted them by lowest price, true to the name ‘Trading Post,’ there were far too many items.

I felt even more at a loss because I had absolutely no information on what the planet, or gods, needed most.

As I scrolled down, feeling as if my eyeballs were about to pop out, a system window appeared.

I was deeply moved by such consideration.

I received the list of items recommended by the Galactic Trading Post system.

"Hmm…"

A sound of deep contemplation escaped my lips.

Having seen such good items, the items I could buy with 10 Star Fragments didn’t appeal to me at all.

‘If only I could stumble upon some Star Fragments somewhere.’

Since I was given 24 hours, I decided to hold off on the purchase for now and closed the Galactic Trading Post.

Then I opened the Interstellar Communication.

‘Interstellar Communication.’

The basic setup was similar to a regular phone, so it was easy to understand.

However, there was nothing I could do right now.

It was because to use the communication, I had to pay Star Fragments and sign up for something akin to a mobile carrier.

This was the base cost required to establish an interstellar communication channel on Earth.

Of course, the fee per call was separate.

I felt the ruthlessness of cosmic capitalism in real time.

‘Isn’t there a child plan or something?’

Since I had no one to communicate with right now anyway, I was about to put it away.

"…?"

Suddenly, the channel opened, and a call came in from an unknown caller.

I hesitated for a moment, then decided to answer.

I was nervous, wondering if it might be a scam call or something, but a familiar voice came through.

—Hello, Little Lamb! This is Black Block!

It was Black Block-ssi.

I was glad to see an alien I knew, but my wariness was much greater.

It was because of what had happened after I received his call in Cell-X. As soon as I answered the phone, the dregs vanished, and that night, I even dreamt about the events of the past.

Black Block-ssi was a figure capable of exerting influence over me in one way or another.

It was only natural to feel wary.

However, since I couldn’t simply be hostile, I greeted him politely first.

“Hello, Black Block-ssi. How have you been?”

—I’ve been very well! I’m reaching out to congratulate Little Lamb. Opening the channel is my gift to you!

Black Block-ssi had paid for the channel.

It seemed he had been waiting for me to gain access to interstellar communication more than anyone else.

Perhaps because I was using the communication officially, the sound quality was very clear.

For the first time, I was able to hear Black Block-ssi’s voice without any static.

Although his tone was frivolous, his voice was pleasant to listen to, and his pronunciation was as precise as an announcer’s.

—It brings me joy whenever I see Little Lamb in action!

He made no secret of the fact that he had been watching me.

“Thank you. I will prepare the food and contact you soon. Now we even have interstellar communication…”

As I spoke, I was reminded of my financial situation—Zero Star Fragments.

Even though he had opened the channel, I didn’t have the money to pay the communication fees.

“…but I am still in a financially difficult position. I don’t think I’ll be able to initiate contact myself.””

I was contemplating how to politely tell him to just help himself if I left the food somewhere, since he would be watching me all the time anyway.

—Oh my god, Little Lamb! As a fan, I am filled with sadness, shock, and tears!

Black Block-ssi went into a frenzy.

He made a sobbing sound with his mouth again, but this time it lasted a very long time.

After I waited patiently, Black Block-ssi brought up an interesting topic.

—Little Lamb. Do you know that there is a sponsorship system?

“A sponsorship system?”

—The young god can take the gods of Akasha as patrons.

Is it like a sponsor?

I thought of Dominic first.

He has indeed acted most fittingly for the title of ‘patron’ so far.

Black Block-ssi continued speaking excitedly.

—Me! I will become the Little Lamb’s sponsor! Let’s sign the sponsorship contract right now!

“Hmm….”

Seeing my lukewarm reaction, Black Block-ssi’s voice lowered slightly.

—Little Lamb. You have a lot of things you want to buy, don’t you!

His cunning, honeyed whispers coiled around me, swaying my resolve.

—Don’t you want to decorate the planet and give gifts to your subordinates? I will make it possible for you to do it all.

He shouted as if this were a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

—Black Block-ssi will be a great sponsor for Little Lamb!

"I am sorry, but I must decline."

I flatly declined.

The promise to buy me every item I wanted was certainly attractive.

However, I hadn’t even properly grasped what Akasha was yet.

I couldn’t just blindly trust Black Block-ssi and sign a sponsorship contract in this clueless situation.

Especially considering his past history of arbitrarily exerting influence over me.

And also… he’s a bit… How should I put it…

The way he keeps watching me… I guess I should say I have no trust in Black Block-ssi…

He’s like a pervert.

—Little Lamb…

Black Block-ssi called out to me, feigning a pitiful tone.

I made a moderate attempt to soothe him.

“It would be very reassuring if you sponsored me, but for now, I want to try doing it on my own.”

—On your own! But Little Lamb is already with Him!

Him?

Before I could even ask, Black Block-ssi smoothly continued speaking.

—You can have multiple sponsors. If you change your mind, feel free to contact me anytime! Via collect call¹, of course.

Then, abruptly, he gave his final farewell.

—As your fan, I will continue to keep an eye on you, Little Lamb. Until next time…

The call ended.

Although communication with Black Block-ssi always ended like this, I felt an unusually uneasy feeling.

’Him… must be Dominic.’

Since Black Block-ssi didn’t seem to be a low-ranking deity, it wasn’t strange that he knew Dominic’s true identity.

It certainly felt like Dominic was a being of high status.

‘Come to think of it, I didn’t even get to ask the question I wanted to.’

I was planning to ask how to open a cosmic account.

I also wanted to subtly probe into what he had done to me last time in Cell-X, but I couldn’t even open my mouth.

It seemed like he was doing it on purpose.

Concluding once again that Black Block-ssi was suspicious, I checked the remaining time.

Looking at the time that still had plenty left, a thought suddenly crossed my mind.

‘Should I send a message?’

I wasn’t sure if it would even work from here, but there was no harm in trying.

After sending all the messages to Je Hyun-oh and the Captains, I truly had nothing left to do.

I activated the Galactic Trading Post again.

And I wasted the remaining time adding items I wanted to buy to my shopping cart.

72 hours was a very long time.

I didn’t feel hungry, but I squirmed with boredom.

Being trapped alone and still made me feel a bit uneasy, as unpleasant thoughts kept popping into my head.

I deliberately tried to think of something else.

‘But why am I trapped for 72 hours?’

It seemed to be related to the children’s nutritional supplements.

I rubbed the corners of my eyes for no particular reason.

Although I didn’t feel any distinct changes yet, I was aware of more things than before.

I could sense that Infernum and ■■■ were mixing and being digested inside me.

When only Infernum was present, I suffered because of the heat, but now that wasn’t the case.

Thanks to ■■■, I will be able to digest the Infernum even faster.

I want to grow up quickly.

‘I need to be careful about this, too….’

The thoughts that were swirling in my head were far removed from my human self.

It certainly felt a bit unsettling to realize that I was thinking like a god, unlike before.

It seemed I needed to be careful not to let my way of thinking lean too much toward the god side.

Along with these various thoughts, I spent the time going in and out of the Galactic Trading Post.

And finally, the 72 hours ended.

I couldn’t have been more glad to see the system window announcing the end.

The black space was suddenly bathed in golden light.

Then, as the light faded…

“…!”

I opened my eyes submerged in liquid.

Startled, I opened my mouth, and bubbles burst with a gurgling sound. Confused, I flailed about until my hand touched something solid.

The moment I realized I was trapped inside a glass column…

A black line was drawn across it.

The glass pillar split perfectly in half, and the upper section toppled sideways.

The liquid inside gushed out, sweeping me along with it.

Prayer beads immediately wrapped around my body and slowly lowered me to the floor.

My subordinates looked at me.

Unable to hide my joy, I smiled broadly.

“Lieutenant Colonel Je! Captains!”

I was about to greet Je Hyun-oh and the Captains, but the atmosphere was strange.

I realized that my subordinates were not the only ones here.

‘Samra!’

I was glad to see the striking holographic color, but he was not the usual android.

He looked at me with a blank expression, as if he had malfunctioned.

Then, others came into view as well.

‘Lieutenant Won? Uh, the Paseong directors too…?’

A completely mismatched group of people were together.

Even Ham Jiwol was there.

For some reason, everyone looked at me with shocked expressions.

It was as if they were staring at someone who had just died and come back to life.

Won Taebeom, in particular, wore a look that went beyond shock…

His eyes held an emotion I couldn’t quite fathom.

‘Come to think of it, why was I underwater?’

The situation was bizarre all around; I stood there awkwardly, eyes wide with confusion.

Je Hyun-oh suddenly displayed a strange emoticon on his goggles.

At the same time, Mo Haein gently grabbed my wrist and pulled me behind her.

“Oh my, what are we going to do now?”

Kwak Hanmuk stood blocking my view and said.

“It looks like Director Ham and the directors need to leave, don’t you?”

He grinned and delivered the final blow.

“Empty-handed.”

¹Had no idea this was a thing, but apparently when you call someone, you can make it so the person receiving the call pays for it rather than the caller. It’s also the term Goyo used when he was hoping it wasn’t a scam call, because someone can collect money, however, the person has to accept the call first. It’s usually used for long distance calls, and is much less common now.

hi guys!! hope you had a great monday and tuesday!! i’m going through the process of making sure the epub is okay, because i want to make it availible for any readers who want it, so it’ll be able to update as each chapter comes out. i already edit the chapters in an epub editor in the first place, so its already there. i have a friend proofreading it for any tl/styling mistakes, but if any of you see any, please continue to let me know!

i also wanted to gauge if there’s any interest in me adding other translations, but it’ll be purely on a personal whim if i add any. only reason i put these tls out is because i was doing it for myself anyway. recently i was reading a completed novel but the tl doesn’t do the last 80 chapters…so it’s looking like a job for me.

ALSO! i know this is super long, but i want to hear everyone’s thoughts about “subordinates” again…it still doesn’t feel right to me, the translater does it as “kin” or “retainer” or “household.” it seems like a much closer bond is implied that subordinates doesn’t really communicate. i was thinking “followers” as it relates to the god theme, but it still doesn’t feel right… please tell me your suggestions or if i’ll have to let this one go lol