[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" raises an eyebrow.]
[Constellations of Nebula "Black Cloud" state you have no right to negotiate.]
[Constellation "Abyssal Black Flame Dragon" is interested in what you'll do next.]
I got some blow-back from the many stars in the chat.
[What do you mean, "a few conditions?" I must agree with some of my dear viewers, you have no right to negotiate,] Dokkaebi Herald countered.
Heh. It was time to twist my tongue and make it silvery. Loki, are you watching me?
"It doesn't make sense."
[What doesn't?]
"This entire scenario... no, this entire debacle," I stated. "You're telling me celestial beings from the beyond are trying to help me? Free of charge?"
This time, it was my turn to act haughty. I laughed heartily - it was a mixture of deep guffaws and insane cackling.
"No, everyone - mortal to celestial - wants something. There are always conditions. Nothing in this world is free, even if people try to act like there is. Even goodwill that demands nothing in return has a price, and it's usually footed by the person giving it."
I began to lean forward and knead my hands. I tried to make myself resemble a relaxed businessman, but I was probably emanating a gangster vibe. My eyes were in an upward glare, and I just knew I was staring directly into the camera that the Constellations were watching through. I was addressing each and every one of them.
"Let's not pretend, Dear Constellations. You want something from me. What it is, I don't know." Another lie. Damn, I'm becoming a compulsive liar. "But I know this one truth: the contractor stands to gain more from the contractee than the contractee does from the contractor."
We've seen this time and time again in the mortal world, haven't we? We didn't need unfair Star Stream scenarios to give us this lesson. The job market, the corporate world, the relationship between employee and employer, it was almost always a one-sided affair, where one group takes more from the other.
More often than not, it was the employer. The contractor. How do you think corporations exist? Why do you think they're so profitable? All the effort of the hardworking employees goes up, siphoned like essence, congregating at the top so the 1 percent can enjoy the spoils. What they send down? Meager blessings in the form of bi-weekly payments and salaries.
They even have the gall to act as if the constructors of their lavish lifestyle are not the reason they're there in the first place. Remember this, dear readers. These "powerful people" are nothing without their constructs, their propped-up systems. Rip them from where they stand, throw them in a new world where they're powerless and alone, and see how long they survive.
That's their contingency: using other people. They're not strong enough, not alone. The ones who can stand by themselves, for themselves... that's real power.
(I wonder... can I ever become that powerful?)
It wasn't achievable... not yet. But I would make it a reality. I continued my argument against the Constellations.
"So, Constellations, with this one truth in mind, I want to learn the terms and conditions. What do you stand to gain from me?"
I already knew. Incarnations of Constellations are used as puppets to perpetuate their story. At certain moments, at the apex of their power, Constellations can manipulate their Incarnation's willpower and actions to work in their favor. Humans are used as proxies for their supporting Constellation's desires. It was an unfair deal from the get-go.
So what if? What if I made it fair? How would that look?
[Constellation "Chancellor of Antisemitism" is rescinding their sponsorship.]
(Pussy.)
[Constellation "Chained God of Trickery with the Poisoned Face" smirks in amusement.]
[Constellation "Secretive Plotter" admires Incarnation "Ethan Nakamura" and his carefulness.]
[Constellation "Almost-King of Rome" sponsors Incarnation "Ethan Nakamura" with 300 coins.]
[Constellation "Brutal Betrayer of Stabs" is rescinding their sponsorship.]
[Constellation "Emperor of the Large Golden Palace" is rescinding their sponsorship.]
Some of the Constellations were backing out and some were admiring me. But would any of them be honest?
[Constellation "The Nine Artistic Inspirations" are prepared to answer Incarnation "Ethan Nakamura's" questions.]
Oh? From the least likely? The minor gods?
(Perhaps that's why they're doing it. They see me as a big fish to reel. This might be bait.)
[Constellation "The Nine Artistic Inspirations" states that an Incarnation can help empower their Fable.]
[Constellation "The Nine Artistic Inspirations" states that the Fable is the lifeblood of the Star Stream.]
[Constellation "The Nine Artistic Inspirations" has been muted.]
[Enough,] Dokkaebi Herald said. [You're getting to know too much.]
"And? What's wrong with that?" I shot back. I was getting angry. I stood up, addressing all those stars in the sky.
"I am human. Yes, we can be bought, we can be sold, we can be manipulated. We have our breaking points."
Why was I admitting this?
"But I will not be like other humans. I will not permit this. I stand before you, dear Constellations, and declare this: if you want to use me, then I get to use you."
[Constellation "Abyssal Black Flame Dragon" is clapping their scaly hands in amusement.]
[Constellation "Secretive Plotter" finds this scenario riveting.]
[Constellation "Emperor of the Large Golden Palace" is disgusted by your impudence.]
[Constellation "The Nine Artistic Inspirations" have been unmuted.]
[Constellation "The Nine Artistic Inspirations" are at a loss for words.]
[Constellation "Prisoner of the Golden Headband" is impressed by your strong will.]
[Many Constellations are criticizing Incarnation "Ethan Nakamura!"]
[You have earned 500 coins for your resistance and strong will!]
I was sweaty. I meant every word I said, but I was also putting on a show. I wanted the one person - the one being - to be interested in me, not put off. I hoped by acting head-strong, I could seal the deal.
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" is staring at you.]
(Please, please, please...)
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" is looking at the overseeing Dokkaebi.]
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" wants Incarnation "Ethan Nakamura" to state their terms.]
(Holy shit...)
I did it!! I just did it!!!
"Yes!!!"
I threw my arms up in the air and jumped off the ground.
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" raises another eyebrow.]
[The eyebrow of Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" has ignited.]
(Oh shit.)
"I want the stigma," I quickly stated. "Flames of Muspelheim."
[Many Constellations are alarmed by your choice of words!]
[Many Constellations are wondering how you know about stigmata!]
[Many Constellations are doubting your existence!]
[What is this...?] Dokkaebi Herald muttered in disbelief.
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" states that is too much.]
"No, I don't think it really is. It is your story's stigma, but I am not asking for full Constellation sponsorship. Only the stigma. You don't have to give coins, skills, advice, or most importantly, your Fable itself."
[Many Constellations are doubting your existence!]
[A minority of Constellations are stating that Incarnation "Ethan Nakamura" could've inferred that information from "The Nine Artistic Inspirations."]
Yes, that was the main value of an Incarnation. Eventually, an Incarnation can inherit the Fable of a Constellation. By carrying and spreading it, the Incarnation increases the Fable's value, which thus enriches it to the benefit of the one who gave it. A Constellation's power is tied to the fame of their popularity and how many people know it.
[#HE-2020 channel is closed.]
[Dokkaebi Herald has created a direct line of contact with Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim."]
[You,] Dokkaebi Herald said, [who are you?]
***
They were stunned. I had two powerful beings on the tips their toes. If not, at least they were curious. I sat back down on the picnic bench.
"I'm just an ordinary human. What do you mean?"
I feigned innocence. I was getting too excited, giving myself away. In order to beat your enemies, always keep them guessing. Never let them create a concrete opinion, unless it was a mistake orchestrated by your subterfuge.
[No, no. You know too much. You're too confident,] Dokkaebi Herald refuted.
"Hm?" I began to act coy, resting my face in the palm of my hand. "I thought you said, 'the greatest and smartest' would survive? 'The most interesting?' Why are you surprised when I try to act like that?"
I turned Dokkaebi Herald's words on himself. He was the one who demanded the performance and excellence of the humans he trapped and coerced. He didn't deserve to act with scrutiny, not after that "encouraging" speech.
[Hmph. You're one interesting human, I'll give you that. Trying to stop you would be boring, so I won't interfere.]
"Actually, I was hoping to have your support as well."
[What?]
"A stream contract," I said blithely. "A stream contract between you, me, and our dear Constellation, The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim."
Dokkaebi Herald furrowed his eyebrows in what looked like shocked rage.
[How does a simple human know about the stream contract?]
Lightning crackled around him and he pointed a finger at me, like he was going to blow up my head. This time I was alarmed.
(Holy shit, is he?)
I sat up straight, throwing off my blase attitude.
"Wait, woah woah woah. Let's not get angry here, shall we? Who cares how I know. All we know is that I do."
[No, I do care.]
"Well, too bad," I shot back.
Dokkaebi Herald and I shot daggers with our eyes.
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" is tired of the stalling.]
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" wants to proceed with the deal.]
Dokkaebi Herald sighed in exasperation and pinched his brow, relenting. I exhaled in relief.
"So, I want to create a special contract between all three of us where we all benefit."
I began to lay the groundwork.
"First, I obviously want to live, and to do so, I need strength. Power. Thus, I want the stigma of one of the most powerful constellations, The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim. May I say your true name?"
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" has given Incarnation "Ethan Nakamura" permission to utter their true name.]
"Surt or Surtr. I know what you want. You want to kill the Gods of Asgard, the war-mongering Aesir and the "perfect" and "peaceful" Vanir. In the end, you want to summon the flames of Muspel and spell doom for the Nine Worlds, encasing the grand universe of Yggdrasil in fire, turning it into ash."
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" closes their eyes and shakes from the vision you described.]
Okay, kinda weird.
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" wonders about your stance on the matter.]
It was time to be honest. This time, my brow furrowed in rage. I was going to show my true colors. I've already done so in increments via my actions, but now I would say it aloud and to others. I was a little nervous.
"I want to kill the Gods too. Those arrogant bastards in the sky who think they can rule the heavens."
[Uh, that's my customer base?] Dokkaebi Herald interjected. [My dear viewers?]
"Bruh, I'm resonating with Surt here."
[...okay, keep your weird vibe.]
"So, I want Surt's power. In return, I can help him further his goals of killing the Aesir and Vanir. I can assassinate certain Incarnations and ally with others who share the same goals. Will other Jotun players enter the board?"
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" assures you that he has allies.]
"Good, that's perfect. Together, we'll try to dominate the scenarios and crush the other Incarnations and their supporting Constellations. We'll force the other pantheons out of these scenarios."
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" doesn't want you to try.]
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" wants you to do it.]
"Hmph. Do you want me to promise, Lord Surtr?"
[Well, where do I come in? It seems this deal mainly benefits you and the Black One.]
"Okay, I'll get to it."
I clapped my hands.
"So, I know this as well: there are two types of viewers in the Star Stream, right?"
[Of course you know about the Star Stream...]
I continue unperturbed. "There are the Incarnation seekers and the thrill seekers. When the first main scenario ends and the Incarnation seekers don't get the Incarnation they wanted, they usually hop channels and look somewhere else. The thrill seekers stick around whether they get an Incarnation or not in order to be entertained. Well, what if we could keep both groups in the channel?"
[That's not really possible. A channel usually leans into one demographic and the other side leaves.]
"Yes, but that's only true of an Incarnation who's permanently contracted with a Constellation, or a Dokkaebi who entertains such thrill seekers. What if we could have both?"
Dokkaebi Herald crossed his arms as he floated in the air, prompting me.
[Explain.]
"Well, let's say the type of contract I make with Surt isn't permanent. Let's say it's temporary. Let's say it ends until the next sponsor selection, like a trial period. If we make that detail public, other Constellations might think they have a chance. By using Surt's power to survive, not only do I get to live and spread his notoriety, but I also increase my value to these prospecting Constellations."
[Constellation "The Black One, Lord of Muspelheim" likes the idea of this low-risk deal.]
"For Dokkaebi Herald, all I have to do is act like the sociopath I am and stimulate the thrill seeking Constellations. Since the scenarios are inherently perverse, that shouldn't be too hard. The hardest demographic to appease are the Incarnation seekers in the first place."
[Hmm.]
"Not only that, with a stream contract, only Dokkaebi Herald will have the right to stream the majority of my scenarios. I'll obviously appear in other people's channels, but it'll be like a cameo instead of the main focus. If they want to see me, they'll have to come to you," I said while pointing towards Dokkaebi Herald.
[I see. I understand now. This is enticing.]
Now it was time to hash out the details. Since it was a three-way contract, it was going to get a little complicated.
(Sigh, this will be tedious.)
[Wait,] Dokkaebi Herald said. [First, you should prove yourself.]
"Excuse me? Haven't I proven enough with my knowledge?"
[Hahahat!! Knowledge is nothing without action!! Together, they create experience!! And you know, as the humans say-]
["Actions speak louder than words,"] Dokkaebi Herald and I said in unison.
I gritted my teeth.
"Fine then. I'll prove myself to you and to Lord Surtr and we'll see."
[Alright then.]
"For now, open up the Dokkaebi Bag," I ordered.
[And you know about that as well. Only an Incarnation with a sponsor can use the Dokkaebi Bag.]
"All Incarnations with a sponsor have used the Dokkaebi Bag, but there's no explicit rule excluding people who don't."
[Hmm...]
Dokkaebi Herald consulted a manual and came back to me after a thorough examination.
[Well, you're lucky, it seems there are no rules barring you from using it.]
"Noice."
[But you'll have to do it while on stream. A lot of Constellations like shopping or watching other people shop. You know how it is, living vicariously through others and all.]
"I understand."
[#HE-2020 is open.]
[Constellations are entering the channel.]
Soon after, a transparent, blue window appeared before my eyes. Displayed within the rectangular screen were many items, flashy banners, and what looked like ads for flashy items and services.
So this was the marketplace of the Star Stream. Interesting. It was time to indulge in one of the most cardinal sins: Greed.
(Maybe I should make that more positive.)
It was time to indulge in one of the favorite pastimes of sentient beings: shopping.