8
Stealthily.
She followed them in the shadow.
'I feel like a creep.'
She brushed that thought from her mind and followed their movements with her eyes.
Kim Dokja's party just went into a late slumber after the drinking session.
Yes, Cha Haemin could witness the almost-kissing scene between Kim Dokja and Yoo Sangah.
Biting her lower lip when she saw their close proximity. Frowning.
No. She's not jealous.
Of course not.
No way.
.....right?
Nah, why would she be jealous anyway?
There aren't any feelings between them.
She then went away after she saw they woke up one by one without anyone notice, she hoped. The last thing she wanted to happen is she was discovered observing them like a stalker.
She saw the red head. The younger-looking Korean man. One with brown hair and another with black. And the other with mulberry coloured hair.
She assumed that her hypothesis is correct which is the red head is THAT Cale Henituse. The black hair is Choi Han and she doesn't know the other two. Especially the pale looking man with fangs.
Not to mention the pink-haired woman that was unconscious since then.
She had made another hypothesis when she was observing them. Their world also has a variable.
That question is who?
The pink hair?
The mulberry hair?
Or the person they did not manage to save earlier?
She heard their conversation and knew half of the story. This red hair is looking for someone or two. They managed to save one but not the other.
And she heard it is his wife. Cha Haemin is bewildered. Since when the Cale Henituse she read in a book are getting married?
W̶h̶a̶t̶ k̶i̶n̶d̶ o̶f̶ f̶a̶n̶f̶i̶c̶t̶i̶o̶n̶ s̶h̶e̶ h̶a̶d̶ b̶e̶e̶n̶ l̶i̶v̶i̶n̶g̶ i̶n̶ r̶i̶g̶h̶t̶ n̶o̶w̶?̶
All in all, she just assumed that their story was also changed.
Now, what she wanted to know is how long this red hair will get stuck in this world? What will he do? What is his goal? Clearly, he knew about this world right?
Because Cha Haemin doesn't want anyone to interrupt with her plan but... eh if this man has the better idea, she will let him do the work. He is someone that always gets into trouble anyway.
Byaming, without asking had told her everything. Such a cute dokkaebi, he told her about what'd happened because of the reason that he didn't want her to look stupid.
[Humph! Better be grateful, woman. I am telling you this not because you look confused but because your face looks stupid. I don't want a dumb incarnation in my channel.]
He left after that. So, that's why she knew some of the contents about the sudden arrival of the new disaster.
[Constellation 'Director of Limbo Mist' is looking at you.]
"What is it?"
[Constellation 'Director of Limbo Mist' is intrigued as to why you watched those people.]
[Constellation 'Horizon Theatre Misery' asks if you knew any of them.]
'They are so full of questions.'
"What if I say yes?"
[Constellation 'Director of Limbo Mist' asks then why did you not meet them.]
Cha Haemin looked back at the group. More specifically towards the still sleeping Kim Dokja.
'He must be with Persephone now.'
"Not the time yet."
She said it as a whisper and walked away from the scene.
Little did she know, someone had detected her presence.
"Where are you looking?"
Clang!
Yoo Joonghyuk frowned.
"Tsk. None of your business."
The younger looking man, Choi Han rolled his eyes. He will not be here to spar with this stoic man if he had a choice.
"Then focus."
Yoo Joonghyuk's frown deepened. Brat.
'That presence feels like at the station.'
He brushed that thought to focus on this spar. If that person did not interfere too much, it was not any of his concern.
However, he will always remember the black hair of the person who he managed to catch on. That person emitted a great power that he almost flinched.
Then, he made a promise to himself. If he catches a glimpse or sense that person's presence again, he will face them head on.
Clang!
She pulled down the hood to hide her face. Watching Kim Dokja and his party went into the portal to go to the Peace Land. A new scenario will begin there and also here.
"I need to go back before Nirvana comes."
But she still has something else to do in her mind when she saw the red head did not participate in the scenario in Peace Land.
She needed to know what that man wanted to do now. She won't let curiosity eat her when she gets back to Murim.
She walked while fixing her eyes onto the party of the red head.
At the same time, a woman walked in the opposite direction of her. They collided with each other.
"Ah, I'm sorry."
She said.
The woman adjusted her mask on her face.
"It's fine."
The woman smiled and saw the young woman bowing then walked away.
The woman was about to get back to her group before she stopped and remembered something. The older person looked back at the younger woman who just bumped into her.
"Doesn't that's the girl in the picture Dokja showed me before?"
She still remembers when in the prison. Her son always talked about the novel when they met, but one day, there's one different thing that her son talked about.
At first, it was just one mere line.
"I've made a friend."
The next time they met, her son talked about how they were becoming close.
"We eat together and study together. She's always there when I need her."
That time, she knew that her son had taken a liking towards the mentioned friend based on how her son talked with sparkling eyes, which is the only expression her son ever expressed when he talked about the novel before.
The next time, his son showed a picture of the girl. He was shy at that moment. Showing that one piece of paper with the photo of him and the friend towards her.
Lee Sookyung still remembers that picture even though it has been a long time. The picture where her son smiles so brightly alongside someone he loves.
She doesn't know what'd happened between them because her son had not visited her for long.
"Hmm Cha Haemin, isn't it?"
Lee Sookyung wanted to know, what this woman had done until now and how she survived, and why she just popped up now of all time.
Even she, as a King of Wanderer is already getting back towards the track of the main scenario. But Lee Sookyung doesn't remember seeing this woman anywhere before, not even with her son.
Lee Sookyung walked away.
'She must have her own story.'
~
"Where the hell did they go?"
Cha Haemin blinked in confusion when the red head's party suddenly vanished from her sight.
She thought this occurrence would only happen once, but then after she found them again, they vanished again.
She gave up after that. Looks like they are not involved in the main scenario at the moment.
Byaming also pestered her to move and do something, not stalking. Some unknown constellations also had noticed her.
"Yes yes, I know."
Not like she had been lazy and 'observing' this entire time. She also had killed some monsters and avoided Nirvana for her own sanity. She still doesn't have a mind barrier skill, she will be at a disadvantage if they ever encounter each other.
"I'll be gone for a while, Byaa."
[What? Where? How long?]
"To continue training, I can't tell you where, and I don't know for how long this time."
[Constellation 'Horizon Theatre Misery' asks why you won't tell the location.]
"Because it is training for me to become one of you, so I can't let any interference in my training."
She smiled.
[Constellation 'Horizon Theatre Misery' scoffed at your bold declaration.]
[Constellation 'Guardian of Youths and Travel' is smiling knowingly.]
[Constellation 'Director of Limbo Mist' is grinning.]
[Constellation 'Horizon Theatre Misery' asks if constellation 'Director of Limbo Mist' and constellation 'Guardian of Youths and Travel' know where.]
[Constellation 'Guardian of Youths and Travel' just shrugging.]
[Constellation 'Director of Limbo Mist' says you are too dumb to know.]
She ignored the rest. Why are these constellations always wasting their coins to banter like a child?
"Byaa, see you later."
[W- wait, could you at least tell me where you go?]
Cha Haemin looked up at Byaming. She smiled.
"Come here."
She motioned her hand for Byaming to come closer. Byaming hesitantly coming closer.
Without much thought, she petted his head, avoiding his horn. Byaming widened his eyes and backed away.
[Wh..what are you doing?!]
'Wow, so soft!'
"Pfft, goodbye! Don't be too angry at me, you look cute rather than scary."
She opened the portal and vanished from Seoul. Byaming is dumbfounded, and the constellations are still fighting.
She was engulfed in darkness and was presented with something scary.
"Looks like my disciple finally found the way back here."
Bark! Bark!
She gulped.
"M.. master, I–"
"Run."
She ran.
How many weeks had passed? She had lost count of how long she had been back at First Murim.
"How was your training?"
Cha Haemin cringed at the voice. She didn't manage to meet this constellation in her sleep when she was in Seoul, but the routine of their meeting happened again after she was back at Murim.
Is this constellation's power to meet her only restricted in Murim?
"Please let me sleep in peace!"
She covered her face with her hands. She had been training a lot, her punishment. Worse than she had expected.
'I'll leave a note the next time I go somewhere again.'
She was exhausted. Finally managed to learn some of the Breaking the Sky Sword Techniques. She needs a long way to learn the techniques properly though.
Like her master told her,
"You are sh*t at this. Weak like a twig. I wonder if the one who sent you here actually wants me to kill you or humiliate you."
The words strike her like a bullet. She was hurt by that declaration.
But hey, she is improving. Right?
And when she wanted some support, the Breaking the Sky Master just barked and wagged her tail. Her senior sure likes to see her being roasted.
"Well, no?"
She groaned.
"Could you tell me why you are interested in me?"
"Who said I am interested in you? Are you delusional?"
She frowned. Fine. Even in her sleep, she can't rest in peace. Maybe this is her karma for being a bit*h towards many people in her past life.
Nah, f**k karma.
"Don't talk to me."
She heard a chuckle that gave her goosebump.
"You are so cute."
Chill runs down her spine. Da*n what is this constellation trying to do?
"Do you want to meet me?"
Silence. She opened her eyes widely. Looking at the hazy figure of the constellation.
"...Why?"
But she's still skeptical.
"Isn't that your goal? To be one of us?"
She furrowed her eyebrows.
"Why is that has something to do with meeting you?"
"An opportunity."
Cha Haemin narrowed her eyes. What is it now?
"An opportunity for you to commence your next plan."
Like an electric shock running through her body. She looked down before a manic grin formed on her face.
"Pft hahahahahahahahahaha!!"
She raised her head to look at Nyx.
"You knew all along."
She said between her teeth. She is angry. Furious even. If Nyx had known all along her plan, Nyx must have been toying with her until now.
Unacceptable.
"What are you trying to do, Nyx? You knew I was going to kill you but you're still 'helping' me?"
"Hmm."
Cha Haemin gritted her teeth. Maybe, she was wrong all this time. She was dancing in the palm of Nyx. Maybe she had been trying to gain power in the shadow, tempting and provoking constellations, but THIS constellation came at her because this constellation knew.
She is not omnipotent. She is also not omniscient. The identity of constellation Director of Limbo Mist that she'd read in the novel may differ from reality. In this reality she is living right now.
So, if Nyx already knew Cha Haemin's plan, why did she go along with it? Why did Nyx help her? Why did Nyx make connections with her? Why– wait, Cha Haemin knew why.
"You want to find a successor."
Nyx hummed in amusement.
"Hilarious. Me?"
"You're just a candidate, Kang Rael."
She froze. How many did this constellation know?
"What are you talking about?"
She acted ignorant.
"Don't need to lie, Rael. I know all along since the first scenario started."
It has been so long to hear that name. She'd throw away that name anyway, and not expect someone from this world to mention it.
"You brought me here."
"I'm not, but I know who."
'It was such a shame that she forgot everything after the accident. They were such a cute couple.'
Nyx thought solemnly.
"Who?"
"It's not something for you to know."
Cha Haemin clicked her tongue.
"Then, I accept."
Nyx smiled.
"Where are you?"
"Why are you in such a hurry?"
"You know why."
Cha Haemin clenched her fist. If this is the opportunity given for her, who is she to be arrogant by not accepting it. She knows she is weak, that's why she needs a chance to be strong.
She needs a short way, even if she needs to make a deal with the devil.
She is not lying when she says she wanted to be one of the constellations. She needs to be one or find another hard way. She has a goal and promise to fulfill.
Now, when she knew that someone had sent her into this world, should she find that being? But when to think again, better not.
"In three days, go to the end of Murim."
She suddenly felt dizzy.
"I warned you."
The last thing she saw is the clear face of Nyx.
"You might die."
She smirked and thought,
'I already died once.'
At the next moment, she opened her eyes when the sky was no longer dark.
She not get up instantly. She thought back about the conversation she had with Nyx.
What she had planned when the apocalypse struck, first, she needed to become a constellation.
The way is by defeating the constellation Director of Limbo Mist.
The why is because from the novel Ways of Survival, Nyx is one of the constellations that had not been mentioned in the ORV novel.
Nyx was just mentioned once with the only line.
「 The Director of Limbo Mist, the dying constellation that can rival Prisoner of the Golden Headband by the term of strength, also one of the constellations that sponsored Yoo Joonghyuk in his 999th regression for one time with an insane amount of coins. 」
Dying constellation.
That's one clue for her to search for this constellation. Dying constellations doesn't mean they are weak, Moreover a constellation that is par with Sun Wukong is no joke. It is an insane plan for her because she could die but she is ready for it.
An insane person needs an insane plan to move further, isn't it?
That's it. She was shocked when she saw the constellation's name as one of her sponsors in the first scenario. Seems like everything had been planned for her from the start.
L̶i̶k̶e̶ h̶e̶r̶ s̶t̶o̶r̶y̶ h̶a̶d̶ b̶e̶e̶n̶ w̶r̶i̶t̶t̶e̶n̶
Of course, this is merely her theory but not anymore after she knew that her arriving in this world was someone else doing
That's something she can think about later.
She was not thought that Nyx needed a successor until just now. Is that why she gives her fortune to Yoo Joonghyuk because she can't find a suitable successor? But why only mentioned once and more importantly why 999th turn?
That's something she can't figure out.
Then again, Cha Haemin or Kang Rael came into this world, then become a suitable successor from the start. Why her of all people?
Da*n it! She was always bound to be a puppet for someone, isn't it?
"Wake up."
Cha Haemin went out from her bubble thoughts. She looked at her master.
"Go eat and get ready for practise."
She blinked again. Isn't this already afternoon? Wait, why is her master did not wake her up for morning practise?
"Afternoon?"
"Any complaints?"
She woke up and shook her head. She rushed to freshen herself and eat to prepare herself for another hellish day.
'I need to become stronger. I'm still weak. Even in my next 100 years, I still can't manage to win against Nyx.'
She had made her resolve.
'Then I'll kill her even it takes million years. I can't say no to a dying elder, right?'
Bark! Bark!
"She ran away again? Sigh."
Namgung Minyoung shook her head. What she must do to her disciple after this? Surely, the hellish training are not the way.
"Maybe I should just tie her up every night."
Bark!
"Oh what is that?"
She picked up the letter from the Breaking the Sky Master. She read the content in the small paper.
"She had made her mind hm? It was not a waste of time to train her that technique then."
Namgung Minyoung remembered back two days before. Suddenly, Cha Haemin was eager to practise. Not complaining and obeying everything.
She noticed the weird demeanor but she knew her disciple had made her mind. Cha Haemin had improved significantly.
She's not dumb. She noticed some night Cha Haemin was covered in some kind of transparent barrier even she can't get through. Cha Haemin was connected to a constellation at that time, she could feel the power.
At first, she thought Cha Haemin was attacked, but then after this occurrence happened again and again, she just thought that whoever this constellation is, they had chosen Cha Haemin as their next power welder.
The power in Cha Haemin's body also becoming stronger, and if it continue to grow, Cha Haemin will die. Her body can't handle that kind of power right now.
Bark! Bark!
"Let's see what she will become after she came back. If she's still alive that's it."
Bark.
Breaking the Sky Master lowered her tail. Not quite liking if Cha Haemin died.
"Don't worry, she will come back alive. Just maybe lost some limbs."
~
Cha Haemin looked at the distorted air in front of her. No one would noticed if they not take a closer look.
She extended her hand and the air broken like glasses before it surrounding her.
"You have come."
Cha Haemin opened her closed eyes. She was presented with a place that full of dark gray mist. She can't see beyond the mist. In front of her is a tall and big throne.
The cold atmosphere here is sending chill through her vine.
Someone was sitting on it.
"Welcome to Niflheim, the underworld of cold and mist."
"Weird because the ruler here should be someone else. Isn't that right, killer of Hel?"
Nyx hummed in amusement.
Tbc~
9
"You know a lot about me. I wonder how?"
Nyx looked at something before she is tapping on the air. A screen? Is that how constellation watching the scenario and send messages?
"We just like peas in a pot. We knew each other better than expected."
Cha Haemin shrugged her shoulders and continued.
"Interesting yet annoying."
Nyx chuckled. Resting her head on her palm while looking down from her throne.
"Indeed, it is."
Her gray eyes meet with Cha Haemin's lighter one. Her short silver hair looked shiny.
Cha Haemin felt cold by the stare. A stare where she was looked at as a bug who is ready to be crush. A bug who is helpless but always there to be an annoying creature.
Not knowing it's death is just an inch away.
"Fufu, you're scared."
Cha Haemin clenched her teeth and hands to stop herself from trembling. To prove towards Nyx that she is not scared, she walked closer towards the tall throne. At the same time, she looked around if there are another presence besides her and Nyx.
In this place, she could just see the tall throne with the five tall statues on the back. The well-sculpted statues wield a weapon in one hand and are taller than the throne itself, maybe 100 metres or more. She was not sure.
'She sures has a peculiar taste in decoration.'
The gray mist restricted her sight to see other things.
"Who? Me? You make a good joke, Nyx. Maybe you should become a stand-up comedian rather than the ruler of Niflheim."
The heels of her boots are the only sound in this place.
"Maybe you should just give me that position and retired rather than getting kill by a mere human."
"How bold."
Cha Haemin smirked.
"Just how you act with Hel, isn't it?"
Nyx's eyes narrowed.
"Maybe you should shut your mouth from unnecessary bullsh*t, hm?"
"Why? I cross some tragic, humiliate or guilty past?"
Cheeky. She was playing with fire while she is covered with oil.
"Cutting your tongue would be a good starter."
"Oh da*n. That's such a waste. I'm good at using my tongue though."
"Like what? Kissing people? I thought you never kiss anyone, even in this life, purely virgin with no experience."
An irk mark appeared on her head. Oh ho, this constellation also has a sharp tongue.
"Hah! You're not one to talk. What? Already have an experience? Is that why you're alone right now? Because you can't satisfy your partner?"
Nyx's smile looked forced. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"They are out of my league. At least I got to be laid, hm how about you? Crushing over a fictional character and not even managed to do that even after meeting one of them? You live a lonely life."
Cha Haemin stopped walking. They glared at each other.
'This woman.'
'This human.'
Cha Haemin took out her sword.
"I could get anyone if I want, and who are you to tell me how to live my love life? My mom? Such a busybody grandma."
Dark gray mist instantly covering Nyx.
"You have cross the line, human."
"What? Grandma?"
The cold feeling becoming intense.
'So she can't be tempted with her age hm? Got it.'
"Should we apply some rule or...."
"No need such wasteful rules. You come here because you're ready to die, right?"
"How are you so sure that this place would not be your grave?"
Nyx chuckled. She doesn't even moved an inch from the throne.
"You are so cute."
Nyx flicked her fingers and the gray mist disappeared from that entire place. Surrounding them right now is the ice golems. Three metres in tall.
She thought she was in open area but it's not. Seems like this place is Nyx's lair.
"Tsk."
Cha Haemin clicked her tongue. She knew she won't be able to go near Nyx if she can't even defeat these golems. Their heights really make her remember her master.
'No no, I shouldn't compared my beautiful master with these creature.'
But, she also remembered that ice giants are living here. Is Nyx going to use them as her last defense?
"Entertain me please."
Cha Haemin grinned.
"As you wish."
She ran forward while holding her sword. All the ice golems also moved towards her at the same time.
[Skill 'Fated Eyes' Lv. 5 is activated!]
She ducked under the ice golem and swung her sword towards them. With the cross slash at the center, the golem was cut into two and stopped moving.
She repeated the same movement towards all the golems. It's like a never-ending cycle. One golem down, the others came at her. Some using the club and some bare handed.
Nyx watched all of those unfold from her throne. Leaning on her throne while her eyes followed every movement made by Cha Haemin.
'She's stronger than expected. Most human at this early scenario won't be able to kill the golem in a single hit but here she is. It's not a waste of time to send her to Murim, then.'
Nyx moved her hand and then the broken golems begin to rise again. Cha Haemin clicked her tongue when the golems that she managed to cut into two came back at her but with smaller size.
The more she cut, the more golems came at her but smaller in size.
'Annoying.'
[Skill Acrid Dandelion Lv 3 has been activated.]
She opened her palm and many dandelion pollens flew towards the golems. At the same time, she also spread the pollen on her sword. The dandelion that came in contact with golems and her sword begin to melt.
She saw the melting golems then she smiled before she moved again to kill the golems without stopping.
She cut them into pieces and they melted instantly from the contact of her sword and the flying dandelion pollens.
Nyx watched in amusement. Tapping her finger on her throne, she begins to sit straight when she saw almost the golems can't even be use anymore.
'The seed I planted in her body had grown matured. Time to make the seed harbour some good fruits. It would be painful though.'
The seed that contained her power. She implanted that seed when the first time they meet. Yes, that time when Nyx stabbed Cha Haemin's heart and grabbed it like a ball.
From the start, she had aim for Cha Haemin. She planted her power in Cha Haemin for Cha Haemin to grow into someone suitable to wield the power of a constellation.
But, if Cha Haemin's growth had taken too long, that will be a backlash for her plan. Cha Haemin would die and Nyx would need to find another successor which is impossible.
Nyx needed Cha Haemin to become stronger and defeat her. Nyx needed Cha Haemin to be her successor. Nyx needed Cha Haemin to be a constellation.
N̷̗̠͇͕̺͎̠̒͊ͅy̴̞̭̤̟̮̬̆̌̿̉̏̌͑͜x̶͎̆̐͋͊̈́́͘͘ ̴̞̯̤͋̇̏̓̚͝w̵͔̦͔̥̟̽́͆̐̎̅̔̈́ǫ̶̨̦̭͚̹͆̄́͜͝͝ư̸̡̨̘̹͙̱̝̽̍̒̿͘͝l̵̫̜͎̻̖̳̲̊̽͊̂͝ḑ̸̠̫̳̱̂̀̇̈́̉̊̒͑͜͜ ̸̩̗̦͖͕̝̑̅̃̿͜ḓ̵̘̣͍̙̈̀͆̈́̎ö̴̭̟̯̱̲͚́̂̄̾̚͜͠͠ ̷̺̱͔̖̺̝̺͍́͌̈́̄̐a̶̛͎̫̜̳͎͍̫̗̓̐̐̈n̵̲̰̥̭̖̲̓̊̅̅̇̓̀͘ỳ̶̨̠͎̿̍̽͋̓̄̄ť̴̗̩̬̘͔̇̅̔̄̒̾h̷͖̖͌̾̒͆̑͠į̸͕̙͐̌ṅ̸̟̋g̸̮̺̙̕ ̴̧̧̠̬̟̞͗f̵̧̨͇͕̫͈̯̓o̵̧̡͊́͌r̸̛͖͍̲̺̗̱̄͑́̍̄́̚ͅͅ ̴̣̠̼̏́̏ḧ̴̨̨̝͈̪͎̣̞́è̸̡̲͈̣̘͔̏͊́͑r̶͈̼̪̱̪͚͗͠ ̶̧̪̖̣̥̘̓̒̈́̿̈́ͅc̵̨̧̯̺̭̗̓͑̈̐͑̂̚h̸̖̯͖̙̺͕̝̄͝͠ͅi̶̛̜̮̦͈̫̟͑̍͛͗́ḷ̴̨͉̪͕̹̍̂̈́͜d̶͉̺͇̤̤̆̀̐́̎̆̑͒'̷̧̛̙͓̖͓̈́̍s̶̭̲̾̆̓̉͜ ̶̧̫͍̣̖̑̓̔̌̏ĥ̶̼́̃͒͜à̴̹͕̬̉̀̋͐p̴̣͇̟͖̤̑͘p̶̨̛͈̯̰͒̓͊͘͝i̵̡̋̈́n̵̛̥͆̔̐̈̎̾͗͜e̴̜̿s̷͕̪̀̉s̷̻̦͖̠̝̲̓ͅ.̴͖̣̣̗̕
"Hey, this can't even be called a warm-up."
Nyx looked back at Cha Haemin. The golems are nowhere in sight anymore. All of them had been melted by the acid of Cha Haemin's skill.
Cha Haemin rolled her shoulder like this is a hassle job. She leaned on her sword.
"Come here. My neck is already hurting looking up like this."
Nyx shook her head left to right while chuckling.
'She is so cute. Just like a little puppy barking.'
"You're strong but not enough to defeat me."
Nyx raised from her throne and walked down using the long stairs slowly.
"Whatever you have under your sleeve, I already know."
Nyx smiled.
"I've been observing you since the beginning after all."
She finally down. Now, both of them are on the same level. Their height are no different.
"You guys don't interfere. You know what I'll do if you ever disobey me, right?"
Cha Haemin raised her eyebrow before the ground shook. She widened her eyes when she saw a slight movement on the back of the throne.
'The statue!'
The statues which she thought just a statue were the ice giants. Five of those let out a puff of air.
"Fufu, shocked?"
"No. Excited."
Cha Haemin replied earnestly. The glint of crazed was clear in her eyes. The first time, she could feel the adrenaline of having a good fight. She can't wait.
She can't wait to slash Nyx's throat with her sword.
No movement from both side. Nyx also did not took out any weapon, but that's fine.
'Underestimate me, then your death will be in my hand.'
Cha Haemin raised her sword in front of her face before she activated Fated Eyes again. Her gray eyes turned cold and lack of light. She doesn't know this, but people who saw her using this skill do.
"One."
The gust of wind was created when Cha Haemin sprinted towards Nyx. Her movement was fast. She sprinted straight ahead before she moved her direction elsewhere. She came from different direction before she touched Nyx.
Nyx looked left and right to find the exact time and direction Cha Haemin would begin to attack her.
'She use her speed to create faux attacks and came at me from different direction to make me confused. Good, use that pretty brain of yours to win.'
Nyx smirked and her hand begin to glow. A spear was created in her hand before she swung it at a certain direction.
Clang!
Her amused eyes meet with the cold eyes of Cha Haemin.
'Because I won't hold back too.'
They distanced each other again. Cha Haemin clicked her tongue. Nyx is fast, faster than her skill. That would be a problem.
"Two."
She disappeared from there. Nyx narrowed her eyes and scanned everywhere. Slowly, she released the gray mist everywhere, the mist becoming thicker each seconds until the surrounding can't be seen.
With her spear being ready, she swung it. The spear collided with the sword. The action was repeated many times. They are fighting like they are wearing a blindfold because both of them can't see what's in front of them.
Nyx staggered after she was hit by something small, and her skin is melting.
'Huh? I can't sense it in my mist?'
Cha Haemin send more and more dandelion pollens into the mist, the acid in the dandelion was absorbed into the mist and slowly she herself could control the mist.
Cha Haemin smiled when she could hear a slow grunt from Nyx.
They exchanged the weapons for hours but none of them looked exhausted or wanted to stop.
"It's becoming boring, Rael!"
"Ah!"
Cha Haemin dodged the sudden sharp ice that had emerged from her feet. But, one of it managed to scar her face. No, it managed to blind her left eye.
Blood dripped down her chin onto the ground. She should aware that she's in enemy's territory. All the ground and sky were not her ally at the moment.
"You b*stard. Not my face!"
The mist gone. Nyx is looking at Haemin while smiling. Her body was decorated with many purple spots due to Haemin's skill.
"I'm making your face look more presentable. You should appreciate my effort."
She tried to open her left eye but the pain strike her. She can't use it. She doesn't know if she could see again with this eye but now she needs to rely only on her right eye.
Without using any skill, they confronted each other just by using their weapons.
"Do you want to hear a story?"
Cha Haemin didn't say anything and continue attacking.
"A story which a woman who thinks she is a good older sister but failed to protect her younger siblings."
Rage emerged inside of her when she realised what Nyx said.
"You don't know anything about me."
"Oh, I know."
Clang!
Slash!
"You failed to protect your sister from those people. Why do you think she doesn't tell you that someone had been bothering her? Until she end up in that pitiful situation?"
"Shut up."
Clang!
Several cuts was left on each of them. They are on par.
"You almost found your sister but you're late. If you fast enough, even for a minute, your sister might be alive."
Nyx smirked but her hands are shaking while exchanging the blow with Haemin.
"Shut up."
"You wanted to deny the truth? What you have done to the people who kill your sister is something remarkable but, would she ever appreciate it? Oh my bad, she killed herself."
Clang!
"Don't test my patience, Nyx."
Clang!
Slash!
"If she doesn't meet you, she might be living a better life! You know that your associate with her is the cause of her death!"
Nyx begun to raise her voice.
"It's not!"
"She was not even your blood-related sister! If you leave her alone, she would be more than happy right now, Kang Rael!"
"Shut up!"
A large slash on Nyx's shoulder was created after Haemin activated Fated Eyes.
"Hahaha! Why are you angry? Because I said something true? Admit it, Kang Rael. Everyone who associated with you will live a horrible life! Look at your brother now! He would be adopted by a loving family rather than being a puppet by your parents!"
Nyx laughed by the look on Cha Haemin's face. She loves to tempt her enemy. Because rage could make someone do some mistakes.
Cha Haemin gritted her teeth. Blood dripping down on her face makes her look scary.
"You are not a good older sibling! Rather than going around claimed someone as your brother and sister, you are better live alone, Haemin. You, are not needed by anyone!"
Cha Haemin bit her lower lips. Swallow the grunt when the spear pierced her shoulder.
The final blow and both of their weapons break into pieces. Both of them were being thrown by the impact but Cha Haemin quickly got up and ran towards Nyx.
Nyx who is about to get up was punched straight in the face.
"I will not fail again. After I get your position, you will lick back whatever you said to me!"
Now, they fight using their bare hand. Nyx staggered from another punch and a kick. Cha Haemin scoffed.
"Ha! You're bad at this? You'll be a great punching bag for me!"
Nyx groaned in frustration. She is not an expert of hand-to-hand combat. That's why she wanted to stop it quickly and make a new weapon.
But Cha Haemin is an expert, she had practise several martial arts after she had been free from her parents. She didn't lie when she said she would get back what she has in her last life.
Exchanged blows again but using their physical strength.
"Die!"
Nyx created more ice spear and threw it at Haemin. Haemin dodged them swiftly and landed a turning kick towards Nyx.
That is not the end. Nyx managed to stand up again, create a new weapon and attack again.
Haemin using her other skills, the techniques teaches by her master and by using her hidden dagger.
Their fight lasted for hours, they staggered to stand up. They are breathing heavily. Their body had been inflicted by many large and small injuries. Their blood decorated the ground. The area around them are destroyed. Even the throne had crumbled.
'I can't move my hands anymore.'
Nyx tried to move her hands but it's futile. Looks like the injury Haemin laid on her had taken a toll on her body.
'But, she's no better.'
Nyx saw Cha Haemin still struggle to move towards her. Her eyes still looking cold because of her skill. Cha Haemin must be exhausted for using that skill for too long.
'I have use everything.'
She knew, Haemin also had nothing under her sleeve anymore. She had been observing Haemin, so she knew. There's no other skill Haemin could use anymore.
Both of them are standing on a tight rope, now, whoever has the final card is the winner.
Nyx stood straight, raising her hand at Cha Haemin.
"This is the end. You are still weak. Such a shame that you need to die here."
By using her last strength and magic power, she sends multiple ice spears and a swirling mist around Haemin.
Boom!
A large crater was created on the spot Cha Haemin stood before. Nyx cleared the mist.
She widened her eyes when she saw that Cha Haemin is still standing like before. But her image seems distorted, like a broken hologram.
'Wh–'
Before she managed to turn around.
Pierce!
Nyx could hear a heavy breathing behind her. She looked below to see a dagger going through her chest.
"Ten."
Nyx was pushed on the ground and another stab into her chest but from the front.
She coughed out blood.
"...Ho..logram skill. Since when?"
"Since I came here. You don't know about this skill because I never use it."
Cha Haemin pulled out the dagger and put it on Nyx's neck.
A skill she activated after she came here. By creating a hologram that could imitate her demeanor, it's different than Han Sooyoung's avatar because she only could create one at a time. Or she could create more but she doesn't have the opportunity to practise.
She also could exchange her position with her hologram. That's what make her managed to stay alive till now.
"I win."
Cha Haemin pushed the tip of the dagger into Nyx's neck. Nyx struggled to breath.
"I lost."
Cha Haemin gritted her teeth.
"Why?"
Nyx confused.
"Why'd you hold back?!"
Nyx widened her eyes.
"Are you pitying me?! Why did you hold back?! Why you didn't use Hel's power?!"
Nyx opened her mouth but shut up instead after she saw the pure rage and frustration on Cha Haemin's face. How should she tell that she is not holding back? She just using her own power in this fight for fairness.
"You could win if you use that power! From the beginning, you wanted me to win! How?! How am I suppose to carry your name if I can't defeat you when you don't even use your full power?! Is this a test again?!"
Cha Haemin is shaking.
'You already strong enough to defeat me. Why are you doubting your ability now? This is how things should be. Hel would be glad to have you carry her title too.'
"You tempted me! You test my patience by mentioning my siblings! What is your purpose?! Why me?! Since you knew from the beginning, why did you choose me?!"
"Just kill me."
'I can't tell you. You'd face more difficult moments in the future. It's better to live in ignorance sometimes.'
"Tell me, Nyx, who are you?"
There is a secret Nyx is hiding from her. She wanted to know. Nyx said that she is one of the successor candidates but she knew that is a lie. She is the only candidate.
"You're not a normal constellation. Are you an outer god? No, that's still impossible if you knew about my past life. So, who are you?"
Nyx is silent. Her eyes looked hazy and black spot could be seen.
'It is the time. I'm glad, all according to my plan.'
Before Haemin could spat out her anger again, Nyx raised her hand and tapped her forefinger on Haemin's head lightly. She smiled.
"...A, gift."
Her hand fell limply. Nyx stopped breathing.
Silence.
Drip.
Drip.
"Ridiculous."
Cha Haemin still looking at the now dead Nyx under her. She doesn't even put away the dagger from Nyx's neck.
"Why am I crying?"
Drip. Drip.
"You're cruel."
She is hiccuping.
"Why did you give me this memory?"
"Wake up."
"Answer me, Nyx."
She continue looking at Nyx while crying. The sudden memories that occupied her mind now is sending her into the state of shock.
She also could feel another surge of powers inside of her.
There are two ways to become a constellation. By gaining fables and supported by other constellations, and by becoming a successor to a dying constellation.
The first one, they would need to gain recognition themselves to raise into one. They would receive their own modifier.
But the second one, it's not easy to become a successor of a constellation, it's a rare occurrence. They would inherited the title, fortune and power of the former holders.
That's mean, Cha Haemin had received all those mentioned. The power of Nyx, and Hel. The title of constellation Director of Limbo Mist, and obviously the fortune.
[You have defeated the former ruler of Niflheim!]
[You have been born as a new ruler of Niflheim!]
[You are now inherited the title constellation 'Director of Limbo Mist'.]
[Your achievement has been recognised by the Star Stream.]
[A new mythical-grade story has been acquire.]
[Mythical-grade story 'One who defeated the ruler' has been born!]
[You have received new skills.]
[You have acquired other attributes.]
Before she could react, she curled her body. A sudden pain strike her entire body.
[Your body is adjusting accordingly.]
[Synchronization: 5%]
'Is this what she mean by the seed she implanted in me? Da*n it! It's hurt!"
[Synchronization: 15%]
Her body feels hot.
[Synchronization: 35%]
She begin to scream.
[Synchronization: 51%]
Another surge of memories came into her mind.
[Synchronization: 73%]
[Synchronization: 80%]
[Synchronization: 88%]
[Synchronization: 95%]
She cried.
[Synchronization: 100%]
[Synchronization is completed.]
[Your body is capable as a myth grade constellation.]
[Your stats has blossomed significantly.]
Cha Haemin plopped down on the ground.
'Great, I am overpowered now.'
She fainted.
Unbeknownst to her, her fight was not lasted just for hours. The time difference makes it look slow but, they actually had been fighting for three days straight.
The ice giants begin to move and kneel in front of the fainted Cha Haemin. They chanted something.
[New ruler]
[Obey]
[Protect]
[Our lives are yours, our goddess]
[Long live our goddess]
[Hail to our goddess!]
Tbc~