Scáthach observed my face, which probably flickered with emotions—concern, confidence, and back to concern. Yeah, I arrived at the wrong conclusion: meeting her in the future doesn't mean anything for me, someone who has traveled to the past. There won't be any consequences for the timeline if I die. Her death, though, could cause a temporal paradox, as my presence here is due to the future version of her meeting me in the Holy Grail War.
Scáthach's lips curved into a sly smile, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "While the Land of Shadows might have been facing a crisis, as long as I was here, I stood guard at this 'door!' You don't need to worry too much. Worry can keep a warrior on their toes or cripple them," Her voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable authority. "Of course, if you wished to act on my behalf and strive to become stronger, you were free to do so."
Her dedication to her disciples had been unwavering. Even though she knew we would eventually leave, she poured her heart and soul into our training. Her Spartan style was brutal, but it worked.
"The spatial rifts leading to the Land of Shadows were widening gradually," she continued, her gaze distant. "The fourth through seventh guards had been dispatched to establish a defensive front against the demon invasion. In three days, the gate to the underworld would open. The eighth through tenth guards would be deployed to intercept entities attempting to breach the Land of Shadows from the underworld or incite conflicts. You could choose tasks to assist in, gain knowledge, and more. Ashe would provide specific details to ensure your safety."
I couldn't help but smirk. "Gaining knowledge" and "assisting"? It was obvious Teach had been trying to shield me. Did that mean she cared about me?
"I'll take a nap now. Feel free to continue analyzing my soul."
She relaxed, her head resting on the table. I steeled myself, eager to deepen our soul synchronization and increase my chances against the impending demonic invasion. Over the past two years, I have diligently studied Runic Magecraft, spear techniques, and the Third Magic. My efforts were paying off, as I gained a deeper understanding of the soul, especially when compared to my previous analysis of Okita's projected soul. With renewed determination, I resumed my analysis of Scáthach's soul, aiming to complete it before the underworld gates opened, perhaps even within two days.
Nightfall drew Scáthach back to the castle's hall, busy with event preparations, while I headed to the martial arena. The sky was starless, holding only a solitary glow. There, I spotted Cú Chulainn, gazing upward.
I called out to him, "You seem to be doing well. Didn't a demon gobble you up today?"
"The story was greatly exaggerated," he smirked. "Just a demon monarch. If I hadn't spent the last twenty-nine days running, drained of stamina and magical energy, relying solely on willpower, I'd serve it for breakfast!"
I grinned. "Sure, I believe you! Up for a spar to proof your metal?"
But when I noticed the conflicted look on his face, I added, "Kidding, bro. So, what's with the downcast expression, Cú Chulainn?"
He fell silent, then sighed softly. "I've been thinking… it might be time for me to return."
The words hit me hard. "What? You're leaving? Just going to abandon me to endure Teach's sadistic training alone? You can't go!"
He gave me an evil smirk. "Well, you deserve it! Your methods aren't exactly gentle either. You two are both sadists," he finished, throwing a sharp glare my way.
I shrugged, my grin fading into sincerity. "I know about the challenges you'll face. This was just my way of toughening you up."
His expression softened; he understood, at least a little. "You're from two thousand years in the future, right?" he asked, clearly seeking confirmation. "Teach mentioned that a while back. So, you should know why I came to the Land of Shadows. Two years have passed, and Emer isn't getting any younger. She can't wait forever. But I haven't fulfilled Teach's wishes. I can't leave with that weighing on my conscience. What's your solution?"
I paused, searching for the right words. "I don't know what to tell you, Cú Chulainn. I know your future legends, but telling you what to do could interfere with things that must happen. For now, let's focus on discussing the demon invasion and its aftermath. This event will likely be more tumultuous than we anticipate."
"I've got a similar gut feeling, actually. Doesn't feel promising."
For now, that seemed to level out his mood.
Soon after, I went over the details with Cú Chulainn, meticulously explaining the current situation and highlighting the looming opening of the gate to the Underworld. This matter weighed heavily on me.
"While I can't definitively claim intent, Teach did mention her discord with the denizens of the underworld. Knowing her, if it were insignificant, she wouldn't have brought it up. Isn't that right?" I paused, gauging his reaction. "She might have mentioned it casually, but regardless, as her apprentices, we need to show our commitment."
I shifted my gaze to the darkened sky, taking a deep breath. "In a realm filled with departed souls, Teach feels a profound solitude."
"I agree with your earlier point, but the idea of her feeling lonely… I have to admit, I haven't sensed it," Cú Chulainn replied.
Cú Chulainn sank deep in thoughts, "Over the past two years, I had endured the relentless training of Scáthach day in and day out, while Kara had engaged me in mock battles forcing me to surpass my limits. However, to my knowledge the specter of loneliness seemed absent from Scáthach. Granted, perhaps it manifested when she was alone—a facet I had not borne witness to. Nonetheless, since Kara had hinted at it, was there some veracity in her words?"
Cú Chulainn's sudden question took me by surprise. "What's your aspiration?"
"I aim to traverse the expanse of the world," I replied with a casual grin.
"In simpler terms, please!"
"Alright, then," I chuckled. "I intend to undertake a global expedition—with the Teach."
"Implausible!" Cú Chulainn scoffed, shaking his head. "The departed are forever confined to the Land of Shadows, bound to these walls. The same applies to the teacher. Besides, this place is constantly threatened; her departure is nearly inconceivable."
"What seems impossible for you may not be the same for me," I said, letting a determined edge slip into my voice. "Every endeavor deserves a try. For now, let's just call it a modest ambition." I smiled, letting myself sink into the ground and relax, savoring the moment.
But as I lay there, I grew more serious. "To really answer your question, I aspire to many things. But I'm taking baby steps. First and foremost, I want the strength to protect myself and those I care about—that's what led me here in the first place."
He nodded, as if he understood, despite my spear skills being laughable compared to his own. But he respected my dedication, and I'd worked hard to balance my magical abilities with my training.
"I'll be facing challenges soon," I added, "and I want to be prepared. I know it sounds cliché, but I'm really on a journey of self-discovery." I chuckled, prompting a rare laugh from him.
"Aren't we all?"
"That's why it's a cliché," I said, shrugging. "Speaking of the future, Cú Chulainn, a Geis is a dreadfully serious matter. Never take it lightly."
"Ha! You, a traveler from the future, think you know my fate? It doesn't matter. As long as I follow my heart's intent, I'll live without regret! So spare me any advance knowledge about my future!" He tilted his head, studying me with that unshakable grin. "My path is mine to tread. Let Cú Chulainn make the choice!"
In Celtic mythology, an oath like a Geis holds immense significance. It isn't just a curse but an unbreakable bond, a double-edged sword that cautions against transgression yet often bestows protective power when honored. Many heroes have met their end because of a Geis—heroes like Cú Chulainn beside me now, and Diarmuid before him.
"I never meant to alter your path," I said thoughtfully. "But I hope you'll be cautious and avoid leaving any loopholes in the Geis you choose."
Cú Chulainn's fate had been sealed by his lack of prudence. His geasa—'Not Eating Dog Meat' and 'Not Refusing Food Offered by a Woman'—had led to his tragic end when three hags offered him dog meat, forcing him to break his oath. I didn't intend to meddle in his fate, but after two years side by side, he'd grown on me. Letting him die over something so minor felt… wrong.
"Tsk, you're talking too much!" He averted his gaze, feigning irritation, but the slight curl of his lips betrayed a softer emotion.
With a gentle smile, I extended my hand toward the sky, feeling as if I were reaching for something elusive—a fragment of a forgotten memory or a piece of insight slipping just out of grasp. The tales of Cú Chulainn's exploits echoed through the Land of Shadows, renowned and revered. Yet I couldn't shake a feeling that I was missing something profoundly important. What could it be? If only I had known, I would have brought my entire Celtic mythology book here!
Time slipped by, and soon I returned to the queen's chambers. Sliding under the covers beside Scáthach, I resumed my usual Soul Analysis, immersing myself in the subtle, steady rhythm of the process. Meanwhile, Cú Chulainn, ever disciplined, practiced a series of spear drills in the martial arts arena, his figure tireless against the dim glow of the Land of Shadows, before he, too, retired to rest.
On the outskirts of the Land of Shadows, tumultuous waves surged across the cold sea, birthing pitch-black shadows that emerged from the depths. Even the guard captain would hesitate to engage these exceptionally formidable sea monsters in combat. At this moment, trouble embodied by the overlord of this sea area loomed. Subsequently, towering waves cascaded, and amidst the dark night, a brilliant glint sliced through, spraying countless droplets of blood into the sky. From the dissected belly of a massive sea beast, a woman descended onto the Land of Shadows' territory. Tilting her head upward, her lips curled into a cruel and bloodthirsty smile as she directed her gaze toward the Shadow Castle. Behind her, several warriors brandishing sharp weapons appeared.
However, the chilly night wind carried thick fog, obscuring their figures. When the fog lifted, these figures had vanished.