At that moment, I carried Alcippe toward the castle, drawing quite a bit of attention along the way. Even some of the ghostly inhabitants seemed a bit regretful they hadn't impressed me sooner. But my only aim was to bring the stubborn Alcippe back to the guards.
Oddly enough, Alcippe was a mystery. Logically, the magically charged punch should have knocked her out. Yet aside from the fracture running from her right arm to her shoulder blade, she hadn't lost consciousness. Even more surprising was her fast recovery. Given that her flesh seemed to burn in the fight, her resilience was astounding. Then again, it made sense in this era of gods. She had mentioned being the daughter of Ares, the god of War, though I wasn't sure what to think—something about the timeline and location didn't quite fit.
"But, how can I put it? I feel like there's more to Alcippe's background..." I thought, glancing at her. I shook my head; this wasn't the time to figure it out.
As I continued walking, I spotted someone in a corner—Ashe. Moving toward her like an assassin, I kept silent and precise, a mischievous smile sneaking onto my face. Just as I got close, Ashe jumped, scowling playfully. "Hmph! Trying to sneak up on me again? Where'd you disappear to? I looked everywhere but couldn't find a trace of you."
I pouted, disappointed that my surprise had failed, and Ashe sighed, rolling her eyes. "Really, can you quit it with the antics already?" But her gaze shifted to Alcippe, curiosity sparking in her expression. "Oh, and who's this living person? I've never seen anyone like her in the Land of Shadows."
My mood grew more serious as I explained, concern slipping into my voice. "I was... busy, ran into last night's intruder. Things could get complicated this time, Ashe."
As I filled her in, Ashe immediately erected a soundproof barrier before turning to question Alcippe on some odd topics. I could only watch, confused, sensing a powerful presence building in their exchange.
"Hand her over to me!" Ashe's tone sharpened, her presence shifting in an instant. She looked like a warrior ready for battle, her intensity filling the air. A bit taken aback, I quickly gathered myself and handed Alcippe over, curiosity bubbling up. "Care to explain? Whatever's got you this worked up has to be big."
Ashe sighed, her tone softening. "You are the queen's most cherished student. If you really want to know, go ask her yourself—she'll tell you."
But she caught my pleading expression and rubbed her forehead in mild frustration. Sighing, she raised her hand and gently knocked Alcippe unconscious, almost as if doing it on my behalf. "It's not a dark secret. It's just that the queen... and everyone in the Land of Shadows tend to avoid talking about this. She's actually... quite lonely."
"Wait—what?"
Though I only knew Scáthach on the surface, I could sense her loneliness. Why else would she long for an end? Why invite me to her bed, treating me almost like a daughter?
I knew her habits, her personality, her preferences, but not the secrets buried deep in her heart. And maybe that was okay—just like I didn't want too many people to know I came from another world, Scáthach had her own reasons to keep things private.
"Listen up!" Ashe snapped, catching my slightly annoyed look. "This isn't some forbidden knowledge; it's just... in the Land of Shadows, nobody, not even the queen, likes talking about it."
A glimmer of understanding dawned on me. I realized that even someone as powerful as Scáthach had her own vulnerabilities. Her hidden loneliness echoed my own need to keep my origins a secret.
Ashe's expression softened as she continued, almost nostalgic. "I was there when Her Majesty began to build the Land of Shadows. Back then, she was a powerful warrior renowned in the outside world but still new to this realm. She spent countless hours dealing with its residents, making them submit to her rule. Life in this realm wasn't easy."
Lost in her memories, Ashe's gaze turned distant. "Once she was in charge, we eliminated the dragons, undead, monsters, and demons that kept invading. Whether through sheer force or strategy, she was unmatched. Sealing interdimensional rifts, building the seven walls—it all made life more livable. But that's when the real turmoil began."
"When the queen first arrived, she wasn't alone. Another warrior came with her, skilled but with a personality worlds apart from hers. This other warrior was ruthless, intense, perhaps even resentful of the queen's role. Many here fell to her for minor slights. The queen tried to reach out, but it only led to conflict."
"In battle after battle, the queen and this warrior nearly unified the Land of Shadows' forces under their command, sparking near-rebellion. The other warrior led her personal guard in a fierce assault against the queen, and the queen was forced to fight back with her own. The clash was brutal. Although she drove her out, the queen suffered injuries that took a long time to heal. After that, she became the gentler figure we know today."
Ashe let out a long sigh. "It might be hard to grasp, but it's a clash of brutal domination against gentle control. They couldn't be more different. And now, that warrior has returned. The intruder from Ulster marks her comeback."
"That's... the gist of it."
...
Even after checking Celtic mythology and the archives of the Land of Shadows, I found no records about this person. Still, their return could only mean trouble, especially with significant events approaching in the Land of Shadows. Anyone who could injure my teacher so severely would be a real threat unless their soul was deeply understood.
I felt a bit down, considering the genuine bond I'd formed with Scáthach over the past two years. But I thought, with a hint of resolve, if that person does show up to cause problems, we'll just knock them down and bring them to the teacher!
My gaze shifted, landing on the crimson spear in Cú Chulainn's grip. It wasn't the usual iron spear he used. Though stained red, I could tell it was the magic spear, Gáe Bolg—the same one Cú Chulainn used in his final battle. "Should I start calling my version 'Gáe Bolg Alternative'?" I wondered.
"Kara, why are you just strolling around here?" Cú Chulainn asked, holding the crimson spear tightly. He seemed puzzled as to why I wasn't more involved at the defense line and appeared so relaxed, especially knowing my love for a good fight.
"I already dealt with some of the invaders!" I replied with a playful grin.
"Wait! Have I picked up your habit of accidentally saying what I'm thinking out loud?" Cú Chulainn asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nope! It's just that your thoughts are written all over your face!" My smile faded as I focused on the crimson spear. "That's the Gáe Bolg, isn't it?"
"Yes," Cú Chulainn replied seriously. "I used it to take down the demonic horde attacking the Land of Shadows. It's a powerful weapon, but it's also a reminder of a dark time in my life."
"I see," I said quietly, knowing Cú Chulainn had a long and intense history. I was curious to know more about it, but there were more pressing issues at hand.
"We should head back to the castle," I said. "The demonic invasion is still ongoing, and we need to do everything we can to stop it."
Cú Chulainn nodded. "I'm with you."
Together, we turned and headed back to the castle, determined to defend the Land of Shadows from the invading demons.
....
"Teach, I've finished a thorough analysis of your soul while you were resting, and I can now perform synchronization whenever I need to!" I said, struggling to hide my smile. Completing an in-depth analysis of someone's soul meant I could potentially tap into Scáthach's powers just as effectively, though there would be some limits. If I hadn't found any restrictions yet, it was safe to assume they didn't exist. Putting physical strength aside for now, once I completed my third Soul Synchronization, my power would definitely rival, if not surpass, Scáthach's.
"This is definitely good news, but there's no need to rush. We have plenty of time," Scáthach replied. "Cú Chulainn might have to leave soon due to outside matters, but you can stay in the Land of Shadows for as long as you like." With a tender smile, Scáthach gently tapped my forehead. A fleeting emotion crossed her usually calm eyes. "Until you fully understand everything, I won't feel completely satisfied calling you my equal."
"I can take down two Cú Chulainns using just my skills, and still, your approval remains elusive. As for Cú Chulainn…"
"He needs more real-world experience, not just time spent in the Land of Shadows. Keeping him here would only hold him back," Scáthach said, shaking her head softly. "And while you might currently be stronger than Cú Chulainn, what will it be like when you return to your own time? Even if Cú Chulainn's choices might lead to his downfall, the legacy of the Throne of Heroes will outlast him. You must strive for more and surpass who you are now."
I couldn't agree more with Scáthach, but at my current height of 162 centimeters, I could pass as a young adult, solving my problems back home. "So, Teach, you're still aiming to embrace death, huh? Wouldn't it be smarter to set more positive goals?" I held back the urge to roll my eyes at her way of thinking.
"The Gate of the Underworld is about to open, and it might release some powerful beings. You should join the guards on garrison duty. Your synchronization abilities, along with your Mystic Eyes, should make it possible for you to face even lesser gods. And if you happen to struggle, come back to me, and I'll help you regain your strength."
Scáthach tidied my messy hair. "I've arranged for Cú Chulainn to work with the guards at various spatial rifts to fend off the demonic invasion. You can go and support him, but it would be better to allow him to glean maximum growth from his battles."
"Okay, Teach," I said. Quickly putting on my combat uniform, I left the queen's chamber.
...
"After all, you've returned..."
Leaning against the wall, Scáthach gazed at the somber sky beyond the window. An unusual melancholy flickered in her eyes, and she sighed, "After all these years, you've chosen to return to this land, chosen... to seek revenge against me."
Her hand lifted to her forehead, and memories from years past played vividly in her mind as if the scene from that day had come to life once more. After a prolonged exhale, a trace of desolation lingered. But soon enough, she reverted to her role as the queen of the Land of Shadows. Her demeanor turned icy, her words cutting through the air: "Then accept my banishment once more!"
...
Clad in my combat uniform and wielding my spear, I strolled out of the castle, a cheerful hum escaping my lips. My steps led me to the martial arts arena, where I spotted Ashe and Alcippe. Alcippe, who should have been confined, appeared fully recovered from her previous injuries and was energetically sparring with Ashe. Despite her vigor, Alcippe's impressive agility kept Ashe at bay, unable to close the distance of ten meters.
"Hey, Ashe!"
Sensing my presence, Alcippe turned around and greeted me with a radiant smile. "My Lady, the Queen mentioned that I didn't originally belong to Ulster but arrived here through unconventional means. My background is rather unique. The Queen didn't provide details, but she did say that I'm a demigod, much like Cú Chulainn. My progress has outpaced his, though I lag in terms of intellect."
Moving swiftly, Ashe reached my side in an instant, speaking in a hushed tone. "She happened upon a traveling group with a method to enter the Land of Shadows. They invited her to join them, and that's how she ended up here."
"Indeed, nothing about that seems odd. Intelligence isn't her strong suit," I replied. Noticing Alcippe's puzzled expression, I offered an almost matter-of-fact grin. "Alcippe might be stronger than Cú Chulainn, but unfortunately, her IQ is lower than his. She has an insatiable craving for combat, reminiscent of a certain God of War. Still, it doesn't pose a significant concern here in the Land of Shadows; her mental faculties are unlikely to cause much trouble. Ashe, how much time remains until the Gate of the Underworld opens?"
After a brief moment of contemplation, Ashe answered, "The gateway is already prepared. As for the exact timing, if we set off now, we should make it in time."
Without wasting a second, I tugged Ashe forward. I knew she might have intended to suggest I stay behind to guard Shadow Castle, but I recalled Scáthach's instructions from a few days ago—she had specifically told Ashe to accompany me. Besides, Alcippe had grown quite familiar with Ashe and seemed intent on joining the journey as well.
How should I put it? Suddenly, I felt a curious urge to face a god, just to see how it would feel when a demigod like Cú Chulainn or Alcippe confronts me with my own god-killing technique.
My Mystic Eye faintly brightened as I glanced at Alcippe, casting a chilling shadow over her, enough to make her visibly uneasy. I'd recently discovered the true nature of my Mystic Eye. While it wasn't as deadly as the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, it could still be incredibly dangerous in the right hands. By focusing on specific points, I could inflict various effects directly—similar to a martial artist striking pressure points to incapacitate an opponent. Paralysis, Power Suppression, Energy Disruption, Memory Erasure, even Soul Manipulation... the range of effects seemed endless.
With time, I could figure out all its possibilities. Who knows—even something like Reality Alteration might be within reach. But it's precisely that versatility that makes mastering it so challenging.
...
Stretching ahead of us lay an unending plain. Even though it was daytime, the sky had darkened like ink. Countless departed souls swarmed the area, an unrelenting tide of resentment and chilling energy that transformed the place into something straight out of the Netherworld. As the wind swept through, the grass along the edges frosted over, creating an eerie shimmer in the dim light.
Rippling waves spread outward from the ground. Within the protective barrier, spatial distortions expanded, revealing the expansive gate to the abyss—the entrance to the underworld. Two massive, fierce, three-headed Underworld hounds stood guard by the dark gate, radiating pure malice.
Almost in sync with the opening of the dark gate, an endless flood of departed souls surged forth like a tidal wave. Yet, instead of awe, a strange sense of foreboding surged within me, hinting that something monumental was about to happen.
I shifted into Martha's Pose—a fake, to prepare me for any emergency. Nearby, Ashe, who had seemed so composed and at ease moments ago, suddenly furrowed her brows, ordering her subordinates to heighten their vigilance. She quickly found a better sniping position and moved.
"Wow! So this is how it felt when I fought you. Are you getting ready for a fight, Kara?"
Alcippe's expression seemed to radiate anticipation. She eagerly unsheathed the war blade she'd acquired from the martial arts arena and fixed her gaze on the distant Gate of the Underworld, as if expecting a formidable foe to emerge from it.
"Exactly! Whoever we're about to face could be a powerful being from the underworld, maybe even a deity who controls death. If we're not cautious, this could be our end."
My tone was almost casual, but inside, I quickly ran through my knowledge of different gods tied to the underworld. Sure, myths and history could have embellishments, but any hint or preparation was better than none. I found myself wishing I'd asked my teacher about the defeated deities in detail—please, let whatever's coming be at least familiar!
The overwhelming movement of the souls was intimidating. But what if these souls, on their way to rebirth, suddenly redirected and surged toward us?
"They're coming…"
I tightened my grip on my magic spear and fixed my gaze on the three-headed Hellhounds emerging from the Gate of Darkness. Taking a deep breath, I patted Alcippe's shoulder, my voice steady with determination. "I'll leave those two Hellhounds to you… the guards can handle the rest!"
Alcippe's eyes burned with battle fever as she stepped forward, but she glanced back once. "And you?"
I focused on the shadowy figure slowly emerging from the Gate of Darkness. "We'll bury every intruder right here! Gods or demons—it doesn't matter."
In an instant, the battle began!