Within just a single day, the upheavals brought on by the Gates of the Underworld and the intrusion of dark forces were completely neutralized in the Land of Shadows. It was clear to me that, from top to bottom, the inhabitants here were driven by an unyielding thirst for battle. Around the time Scáthach and Aife reconciled, the warriors of the Land of Shadows had, of their own accord, equipped themselves and advanced to the two remaining fronts. Through this, I witnessed firsthand the indomitable power of this realm.
As the rift in the alternate space finally closed, I seized the chance to study the spatial phenomenon further, hoping to incorporate it into my Reduced Earth technique. With control over space as one of my elements, I also held some rudimentary knowledge from my time as the White Queen, allowing me to replicate certain skills with magical energy. Still, expanding this skill set remained elusive unless I could deepen my understanding of spatial magic.
Fortunately, Scáthach's expertise surpassed mine in spatial Magecraft. With her profound Wisdom of Dún Scáith, Scáthach guided me through rune arrangements, her gaze occasionally holding a peculiar intensity that I couldn't quite place. Intrigued by my efforts, Scáthach imparted new insights, seemingly more invested in my progress than before.
Despite his severe injuries from the recent battle, Cú Chulainn, hardened by countless rigorous training sessions, recovered quickly thanks to my restorative runes. As the "Son of Light," he reached full recovery remarkably fast. This battle had become a pivotal moment for his growth. By confronting the fury of his magic spear, he gained a higher level of understanding and felt confident that he would soon master this state—no longer needing the spear to drive him to madness.
Though Cú Chulainn's unpolished manner of speaking persisted, Scáthach promptly resumed his training upon his recovery. Under her relentless supervision, his life became a litany of grumbles, his daily experiences punctuated by bouts of misery. However, his impressive performance in the previous battle had clearly met Scáthach's demanding standards. In fact, he had reached a level where, upon leaving the Land of Shadows, he could return to his homeland and fulfill his long-awaited desire to take Emer as his wife.
Naturally, I intended to leave the Land of Shadows. After all, it had been two years since I arrived here. And though I was just 15, my height allowed me to pass as an adult, solving any issues regarding my age.
I couldn't help but feel glad I'd chosen to come to the Land of Shadows. Before this, I would have needed to rely on weapons and technology to save myself from whatever Marvel threw my way initially, or just sit everything out until I was strong enough. But now, with my mastery of rune magic, spear skills, and feats like slaying gods, I was more than a match for whatever came my way in the initial stages—unless my current universe wasn't Earth-199999.
I also had a hunch that the completion of the Third Magic might not be far off. By that time, I wouldn't just attain immortality; my soul would transform into an eternal power generator, possessing limitless magical energy. Previously, my immortality forced me into random rebirths upon death. However, with the completion of the Third Magic, I could simply reform my body from my soul instead. Granted, I might lose my Kryptonian abilities, but it would still have its advantages. In this scenario, even against deities at the level of the Nasuverse, I would have at least a fifty-fifty chance of victory—even without employing my Mystic Eyes.
As for the reason I won the Fifth Grail War, while I died against my last opponent, Gilgamesh, Okita, whom I summoned some time last year, unraveled the mystery. Gilgamesh, solely focused on me, the Master, instead of Okita, the Servant, had his spirit core destroyed by her 'Lightless, Three-Stage Thrust!' the moment he killed me. Poetic justice, indeed. Well, Okita, ever the dutiful Servant, decided to have the Holy Grail grant my wish. She herself had no wish of her own, but I resolved to get her out of the Throne of Heroes ASAP.
As for the death of the two gods, it didn't quite hit home for me; I didn't feel much… I should have if I were truly their so-called niece, Nemesis. It's not out of the realm of possibilities; I might very well have no memories of that time, but it still seems rather absurd.
…
Waking up wrapped in the warmth and softness of my covers, I allowed myself to luxuriate in my laziness. Soon, I will be leaving this place. I hope getting back will be as easy as coming here. Titania, as before, is blocked by the Counter Force—or perhaps she still hasn't fully recuperated, so I couldn't rely on her, so my only hope was to 'Skye Gate' myself back.
It was time to check what I have gotten from those two gods I had absorbed.
---
New Title:
Godslayer
New Abilities:
Offensive Abilities:
- Mystical Force Beams
- Hellfire
- Can create mystical flames or weapons of mystical flame, such as a spear or sword, whose touch can paralyze an opponent, even gods.
- Lifeforce Absorption
- Can drain the energy and life force from those you touch, skin to skin, with your hand, including other gods.
Defensive Abilities:
- Mystical Force Fields
- Enchantment of People and Objects
Control Abilities:
- Hydrokinesis
- Can eventually control the Earth's oceans
- Cryokinesis
- Earth Manipulation
- Can eventually control the Earth's tectonic plates, causing earthquakes and tsunamis.
- Memory Manipulation
Utility Abilities:
- Inter-Dimensional Teleportation
- Illusions
- Telepathy
- Can also communicate with aquatic life.
Special Abilities:
- Strength Enhancement
- Solar Eclipse
- Darkness Empowerment
- Passive ability that vastly enhances strength in dark environments.
- Umbrakinesis
- An active ability to manipulate shadows, shape them, or use them as weapons.
- Guardianship of the Underworld
- Chant: "I am the usurper of divine authority. I am the ruler of the Underworld. Wherever I go, death shall inevitably follow."
- Death corrodes the earth, transforming it into the Underworld's soil. The damage inflicted upon the Godslayer will be shared with the Underworld beneath their feet.
- Gates of the Underworld
- Temporarily summons a door to the Underworld. All living beings within the effective range will be drawn into the domain of the Underworld ruled by the user. Those who fail the magic and luck checks will be instantly killed upon being drawn through the door. Those unacknowledged cannot tread upon the realm of the Underworld in their living form.
...
Could it be that with this upgrade—absorbing the divine powers of those gods—I've somehow tapped into a mastery of abilities that border on omnipotence, similar to what Hades and Poseidon commanded? Some of these powers don't even resemble typical Magecraft; they feel more like instinctual talents, almost innate. It's… suspicious. And then there's this 'Guardian of the Underworld' ability, which has an odd, performative quality to it—like it's meant to serve as a title more than anything truly functional.
I have no desire to become the next Hades. No matter how complex these powers seem, they're still bound by limits. Against most beings, I can rely on my own strength or the power of Soul Synchronization.
Still, I can't help but wonder if these new skills would let me deal extra damage against gods. That thought has me intrigued. Especially with abilities rooted in 'Hades' and 'Absorption,' there's a lot of potential. I'll definitely be putting these powers to the test soon.
As my mind drifted and I felt myself on the edge of sleep, I suddenly jolted awake, feeling something soft—human skin—brush against mine. Blinking in confusion, my vision cleared to reveal a familiar face right beside me. Caught off guard, I whispered, "Teach?"
"Aife. Not my sister."
"Huh?!"
It took me a second to process the sight. Though nearly identical to Scáthach, Aife's demeanor and that ghostly pallor set her apart. When they're together, it's easy to mistake one for the other, and even Cú Chulainn admitted he'd gotten confused more than once. He once told me he'd ended up on the rebuilt castle roof because of it.
"But… wait, what? What are you doing here Aife?"
"I wanted to thank you, for everything you've done for me and my sister," Aife murmured, her voice quiet but sincere. "You were already asleep when I arrived, and I felt a bit tired myself, so I… decided to rest here for a moment. It's more comfortable than I thought."
I let out a deep breath, pushing away the awkwardness of the situation. "Then I accept your thanks, Aife."
Family bonds mean the world to me, and I'd go to great lengths to protect them. Seeing Aife and Scáthach reconciled brings me genuine relief. But accepting gratitude this up close… well, it feels a bit strange.
"Relax your mind and accept my soul integration."
Her sudden words made my pulse jump. She's only centimeters away, her warm breath grazing my skin. And then, closing the last bit of space between us, she presses her forehead gently to mine. A powerful surge of magical energy envelops me, and every instinct I have urges me to resist. But her earlier words linger in my mind. Slowly, I lower my defenses, allowing her energy to flow over me, accepting the force of her soul as it merges with mine.
As our souls intertwined, I was swept into the depths of Aife's most primal memories. It was all laid bare—her hesitant steps alongside Scáthach, the sting of her banishment from the Land of Shadows, the endless battles, and the lifeless faces that fell by her hand, both mortal and divine. She was caught in a ceaseless cycle of combat and rebirth, unaging, undying, moving through ages with Wisdom of Dún Scáith and a martial skill that bordered on the transcendent.
A strange awareness of time's passage flickered within me, and an inexplicable aura surrounded my senses. But then Aife drew her forehead away and placed a gentle kiss on mine. "This is my way of saying thank you. Please, accept it."
"Ah…" I felt warmth lingering on my forehead, caught off guard by the softness of her gesture. My eyes stayed open, feeling… almost teased.
Aife chuckled, tilting her head and tracing a pale finger along the corner of her mouth. "What's the matter? Was that not enough? Or perhaps you'd prefer something more… profound?"
"N-no, that's not it… It's just… you surprised me. I wasn't prepared." Not just for her kiss, but for the flood of memories, a lifetime of her existence that had poured into me in mere seconds.
She tapped my nose playfully, a glint in her eyes. "I can't express familial love in the same way, but these memories… they're treasures worth sharing. I hope you find something meaningful in them."
Flustered, I scratched my head. Handling Scáthach's intensity had been challenging enough, and now, Aife, with her own depth and complexities, was adding to the mix.
"Don't look so troubled," she said smoothly. "If there's anything on your mind, you know where to find me."
"It's nothing… I, uh, think I'll just get up now."
Still absorbing everything, I quickly rose, grabbed my clothes, and ran out the door my cheeks rosy, "Damn, that was...hot. Is that the charm of a mature woman?"
As I walked off, I caught her muttering to herself. "Cute her flustered face. Well, innocence does have its charm," she said with a curious smile. "But… isn't this child a bit too trusting? Showing me everything about reincarnation…"
Our soul fusion—a strange and divine connection. Through it, I'd glimpsed all Aife had shared, and in turn, she'd seen fragments of my last life as Illyasviel.
Later, as training began, I noticed Cú Chulainn strolling in, predictably late. He looked distracted, lost in thought, and I couldn't resist raising an eyebrow. "What's on your mind now? Will you ever stop worrying?"
He shrugged, clearly preoccupied. "I was thinking about how to say goodbye to our teacher. Not exactly my strong suit."
"Just speak plainly," I said, smirking. "Anyway, you've already proven yourself. That magic spear of yours speaks for itself."
He looked me over with a sigh. "And you? When do you plan to leave?"
I shrugged, caught between eagerness and hesitation. "I could leave anytime. I'm ready to return to the Land of the Living whenever, but I wouldn't mind lingering in this era a bit longer. After all, gods are still walking the earth."
He paused, his face shifting as if he'd realized something too late. "Well then, want to come with me to Ulster? I'm, uh, actually planning on getting married once I'm back… Having you around might make things… interesting." His expression changed instantly as if he regretted asking. Please disagree, I could almost hear him thinking.
"Sure, why not?" I grinned, relishing his look of panic. "I'll stay until I've had my fill of wedding wine!"
He groaned, clearly exasperated. I could almost see his future flashing before his eyes, dreading the spectacle I'd make at his wedding. Perhaps, I mused, he'd prefer to face a thousand battles than endure that.
...
In the distance, Scáthach observed her two disciples, pride filling her gaze as a soft sigh escaped her. They had arrived in her Land of Shadows to grow, but eventually, they would leave, just like those before them.
Aife, noticing her sister's pensive expression, smiled gently. "Sister, are you going to miss them?"
Scáthach shook her head, the faintest hint of a smile on her lips. "No, those who enter the Land of Shadows come here to fulfill their martial paths. Once they've succeeded, they're destined to leave. I've grown accustomed to it." She paused, her gaze steady. "But their fates are… complex. They stir something within me."
Aife placed a reassuring hand on Scáthach's shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll meet again, I'm sure of it."
Scáthach's eyes softened as she watched Kara in the distance, her student radiating a quiet, fierce confidence. Yes, she thought, a faint smile returning. Kara will find her way back here… I know she will.