Chang-Sun frowned. ‘How did she come out?’
He could be certain that the Mother Terra Celestial was still trapped in her egg and was tied up in the chains made by <Supreme Light> and <Deus Ex Machina>. She had been receiving energy from the 'outside,’ but Chang-Sun had since severed that link. That should have made it impossible for her to resurrect again. What in the world happened?
[The Authority ‘Foretelling Eye’ has been activated, analyzing the situation.]
[Analyzing.]
...
With his [Foretelling Eye], Chang-Sun quickly understood what was going on.
‘She didn’t escape from where she’s sealed. Rather, she sent some of her consciousness out and used Tiamat as a medium by exploiting Tiamat’s unstable Divine Class.’
It looked like the Mother Terra Celestial was so furious about Chang-Sun severing the link to the 'outside' that she had woken up in her egg. Swiftly discovering that most of Tiamat—her Avatar in this Wordline—was enveloped in [Gaia's Curse], she decided to use her.
As a Celestial King, under normal circumstances, Tiamat could have resisted the Mother Terra Celestial’s influence. Unfortunately, she was in bad condition right now.
It seemed Chang-Sun’s decision to save Tiamat had ultimately led to the Mother Terra Celestial’s awakening.
‘Worldline #802 will be in danger.’
The Divine Tree that had grown from Tiamat was now spreading its branches and roots all over <Heaven> and the Worldline. It kept sucking in the Worldline’s nutrients to grow, turning the land into a wasteland where no life could live.
At the same time, [Gaia's Curse] spread at an uncontrollable speed. Worldline #802 was already on the brink of destruction due to not having Celestials, so it wouldn’t take long for [Gaia's Curse] to fill up the entire Worldline. After that... it would become an uninhabitable place and meet doom.
Paaah!
Chang-Sun began to move again.
***
[The Celestial ‘Divine Twilight’ has descended!]
Arriving at the outskirts of ‘Nastrond,’ Chang-Sun immediately felt the fresh air breeze past him.
The unexpected sight made his eyes widen. ‘I thought this place would be in the worst condition, but it seems to be unaffected by everything the most. Is it because of the barrier?’
The area that Chang-Sun had landed on was protected by a dome-shaped barrier. Several of the Divine Tree’s thick roots were on top of it.
Loki quickly came running to Chang-Sun. “Twilight.”
He was usually relaxed and mischievous. However, right now, he looked as if he was feeling a sense of urgency.
“What happened?” Chang-Sun asked.
“Exactly what it looks like. Durga and I were guarding Tiamat, but she suddenly went berserk again.”
The Mother Terra Celestial seemed to have used Tiamat as a medium after all.
“What about Lady Tiamat?”
Loki quietly shook his head and then looked at the roots on the barrier. From his silence and the sight before him, Chang-Sun realized that Tiamat’s body had been eaten by the Divine Tree.
Grrrrr―!
Roaaaaaar!
Kieeeeeh―!
The Divine Tree looked so grotesque that it would have been more apt to call it a Demonic Tree. Ghosts were glued to the roots, frantically waving their arms around and unleashing the stench of death. Perhaps Tiamat was already among them. Of course, the soul of a being with such a Divine Class couldn’t have already completely degraded, but it would be complacent not to consider the possibility.
Chang-Sun took a look around. “I see you managed to build a shelter.”
“All thanks to you helping me save Angrboda.”
Chang-Sun’s eyes shone. “Is Lady Angrboda awake?”
“Yes. Fortunately, she had woken up before Tiamat went berserk, allowing her to undo the curse of <Niflheim> and form a barrier,” Loki said, his eyes tinged with happiness. “The revival of <Muspelheim> and <Jotunheim> restored the balance of power, which is another reason this is possible.”
The revival of the Giants meant <Niflheim> could rise again from their decline.
Loki’s eyes sharpened again. “The barrier won’t hold for much longer, though. We’ll have to find a way to stop this before that happens.”
“I agree. That’s why I’m thinking of forming a special unit even though it could be dangerous.”
Loki’s eyes glinted. “You got it, didn’t you?”
“Yes. It should be enough to stop the tree.”
“Good. We should stop standing around, then—!”
Rumble! Ruuuumble!
Before Loki could finish speaking, several lightning bolts struck down around Chang-Sun. The Celestials who had sensed Chang-Sun’s presence a little later than Loki had arrived.
“I’ll join the unit.”
“Me too! Me too! A job like this is for a brave guy like me!”
“I would like to lend a hand as well.”
Minerva, Mars, and Mercury volunteered.
“I-I-I can help too...”
“That stupid tree has eaten a Celestial King’s Divine Class, which is a big freaking problem. It will damn us all if it gets to our Worldline, so if you need my help, I’ll also join the unit.”
Serket, Cernunnos, and the other Celestials were also eager to join. The most fervent volunteers were the members of <Nammu>—Pabilsag and Tiamat’s other children. They were ready to do anything if they could bring back their mother.
After looking at the people around him, Chang-Sun firmly shook his head. “Although I appreciate everyone volunteering, Sir Loki, Lady Durga, and I will have to deal with this on our own.”
“What?!”
Many people in the crowd protested against his decision.
“We are about to go to a place crawling with [Gaia's Curse]. You all will only get in our way,” Chang-Sun said.
The Celestials pursed their lips. Chang-Sun was basically looking down on their abilities. However, although it stung, he was telling the truth. Chang-Sun planned to get closer to the enormous Divine Tree. If they followed him, their <Myths> would disintegrate before they could even take a few steps outside the barrier.
Pabilsag bit on her lower lip for a moment. Unable to give up, she argued, “But the higher one’s Divine Class is, the more lethal [Gaia's Curse] is.”
Chang-Sun nodded. “That’s true, but there I’ve got a solution for that. Anyway, we’re running out of time. I can’t entertain any more protests.”
He coldly gazed at each of the United Army Celestials. He then turned back to Loki, signaled him that they should go, and asked where Durga was.
‘I can’t see Kali and some of the others too. Where are they? Are they all together?’ Chang-Sun wondered.
Loki awkwardly scratched his cheek. “We’ve got a problem.”
“A problem?”
After glancing at the other Celestials, Loki sent Chang-Sun a telepathic message so only he could hear.
『Durga is seriously injured.』
*
[The Celestial ‘Wrath Incarnation’ is looking at you with blazing eyes!]
Durga was sitting in the lotus position in the depths of ‘Nastrond.’ She didn’t look good. “You’re finally here. You sure took your time.”
“... Did Tiamat do this to you?”
“One thing led to another, but it’s not worth your attention,” Durga casually answered.
Contrary to her tone, her skin was rotting black and releasing a bad stench, indicating that she had been poisoned with [Gaia's Curse]. Although she was one of the strongest Nine Heavens, the energy she exuded was a lot weaker than usual.
“She stopped Tiamat while other Celestials escaped,” Kali explained as she tended to Durga with Baek Gyeo-Ul.
Kali’s expression was especially grim. Even though she had severed her ties to Durga long ago, Durga was still her mother. Hence, she naturally felt hurt seeing her get injured.
As Durga’s student, Gyeo-Ul, who was massaging her hands and feet, felt the same way.
Durga faintly smiled, which didn’t match her menacing look. “My injury’s frustrating me, but it does have the upside of my daughter and student taking care of me with their utmost devotion.”
“Don’t say such nonsense and just focus on getting better! Don’t do anything dangerous either!” Kali yelled.
This was Chang-Sun’s first time witnessing Kali behave so emotionally, so he found it quite strange. After watching Kali and Durga for a moment, Chang-Sun looked at Crom Cruach, who was reciting magic spells by their side. Her magic spells seemed to be greatly contributing to Durga's fight against [Gaia's Curse].
『How long does she have?』 Chang-Sun asked.
『... I tried hard not to make it look obvious, but is it?』
『I’ve seen a lot of people afflicted with [Gaia's Curse].』
Crom let out a long sigh. 『Although I’m trying my best to stop it... she has two to four days at most.』
Chang-Sun’s face darkened, realizing that the situation was a lot more serious than he had thought. 『I brought medicine called [Gaia's Blessing]. Will it not be enough to cure her?』
Crom’s eyes twinkled. 『You got the Mother Terra Celestial’s remains?』
『I made this with the people of the <Underworld>. It should help.』
『... I also know how good the people of the <Underworld> are. However, while I truly wish we could still use it, it’s already too late.』 Crom sighed.『The curse has already reached her bone marrow and is breaking down her soul’s entire framework. There is no stopping it now. It’s better to let her rest in peace.』
Chang-Sun held himself back from gasping out loud. He knew full well why Crom was acting so cautiously around Kali. There was no easy way to tell someone that it was time to put their mother to eternal sleep.
Crom bit her lower lip. 『I’m saying this for a reason.』
Flick!
When Crom flicked her fingers, a recording appeared in front of Chang-Sun. In a prison surrounded by metal bars, dozens of Celestials let out eerie shrieks. Not only did they seem out of their right minds, but their skins were also turning black like Durga’s.
『Are they...?』
『Yes, they’re the Celestials who got caught up when Tiamat went berserk again. The [Gaia's Curse] that is spreading right now not only disintegrates <Myths> but also drives people insane. To make things worse, it also infects Celestials who try to subdue those who have lost their minds. It’s like a zombie virus,』 Crom explained.
『... Has Durga shown similar symptoms?』 Chang-Sun asked.
『She’s just suppressing the symptoms down with her high Divine Class, but...』 Crom’s face darkened. 『If we take too long to decide, we might end up losing control of her.』
While Chang-Sun was having trouble coming up with what to say, Durga said, “Kali.”
Wondering why she was calling her daughter all of a sudden, everyone looked at Durga. Among them, Kali was especially nervous.
Durga continued. “Prepare to inherit the snow mountain.”
“... Mother? What are you talking about?”
“I’m handing over my throne to you. It’s already too late for me.”
“That is—!”
Instead of listening to Kali, Durga turned to Chang-Sun. “Since you’re Kali’s master, there is something I would like to talk to you about. Can you send everyone else out?”
Right afterward, Durga sent a telepathic messag
Chang-Sun frowned. ‘How did she come out?’
He could be certain that the Mother Terra Celestial was still trapped in her egg and was tied up in the chains made by <Supreme Light> and <Deus Ex Machina>. She had been receiving energy from the 'outside,’ but Chang-Sun had since severed that link. That should have made it impossible for her to resurrect again. What in the world happened?
[The Authority ‘Foretelling Eye’ has been activated, analyzing the situation.]
[Analyzing.]
...
With his [Foretelling Eye], Chang-Sun quickly understood what was going on.
‘She didn’t escape from where she’s sealed. Rather, she sent some of her consciousness out and used Tiamat as a medium by exploiting Tiamat’s unstable Divine Class.’
It looked like the Mother Terra Celestial was so furious about Chang-Sun severing the link to the 'outside' that she had woken up in her egg. Swiftly discovering that most of Tiamat—her Avatar in this Wordline—was enveloped in [Gaia's Curse], she decided to use her.
As a Celestial King, under normal circumstances, Tiamat could have resisted the Mother Terra Celestial’s influence. Unfortunately, she was in bad condition right now.
It seemed Chang-Sun’s decision to save Tiamat had ultimately led to the Mother Terra Celestial’s awakening.
‘Worldline #802 will be in danger.’
The Divine Tree that had grown from Tiamat was now spreading its branches and roots all over <Heaven> and the Worldline. It kept sucking in the Worldline’s nutrients to grow, turning the land into a wasteland where no life could live.
At the same time, [Gaia's Curse] spread at an uncontrollable speed. Worldline #802 was already on the brink of destruction due to not having Celestials, so it wouldn’t take long for [Gaia's Curse] to fill up the entire Worldline. After that... it would become an uninhabitable place and meet doom.
Paaah!
Chang-Sun began to move again.
***
[The Celestial ‘Divine Twilight’ has descended!]
Arriving at the outskirts of ‘Nastrond,’ Chang-Sun immediately felt the fresh air breeze past him.
The unexpected sight made his eyes widen. ‘I thought this place would be in the worst condition, but it seems to be unaffected by everything the most. Is it because of the barrier?’
The area that Chang-Sun had landed on was protected by a dome-shaped barrier. Several of the Divine Tree’s thick roots were on top of it.
Loki quickly came running to Chang-Sun. “Twilight.”
He was usually relaxed and mischievous. However, right now, he looked as if he was feeling a sense of urgency.
“What happened?” Chang-Sun asked.
“Exactly what it looks like. Durga and I were guarding Tiamat, but she suddenly went berserk again.”
The Mother Terra Celestial seemed to have used Tiamat as a medium after all.
“What about Lady Tiamat?”
Loki quietly shook his head and then looked at the roots on the barrier. From his silence and the sight before him, Chang-Sun realized that Tiamat’s body had been eaten by the Divine Tree.
Grrrrr―!
Roaaaaaar!
Kieeeeeh―!
The Divine Tree looked so grotesque that it would have been more apt to call it a Demonic Tree. Ghosts were glued to the roots, frantically waving their arms around and unleashing the stench of death. Perhaps Tiamat was already among them. Of course, the soul of a being with such a Divine Class couldn’t have already completely degraded, but it would be complacent not to consider the possibility.
Chang-Sun took a look around. “I see you managed to build a shelter.”
“All thanks to you helping me save Angrboda.”
Chang-Sun’s eyes shone. “Is Lady Angrboda awake?”
“Yes. Fortunately, she had woken up before Tiamat went berserk, allowing her to undo the curse of <Niflheim> and form a barrier,” Loki said, his eyes tinged with happiness. “The revival of <Muspelheim> and <Jotunheim> restored the balance of power, which is another reason this is possible.”
The revival of the Giants meant <Niflheim> could rise again from their decline.
Loki’s eyes sharpened again. “The barrier won’t hold for much longer, though. We’ll have to find a way to stop this before that happens.”
“I agree. That’s why I’m thinking of forming a special unit even though it could be dangerous.”
Loki’s eyes glinted. “You got it, didn’t you?”
“Yes. It should be enough to stop the tree.”
“Good. We should stop standing around, then—!”
Rumble! Ruuuumble!
Before Loki could finish speaking, several lightning bolts struck down around Chang-Sun. The Celestials who had sensed Chang-Sun’s presence a little later than Loki had arrived.
“I’ll join the unit.”
“Me too! Me too! A job like this is for a brave guy like me!”
“I would like to lend a hand as well.”
Minerva, Mars, and Mercury volunteered.
“I-I-I can help too...”
“That stupid tree has eaten a Celestial King’s Divine Class, which is a big freaking problem. It will damn us all if it gets to our Worldline, so if you need my help, I’ll also join the unit.”
Serket, Cernunnos, and the other Celestials were also eager to join. The most fervent volunteers were the members of <Nammu>—Pabilsag and Tiamat’s other children. They were ready to do anything if they could bring back their mother.
After looking at the people around him, Chang-Sun firmly shook his head. “Although I appreciate everyone volunteering, Sir Loki, Lady Durga, and I will have to deal with this on our own.”
“What?!”
Many people in the crowd protested against his decision.
“We are about to go to a place crawling with [Gaia's Curse]. You all will only get in our way,” Chang-Sun said.
The Celestials pursed their lips. Chang-Sun was basically looking down on their abilities. However, although it stung, he was telling the truth. Chang-Sun planned to get closer to the enormous Divine Tree. If they followed him, their <Myths> would disintegrate before they could even take a few steps outside the barrier.
Pabilsag bit on her lower lip for a moment. Unable to give up, she argued, “But the higher one’s Divine Class is, the more lethal [Gaia's Curse] is.”
Chang-Sun nodded. “That’s true, but there I’ve got a solution for that. Anyway, we’re running out of time. I can’t entertain any more protests.”
He coldly gazed at each of the United Army Celestials. He then turned back to Loki, signaled him that they should go, and asked where Durga was.
‘I can’t see Kali and some of the others too. Where are they? Are they all together?’ Chang-Sun wondered.
Loki awkwardly scratched his cheek. “We’ve got a problem.”
“A problem?”
After glancing at the other Celestials, Loki sent Chang-Sun a telepathic message so only he could hear.
『Durga is seriously injured.』
*
[The Celestial ‘Wrath Incarnation’ is looking at you with blazing eyes!]
Durga was sitting in the lotus position in the depths of ‘Nastrond.’ She didn’t look good. “You’re finally here. You sure took your time.”
“... Did Tiamat do this to you?”
“One thing led to another, but it’s not worth your attention,” Durga casually answered.
Contrary to her tone, her skin was rotting black and releasing a bad stench, indicating that she had been poisoned with [Gaia's Curse]. Although she was one of the strongest Nine Heavens, the energy she exuded was a lot weaker than usual.
“She stopped Tiamat while other Celestials escaped,” Kali explained as she tended to Durga with Baek Gyeo-Ul.
Kali’s expression was especially grim. Even though she had severed her ties to Durga long ago, Durga was still her mother. Hence, she naturally felt hurt seeing her get injured.
As Durga’s student, Gyeo-Ul, who was massaging her hands and feet, felt the same way.
Durga faintly smiled, which didn’t match her menacing look. “My injury’s frustrating me, but it does have the upside of my daughter and student taking care of me with their utmost devotion.”
“Don’t say such nonsense and just focus on getting better! Don’t do anything dangerous either!” Kali yelled.
This was Chang-Sun’s first time witnessing Kali behave so emotionally, so he found it quite strange. After watching Kali and Durga for a moment, Chang-Sun looked at Crom Cruach, who was reciting magic spells by their side. Her magic spells seemed to be greatly contributing to Durga's fight against [Gaia's Curse].
『How long does she have?』 Chang-Sun asked.
『... I tried hard not to make it look obvious, but is it?』
『I’ve seen a lot of people afflicted with [Gaia's Curse].』
Crom let out a long sigh. 『Although I’m trying my best to stop it... she has two to four days at most.』
Chang-Sun’s face darkened, realizing that the situation was a lot more serious than he had thought. 『I brought medicine called [Gaia's Blessing]. Will it not be enough to cure her?』
Crom’s eyes twinkled. 『You got the Mother Terra Celestial’s remains?』
『I made this with the people of the <Underworld>. It should help.』
『... I also know how good the people of the <Underworld> are. However, while I truly wish we could still use it, it’s already too late.』 Crom sighed.『The curse has already reached her bone marrow and is breaking down her soul’s entire framework. There is no stopping it now. It’s better to let her rest in peace.』
Chang-Sun held himself back from gasping out loud. He knew full well why Crom was acting so cautiously around Kali. There was no easy way to tell someone that it was time to put their mother to eternal sleep.
Crom bit her lower lip. 『I’m saying this for a reason.』
Flick!
When Crom flicked her fingers, a recording appeared in front of Chang-Sun. In a prison surrounded by metal bars, dozens of Celestials let out eerie shrieks. Not only did they seem out of their right minds, but their skins were also turning black like Durga’s.
『Are they...?』
『Yes, they’re the Celestials who got caught up when Tiamat went berserk again. The [Gaia's Curse] that is spreading right now not only disintegrates <Myths> but also drives people insane. To make things worse, it also infects Celestials who try to subdue those who have lost their minds. It’s like a zombie virus,』 Crom explained.
『... Has Durga shown similar symptoms?』 Chang-Sun asked.
『She’s just suppressing the symptoms down with her high Divine Class, but...』 Crom’s face darkened. 『If we take too long to decide, we might end up losing control of her.』
While Chang-Sun was having trouble coming up with what to say, Durga said, “Kali.”
Wondering why she was calling her daughter all of a sudden, everyone looked at Durga. Among them, Kali was especially nervous.
Durga continued. “Prepare to inherit the snow mountain.”
“... Mother? What are you talking about?”
“I’m handing over my throne to you. It’s already too late for me.”
“That is—!”
Instead of listening to Kali, Durga turned to Chang-Sun. “Since you’re Kali’s master, there is something I would like to talk to you about. Can you send everyone else out?”
Right afterward, Durga sent a telepathic messag
