Chapter 176: Provocation
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 176: Provocation
Lee Mina was forced to endure an unwanted week of camping.
While the decision had been coerced through sheer force, Mina didn't actually have any other choice. It would have taken that much time anyway to pinpoint the specific dimension In-ho had crossed into.
During that week, as the Shadow worked tirelessly to analyze the traces In-ho had left behind, she lived with the Heavenly Demon in a small log cabin the woman had built.
"I lived here for about a year."
When Mina asked how long she had been waiting for him, the Heavenly Demon replied with a scowl.
The somewhat absurd truth was that the reason she had attacked Mina out of the blue wasn't because Mina was pursuing In-ho. It was simply because she was furious at having to live on this mountain for an entire year.
"So, there are worlds called dimensions, and there are countless dimensions in this universe..."
"And you're saying In-ho crosses between those dimensions whenever he dies? While changing his appearance?"
It took some time to explain the concepts of gods, dimensions, and possession to the Heavenly Demon, who knew nothing of such things. She asked the same questions over and over, and Mina answered patiently.
Of course, even if Mina had gotten annoyed, it wouldn't have changed anything. If anything, she would have been met with a fist rather than an apology.
Mina and the Heavenly Demon spent their time staring blankly into the flickering campfire.
Crackle, crackle.
As Mina listened to the sound of branches snapping in the flames and contemplated her next move, the Heavenly Demon’s indifferent voice drifted over.
"So, what exactly is your relationship with In-ho?"
There was a strange hint of curiosity—and suspicion—in her voice.
"We were colleagues. Though I was higher in rank."
"I suppose it wasn't a particularly special relationship, then. What was In-ho like in your world?" the Heavenly Demon asked, seemingly curious.
"He was playful... He’d say no when something wasn't right, but... he seemed like the type of person who disliked major conflict," Mina said after a moment of reflection.
"His character doesn't change much, then. And what about the other dimensions you found while coming here? How did In-ho die in those places?"
Perhaps it was because she had finally met someone to share stories about her disciple with, but the Heavenly Demon’s questions were relentless.
"Mostly... he was murdered. Poisoned, or stabbed with a blade."
As soon as Mina finished speaking, the Heavenly Demon’s unbridled killing intent surged, blanketing the entire mountain. Mina’s expression twisted in pain as the aura constricted her heart, prompting the Heavenly Demon to quickly withdraw her energy.
"If you say 'mostly,' then I assume there were some different deaths as well."
The Heavenly Demon’s eyes glinted sharply.
"That's right. In my world, it was an accident. A train... well, by the standards here, it would be like an accident while riding a carriage."
Mina’s brow furrowed slightly, as if she didn't want to remember it.
"A dog's death, then," the Heavenly Demon concluded flatly.
"...I won't deny that."
"And the others?"
"Death by old age. He was a noble of sorts, so a maid—a servant—stayed by his side and cared for him until he passed."
"Old age? Hahahaha! You said his appearance changes, so I suppose he became an old man."
The Heavenly Demon laughed loudly, imagining her disciple as an elderly man.
"Regardless, I should like to meet this servant who attended to In-ho."
"Why?"
"She looked after my disciple well. I thought I might give her a reward."
Mina briefly recalled Emma and the faint smile she had worn.
In this manner, the two of them exchanged stories about In-ho. By sharing what In-ho had done in their respective worlds, they began to slowly pull out the nails of loss that had been driven deep into their hearts.
It seemed as though the nails were finally being removed.
"However..."
The Heavenly Demon, who had been silent for a moment, slowly spoke. The trees that had been swaying in the wind suddenly went still, as if frozen in time.
"Setting aside your promise to that absolute being, you have no reason to chase In-ho, do you?"
The woman who had been sharing stories about In-ho with a gentle smile just moments ago was gone. In her place stood the tyrant who had pinned Mina to the ground and suppressed her a week ago.
"What do you mean?" Mina asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"The one you first gave your heart to wasn't In-ho, but the being who existed before him, was it not?"
Thump.
It felt as if a heavy weight had dropped into her chest. Mina felt a wave of nausea.
"From beginning to end, the one I formed a bond with was the existence known as 'Kang In-ho.'"
Despite Mina’s uncomfortable expression, the Heavenly Demon pressed on. She wore a triumphant look, like a warrior who had seized the advantage in battle.
"But that isn't the case for you, is it? The being you first opened your heart to was certainly not In-ho. Am I wrong?"
The Heavenly Demon mocked Mina with a twisted smile. Seeing that blatant look of ridicule, Mina flared up.
"No! I love In-ho!"
She had said the same thing to the Goddess Nibiru before embarking on her dimensional journey. Whether before or after the change, In-ho was In-ho to her. She had told the goddess that she still loved him.
"You said possession is when one existence is overwritten by another," the Heavenly Demon continued to sneer, as if trying to shake Mina’s resolve. "Then, have you never considered that perhaps your current feelings are also a lie?"
Before Mina realized it, the Heavenly Demon had closed the distance and poked her in the chest.
It hurt. Not her chest, but her heart.
"N-no. I... I love In-ho."
My heart won't change.
I don't hate him.
I'm going to find him and tell him I'm sorry.
And I'll tell him that I love him—that I've always loved him.
"No, no, no... That's not it, no!!"
Mina’s pupils shook violently.
"Hand it over. That power."
The Heavenly Demon whispered to Mina in a suggestive tone.
"W-what?"
"You seem to lack certainty in your own heart, seeing as you're swayed by a mere few words."
The Heavenly Demon clicked her tongue.
"Do you really think you can chase after In-ho with that state of mind? Your heart will crumble soon enough."
She spoke as if she were seeing the future.
"So, hand it over. The power to cross dimensions."
The Heavenly Demon’s finger pointed toward Mina’s pitch-black shadow.
"......"
Lee Mina remained silent. It was her way of refusing.
"Ha!"
The Heavenly Demon let out a scoff of disbelief. She reached out with her right hand and grabbed Mina by the collar.
"This is the last time I shall ask politely."
The Heavenly Demon’s red eyes flashed dangerously.