Chapter 71: The Melancholy of Nibiru, 2nd Class Dimension Management God-3
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 71: The Melancholy of Nibiru, 2nd Class Dimension Management God-3
Nibiru did not offer a long-winded explanation regarding the definitions of gods, dimensions, and mortals.
Such explanations were rarely helpful; they usually only served to make the listener feel as though the information had nothing to do with them.
Instead, Nibiru briefly informed her of three facts.
First, many dimensions exist in the world.
Second, Kang In-ho—the man Mina cherished—moves to another dimension every time he dies.
Third, his current location is unknown.
"So, what I have to do is..."
The explanation had been short for something involving the origins of the universe, yet long considering the weight of the task ahead. When Nibiru finished, the elegant woman asked her question.
Her voice was calm, but her body visibly trembled at the thought that the man she believed dead was actually alive.
"You must retrace his steps and hunt him down. Since we can't pinpoint his current location, you'll have to find the traces of his movements in the dimensions he visited in the past."
"Then... I should start from where I lived."
"There might be a pattern we're unaware of, so we'll start from the very first place he moved to."
Snap!
As Nibiru clapped her hands, a crack split the air with a sharp, fracturing sound.
Beyond the rift lay a cityscape not much different from the one Mina had lived in.
"That is said to be the place where he made his first dimension transfer. My junior set the first destination herself, so it's a certainty."
"Then I'll be going."
"Whoa, whoa! Wait a second. What’s the rush? You have to listen to the precautions before you go."
"...Yes, please go ahead."
When the woman stared at her with an expression that practically screamed for her to hurry up, Nibiru sighed in disbelief.
Are all mortals these days this fearless?
First, there was that man named Kang In-ho, who had supposedly flipped Ranael off and cursed at her, and now there was this woman... Shouldn't they be at least a little intimidated by a god?
Nibiru felt like an old fogey who had failed to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
"Environments vary wildly from dimension to dimension. Fortunately, the [Earth] template is stable and popular, so many gods have adopted it, but there are also fantasy-like dimensions like the ones you see in movies or comics."
"I see."
"If you were to just drop into a place like that, you'd meet a sudden, miserable end in your current state. You have no means to protect yourself."
"Ah..."
As if only just realizing this, the woman let her mouth hang open slightly and nodded.
Nibiru felt a tightness in her chest.
"Unlike Kang In-ho, resurrection is impossible for you... As for why, if a person with no other record of Dimension Entry were to be resurrected, the god of that dimension would find out immediately."
"Then won't In-ho be caught as well?"
"Well... the existence known as Kang In-ho is a bit unique. He takes the form of Overwriting a target in the dimension he moves to. A sort of switch?"
"An Overwrite..."
"Even I didn't realize he had entered without permission. I only found out after Causality was warped by your actions."
How startled she had been when she realized Causality had gone awry.
Fortunately, she had tuned it before it could deviate further; otherwise, a major disaster would have occurred.
"Anyway, since there's no risk of him being caught through resurrection, I'm going to grant you the ability to travel through dimensions and draw out the power to protect yourself."
"Draw it out?"
"Yes. I will manifest the 'Concept' hidden within your being."
"Is that possible?"
"...I am a god, believe it or not."
Having been asked the most absurd question she’d heard in centuries, Nibiru replied with her shoulders slumped.
What does this woman take me for?
"Close your eyes for a moment."
At Nibiru’s command, the woman closed her eyes.
Nibiru approached her and placed a fingertip against her solar plexus.
Her hand continued to sink into the woman's chest as Nibiru continuously chanted something like a spell.
Soon, a substance resembling thick black paint began to flow over the woman's body. Nibiru withdrew her hand and spoke.
"Melancholy, lethargy, and regret... It's a bit sad for a Concept that defines you."
"You really are a god. That's exactly right."
The woman smiled—a smile she hadn't shown before. It looked profoundly sorrowful.
"Your ability has been formed based on your Concept. Now, why don't you try reaching out your hand and imagining you're drawing out that power?"
"Like this... Oh?"
As she reached out as instructed, the black paint spread from her feet, beginning to permeate every corner of the space.
"In the distant past, this Concept was called the 'Ancient Shadow.' This clone of yours has the ability to devour neutralized targets and use their abilities for a limited time."
"It's also said you can materialize the shadow to create objects, so it seems like a versatile ability."
"I think it will take some time to get used to it," the woman said, clenching and unclenching her fists as she adjusted the size of the shadow.
"Yes. Try to familiarize yourself with the ability as you travel through the dimensions ahead."
"I understand. Is that all, then?"
"One more thing. When you enter a dimension, I will inform you which class of god manages it. You don't need to worry much about 3rd or 4th Class dimensions. However, if you visit a 1st or 2nd Class dimension, try not to do anything that stands out."
"Understood. Are there dimensions higher than 1st Class?"
"There are places called Original Dimensions. You don't need to know about them. They are so well-protected that they're inaccessible by normal spells."
"I see. Then, I'll be going now."
After a polite bow, the woman walked toward the rift in space without hesitation.
Nibiru watched her go, hoping she would fulfill her assigned task well.
At the edge of the rift, the woman turned back to Nibiru and asked.
"By the way... you said earlier that In-ho was an Overwrite."
"Yes, that's right."
"Then, was the In-ho I knew not actually In-ho?"
"...Yes. His existence was overwritten. Do you... resent him for it?"
The woman remained silent at Nibiru’s words.
After a long deliberation, she—Lee Mina—spoke with a faint smile.
"No. In-ho is In-ho, so it doesn't matter to me. Whether it was before or after the change, In-ho was like a sanctuary to me."
—In fact, I don't even know when he changed.
She murmured to herself.
Step, step.
"I have to meet him. I have to meet him and tell him I'm sorry."
"And."
"I really want to tell him that I still love him."
She spoke clearly as she stepped into the world visible beyond the rift.
"I hope things go well for you, Lee Mina."
As she sent Lee Mina away, Nibiru felt melancholy.