Chapter 441: Star, Jotunheim (1)

Chapter 441: Star, Jotunheim (1)

[You have been invited to the Divine Ground Babylonia!]

So this is how this place is supposed to look, Chang-Sun said, following Bel-Marduk.

Babylonia looked like an impenetrable fortress from the outside, but the land within its walls was filled with beautiful and impressive buildings.

T-Twilight!

Why in the world is he here?

Master, may I ask why you brought that insolent man here? Urash frowned, blatantly giving Chang-Sun a once-over. The protectors of Babylonia seemed bewildered by the arrival of an unexpected guest.

Theyre disgusting. I get that you want something from them, but do we really have to talk to them in person?Kali grumbled in Chang-Suns mind. Although he had briefly explained the situation he was in, she seemed to be having trouble suppressing her hatred likely due to her grudge against Urash.

You often make decisions without consulting me and the others first only to leave it to us to handle the aftermath. After everything youve gone through because of your rash decisions, do you seriously still want to do this?

Crom Cruach couldnt help but chuckle. Kali, who was usually gentle and understanding of Chang-Suns choices, reproached him unusually sharply today.

Ha! You better brace yourself for a days worth of scolding, Twilight. Even I cant stop Kali when shes like that.

I-I dont think we should give Twilight too much of a hard time.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Xerx.

Hmm?

Do you want Kali to nag you instead?Crom scowled.

Sorry,Xerxes said, tucking his tail between his legs.

The anger of the quiet one has always been the scariest.Crom giggled, having a lot of fun watching Kali scold Chang-Sun.

Chang-Sun just remained silent. Kali would scold him harder if tried to make excuses.

Youre going to find yourself in really deep trouble if you dont fix that nasty habit. I already told you about this several times, so why dont you listen

Kali went on. Since she was very patient, her complaints would never end whenever she started voicing them out. Even the mischievous Crom avoided Kali in times like this. Otherwise, she would nag her all day as well.

Namo Amitabha[1] Chang-Sun prayed as he tried to block out her nagging.

Are you listening to me?

O-of course, Chang-Sun answered.

You sound suspicious, but Ill let it slide. Anyway, you have to change your cultivation method to get rid of your impulsiveness

Kali was now setting a new goal for Chang-Suns training.

I need to talk to Twilight in private. Wait outside, Bel-Marduk commanded.

The protectors bowed and left the room, showing absolute obedience and loyalty even though they likely disapproved or had questions about this meeting.

I envy that a little, Chang-Sun murmured.

What?

Did I say something?

Didnt you just say you envy how they obey him?

No way. Im already contented just having my friends by my side. Why would I even think of something like that? You probably just heard me incorrectly, Chang-Sun replied, denying Kalis suspicion.

You sound very suspicious. Anyway, as I was sayingKali continued.

Chang-Sun cleared half his mind and sat where Bel-Marduk pointed. Bel-Marduks subordinates set down teacups on a huge round table.

Whoa, look at that.

Ive been under this impression ever since we entered the divine ground, but Bel-Marduk might just truly be Twilight from a different Worldline.

Crom and Xerxes, who were watching the meeting through Chang-Suns eyes, sounded surprised. The decorations and interior seemed tailored completely according to Chang-Suns taste. Even the teacup in front of him was white and neat, just like how he liked it.

Crom and Xerxes were finally convinced that Taurus, whom they had fought to the bitter end, was another Chang-Sun all this time when they saw the castles interior. Few people other than Chang-sun had such unique preferences.

Your condition is very odd for someone who is trying to look before he leaps.

Hmph! Were changing a future that is already set in stone. I dont want to go on a wild goose chase anymore. Bel-Marduk drank what was left of his tea, then continued, Foretellings can always change depending on what choice we make anyway, so I only need one that tells me this wont be a waste of time.

Bel-Marduk smirked. If you give me that assurance Ill join your madness. What do you think?

Chang-Sun nodded as he slowly stood up. Ill do it.

A foretelling

In truth, Chang-Sun was the one who was in dire need of assurance that his plan could change the fixed future. Chang-Sun had never gone down this path before, so even he couldnt see past the thick veil hiding the outcome of all this. Fortunately, he had someone who could foretell the future.

Sinmara.

It was time for the Giant warrior with faces that could see souls timelines to come forward.

* * *

After agreeing to Bel-Marduks only term, Chang-Sun left Babylonia. He then summoned Sinmara in private to explain the situation.

So you want me to restore my third face?Sinmara chuckled, clearly dumbfounded.

Chang-Sun nodded. Yeah.

Do you think its that easy?

Its not?

You sound just like Surtr before he died, Sinmara scoffed with her arms crossed. Her Past-Seeing Face and Present-Seeing Face talking at the same time made for quite a grotesque sight.

It would take more than increasing my Divine Class to restore my Future-Seeing Face. If it were possible, I would have already done it.

Chang-Sun nodded. Sinmaras current Divine Class wasnt any weaker than her Divine Class before her death. Hence, Chang-Sun had been wondering why she hadnt restored her third face yet.

I have to meet a requirement to regain my Future-Reading Face.

A requirement? Chang-Sun repeated.

Yes. I have to guarantee the glorious future of <Muspelheim>. After all, Im both the warrior and shaman who leads the Fire Giants to a glorious path.

Chang-Sun nodded. As a guide or a pioneer, Sinmara looked into the past, present, and future of her <Society> to lead the Fire Giants to the path that they should take.

Since the future of <Muspelheim> isnt secure, I cant regain my Future-Seeing Face yet.

Am I not enough? Chang-Sun asked, wondering if even the ascension of a new <Muspelheim> King and revival of the <Society> werent great enough to meet the requirement.

Sinmara bitterly smiled as she shook her head. Of course you are. Reviving a <Society> that has gone <Extinct> is an outstanding accomplishment.

Why cant you regain your Future-Reading Face, then?

You revived <Muspelheim>, but thats all it is. I need to be certain that under your reign, the future of <Muspelheim> will be more magnificent than during Surtrs rule and the rule of those who came before him. I cant show the Fire Giants such a future right now.

Chang-Sun frowned. Thats difficult to accomplish.

Sinmara shrugged.I have faith that you will become a Celestial King, but that doesnt guarantee the better prosperity of <Muspelheim>.

Chang-Sun nodded, understanding what Sinmara meant. It wasnt enough that he revived and brought <Muspelheim> back to its former glory. Sinmara needed evidence that the <Society> would one day rule <Heaven>, and the Fire Giants had to have an absolute belief that their leader would give them a better future.

However, <Muspelheim> had been in their prime even before they had gone <Extinct>. Reaching even higher than that seemed like an unattainable goal.

Reaching even higher, huh, Chang-Sun thought. There was only one future where <Muspelheim> would be more glorious than ever before.

Bestla.

She founded <Muspelheim>, <Jotunheim>, and <Niflheim>, then became a Celestial King even before Odin could.

I have to become a Celestial King after all, Chang-Sun thought. He then concluded that this was probably for the best since he had to improve as much as he could anyway.

Rebuildingno, conquering <Jotunheim> and becoming the second Bestla. Would that create a good enough future for <Muspelheim>? Chang-Sun asked.

Sinmaras eyes widened.

1. The prayer is often used in Korea to regain ones inner peace.