“Nyx?”
Shimun tilted his head at the unfamiliar name. It made sense, though. In his previous life, even though the world had reached its demise, most survivors had been players, and many constellations had revealed themselves.
More than half of the active rankers had an affiliated Constellation. Naturally, Shimun knew a wide variety of constellations, from different ranks and types.
But among all those constellations,
‘It’s a name I’ve never heard before.’
He had never once heard the name Nyx. Shimun’s curiosity didn’t last long.
‘Considering her conversation with the Black Goat earlier, she must be a Constellation that doesn’t participate in the Galaxy Arena.’
Indeed, the Black Goat was another Constellation that didn’t pay attention to the Galaxy Arena until ‘His’ gaze and the creation of the Obsidian Tablet.
Perhaps sensing Shimun’s thoughts,
“Hehe. My name is a bit unfamiliar, isn’t it?”
Nyx approached with a gentle smile.
“I understand. I don’t participate in the Galaxy Arena.”
Then, as if crafted with the utmost care by an artisan, “Shimun, if it’s alright with you, could you lend me the Mark of Death for a moment?”
She extended a hand too beautiful to be described in words. After briefly looking at her hand, “Sure.”
Shimun handed over the Mark of Death without hesitation. Nyx’s eyes widened momentarily.
“You just hand it over so easily after being asked? This is quite a valuable item, you know.”
“I don’t know its exact value, but I have a feeling no harm will come from giving it to you.”
“Why? I could have ill intentions, you know.”
“If that were the case, you would have taken the Mark of Death from me from the start. You seem more than capable.”
It wasn’t wrong. To be at odds with the Black Goat and command respect from Zeus, king of Olympus and a high-ranked Constellation.
Additionally, to possess the capability to exploit the Galaxy Arena’s system without participating in it. Despite the ambiguous title of Goddess of Night, Nyx clearly possessed unimaginable power.
If such a being aimed to take an item by force, who could possibly prevent it?
‘The Galaxy Arena probably can’t do anything either.’
Otherwise, they wouldn’t be merely sending messages and warnings to Nyx, demanding that she return him immediately.
From within Shimun’s heart, a cheerful voice resonated.
-You’re right, oppa.
It was the Philosopher’s Stone.
Nyx, the Goddess of Night, is a Protogenoi. Even high-ranked constellations can’t treat her lightly.
‘Protogenoi? What is that?’
– Well, to put it simply, she’s like a primordial being from the dawn of existence.
‘Primordial… That gives me a rough idea.’
Primordial.
While it wasn’t a significant concept in human affairs, at the level of gods, its weight was entirely different.
‘So, the supreme being in matters related to night?’
Well… something like that. But the concept of night is entirely different from what you know.
‘I get the gist.’
Shimun nodded slightly at the Philosopher’s Stone’s words. Just look around this realm. A vast space that extends like the night sky, filled with countless galaxies all coming together.
Seeing how she manipulated the system to summon him, this was undoubtedly Nyx’s domain.
Which meant, ‘This implies she’s powerful enough to encompass the entire universe.’
An absolutely mind-boggling scale. Conversely, it made sense.
‘Being able to contend with the Black Goat, and deal with Zeus and the Galaxy Arena in such a manner…’
At that moment,
Thunk.
It felt as if time had stopped once again.
Another sense of déjà vu overwhelmed Shimun.
By the time he realized it, “Hehe. I thought you might be struck dumb but…”
The vast, brilliant cosmos had disappeared, leaving behind only the darkness he first encountered when entering Tartaros.
Whether he was standing or floating was uncertain, “Judging by that audacious voice, it seems that’s not the case, huh?”
Nyx suddenly appeared right before Shimun. Shimun didn’t need to ask about this sudden change. He understood the reason instinctively.
“We’ve moved to a different space.”
“Correct. Or more precisely, we’ve severed the space. My sibling seems to have become quite shy since we last met.”
Nyx smiled sweetly at Shimun’s accurate deduction.
“Aren’t you going to say anything? Not even to your dear sister?”
She gazed intently at Shimun’s chest.
Almost responding to her look,
– …Seriously.
The Philosopher’s Stone clicked its tongue.
– When did you figure it out?
“Since the beginning, of course. What else did you expect?”
Just as it was with the Black Goat, it seemed the Goddess Nyx was also an acquaintance.
-You’re still just as cunning as ever, aren’t you?
“Oh my. It breaks my heart to hear that from you.”
-Of course, it would.
The Philosopher’s Stone exchanged pleasantries back and forth,
“Given your state… did you fail?”
-You’re asking when you already know? I screwed up royally.
Nyx’s face turned distinctly somber.
“If you want, I could…”
-No thanks. Don’t worry about it. I’m not uncomfortable. In fact, it’s nice to be one with someone this handsome.
Although the last comment felt like a strange outburst,
“Alright. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters to me.”
Nyx seemed quite used to it.
“Still, despite your situation, try to control yourself.”
-Hey! I got this, okay!
Nyx playfully patted the Philosopher’s Stone.
Then, “Ugh. Such ill-timing. No sense of courtesy.”
For the first time, Nyx’s ever-present smile faded.
As if echoing her emotions,
Rumble.
The dark space vibrated as if an earthquake had struck.
-Sister, calm down. They have their protocols to follow. Even the Black Goat adheres to their rules.
The Philosopher’s Stone hurriedly soothed Nyx.
Luckily, it seemed to work.
“Phew… you’re right.”
With Nyx’s short sigh, the tremors shaking the space ceased.
Then, “It’s a pity, but we’ll have to catch up properly next time.”
Nyx smiled warmly at Shimun.
“Shimun, I apologize for summoning you on a whim. But I don’t regret it, you know? Thanks to you, I got to see some old friends.”
With a light wave of her hand,
– Damn you! Where are you going?
The vast cosmos reappeared, along with the Black Goat’s sharp voice. Ignoring the angry outburst from the Black Goat, Nyx stepped closer to Shimun.
And as if nothing had happened.
Returning to the previous topic, Nyx said, “Thank you for trusting me and giving me the Mark of Death. Honestly, I was half-worried we might have to fight over it.”
“Please, don’t mention it. You scared me.”
Shimun responded with a light-hearted joke, understanding her intentions well.
However, only Shimun grasped the intentions, causing,
『Constellation Zeus and Odin are taken aback.』
『Constellation Heavenly Demon and Baal show surprise and intense curiosity.』
The constellations observing were each expressing their astonishment. Particularly Zeus, stationed at one end of Nyx’s domain, was so startled that
Crackle.
The lightning beard he had materialized sparked violently.
“Hehe. The only ones who understand my humor are Shub-Niggurath and Shimun.”
Nyx swept a playful glance over the constellations’ reactions.
Then, “As you’ve delighted me so much, I’d like to give you a reward.”
Nyx extended the Mark of Death she held back to Shimun.
As Shimun reached out to take it,
『Nyx, this action is against the rules.』
A system window blocked her hand.
Nyx’s smiling eyes turned sharp.
“Rules? Why should I be bound by your rules?”
『Items distributed by the Galaxy Arena are given as consequences of actions.』
“Interesting statement. Why do those who speak of causality not apply that rule to themselves?”
『We do not understand what you mean, Lady Nyx. We can’t presume to know.』
“Hehehe! Still quite sly, I see?”
Nyx burst into a grand laugh, but her eyes were as terrifying as the pitch-dark night sky.
“The items from the Galaxy Arena—all of them are distributed with the owner’s permission, aren’t they?”
『Our Galaxy Arena always upholds fairness and proper procedure. Unless it’s an unavoidable situation…』
“Spare me the nonsense.”
Nyx cut off the Galaxy Arena sharply.
“Can you say that after seeing this Mark of Death given to Kim Shimun?”
She held the Mark of Death towards the system window blocking her.
『This item was a mission reward from the death constellations…』
“I know the constellations each offered it out of goodwill. So? Did you get the rightful owner’s consent to give it?”
『………』
“Of course, not. Because I never heard about it from Tartaros.”
Her lips still smiled, but as shadows of the night accumulated around her eyes, her face became infinitely authoritative and intimidating.
“The death constellations themselves won’t mind the usage of this; after all, they care for their own.”
『………』
“But if the Galaxy Arena’s influence is involved, it’s a different story. Shall we ask Tartaros directly?”
With a slight nod from Nyx.
Whirrr.
A deep darkness gathered beside her. It was the same darkness Shimun encountered when he first entered Tartaros.
“When your item was altered and distributed by the influence of the Galaxy Arena, did you receive any notification?”
『… We humbly request your leniency.』
The system instantly backed down. But that seemed to displease her even more.
“I figured as much. You tried to slyly bypass it, knowing Tartaros is lenient toward the death constellations.”
Nyx’s expression grew colder.
“How convenient for you, right? With the item of a great Protogenoi rolling into the arena, it boosts the Galaxy Arena’s prestige and appeals to various constellations.”
The Galaxy Arena remained silent.
“Will you continue to stay silent?”
『We never intended to deceive the Protogenoi. It was just… the reward seemed too excessive for the causality involved, so… a slight adjustment was made.』
“Slight adjustment? Ha! That’s why you’re despised. How can you call such manipulation a slight adjustment?”
Nyx scoffed derisively and tilted her head.
“I don’t want to waste words with you. Move aside before I get rid of you myself.”
As if by magic,
Swish.
The system window that had blocked Nyx and Shimun moved aside.
Nyx shot it one last glare.
“Shimun, you’ve waited long enough, right? Sorry about that. Those morons can’t recognize their own limits.”
With her smile restored, Nyx handed over the Mark of Death.
To which Shimun thought, ‘Well, they’re just different in style. She’s no different from the Black Goat. No wonder they’re friends.’
Swallowing a chuckle, Shimun received the Mark of Death from Nyx.
“Hmm?”
Shimun tilted his head in curiosity.
‘It feels different from before.’
Unlike when he handed it to Nyx, the Mark of Death he received now felt different.
Shimun immediately checked the information window.
『Shard of Tartaros』
Grade: ?
An item gifted to player Kim Shimun by the death constellations. Its true form has been restored by Nyx’s power.
Receives the maximum favor of death.
From the name “Shard of Tartaros” to the content about receiving the maximum favor of death, the information window had completely changed from when it was the Mark of Death.
‘So that’s why she was so furious with the Galaxy Arena.’
Shimun instantly comprehended the reason for Nyx’s anger. Divine beings often have an exceptional attachment to their possessions.
Given that the item’s information indicated it had “regained its true form”.
‘She must have been extremely displeased.’
Nyx seemed to sense his thoughts, “How fascinating. For a mortal, you truly understand our sentiments.”
With a now gentler demeanor, Nyx stepped closer.
Then,
– That woman!
– L-Lady Nyx!
Nyx suddenly embraced Shimun.
Without giving him a chance to react, “Well… having lived twice, you aren’t exactly a mortal, are you?”
‘… What?’
A faint whisper that restrained Shimun totally.
“Hehe. Uncovering secrets is always delightful. Hopefully, there won’t be a third time.”
With that,
-I told you not to touch my child! Get away now!
-Ahem! Please, maintain decorum.
Ignoring the constellations’ protests, she stepped back.
With an elegant wave of her hand, “Then, Shimun, let’s see ‘us’ again next time.”
And Shimun’s vision flickered.
TL’s Corner:
Nyx seems a bit mishievous but protective nuna.