The Nature of Possession – Chapter 72

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Chaos
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Nibir didn’t bother with a lengthy explanation of gods, dimensions, and mortals.

Such explanations were rarely helpful and often led to the listener dismissing it all as irrelevant.

Instead, she presented Mina with three simple facts:

Many dimensions existed.

Kang In-ho, the man Mina cherished, jumped to a different dimension each time he died.

She didn’t know which dimensions he had gone to.

“So, what I need to do is…”

Mina’s voice was calm as she spoke, though her body trembled with the realization that the man she thought was dead was still alive.

The explanation was brief compared to a lecture on the origins of the universe, yet lengthy considering the task at hand, had finally concluded.

“You must retrace his steps and follow him. Since we can’t pinpoint his current location, you’ll have to search for traces of his passage in the dimensions he’s visited.”

“Then… I should start with the place I lived, right?”

“We’ll start with the first dimension he jumped to, just in case there’s a pattern we’re not aware of.”

Clap!

Nibir clapped her hands, and a rift opened in space, revealing a cityscape not unlike Mina’s own world.

“This is the first dimension he jumped to. My junior personally set the coordinates, so there’s no mistake.”

“Then I’ll be going.”

“W-wait! Hold on! Don’t you want a briefing before you go? There are some precautions you should be aware of.”

“…Fine, tell me.”

Mina’s impatient stare prompted a sigh from Nibir.

‘Are all mortals this fearless these days?’

She wondered.

First Kang In-ho, flipping off Lanael and cursing at her, and now this woman… Shouldn’t they be a little more awestruck in the presence of a god?

Nibir felt like an old woman struggling to keep up with the changing times.

“The environment in each dimension will vary greatly. Fortunately, Earth’s template is stable and popular, so many gods have adopted it. But there are also dimensions that resemble fantasy worlds you see in movies and comics.”

“Yes.”

“If you were to suddenly appear in one of those dimensions in your current state, you’d die instantly. You have no means of self-defense.”

“Ah…”

Realization dawned on Mina, and she nodded slowly.

Nibir felt a surge of frustration.

“Unlike Kang In-ho, you can’t be resurrected… and the reason you can’t is because if someone without a prior entry record were to be resurrected, the god of that dimension would immediately know.”

“But wouldn’t that apply to In-ho, too?”

“Well… Kang In-ho is a special case. He overwrites the existing soul of someone in the target dimension. It’s a kind of… soul swap?”

“Soul swap…”

“Even I didn’t realize he had entered those dimensions without permission. I only found out after you caused the disruption in causality.”

She had been shocked when she discovered the distortion.

Fortunately, she had managed to correct it before it escalated.

It could have been a disaster.

“Anyway, since there’s no risk of triggering resurrection, I’ll grant you the ability to travel between dimensions and awaken the power within you for self-defense.”

“Awaken?”

“Yes. By giving form to the ‘concept’ hidden within your being.”

“Is that even possible?”

“…I am a god, you know.”

Nibir slumped her shoulders, exasperated.

This was the most ridiculous question she had been asked in centuries.

What did this woman take her for?

“Close your eyes for a moment.”

Mina closed her eyes.

Nibir approached her and placed a fingertip on her solar plexus.

Her finger sank into Mina’s chest as she chanted something that sounded like a prayer.

A viscous, black substance began to flow through Mina’s body.

Nibir withdrew her hand.

“Melancholy, apathy, and regret… rather sad concepts to define you.”

“You truly are a god. That’s spot on.”

A faint smile touched Mina’s lips, a smile that seemed tinged with sadness.

“I’ve created an ability based on your concepts. Now, try extending your hand, as if you’re drawing out that power.”

“Like this…? Huh?”

As Mina extended her hand, the black substance flowed from her feet, spreading across the floor like ink.

“Long ago, this concept was called the ‘Ancient Shadow.’ This shadow, your avatar, can consume those you’ve incapacitated and temporarily use their abilities.”

“It can also materialize into solid objects, so it’s quite versatile.”

“It’ll take some time to get used to,” Mina said, clenching and unclenching her fist while controlling the size of the shadow.

“Yes. Try practicing as you travel through the dimensions.”

“Alright. Is that all?”

“One more thing. When you enter a dimension, I’ll let you know what class of god manages it. 3rd and 4th Class dimensions shouldn’t pose a problem, but if you enter a 1st or 2nd Class dimension, try to avoid drawing attention to yourself.”

“I understand. Are there dimensions higher than 1st Class?”

“There are Unique Dimensions, but you don’t need to worry about those. They’re heavily protected and inaccessible through conventional means.”

“Alright. Then I’ll be going.”

Mina bowed and walked towards the rift without hesitation.

Nibir watched her go, hoping she would succeed.

At the edge of the rift, Mina turned back to Nibir.

“But… you said In-ho was… soul swapped, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Then… is the In-ho I knew… not really In-ho?”

“…Yes. His existence has been overwritten. Do you… resent him?”

Mina remained silent for a moment.

After a long pause, a faint smile touched her lips.

“No. In-ho is In-ho. It doesn’t matter to me. Before or after the swap, he was always a source of comfort for me.”

‘I don’t even know when he changed.’

She murmured.

Step-step-

“I need to see him. I need to apologize.”

“And…”

“I want to tell him that I still love him.”

She stepped through the rift, her voice clear and resolute.

“I wish you luck, Miss Mina.”

Nibir watched her go, a wave of melancholy washing over her.

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[T/N: I think In-ho is more special than this goddess thinks]

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