The Divine Twilight's Return

Chapter 392: Star, Arcadia (4)

Chang-Sun didn’t really pay attention to Michael when he showed up. Rather, he thought about <Nammu> taking over the entire <Anti-Star> Alliance.

Tiamat initially wished to rest, but she had a change of heart and instead started devising an ambitious plan to become a Celestial King. The discussion right now was merely a gesture to seem considerate of the alliance members. Aware that the members were leaning toward joining him and Tiamat, Kang Chan believed that it would only be a matter of time before they reached a decision.

Hence, Chang-Sun couldn’t help but wonder how <Maleakhe> and <L’Infernal>, the self-proclaimed enforcer of the world’s balance, would react. He assumed that the incident with Uriel and the conflict between the two <Societies> would make it difficult for <Maleakhe> to take action.

―Yeah, you people have always been like that. You condescending jerks call yourselves the enforcers and all, but all you’ve done is ruin this world little by little.

However, <Maleakhe> not only went against Chang-Sun’s expectations but even infuriated Odin.

Pzzzzz!

The image of a man with white hair and eyes filled with blazing blue fire, one of which was covered with an eyepatch, overlaid on Chang-Sun. His mana and fighting spirit blended as runes endlessly swirled around him.

“Odin...?”

“Why is Odin’s <Myth> showing up here?! He’s dead!”

“So it’s true? Twilight and the old ruler of <Asgard> are related?”

The Celestials who either weren’t aware of Chang-Sun’s connection to Odin or could only make conjectures were taken aback. Odin tried to complete Bestla’s achievement as well. The strong impression he left back then was still vivid in the delegates’ minds.

The delegates sprang to their feet and distanced themselves, worrying that the blue lightning would hurt them. Unlike them, Tiamat remained in her seat and just watched Chang-Sun with interest.

“Odin. You raised <Asgard> to chase Bestla’s ghost, but your failure to persuade the other three Giant <Societies> resulted in the backlash that led to your downfall.” Michael didn’t bat an eye even though Odin directed all his fury at him.

Michael was Sun Heaven of the Nine Heavens, who were comparable to Celestial Kings. Hence, he had no reason to feel intimidated.

“Have you already forgotten that I was the one who initiated your and Bestla’s downfall a long time ago?” Michael smirked, provoking Odin. It was as if he was pouring oil on his anger.

―I’ll rip that mouth of yours—!

Pzzz.

『Why don’t you stop now?』

Before Odin’s blue lightning could further intensify, Chang-Sun, who had given him control for a moment, stopped him and the blue lightning bolt. An Invisible force seemed to have bound Odin in place.

―Let me go!

『This isn’t like you. What’s gotten you so impatient?』

Odin stopped struggling.

『'Cane-Holding Father of Warriors' is willing to wait for eternity if that’s what it would take to find the right moment to get what he wants. Isn’t that the scariest part about you?』

Odin was rendered speechless. Chang-Sun’s remark was hurtfully accurate.

Chang-Sun could have stopped Odin from impulsively emerging out of the subconscious realm but chose not to. After all, this was his first time seeing Odin’s emotions get the best of him. Since Michael seemed to have triggered Odin’s trauma by mentioning Bestla, Chang-Sun was hoping to check the depth of it. However, he wasn’t planning on allowing him to escalate this any further.

If Odin fought Michael head-on, Chang-Sun and <Maleakhe> would find themselves at a point of no return—a scenario that had to be avoided at all costs. Chang-Sun and Tiamat still had to take down <Horoscope> before they could begin their conquest. Since their justification for forming the <Anti-Star> Alliance was driving out all the Star Signs that were a danger to the universe, they had to avoid doing anything that would go against that cause.

Chang-Sun was confident that Odin was aware of that. After all, among his remaining past reincarnations, Odin understood him the best aside from the unreadable ‘Primordial Lighting Deity’ Perkwunos. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder about what to do if Odin didn’t listen despite everything he had said.

‘We’ll just have to end this once and for all,’ Chang-Sun thought. He would be willing to fight Odin.

―... Tsk. I’ve disgraced myself.

Reading Chang-Sun’s thoughts, which he didn’t bother to hide, Odin stood down and clicked his tongue, showing his intention to stop. As he quietly submerged back into the subconscious realm, he murmured incomprehensibly.

―That bastard will disappear and be forgotten once I have accomplished all my goals.

The blue lightning energy around Chang-Sun subsided, and the sunset-colored lightning sparks flew up in contrast. When Odin’s image disappeared, the other Celestials heaved a sigh of relief.

Looking at Chang-Sun’s calm eyes, Michael smiled even more crookedly. “Did he tuck his tail between his legs and bail? He still behaves like a rat, huh.”

Michael continued to provoke Chang-Sun. The latter had no intention of letting it slide.

“Satan got one of his heads blown up. Do you want me to get rid of one of your wings?” Chang-Sun sneered back.

“Do you think you can do it?”

“Have you forgotten who I am?” Chang-Sun asked.

Michael pursed his lips. Chang-Sun didn’t have his special powers now, but he was the main reason the <Myth War> broke out.

“If you want to be <Horoscope>’s loyal dog, bark a little already so you can get lost,” Chang-Sun said with one of his eyebrows raised.

“... Do you think you can just say anything you want?”

“Am I wrong? From the looks of it, <Horoscope> seems to have paid you <Maleakhe> to mediate, so how are you any different from dogs who went nuts over bones?”

“You better watch your mouth.” Murderous intent tinged Michael’s eyes as he calculated the odds of his victory against Chang-Sun.

Chang-Sun found him ludicrous. Although Michael was the one who began spouting provocations, he had the gall to get angry when Chang-Sun retorted. That served as clear evidence of his caliber.

“What bone did <Horoscope> offer you people? Are they going to help the two stuck in <Star Grave> rise again? Are they giving you seats in Worldline #802 so you can influence it? Or...” Chang-Sun trailed off as he smiled crookedly. “...are they going to teach you how to rise above the Worldlines’ restrictions?”

“...!”

“Bingo.” Chang-Sun’s gaze sharpened as Michael’s expression darkened. Chang-Sun quietly chuckled.

[Your ‘Gnostic Eye’ is active!]

No one was free from the influence of Chang-Sun’s [Gnostic Eye]. Although he couldn’t completely read the minds of those with high Divine Classes like Michael, he could at least determine if they were telling the truth.

Thinking that exchanging conversations with Chang-Sun would only be detrimental to him, Michael instead turned to Tiamat with a serious expression. “I hope that you keep the story I told you in mind.”

“I’ll take it with a grain of salt.” Tiamat scoffed quietly, waving her hand.

Michael turned away in annoyance but not before glaring at Chang-Sun one last time.

* * *

When the staredown between Michael and Chang-Sun ended, the delegates headed out of the room to deliver what they heard and their opinions to their <Societies>.

Tiamat and Chang-Sun were left alone.

Still sitting on the throne, Tiamat rested her chin on her hand. “Did we distract them enough?”

Chang-Sun bowed. “Yes. Thank you.”

Tiamat’s declaration of conquest stemmed from the favor Chang-Sun asked of her. With her children’s treachery draining her of all her resolve, she considered ending the war and going back to her base. That was when Chang-Sun stopped her.

“Are you planning on going back?” Chang-Sun asked.

“Well, I haven’t decided on anything yet. I could really use some rest, though.”

“I know it’s shameless of me to ask you this, but can you help me one more time?”

“...?” Tiamat tilted her head in confusion.

Chang-Sun’s request was very simple. While he was in Arcadia, Worldline #802, Tiamat and her <Nammu> would distract the Zodiacs and <Horoscopes>. Everyone in <Heaven> knew about the conflict between Tiamat and Bel-Marduk. Hence, Chang-Sun planned to infiltrate the stellar system Arcadia—the land of <Horoscope>—while Tiamat was the center of all attention.

Tiamat narrowed her eyes. “How preposterous of you to ask me to be a clown. What made you think it’s right to ask such a request from someone in despair due to their children’s death—”

“All things aside, don’t you want to take the seat of a Celestial King?”

“...!”

“The position of this universe’s Celestial King has been empty for eternity now. You’re the closest to occupying that seat. Why walk away from it? Isn’t that why you’ve come this far?” Chang-Sun smiled.

The strong shock rendered Tiamat speechless. After some time, she finally chuckled.

“... It seems you know what I want better than I do.” Tiamat smiled. Having decided to go down the path of ambition again, her eyes filled up with vigor once more.

Chang-Sun thought that confidence suited Tiamat the best. It even allowed her to regain the energy her eyes had before.

“I think we’re at a point in our relationship where we can save thank you.” Tiamat stretched her arm and caressed Chang-Sun’s chin with her adorable hand.

She smiled mischievously and ambitiously, baring her fangs. She desired the man before her as much as she coveted the universe. Regardless of gender, anyone who met her intense and heated gaze would never escape her grasp.

However, Chang-Sun just quietly chuckled and politely took Tiamat’s hand off his chin. “Maybe that is precisely why I should always say thank you.”

That was what Tiamat didn’t like. Chang-Sun still treated her like a child even though she was older than him. Things between him and her were becoming very odd.

“Your definition of our relationship and mine seem to greatly differ,” Tiamat grumbled, pouting.

Chang-Sun’s smile deepened. “Is that so?”

“You’re feigning ignorance again. I’m sure you’re way past the age where you’re actually innocent... or do you really still not have any experience in the area?”

“I can still get it up.”

“That is why I’m saying it.” Tiamat frowned slightly as she slammed the table.

Thump!

“You know what? I’ll get straight to the point. What do you think of me?”

“You’re someone I’m grateful for.”

“You’re frustrating me so much! That’s not what I’m asking! My question is what do you think of me as a romantic partner.” Tiamat stared at Chang-Sun.

Chang-Sun awkwardly scratched his cheek, not expecting her to be this direct. Although it was true that Tiamat had made many advances, Chang-Sun turned a blind eye to them because he didn’t want to disrupt their relationship. In truth, he always thought Tiamat was just joking whenever she called him a concubine and romantic partner. However, when Chang-Sun met her intense gaze, he felt as if he shouldn’t treat it as a joke anymore.

“I have a lover whom I promised to spend my future with,” Chang-Sun quietly answered.

“I have—no, I had many lovers, and so did my husband. Isn’t it ridiculous for people like us to be bound to just one person? I have no intention to restrict you. I don’t care if you have another lover.”

Chang-Sun shook his head. “But I do care. I’ve been bound to her ever since I became her lover and will continue to be bound to her for the rest of my life.”

Ithaca—Cha Ye-Eun—was Chang-Sun’s one and only lover. Even when he thought he had died, he never forgot about her or let someone else in his heart.

“You know that I’m the person you need the most in your future endeavors.” Tiamat tilted her head.

“My decision remains the same.”

Tiamat glared at Chang-Sun, who looked back at her with a gentle smile. After some time, she held up her arms in surrender. “... There is nothing I can do about it, then.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“Get out of here. I don’t want to see you anymore.”

“I’ll see you next time.” Chang-Sun stood up and bowed, expressing all his gratitude for her.

* * *

“Mother.” Pabilsag quietly entered the room through the back door after Chang-Sun left, approaching Tiamat cautiously in case she was heartbroken.

“Hahaha. Don’t worry. I’m fine. Listening to him speak from his heart actually made me feel refreshed.” Tiamat laughed wholeheartedly, making her look as if she genuinely didn’t mind getting rejected. “Well, it’s not like I said I’m giving up just because he said no.”

Judging from her laughter, it seemed her desire to have Chang-Sun for herself only grew deeper. Meanwhile, Pabilsag just stared at her mother’s small back in silence.

“Even at my age, getting turned down still doesn’t feel great.” Tiamat laughed again, quietly this time. She thought of pulling out her treasured bottle of wine tonight.