Return of the Shattered Constellation

Chapter 460: Star, Niflheim (5)

Chang-Sun was confused. He had no idea where he was or why a puppy appeared out of thin air and welcomed him. Nevertheless, despite his situation, he still couldnt help but reach out and pet the puppy.

The puppy wagged his tail like a propeller, seemingly showing that he liked it. The sight reminded Chang-Sun of Jjong back home, making him chuckle. He had always been very distrustful of people, but he had a strong faith in animals.

The puppy crawled into Chang-Suns arms. He then rubbed his head against Chang-Suns chest and licked his face.

Chang-Sun burst into laughter. Hahaha!

The shower of love, which only puppies could possibly give, quickly made Chang-Sun open up. He continued to play with him, momentarily forgetting that he had to figure out where he was.

The door to the room opened, and two people walked in. One was a calm-looking man with serpentine eyes and long hair, the other a woman with a set of small devil wings on her back.

Youre up.

Chang-Sun instinctively identified them as Jrmungandr and Hel. If so, then he had to be at <Niflheim>. After locking up the spatial gap to <Nihil> and falling unconscious, Loki seemed to have brought him.

Expecting that he would wake up around this time, the two came to check up on him. Unlike Jrmungandr, who was still hard to read, Hel was blatantly scowling at Chang-Sun, her eyes filled with disapproval.

Chang-Sun nodded at them. Thanks to you, I rested!

Woof, woof!

The puppy in his arms suddenly barked at the two people, interrupting him. Unsure why the puppy was behaving so aggressively, he rubbed the puppys nape to calm him down.

What are you doing? Hel asked.

Chang-Sun found Jrmungandr and Hels reactions a bit odd. Jrmungandr looked like he couldnt believe what was happening, while Hels face began to redden. Chang-Sun thought she was angry with him, but he soon realized that she was looking at the puppy, not him. Wondering if the puppy was hers, Chang-Sun tilted his head in confusion.

Woof!

The puppy barked happily, finally welcoming the two.

What the hell are you doing? Hel snapped. Youre embarrassing us,

Woof!

Come here!

Woof!

Now!

Woof, woof!

Hey!

Hels face was as red as a tomato now.

Thump, thump, thump.

Huffing and puffing, Hel strode toward Chang-Sun and snatched the puppy by the nape from his arms. She didnt seem angry, but she did look so embarrassed that even her neck was red now. It was as if this was the last sight she wished to show Chang-Sun.

Youre dead meat if you do this again, Hel growled.

Woof!

Stop barking like a real dog!

Woof, woof!

Are you serious?! she yelled at the puppy in her hand, storming out of the room.

Thud!

Chang-Sun blankly watched Hel slam the door shut. He then looked at Jrmungandr.

That was my brother.

Jrmungandr gnashed his teeth, not really wishing to explain any further. His nose was starting to turn red as well.

Finally understanding what Jrmungandr meant, Chang-Suns jaw dropped. The puppy earlier was

I would prefer it if you dont ask any more questions. Jrmungandr turned away, his reddening nape making Chang-Sun realize that he was right.

Chang-Sun dumbfoundedly chuckled. Fenrir the Demonic Wolf was the eldest among Lokis Three Demonic Creatures. He was also the second-in-command of <NIflheim>, possessing <Myths> about swallowing the sun, moon, and Celestials. No one could have expected Fenrir would act like that.

Ehem! Since youre already awake, I need you to come with me, Jrmungandr said, desperately trying to change the topic. Someone is waiting for you.

Chang-Sun pitied him for some reason.

* * *

The fog is too thick, Chang-Sun muttered as he followed Jrmungandr to Nastrond[1], the central divine ground of <Niflheim>.

The fog covering the area was making it difficult to make out their surroundings. With his bare eyes, Chang-Sun could only see three meters ahead at most, which were nothing but barren land and scrawny trees. Thanatos had told him that <Niflheim> was close to their death, but their situation seemed even direr than Chang-Sun had expected. Moreover, most of the <Niflheim> Celestials that Chang-Sun had occasionally run into looked alien, neither Giant nor human.

Its the demonic water fog, Jrmungandr answered.

Demonic water fog?

Its the work of Ivaldi and his sons. We managed to survive <Extinction> and return to our prime because of it.

Chang-Sun suddenly had a realization.

Ivaldi was the craftsman who made a furnace out of the beautiful hair of Thors wife Sif[2], and forged [Skidbladnir] and [Gungnir] using a furnace he made by burning the beautiful hair of Sif, Thors wife. He was also an elder of <Svartalfheim>, the realm where dark fairies lived.

Without this demonic water fog, wed consider ourselves lucky if we only plummet, Jrmungandr explained. After all, we could get annihilated too.

After Bestlas death, her forces split into three. They all faced <Extinction> in the end partially because other <Societies> kept them in check out of fear of a second Bestla being born. However, the biggest reason was that the great relic maintaining the Giants Divine Classes had been shattered. [Laevateinn] and [Fimbulvetr] were merely fragments of it.

Bestlas death essentially guaranteed the Giants end. Nevertheless, <Niflheim> survived thanks to the demonic water fog Ivaldi had left.

Evil Witch, Prophet of the Dead, Gray Old Woman, Lokis Favorite Mistress Angrboda has wicked titles and nicknames, but she isnt really all that bad.

The story that Thanatos had told Chang-Sun about Angrboda, the mother of Lokis Three Demonic Creatures, was a littleno, a lot different from what was known in <Heaven>.

Shes known as the woman who enthralled Loki, a married man. However, Loki and Sigyn married each other for political reasons. There was not even a trace of love between them. Angrbodas <Myth> of predicting <Extinction> was honestly more like an analysis she made with her outstanding judgment and insight, Thanatos continued.

Is that so?

Angrboda is Lokis true love and the godmother of <Niflheim>. She made sure their <Society> would survive. Unfortunately, thats also the reason why shes on the verge of plummeting.

What happened? Chang-Sun asked.

<Niflheim> is built on Angrbodas survival.

You look like you know about the fog. I take it you know the truth about it, too, then? Jrmungandr asked.

If youre asking if Im aware that the main constituent of the demon water fog is Angrbodas spiritual power, then yes. I know the truth.

I see. Jrmungandr sighed quietly.

The fact that <Niflheim> survived because of Angrbodas sacrifice was a secret only Loki and the Three Demonic Creatures knew.

Thanatos continued, Angrboda is a prophet, but shes also a wizard exceptional enough to be comparable to Odin and Freya. She used herself as a sacrificial offering to ensure the survival of <Niflheim>.

Sacrificial offerings were often made to gods and other great beings in hopes of receiving fitting rewards and blessings. The more valuable the sacrificial offering, the higher the rituals quality. Since human souls were valued highly, humans were occasionally sacrificed.

The rituals quality could also be affected by the relationship of the leading priest to the sacrificial offering. That was why people from ancient times offered their children.

However, that posed a question about what would happen if a Celestial was used as a sacrificial offering and also oversaw the ritual itself. Considering Celestials were already valuable, sacrificing the Celestial leading the ritual increased the rituals quality to unmeasurable levels.

Odin offered himself to Yggdrasil to learn gnosis, the great magical knowledge, and Sadalmelik sacrificed herself to summon Ubbo-Sathla, driving Worldline #802 into <Extinction>. Likewise, Angrboda sacrificed herself to save <Niflheim> and start their prime.

Unlike Sadalmelik, though, Angrboda didnt offer all her soul, allowing her to continue existing, Chang-Sun thought.

What about what remains of her? Chang-Sun asked.

Loki is holding onto her. Hes probably still wandering around trying to find a way to save his dying lover.

I only have to objectives to accomplish, then.

Exactly. Thanatos smiled. Save Angrboda and bring <Niflheim> under your command.

In essence, this demonic water fog was Angrboda herself. Considering what remained of her was slumbering on the underground floor of Lokis palace, it was hard to call her alive.

Im sure you know why Im talking about <Niflheim>s critical weakness. Jrmungandr looked at Chang-Sun with sharp eyes. He hadnt forgotten that Chang-Sun had told Loki that he would give <Niflheim> the cure for Angrbodas condition.

Although one of the reasons were preserving Jarnvidr is because its Mothers homeland, the main reason is to get the ingredients for the cure you promised us. Keep your promise. Otherwise Jrmungandr looked ahead of him again. ... even I have no idea how Father would react.

Calmly, he continued, Father is a mischievous man. He has never once lost his smile, not even during his conflict against Odin. He only ever loses his rationality when Mother is involved.

Jrmungandr was essentially warning Chang-Sun to watch himself.

Chang-Sun quietly nodded. I will.

Then!

But you better meet my terms as well.

Tap!

Jrmungandr stopped. Chang-Sun walked past him.

<Niflheim> has to give me their throne in exchange for saving Angrboda and acknowledge that Im Bestlas heir.

Yeah, that is who you are, Jrmungandr mumbled.

He could still remember the accomplishments that a human named Lee Chang-Sun had made on Earth and how he had done them. Chang-Sun would never let emotional ties get in his work, but he always made sure to keep his end of the deal. Hence, Jrmungandr couldnt help but nod even though Chang-Sun was talking about the subjugation of <Niflheim>.

If you succeed, then you might just get what you want Jrmungandr trailed off.

* * *

Jrmungandr led Chang-Sun into a palace built out of the bones of enormous demonic creatures. It was unclear if the bones were of Dragons or serpents, however.

Bel-Marduk nodded Chang-Sun. Hey.

The disapproval in his eyes made it clear that he didnt want to be here. He would much rather finish his business here as quickly as possible so he could quickly return to where he was. When Chang-Sun began to wonder why

Oh, my! One more dashing man has arrived! Are you boys twins? Hohoho, you could have told me earlier. If I knew I was going to be surrounded by such fine men, I would have dressed myself up prettier.

The woman winked at Chang-Sun. She then laughed, covering her lips, which she had applied a dark-red lipstick on.

The woman was wearing a tight dress that accentuated her curves, its slits keeping her beautiful legs in the open. She was so beautiful that anyone walking past her would turn back to just to catch a glimpse of her again. However, Bel-Marduk kept looking away, a frown on his face. He looked as if he had just seen something he shouldnt have.

The more Bel-Marduks frown deepened, the louder the woman giggled. She linked her arm around Bel-Marduks right and asked him what was wrong. Bel-Marduk screamed to let him go, seemingly creeped out by her touch.

Chang-Sun tilted his head in confusion. Who is she?

The woman had a formidable Divine Class, but Chang-Sun couldnt connect her to the people of <Niflheim>. He had already met Hel, so he was sure they werent the same person.

Chang-Sun narrowed his eyes. Her energy is familiar, though.

Fuck, Jrmungandr grumbled in annoyance, covering his face. He had the same expression as when he saw Fenrir in Chang-Suns arms. Would you please stop that already, Father?

Chang-Sun hurriedly turned to Jrmungandr, unable to believe what he just heard.

Father?

Jrmungandrs reaction made it clear that Chang-Sun hadnt misheard him.

Gulp.

Chang-Sun swallowed down his saliva. He turned to Bel-Marduk and the woman again, finding the woman giggling coquettishly and Bel-Marduk trembling, hating every bit of this meeting.

Hohohoho! Whats with the stare, sweetie? Is this your first time meeting a beautiful woman? Well, it would be difficult to find someone more beautiful, wouldnt it?

Chang-Sun wondered if he had just dug his own grave with this plan.

1. A shore of corpses in Helheim.

2. The novel has made a few modifications to Norse mythology. Not much is known about Ivaldi himself, but his sons forged Gungnir and Skidbladnir. Loki, the one who mischievously cut Sifs hair, visited Ivaldis sons to get Sif a replacement. That marked the start of his journey to creating many artifacts like Gungnir, Skidbladnir, Mjolnir etc.

THIS CHAPTER UPLOAD FIRST AT NOVELBIN.COM