章 14: Time flies also in the Land of Shadows
The Land of Shadows, situated on the fringes of the world, remained hidden from the awareness of ordinary individuals. Even legendary warriors found navigating their way into this realm and conquering Scáthach's trials a monumental challenge. For those who proved capable of passing these tests and entering the realm, Scáthach acknowledged them and offered tutelage. However, this tutelage was limited. Scáthach refrained from investing excessive attention in those who were destined to depart sooner or later.
Though visitors might have been demigods, very few possessed the potential and abilities required to become true great heroes. This concept hinged largely on the notion of innate talent. However, beyond talent, Scáthach placed immense value on something she considered essential—ambition. While most outsiders strived for incremental skill improvement, an intense desire for growth, akin to Cú Chulainn's, was exceptionally rare.
In this context, ambition entailed the commitment Cú Chulainn exhibited from the beginning: his aspiration to master all of Scáthach's techniques, including the magic spear's throwing techniques. Yet, the idea of "wanting more" mustn't tip into excess. Cú Chulainn embodied this balance effectively, even if his execution left a significant shadow.
Scáthach argued that recognizing one's own limitations when confronted by superior forces signified virtuous humility. However, replacing such humility with ambition and audacious courage was equally vital. This was what Scáthach admired: the bravery of a warrior who faced the world with both courage and intellect. Warriors of this sort, who blended valor with a courageous heart, were those Scáthach cherished.
To simplify, a touch of caution alongside recklessness was acceptable, but the desire to confront opponents head-on, combined with a hint of intelligence, was imperative. And few outsiders met these criteria within the Land of Shadows.
As for our studies, I noticed that Cú Chulainn's progress with runes was barely inching along. He had hardly scratched the surface of deciphering those ancient manuscripts and was on the verge of finally grasping their meanings. Meanwhile, I excelled in my rune studies, devouring knowledge with genuine enthusiasm. Scáthach's approving nods fueled my motivation, and my progress reflected that passion.
Of course, Cú Chulainn wasn't the only one struggling in this aspect.
When it came to martial arts, I hit a significant wall. Scáthach's teachings went beyond merely mastering runes; she imposed strict limitations. Soul Synchronization was off-limits during our training, and I was confined to using the magic spear. Even though I had previously preferred the broadsword's raw power and the katana's swiftness, I now found myself wielding the spear at her behest. Every battle bore Scáthach's influence, and I couldn't deny it was a demanding undertaking.
In the Land of Shadows, the inhabitants were anything but ordinary. Deceased souls, undead, demons, and monsters filled the realm—normal humans were practically nonexistent. Scáthach's dominion reigned supreme, and no one dared challenge her rule. Her castle was fortified by an elite guard unit, each member possessing enough strength to subdue both Cú Chulainn and me. Power thrived here, where even the most mundane entities could rival 'Hassan of the Hundred Faces.'
The Queen of Shadows was inherently martial, and her subjects mirrored this aggressive disposition. Surrounding Scáthach's castle were arenas reminiscent of the grandeur of the Colosseum. Within those blood-soaked confines, participants destined for defeat—demons, monsters, and the like—were subjected to gruesome spectacles, akin to the brutal bestiarii fights of Ancient Rome. My fortune had allowed me to participate in several of these contests, often alongside Ashe, the vice-captain of the escort unit. Despite occasional challenges, I emerged victorious each time.
In the arena, I found an exhilarating release for the pent-up frustrations stemming from Scáthach's rigorous training. It was cruel and bloody, but there was something liberating about standing amidst the crimson confines of the 'Colosseum,' spear in hand, a trickle of blood running down my forehead. A smile crept onto my lips as the announcer boomed from a raised platform, "This marks the seventh battle for our contender today. Undead warriors, monsters, and now demons—will she maintain this unbroken streak of victory? The next challenge: Kara faces off against the foreign demon king!"
Just then, Ashe, the vice-captain of the guards, rushed toward me, concern etched across his features. I knew today was significant; it marked the end of Cú Chulainn's month-long run. His gaze landed on a crack in the inky abyss from which a colossal black claw extended.
Time had slipped by unnoticed. Almost two years had passed since we first arrived in the Land of Shadows, and our reputations had grown, albeit still dwarfed by Scáthach's. This realm was teeming with formidable warriors, many of whom were Scáthach's chief disciples, each possessing considerable prowess. Facing such realities, relying solely on combat prowess was taxing.
Cú Chulainn and I often accompanied the guards on missions, confronting monsters along the coastal regions and battling demons from foreign lands. Our martial skills and tactical prowess earned us respect. My occasional audacity and fearlessness even earned me the title "Laoch cróda ban" among the younger warriors.
"Laoch cróda ban, Laoch gan eagla!" they chanted, cheering for me.
Within minutes, I had emerged victorious once again, this time without resorting to 'Soul Synchronization.' Skillfully, I had impaled the demon captured by the guards, even while suffering a shattered femur in the process. My iron spear, only slightly superior to an ordinary one, pierced the fiend—a demon lord, albeit slightly weaker than a Top-Tier Servants. It felt exhilarating to confront the demon without magical augmentation, relying solely on Scáthach's spear techniques.
As I limped out of the arena, using my spear for support, I noticed Ashe's face already displaying hints of anxiety. I couldn't help but tease, "Ashe, what's going on? Has Cú Chulainn been gobbled up again? Or did Teach send you to fetch me?"
"No, that's not the reason I'm here. Well, yes, it's the last question!" Ashe replied quickly. Leaning on his shoulder, I asked, "So, what's going on?"
"There's been an extraterrestrial demon invasion. Cú Chulainn is badly injured. The Queen thought your curiosity might lead you to rush over, so she sent me to bring you back."
"How unfortunate… Cú Chulainn has been defeated again." I struggled to hold back a tear, but underneath my apparent concern, genuine curiosity bubbled about the demon invasion. Despite dedicating considerable time to the Land of Shadows, most of my days revolved around learning runes and honing combat techniques.
"Can you give me more details?"
"Let's head back to the castle, and I'll explain on the way..." Ashe began, leading me through the chaotic aftermath of the arena. Cú Chulainn, already weakened from his prolonged run, had fallen easily and suffered severe injuries. However, during his escape, he had managed to master several runes, which enabled his return to the Land of Shadows. Currently, the fourth and fifth guards were rushing to the spatial rift's location to establish a defensive perimeter. More information awaited us upon our return to the castle.
As Ashe recounted the events, I finally grasped the true purpose of the seven massive city walls encircling the Land of Shadows. Perched on the world's outermost edge, this land served as the frontline defense against the relentless encroachment of demons. Those towering walls were not mere structures; they were formidable barriers designed to thwart the demonic forces attempting to breach the spatial boundaries and infiltrate our reality through the Land of Shadows.
Decades had passed since Scáthach and her guards had successfully repelled the last demonic incursion, yet these invaders had not given up. They had chosen to strike again, and my instincts sharpened. This time, it felt like things were about to get far more complicated.
Beyond those imposing walls lay a thick veil of black mist that shrouded the ashen sky. I squinted, recognizing it for what it was—a foreboding omen of a new challenge looming on the horizon.
In the garden adorned with flowers from another realm, nestled behind the castle, Scáthach occupied the central pavilion. A gentle breeze danced through her long hair, enhancing her relaxed demeanor, which was truly captivating. Her half-lidded eyes fell on the delicate porcelain of a teacup, filled with the brew I had painstakingly prepared. With a slight turn, she faced me, a cryptic smile gracing her lips.
"So, what's the extent of the demon monarch's power?" I asked, curiosity laced in my tone.
"It's notably inferior to that of a Top-Tier Servant," Scáthach replied with a shrug
Expressing that was a delicate matter. The guards, after all, possessed strengths comparable to those of Top-Tier Servants, if not outright Heroic Spirits. I had no doubt about the Land of Shadows' capability to repel demon invasions. However, I sensed that there were likely external factors at play. While I believed I had a reasonable understanding of Scáthach, it felt surface-level at best. The full extent of her secrets remained tantalizingly out of reach, eluding my grasp.
"And the 'Soul Analysis'? How far have you progressed?" Scáthach continued. It was hard not to hear how curious she was about this little ability of mine.
"Thanks to Captain Ashe's cooperation, we've achieved a full analysis. I can perfectly replicate Captain Ashe's abilities through 'Soul Synchronization.' But your soul, Teach... It's indeed an ambitious undertaking to completely analyze it," I replied, the weight of the task looming over me.
Scáthach has been encouraging me to delve into her own soul. Unlike my previous experience with Okita, where the connection was more indirect, Scáthach's approach was direct and intimate. She allowed me to analyze her true soul, an ambitious endeavor that had taken time, but now we were in the final stages of this comprehensive process. I believed that if I could achieve soul synchronization with Scáthach, I might truly unlock the potential to reach the state of a Heroic Spirit.
Truly, Scáthach's tutelage had proven invaluable.
She was the cornerstone of the Land of Shadows, its unwavering guardian, while the ten captain guards acted as foundational blocks beneath her. These guardians, molded under her guidance, were formidable entities capable of challenging Top-Tier Heroic Spirits, despite their uncertain origins. Scáthach's years of dedication had transformed them into true warriors. To amplify my combat prowess and skills, she had arranged sparring sessions, even with Ashe, the vice-captain of the first guard. These encounters provided me with the opportunity to explore the depths of my her soul.
While Ashe might not rival Scáthach, her abilities surpassed those of ordinary Heroic Spirits—a natural outcome given her role. Throughout the Land of Shadows' tumultuous history, from its inception to its establishment, these guards had fought alongside Scáthach against a relentless tide of undead, monsters, and demons that once infested the realm. Eventually, the land evolved into the Land of Shadows, fortified by its imposing walls.
However, the challenges didn't end with that transformation. Despite Scáthach's influence improving life within the Land of Shadows, the realm, linked to multiple dimensions, faced invasions at regular intervals—more than just common monsters and sea creatures. Demons and deities had always posed a threat, and now, decades later, they had resurfaced, putting me on edge.
Moreover, my intuitive sense heightened my unease, ringing with foreboding. I could feel it in my bones; something was coming, and it wouldn't be an easy fight.
"This occurrence surpasses a mere demonic invasion. As you've dwelled in the Land of Shadows without full comprehension, let me clarify. Though the realm welcomes the departed, not all find solace. Thus, at intervals, the gateway to the afterlife here opens wide, granting souls a chance at reincarnation." Scathach explained
Scáthach watched me closely, while my mind racing to absorb this revelation. Her calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the weight of her words. Observing my puzzled expression, Scáthach's lips curled subtly. It was a charming yet unsettling habit that seemed almost playful, especially coming from someone of her stature.
"Simply put, the deceased souls exit the Land of Shadows for the underworld."
"So, that's the crux of it," I nodded, beginning to understand the countless departed souls that swelled the ranks of this place. It was a pathway to the afterlife. Having faced arrogant souls beyond count, I knew how their presence could weigh heavily on the living.
"Yet, certain underworld deities don't favor me. They're not outright foes, but they'd disrupt if they could. Having taken countless lives—humans, undead, monsters, and gods—I've garnered a plethora of curses," Scáthach continued, her voice softening as she gazed at the distant gray sky, which gradually darkened.
"From a certain perspective, I'm quite the magnet for adversaries."
"They're merely gods, aren't they? Hasn't Teach already dispatched quite a few? If they dare to reveal themselves, a swift strike would suffice," I remarked, lifting my head with a touch of arrogance. "Given some time, I can analyze your soul thoroughly. With or without your aid, I can deal with these audacious beings through Soul Synchronization. Whoever sets foot in the Land of Shadows will meet their doom."
I turned my gaze toward Scáthach, feeling my eyes spark with enthusiasm. "Teach, your combat skills and extraordinary clairvoyance are unparalleled among Heroic Spirits. Through Soul Synchronization, I believe I can attain a level of prowess similar to yours. Hand-to-hand combat, just like you."
She placed a gentle hand on my cheek, her touch surprisingly soft. "Silly child, even though my power is great, I am far from invincible."
"Wait a moment! Something doesn't quite add up here! If that's the case, how have you, who's been chasing death, managed to survive for another two thousand years?" A subtle unease crept over me.
"Simply because the death I yearn for is an honorable duel, a graceful defeat. And should such a fate come, I hope it's a disciple I've personally trained who delivers it. Be it demons or deities, my end won't be easily met."
"Of course not! Teach, you merely seize the chance to instruct whenever you spot potential, all while indulging your desire for a worthy battle! These are all just excuses!" I said fervently. I had grown attached to Scáthach, perhaps seeing her as more than just an instructor, even as a parental figure. But something was bothering me, so I decided to get it out. "But even with your wisdom in the realm of demons, Teach, did you foresee what's unfolding now?"
"No, my clairvoyance has only been in use recently, since you arrived in the Land of Shadows. It was to find out where you acquired the magic spear I crafted. After all, glimpsing the future through clairvoyance is rare. The allure of the unknown fades once the future is known. And clairvoyance isn't all-knowing; I can't peer into your future."
"Wait—she tricked me! I remembered Scáthach's earlier words about her clairvoyance not seeing me, and I assumed the reason for that was my death," I thought, feeling like kicking myself, but let it go since I was going to reveal my situation to her anyway. Then another thought popped into my mind. "So, she can see into the future, including Cú Chulainn's fate, yet she can't foresee her own future or mine?" I mused. "I wonder what the reason is!"
"Whatever lies ahead, my dear, keep your spirit unbroken," Scáthach said, placing a hand on my shoulder, which stood almost as high as her own. I comforted myself, knowing that we had met in the future already, meaning that whatever happens, we will survive this.
What she forgot however was the fact that Scáthach had met the past her, not the current her.
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