Level 2 Dimension Management: Nibiru’s Melancholy – 3

Nibir didn’t launch into a lengthy explanation about the definitions of gods, dimensions, and mortals.

Such explanations weren’t particularly helpful, and they tended to make the listener feel disconnected.

Nibir succinctly told her three things.

There were many dimensions in the world.

Kang In-ho, whom Mina cherished, shifted dimensions every time he died.

The destination of these shifts was unknown.

“So, what I have to do is…”

After an explanation that was short for describing the origin of the universe, yet long considering what she had to do, the elegant woman asked.

Her voice was calm, but her body visibly flinched at the thought that the person she thought was dead was alive.

“You have to trace his path and follow him. Since we can’t pinpoint his current location, we need to find traces of his Dimensional Shift in the dimensions he visited in the past.”

“Then… I should start from where I lived.”

“There might be patterns we don’t know about, so we’ll start from the first place he shifted to.”

-Clap!

As Nibir clapped, a crack appeared in space with a tearing sound.

Beyond the crack, a cityscape unfolded, not much different from where she lived.

“That’s where he first underwent Dimensional Shift. My junior personally set the first destination, so it’s certain.”

“Then I’ll get going.”

“Uh, uh! Just a moment. What’s the rush! You need to hear the precautions before you go.”

“…Yes, tell me.”

As she stared at him with an expression that said, ‘Hurry up and say it,’ Nibir sighed in disbelief.

‘Are all mortals this fearless these days?’

Kang In-ho, who flipped off Ranael and cursed at her, and this woman too… Shouldn’t they be a little scared when they see a god?

Nibir felt like an old man who couldn’t adapt to the rapidly changing world.

“The environment varies greatly from dimension to dimension. Fortunately, the [Earth] template is stable and popular, so many gods have adopted it, but there are also fantasy-like dimensions like those in movies and comics.”

“Yes.”

“If you suddenly drop into such a place in your current state, you’ll die instantly. You don’t have any means to protect yourself.”

“Ah….”

Only then did she seem to realize, slightly opening her mouth and nodding.

Nibir felt frustrated.

“Unlike Kang In-ho, you can’t be resurrected if you die… The reason why you can’t is that if someone without other Dimension Entry records is resurrected, the god of that dimension will immediately know.”

“Then isn’t Inho also at risk of being caught?”

“Well… Kang In-ho is a bit special. He takes the form of overwriting the target in the shifted dimension. A kind of switch?”

“A switch…”

“I didn’t even notice that he had entered without permission. I only found out after the causality was disrupted by what you did.”

How surprised he had been when he realized that causality had been disrupted.

Fortunately, he had adjusted it before it was further distorted, or else it would have been a major disaster.

“Anyway, there’s no risk of being caught for resurrection, so I’ll grant you the ability to Dimensional Shift and draw out the power to protect yourself.”

“Draw out?”

“Yes. Your existence. To materialize the ‘concept’ hidden within it.”

“Is that possible?”

“…I’m a god, you know.”

Nibir, having heard the most absurd question he had heard in hundreds of years, drooped his shoulders and said.

What does this woman think I am?

“Close your eyes for a moment.”

At Nibir’s words, the woman closed her eyes.

Nibir approached her and placed his fingertips on her solar plexus.

The hand that touched her solar plexus continued to sink in, and Nibir continued to chant something like a spell.

Soon, a thick, black paint-like substance began to flow through the woman’s body, and Nibir pulled his hand away, saying.

“Depression, lethargy, and regret… A rather sad concept to define you.”

“You really are a god. It fits perfectly.”

The woman smiled, a smile that had not been seen before. That smile looked sad.

“Based on your concept, an ability has been created. Now, try to draw out the power and reach out your hand.”

“Like this… Huh?”

As she reached out her hand following Nibir’s words, black paint began to spread from her feet, covering every corner of the space.

“In ancient times, this concept was called ‘Ancient shadow’. This alter ego of yours has the ability to devour incapacitated targets and use their abilities for a limited time.”

“It can also materialize the shadow to create things, so it seems like a good ability to apply.”

“It will take some time to get used to it.”

The woman said, clenching and unclenching her hand, adjusting the size of the shadow.

“Yes. Try to get used to the ability as you travel through the dimensions ahead.”

“I understand. Is that the end of it then?”

“There’s one more thing. When you enter a dimension, it will tell you which grade of god manages that dimension. You don’t have to be too careful in 3rd or 4th grade dimensions. But if you visit a 1st or 2nd grade dimension, try not to do anything that stands out.”

“Yes. Are there any dimensions higher than 1st grade?”

“There’s a place called Unique Dimension. You don’t need to know about it. It’s so well protected that it’s impossible to access it with ordinary techniques.”

“I understand. Then I’ll be going now.”

The woman bowed and walked into the crack in space without hesitation.

Nibir wished her well in carrying out her mission and saw her off.

In front of the crack, the woman turned to Nibir and asked.

“By the way… you said Inho was a switch earlier.”

“Yes. That’s right.”

“Then is the Inho I knew not Inho?”

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

At Nibir’s words, she remained silent.

After a long deliberation, she, Lee Mina, gave a faint smile and said.

“No, Inho is Inho, so I don’t care. Before or after the change, Inho was like a haven for me.”

-Actually, I don’t even know when he changed.

She muttered.

-Step, step

“I have to meet Inho. I have to meet him and tell him I was wrong.”

“And.”

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

She said clearly as she walked into the world visible beyond the crack.

“I hope it goes well. Lee Mina.”

Nibir, sending Lee Mina away, felt depressed.