[Land of Shadows]
An "extremely" beautiful woman known by several names and titles sat on a lonely throne. She had long purple hair and blood-red eyes and wears a full-body outfit, emphasizing her voluptuous body and slender shoulders with metallic shoulder pads.
"Boring..." Her pale face was devoid of any emotions but boredom remained like a lifelong friend.
Scáthach. A female warrior-queen from Celtic Mythology. The queen and gatekeeper of the foreign territory/haunted ground called the Land of Shadows. She is a prodigy of spearman-ship and Rune magecraft.
She possesses an immense power that is enough to obtain control over and close the gates of the "Land of Shadows", which is overflowing with countless ghosts to ward off the dead. She is also known as God Slayer because of her continual slaying of Divine Spirits, making her feared by anyone.
After bathing her in millions or even billions of lives, Scáthach became immortal. She wanted to die as a human couldn't do it because no one could kill her. It's saddening because even her precious disciples couldn't kill her. Their feeling clouded their judgement at the very last moment.
"Hmm?"
An unidentified power abruptly broke through the Land of Shadows, breaking her control over "Gate". and creating an odd space & time tunnel connected to somewhere else.
"This is... My connection to the Land of Shadows is also cut off by this force. An overwhelming power that beyond Counter Force and Natural Order actually exists?"
"Is it Zelretch? No, that fool wouldn't be able to enter my domain so easily." It's not only Scáthach who experienced this bizarre event because some random entity and creature also met this unknown force.
Scáthach was ready to draw her treasured weapon Gae Bolg but heard something pure yet unexpected voice coming from the tunnel.
"Do you want to live a new life?" An innocent youthful voice filled with excitement and mystery echoed to all that random entity and creatures. Some entities wanted to reply but were afraid of the unknown consequences. Yes, all of them except Scáthach.
Scáthach felt her instinct activated on their own by this voice and she unconsciously muttered, "Yes."
A golden light swallowed Scáthach's whole being and pulled her into the tunnel, making the Land of Shadows more silent than ever.
Scáthach felt weird because all the strength she had honed and trained for years seemed to leave her body.
Yet, she didn't feel discomfort because to her this golden light felt like a warm blanket or the sun itself embracing her in its strong arms.
"Freedom. For the first time after years of boredom." She mumbled while closing her eyes feeling protected and... peaceful?
"Finally, peace..."
[Summoning...]
...
Scáthach opened her eyes and found herself in a grand chamber with such luxury she had seen after so many years that she lost count. She felt weak to her very bones, Having just enough strength to barely stand with armour on.
'Where am I?' She looked around and saw a grand bed neatly done, She wanted to sleep on it for eternity to come. But then her eyes fixed on the only other person in the room beside her.
A snow-white-haired boy stood before her, sporting an outfit that was unusual but looked good on his body structure with a weird demon-like mask. His appearance was nothing extraordinary to Scáthach because she had seen so many odd things but those eyes.
'How beautiful... A pair of golden sun-like eyes, gazing at me with such concern.' Scáthach thought while lowering her gaze for a moment. It feels surreal to her because everything happened so fast.
Karna was surprised and mumbled, "Purple hair and red eyes..."
Scáthach recognised this innocent youthful voice from before and raised her head again. "Oh, are you my master?" She questioned immediately with no hesitation.
"I-, Yes. Yes, I am." Karna awkwardly answered while nodding his head. "Anyway, let's get you some fresh clothes- which are not bloodied and uncomfortable first."
Scáthach's gaze remained steady, her eyes analyzing Karna's expression wanting to see past that mask. Despite his apparent awkwardness, she sensed an air of sincerity in his words.
"Very well," Scáthach replied her tone even. "Lead the way."
Karna gestured towards a door leading to a spacious dressing room. "Please make yourself comfortable in there. I'll find suitable attire for you."
As Scáthach stepped into the dressing room, Karna went toward the gates of the chamber and opened it slightly to which the maid standing outside walked over with a curious expression.
Karna exchanged a few hushed words with her, and she nodded before disappearing down the corridor, likely off to fetch clothing for the new arrival.
Inside the dressing room, Scáthach took a moment to observe her surroundings. The room was adorned with intricate designs and luxurious furnishings, a stark contrast to the rugged and austere Land of Shadows she was accustomed to.
She removed her bloodied armour and garments, revealing her battle-scarred but well-toned physique. She could feel the exhaustion from her journey and the transition taking its toll, but she remained steadfast.
Karna's voice resonated through the door. "I've sent a maid to bring you some clothes. Please take your time."
Scáthach's lips curved into a faint smile. She appreciated his consideration and took a moment to collect herself before stepping into a luxurious bath that had been prepared for her.
The warm water enveloped her, soothing her tired muscles and relaxing her body. She closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment of tranquillity.
After her bath, Scáthach found a set of clothes neatly laid out for her – a simple but elegant attire that felt foreign against her skin. She dressed quickly, her movements precise and efficient, a reflection of her warrior discipline.
When she stepped out of the dressing room, Karna turned towards her with an approving nod. "You look refreshed. The clothes suit you well."
Scáthach met his gaze evenly, her blood-red eyes holding a mix of curiosity and assessing scrutiny. "Thank you for your hospitality, Mystery man~"
Scáthach's voice held a hint of playfulness, her manner of addressing Karna subtly teasing. She couldn't help but notice the mysterious and intriguing aura that surrounded him, prompting her to coin him with a name that resonated with the enigmatic energy he exuded.
Karna chuckled, his golden eyes twinkling with amusement. "Mystery man, huh? I suppose that's a fitting title considering the circumstances."
Karna bought Scáthach towards the sitting area in the chamber and said, "Ask me anything you want to know right now. I will answer them honestly."
"Where I am?" Scáthach asked calmly.
"You are in the royal palace of the city of Champa, located within the kingdom of Anga. This realm exists in a different world from the one you came from. Its name is Bharatvarsha."
Karna smiled wryly and replied, "I have a special power to do that. It's kinda confidential, so I can't explain the exact process of it."
There is no presence of mana in the air she used till now, But something more related to life like the life force itself flowing through her and returning to nature again forming a cycle.
Scáthach could feel this unknown force flowing through her veins, which became stronger by "simply" breathing air. This distant universe/realm with the name of "Bharatvarsha", Unknown power, and this boy. Everything is new to her.
"I see, then lastly. Who are you?" The former God Slayer stared at Karna curiously. She has observed him meticulously and concluded he wasn't a "normal" boy from his strength to his manner of speaking.
Karna grabbed the Demon's Mask and pulled it off his face. He brushed his white hair, which seemed to become longer after so many years, and stared at Scáthach solemnly.
"My name is Karna. Nice to meet you." He said while giving his best smile, but unknown to him. His action activated something inside Scáthach's heart.
"Let me hug you!" Even with her new body, Scáthach's womanly instinct "Instantly" was triggered when seeing Karna's appearance. Yes, Star-Child Bloodline's charm was used for the first time by Karna.
"What???"
Scáthach grasped Karna's hand and enthusiastically repeated, "Let. Me. Pat. You!"
Scáthach's enthusiastic request caught Karna off guard, his eyes widening in surprise. He chuckled at her unexpected reaction, finding her eagerness quite endearing. He nodded with a warm smile, extending his free hand toward her.
"Sure, go ahead."
With a mixture of curiosity and delight, Scáthach reached out and gently patted Karna's head, her touch surprisingly gentle despite her warrior disposition.
As her hand made contact with his hair, she couldn't help but notice its softness and the warmth that radiated from his body. It was a simple gesture, but it felt oddly comforting to both of them.
Karna, for his part, allowed himself to be enveloped in the moment, the sensation of Scáthach's hand on his head triggering a sense of familiarity and connection.
The comfort he felt in her presence was unlike anything he had experienced before, and it was as if a bond was forming between them, forged in the most unexpected of circumstances.
"Your hair is as soft as it looks," Scáthach remarked with a hint of amusement, her fingers continuing to lightly stroke his hair.
Karna chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm glad you find it agreeable. It's not often that someone wants to pat my head."
Scáthach's fingers stilled for a moment, and she met Karna's gaze with a twinkle in her blood-red eyes. "I believe in embracing all experiences, no matter how unusual they may be."
"What was it like being the gatekeeper of the Land of Shadows?"
Scáthach's expression grew pensive as she considered Karna's question. Memories of her long existence in the Land of Shadows, guarding its secrets and battling countless foes, resurfaced in her mind. She leaned back slightly, resting her elbow on the armrest of the chair.
"The Land of Shadows was both my domain and my prison. Its endless expanse was filled with restless spirits and the echoes of forgotten stories. I held the power to open and close its gates, to control the ebb and flow of souls. It was a role I accepted willingly, for it gave me purpose and allowed me to hone my skills."
She paused, a hint of melancholy crossing her features. "But with time, the monotony and isolation wore on me. Immortality brought its challenges, and the burden of endless battles and the weight of countless lives took a toll. I desired freedom, to experience the world beyond the shadows."
Karna nodded, absorbing her words with empathy. He understood the complexities of living an immortal life, the yearning for something beyond the battles and the responsibilities that came with extraordinary power.
"It sounds like you've been through a lot," Karna said softly, his voice tinged with sympathy.
Scáthach's lips curved into a wistful smile. "Indeed, I have. And now, here I am, in a realm completely different from my own. It's a new beginning, a chance to explore a world I never heard tales of."
Karna's eyes sparkled with interest. "Bharatvarsha is a land of wonders, filled with diverse cultures, histories, and stories. I'm certain you'll find it fascinating."
Scáthach's expression shifted, a glint of mischief entering her eyes. "I've already found it intriguing, Mystery Man. And I have yet to uncover all its secrets."
Karna chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "Then I look forward to sharing this journey of discovery with you, Scáthach."