Hunter of the Evernight
Chapter 241: Champion

Chapter 241: Champion

Just as Nadia stood rooted in place, unsure of how she’d arrived in her current location, a voice came from behind.

Oh, you’re awake.

She whirled around just in time to see a purple succubus materialize within the room.

Quickly searching through her memories, she recalled that the succubus was Vessina’s physical form.

But the one before her and the one she remembered had height differences with the former at eye level whereas the latter was more of a towering figure.

"...Lady Vessina?" Nadia muttered to be sure of her speculation.

The succubus smirked as she put her nose up.

The one and only.

"But your height..."

I had to use a more compact size to avoid destroying this room. It was quite difficult making it after all.

"Oh, that makes sense." Nadia nodded thoughtfully.

You should step away from the door lest you take a wrong step.

"Ah, yes." Nadia quickly did as she was told, clearly still in an absent-minded state.

She closed the door behind her and returned to the bed before meeting Vessina’s gaze again.

"Uhmm, sorry to bother you but... where am I?"

A special space in DreamLand. Xistora and I had to make a place for you to stay.

"... Why am I here?"

Well, we couldn’t exactly leave you in any of the Floors we rule over. The negative emotions would surely corrupt you and leave you a monster so we had to go for the second best thing.

"Then, Alex..." Nadia’s voice trailed off as she feared for the worse.

Don’t worry, he didn’t abandon you but before you join his merry band, there’s something you need to complete. Something that only you can accomplish.

"Something that only I can accomplish?" Nadia seemed perplexed, her brows furrowed as she couldn’t understand Vessina’s words.

Vessina didn’t seem to mind her current inquisitive state as she remarked.

How about you inspect your Stigma?... It should give you an idea of what I mean.

"My Stigma..." Nadia subconsciously activated her Spirituality before looking at her cleavage to find that her Stigma had undergone a qualitative change.

Instead of a faceless woman with a scepter, standing atop a mountain whilst several people kowtowed to her below the mountain, the image was now of the same figure but instead of a mountain, she was sitting atop a throne with what seemed to be a lackadaisical demeanor about her.

"What’s going on?"

Even I can’t explain it but I guess if there’s a way to put it it’s that while I and Xistora used your body to restrain Truzrazeth, our powers ended up melding together, and even with our departure, your body still has imprints of both our powers. If I were to make a bold claim, it might be because you are a Dhampir so you are further inclined to the supernatural than you were before. It may also be the reason your body hasn’t collapsed despite holding both I and my sister’s domain.

"So all we have are speculations?"

Which is what intrigues me the most. So I and Xistora have decided to take you to our mother, Lilith. She will be the one to decide what happens next but if everything works fine... Nadia Khan, you might be the first Devil Mystic to harness two different domains while still being at your Origin.

"... If I pass, will I be able to go back?" Nadia inquired, clearly hesitant to make a decision.

Of course, Alex looks forward to your transformation.

Clenching her fist, Nadia closed her eyes and pondered for a while before finally letting out a trained sigh.

"Then I’ll do it."

Vessina regarded her for a moment before inquiring.

You would do this for Alex?

"No... I will do this because I haven’t redeemed myself yet and I know... Alex is the best way to do so."

Clever way to put it.

"I’m ready."

Smirking at Nadia’s recovered composure, Vessina replied.

Then let’s be on our way.

***

It was the same as back then.

The uncomfortable feeling of monsters watching, the blue flames, the pile of bones, the river of blood, and even the unnatural smells.

Nadia found herself back in the Underworld but this time she wasn’t alone.

On her right and left, Vessina and Xistora stood with one smirking and the other dozing off.

Go ahead... Mother is waiting.

Vessina remarked.

Gulping audibly, Nadia slowly made her way down the blood river before finally arriving at the origin.

Ahead, a throne made from bones stood at the top of a flight of stairs, obscured by an illusory grey curtain with the one known as Lilith seated on the throne but hidden by the curtain.

"Nadia Khan pays homage to the Mistress of the Crimson Night," Nadia remarked as she got on her knees and planted her forehead on the ground.

Despite the uncomfortable feeling, she remained in this position until Lilith lazily replied.

You are the child from last time. Why are you here?

Taking a deep breath, Nadia slowly put her head up, only stopping once she could see the last staircase on the flight of steps.

"I have completed my trial and have come to be granted the title."

I do not acknowledge your claim. How would you like to die?

"No!" Nadia quickly exclaimed in fright as she glanced back to find that Vessina and Xistora weren’t planning on helping her.

Her breathing quickened as fear took root in her heart.

However, she quickly calmed as she closed her eyes, pondering the reason why she’d come.

After much time passed and the cold embrace of death was almost upon her, Nadia spoke up. "I may not have caused the misfortune of 10 fortunate families as you instructed but what about one Half-God?... I was part of those responsible for his failure to ascend. Does that not suffice as enough to cover up what I owe?"

... An excellent argument but I see no reason to allow it.

"There is. I am unique, your Ladyship. Just as I have accomplished this seemingly impossible task, I will do more as long as you bestow on me the title of the first Lock."

You are unique?... Interesting.

For the first time, Nadia could detect a trace of emotion in Lilith’s voice.

It reeked of amusement.

This caused her to worry that Lilith would end up rejecting her request. If that turned out to be the case...

Vessina child, why do I sense the domains of both you and your sister on this little one?

Lilith suddenly asked, detracting Nadia from the remainder of her thoughts.

Vessina calmly stepped forward as she replied.

Truzrazeth sought to eliminate the mortal world by becoming a True God. We prevented his apotheosis with Nadia’s help. Despite having to house both our strengths, she came out unscathed and her body even found a means to merge both our domains.

Incredible

Lilith nodded, clearly intrigued by Vessina’s account.

Shifting her attention to Nadia, Lilith began.

The end is near and we need a champion of our cause. You, an anomaly that you are, will be given an opportunity. I hope you can make me proud.

"I will do my best." Nadia quickly said for fear of Lilith taking back her words.

Then it happened.

A rumbling occurred after which an arched gate formed from bones rose from the ground.

On it, 10 Locks were shown with the first quickly receding revealing a floating word.

"Witch," Nadia muttered softly.

You have proven yourself worthy of being regarded as a Witch, paving the way for the downfall of a Half-God. Now tell me, do you wish to carry out your next trial?

"...Yes, Mistress."