#shadow and void

Without a second left to process, you disappeared before her eyes again and reappeared behind her. Hae-In only managed to turn around just in the nick of time and block an attack. When the dust cleared, she realized her blade was blocking off a staff, and her arms trembled as she tried to stop it from slamming into her face. 

Her eyes widened when the top part of the staff had a misty aura, and sensing imminent danger, she immediately backed away with the sword in hand. She stared at the spot she once stood, now with a craved blade in her place. The staff had turned into a scythe within seconds. If she hadn’t trusted her instincts, she might have been stabbed.

You clicked your tongue and moved in for another swipe at her. Without enough time to dodge, she used her blade to block it as best she could. However, it only managed to knock her to the side. You retracted the blade back into a staff, your hand hovered over the middle of the staff and moved towards the end to make a needle. Then you shot it in her direction without a second to spare. 

This time, she dodged it, but the sharp tip scraped her dominant arm. She faltered as she kneeled on one knee, using the sword as a support to prevent herself from falling over and creating more of a disadvantage to her already dire situation.

Seems like the winner of this match has been decided… Jinwoo thought to himself. “Are you satisfied now?”

“Not yet…” Hae-In panted, the colour on her face drained, “I can still fight.”

You could feel your eye twitch. This was getting more and more annoying by the second. You couldn’t help but leak a bit of your malicious aura out at her defiance and troublesome attitude. Why in the realms did you think she could be useful to you?

What’s she thinking? I didn’t think she’d be reckless enough to keep fighting even after realizing their difference in strength. This is not an actual summon of mine but a Monarch who’s still hostile to me. His eyes landed on your form. Though calm, he noticed the twitch in your fingers and eyes that gave away your irritation if one ignored the dark aura around you. I can tell… There’s an overwhelming thirst to kill being suppressed. If the Monarch of this realm wants to kill her, she’s dead.

“One more move,” Jinwoo said. He looked over to Hae-In. “If you can’t defeat my summon ally with the next move, then it’s your loss.”

The giant needle that was launched disappeared and reformed in your hand, this time as a pair of sharp claws extended from your hands. You ran forward at her. The quicker she loses, the quicker all this ends, and you can relax. 

{Skill: Sword Dance} Hae-In’s sword glowed a golden aura. When you were within range, her blade attacked without missing a beat and unstopping. You didn’t even appear to be in trouble as your claws swatted off the attack with ease. You glared at her as you grabbed onto the blade and broke it into pieces. This is the end for her.

Yet Hae-In didn’t stop as she went for another technique {Skill: Sword of Light}. What remained of the sword reformed its bladed shape with a golden glow. She made her move quickly as she tried to stab into your chest. You merely raised your open palm at her and your mist devoured her technique. Amid her disbelief, you kicked her in the stomach and raised your claw at her. Your glowing eyes stared down at her.

This ends now.

“Stop!”

When you came to realization, Jinwoo had his dagger out, blocking your attack aimed at Hae-In as the two solid surfaces clashed with sparks flying. Your crazed eyes turned back to normal, as did your aura. However, your eyes widened as they met the vessel’s, there was a brief moment of question and a burning sensation you couldn’t explain. None of that! You tsked and backed up, snapping your fingers to bring everyone back to the human world, back to that insufferable vessel’s office.

“My ally won, Hunter Cha.” That was all you needed to hear and left them without a word of exchange, leave Jinwoo’s presence for the moment.

You fell into a vortex and reappeared on some rooftop of a building. You sat down and crossed your arms with a scowl on your face. “Annoying. So annoying. How could Ashborn pick such a demanding vessel?” Like a volcano erupting, you screamed your lungs out, “Ahhhhhhhh!!!”

The shadow behind you shifted and a figure appeared.

You felt tick marks appeared on your forehead when you sensed another presence behind you, “Listen here, you little vessel! If you think―” Your words were cut short the moment your head turned around to see a familiar Shadow. “Igris.”

The humanoid Shadow bowed with a hand over his ‘heart’ area before stepping closer to where you were.

“It’s been so long. No wonder you weren’t in the army, you were sent to that vessel to look after.” You smiled at the loyal knight. “That vessel’s a handful, right?”

Igris seem to take a moment to think before he shook his head.

You raised a brow, “Why aren’t you saying anything?” At his silence, your eyes widened. “No… You aren’t at full strength, aren’t you? That’s why you can’t talk.”

Igris nodded.

“That vessel is incompetent…” You huffed.

Igris’ hand ruffled the top of your head.

“I am so complaining on your behalf! Wait. What name did he give you? Don’t tell me he took away your manly name!”

Igris shook his head.

That caught your attention, then another question popped up. “Then that special word. Is it still… [Arise]?”

Igris nodded.

“No way…” You turned to look down at the city below of the people mingling and living without fear or knowing what’s to come. One’s a chance, two is just… It can’t be a coincidence. The fact that this vessel, Jinwoo, was protected and raised to be such a powerhouse, even given Igris as his Shadow from the original army. Ashborn can’t be serious…

“I’m going to have a successor. Can you watch over them for me?”

No way. You shook your head forcefully. You hugged your knees close to your chest. The difference between a vessel and a successor was simple: a vessel is where the human soul is devoured the moment the Monarch arrives while a successor is where the original Monarch’s essence is… You buried your head in your arms.

“Igris… Is Ashborn mad at me for betraying him?”

Out of your view, Igris kneeled and placed a hand on your head, his cape wrapped around you for support and comfort. In a way, he was telling you as best he could that his former master had already forgotten about the ordeal.

You’ve waited too long for your answer, your redemption, your punishment, to be passed on to some outsider, worse, to some human. This was too much, such a cruel joke. Were you a fool to wait so long? 

You raised your head and stared at the tiny humans below that looked like ants crawling around. What did Ashborn see in these humans that made him pick a successor and sacrifice himself? What made this vessel, Jinwoo, so special?

Well, yes, Jinwoo was unlike any other human you’d met. He was kind and cold simultaneously, fair and just to those he met, strong and controlled in his overwhelming power. He could have the entire world at his feet if he wished. However, he strived for the simple things in life, like caring for his family. When you were held captive, you had seen how fast his mood changed at the call or text from his mother and sister. Even his guild’s vice master was a lowly D-Rank, but he treasures friendship over status.

But these were things he could do after having power. What happened before? Had he changed? Had Ashborn changed plans after Jinwoo’s growth? No, unlikely. If Ashborn had long ago said he was looking for a successor, he would have been thorough with his options. Something in Jinwoo must have caught his attention that he would make such a choice.

You need to know―to understand―why Jinwoo.

Why him, Ashborn?

You don’t want to admit it and you know you’re denying it. Ashborn wouldn’t abandon you and leave you in the care of his successor, this human that caught his favour with whatever stunts pulled before you met him. Ashborn cared for you, unlike the transactional relationship you would have with the Monarch of Destruction or the give-and-take relationship you have with the other Monarchs, you knew. You cared for him the same way, unlike how you treated the others, that he knew too.

So why? Why was there a need for a successor? You could understand building and growing a vessel. But an actual successor that was born a human? You can’t understand it at all. You can chop off your head and grow a new one over and over again, yet still can’t think of a reason why Ashborn would throw away his everything to give to a human successor.

Humans are fragile. Humans are complex. Humans are short-lived. You have seen first hand during your days on Earth. You’ve once grown attached to someone, that same someone was gone in the blink of an eye. That human that gave you unique security and affection gone like the dust in the wind. Your world shattered with that someone. Just like Ashborn.

Why else did you stall Ashborn in your realm of nothingness? You wanted him to be alive and well, without the need for any silly vessel or successor to continue living. Or the war, whatever. So long as he was alive.

Did Sung Jinwoo take Ashborn from you? No. He’s not powerful enough. He was a puppet, at least in the beginning. Ashborn wasn’t weak enough to be pushed by some humans as well. He was a strong warrior, one of the strongest. So the remaining answer was…

Ashborn picked Sung Jinwoo because he was worthy.

“Sung Jinwoo’s worthy…” Your eyes narrowed, the words that escaped your lips felt wrong but right at the same time. Igris, who stood by your side, bowed his head, agreeing with your statement. Your eyes slowly closed with your head tilted to the side in defeat, “Have it your way, Ashborn.” You exhaled through your nostrils, eyes opening with a faint glow as you stared at the setting sun. “But I have the final say for your real army.”

Note: There are more parts to come and I divided them into arcs. I might update this series into a mini-novel or not (cause it'll have more parts then all the other series I've done), maybe there's gonna be a new masterlist for this. I'll see. Are you guys still interested in this series though?

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

Once upon a time, well, since the beginning of time actually. There existed two entities, two concepts, two elements that made the universe whole. The [ABSOLUTE BEING] was the one to control them, Time and Space. As if a cruel joke was played for mere amusement, Time was made to be intangible while a figure was made to embody Space. Side by side, Time and Space watched by their master’s side at the war that continued on and on, never-ending.

Slowly, Space gained its consciousness and did all it could to steer clear of the battlefield. Self-preservation and survivability at its core. There was never a need for Space to act when the Monarch of Void was so good at hiding in the shadows, never one for attention and never one to fight on the front lines, even with all the powers and abilities present. The Monarch of Void was but a living hollow shell for Space. When that time came and the [ABSOLUTE BEING] was struck down, the favoured one was protected by both Time and Space.

To balance the universe, Time and Space had to side with either side. Since Space had the Monarch of Void already prepared, Time was left to the Rulers’ devices―in a literal sense. The moment Space and the Monarch of Void became one, new powers and authorities were kept hidden and tipped the scales. Instead of a passive bystander, Space was used and taken advantage of by the other Monarchs, particularly the Monarch of Destruction. Yet, Space favoured the Monarch of Shadow as an innate emotion unexplainable.

However treasured the Monarch of Shadow was to the embodiment of Space, a humanistic doubt was planted from words of challenge and uncertainty. Would the Shadow Monarch throw away his pride for Space as it had given up so much for him? So a bet―an oath―was made to test him. The bet was a win and a loss. Win―because it was confirmed for a fact that its own survivability was and should be the prioritized first. Loss―because the doubts were confirmed that it was not as valued as it hoped.

The lament was cut short. Space still had lingering affections enough to hide away the soldiers raised from the dead and the few that were close to the Shadow Monarch. As the Monarchs were forced to hide away as well, Space found it. A place to forget its being.

Earth.

Wandering around in search of the perfect vessel, Space came across a peculiar human soul. The soul that Space had used to its own gain. That was the plan. Overtime, something changed and Space wanted to take the oath back. It was impossible. Even making a new one in an attempt to cancel the old one was impossible as the moment words were uttered, its powers drained and clashed within its form. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. So in the end, the soul was forgotten and disappeared into the void.

Space was left alone once more. Memories haunting the longer time stretched. A form of love that pained, tortured, and drained. Space thought, there was no way it would love another to that degree. To love another to the point of sacrifice? No, Space would never. Because Space was not Time. Space didn’t want to be used in that way.

Yet…

Space fell for the new Shadow Monarch. What began as pure hatred and one-sided uses turned to pure affection and mutual love. Unlike what happened with that favoured one, Space gave its all to protect the love against pests and evils that threatened him. Unlike what happened with that soul, Space gave its all to the love that bound its human heart and thoughts.

Space You were content disappearing forever if it meant Jinwoo would live happily ever after as the hero of the story. Perhaps all that time you spent living and surviving was for that moment, all to meet this human vessel turned successor and love him with all your heart.

Yes, as long as Jinwoo is safe and happy. You’ll comply with any outcome.

Even your own death.

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When Jinwoo woke up, he was back to being a boy. He turned to his Shadows; their eyes stared back at him. Not long after, his little sister Jinah had opened his room door, yelling at him to dine with the family. Only when he was face to face before his father did he understand what you meant that time. He was greedy, he wanted to protect the world. He wanted power. He wanted another chance. He got what he wanted, but in the process, who paid the price?

His father sacrificed his life to protect him.

You sacrifice your everything for his goal.

He got to play the hero and he got an empty world.

Selfishly, he turned back time. The Monarchs surely knew of him and were forming a plan to break him. You surely knew about him and went into hiding from him and the other Monarchs. Your oaths that can’t be taken back are still in effect, one that transcends time itself, for you were its equal. The Rulers who failed time and time again couldn’t do much against the Monarchs.

As much as he wanted to relax for just a bit, your life hung in the balance. He needed to sort things out before powerful foes came out. Before Hunters and Gates were a thing.

“Monarch of Destruction.” Jinwoo stood in front of Antares, who sat on his throne with his dragons surrounding him.

“I knew you’d use the [Cup of Reincarnation] to turn back time. All to save the Monarch of Void, I’ll bet.” Antares’ head tilted to the side in amusement. “We Monarchs haven’t gotten in touch with the Monarch of Void, more so couldn’t and you know when that Monarch wants to hide from detection, no being can accomplish much, so your visit is a waste.”

Jinwoo eyed him while the other Monarchs stood idly by, ready to attack at any moment. “I have a proposal.”

Antares grinned, “We’re listening…”

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You gasped awake. You were met with your apartment, in your bedroom, in the vessel you have possessed since forever. You looked down at your palms; they shook in realization. Time turned back again. This had to be the last time since your connection with Time was lost and you were the only remaining one. To say you were confused was an understatement, for time to turn back, Jinwoo had to have done something. How could the Rulers have agreed?

Screams and shouts echoed through the walls that made you turn to the windows and flung away the curtains. Fire and destruction were everywhere as far as the eye could see. Not only that, there were monsters rampaging through the streets like no tomorrow. It was an apocalyptic setting, a scene so familiar that it made you gag.

You turned on the TV and hopped onto every news channel, reports of destruction and chaos were everywhere. All parts of the Earth were taken over by monsters. Just like the first dungeon outbreak. But it was all happening too fast. So there was no way for that to be happening. It took a few human years to do that, why was it any different now?

A crash alerted you from your preoccupation. You summoned your weapon before cautiously making your way through the hallway to the living room where the crash supposedly was. Your form hovered over the floor so as not to make any noise alerting what might have crashed into your home. You peeked your head around the corner with narrowed eyes until your eyes landed on the dishevelled white wings. A Ruler.

“You.” You glared at the Ruler and landed your feet on the ground to stomp over. You dragged the winged creature by the neck, raising it high to the point you hovered in the air once more then slammed them into the floor, creating a crater around the two of you. “What have you done?!”

“It was a mistake…” The Ruler admitted. “Please, Monarch of Void… Stop him…”

You growled, “What have you done to make the Monarchs run amok!? The Monarch of Shadows, Sung Jinwoo, have you discarded him as you have Ashborn!?”

The Ruler shook their head, “We have never. We would never! We honoured the Shadow Monarch’s wish to turn back time. He said he would save what he lost. He would shoulder the weight of the world alone.” The Ruler clawed at your grip that tightened more and more as they spoke. “The Shadow Monarch allied himself with the other Monarchs! The Monarch of Shadows and Destruction are attacking the Rulers and the other Monarchs are taking over the Earth!”

You pushed the Ruler deeper into the floor, but any harder, and the two of you went through your floor and the floor below’s ceiling. “You lie. Jinwoo was never that kind of person. He’s the bleeding hero who wanted to protect all of humanity!”

“Stop… Stop the Monarch of Shadows… We beg you…” The Ruler pleaded. “You’re our only hope now…”

You got up and threw the Ruler’s body away. None of anything made sense. Jinwoo joining the Monarchs’ side? Why? His family, his friends, and his comrades. Don’t they mean anything to him? You racked your brain, trying to understand what was happening. Antares must have told him something before his death and Beru must have reached Jinwoo’s battle. Jinwoo cared for you, yes, but one loss was nothing if he had the world at peace.

Nothing was making any sense!

The shadows came alive and twisted behind you while you were preoccupied. “I was right to let you escape…” A tall figure emerged and planted daggers into the Ruler’s battered body. “I knew you’d bring me to what I wanted.”

You flinched and turned to the voice. There was Jinwoo coated head to toe in black armour similar to what you covered him in when you gave him the power to fly in the skies like a bird. The smile on his face and the bloodlust he emitted were so familiar that you couldn’t mistake him for anyone else. “Jinwoo…”

“My Love.” Jinwoo turned to face you, stepping closer. He wrapped his arms around your shoulders and buried his head between your neck and shoulder. “I found you…”

“What have you done?”

Jinwoo tightened up and caressed your cheek. Your confusion that clouded your eyes and your attention on him was all he wanted from you. When you couldn’t guess what his next move would be, different reactions and expressions were all his to enjoy and savour. “I did what I had to. There was no way I could let you disappear on me again.”

“The world…”

“Will be my gift to you.” Jinwoo interrupted you, “I bargained with the Monarch of Destruction, by extension, the other Monarchs as well. I will rule all of Asia, then they will have the rest, how they divide amongst themselves is their matter. All humans under my domain will be protected and no Monarchs can touch them.” Jinwoo took your hand and kissed the back of it, his eyes glowed purple as he stared at you, “What’s a stranger’s happiness to me when I can have your presence in my life? I’d let the world burn. Let the world burn for you.”

Manhwa Chapter: 178

Note: And it's finally completed!! Thank you to all that read (and waited) this series to the end. Hope you enjoyed the story!!

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

You want to kill something—someone to be specific—right now. Even as you were surrounded with snacks you liked, you hated the situation unfolding before you. The mind of a human is just too weird for you to understand in any sense.

You angrily bit on the chip between your fingers with a loud and resounding snap that broke the silence while your eyes drilled holes into the man who was basically holding you there against your will, maybe with some form of bribe, but it was definitely not the snacks. Definitely.

“Just let her in your guild, you edge lord.” You hissed as you took the female Hunter’s side, annoyed at the various ridiculous excuses Jinwoo listed to push Hae-In away. You would admit that you’re impressed with her resilience when facing such a menace; then again, she is in love, and love makes one do crazy things.

Jinwoo had half a mind to know not to voice out the question of how and why you’d know such phrasing, since there was Cha Hae-In present and there was no need to raise alarm bells. Though the greatest reason was that he didn’t want another to know about you or what you are precisely. He can’t say he’s bothered by the way your eyes stared at him, all focused and guarded, ready to take Hae-In hostage if the situation calls for it.

Ah, but it won’t be much help to you. You’d have picked the wrong target. If it were someone like his mother or younger sister, then there’d be an effect you’d wanted. However, this was Hae-In, he barely met her and she barely knew him. That can’t be the case between you two. 

He knew about your being as a Monarch and an inhuman thing using a human body as a vessel, you knew about his levelling-up system that granted him his status as an S-Rank and all his other abilities. He and you could be your true selves in each other’s presence, no filter, no expectations of fulfilling anything. In a sense, he felt more at peace with you than the other people around him. Like you were someone as close to him as family. 

Perhaps this was the after-effects of viewing the memories between you and Ashborn, but that was his thoughts.

“There’s an entrance test before I can allow you to join, Hunter Cha.” Jinwoo stated nonchalantly.

You raised a brow while Hae-In flinched in alarm, “H- Huh?! That wasn’t in the recruiting notice…”

“A mistake, since we were busy these few days.” Jinwoo got up and eyed you to do the same, you complied while bringing along your unfinished snacks. “If you think it’s too sudden and unreasonable, you can―”

“What kind of test is it?” Hae-In asked with resolve.

You practically saw the shock in Jinwoo’s eyes, hiding a snicker as you internally mocked his poor insight into a woman’s determination. 

“You have to win against one of my summons.” Jinwoo laid out the simple yet vague requirement. 

“Is the evaluation of me in your eyes so low, Hunter Sung?” Hae-In’s tone turned firm and solid, nothing like her previous blushing mess. You can’t miss the fire burning in her eyes, “What kind of summon is it?”

With a cruel thought, you wondered if killing this Hunter for Ashborn and adding her to his army would be a good enough apology gift. Then again, you had to do it when the vessel’s soul is gone and Ashborn is back to fully appreciate your work well done. You’ll keep the thought in mind for the future. For now, you’ll let the humans deal with their business.

“For you, Hunter Cha, I’ll use my strongest summon ally.” Just as you were leaving the scene, Jinwoo’s hand placed firmly on your shoulder, stopping you in your tracks. You looked up at him in confusion and question as he looked down with a smirk. “This one.”

Hae-In jumped, “You’re a summon?! But you’re so… So…”

“Human?” Jinwoo smiled, leaning down to your level as his face was next to yours and made eye contact with Hae-In, “Yes, this is my perfect ally and companion in battle; it wouldn’t be good for a monster to be around me, right?”

You glared at Jinwoo, completely unaware of the conflicted expression on Hae-In’s face as your back was facing her. You whispered a hiss at him, “What are you doing? Don’t drag me into this.”

“A small deal then.” Jinwoo whispered back, taking advantage of Hae-In’s inner turmoil. “If you can ward Hunter Cha from joining my guild, you won’t have to stay by my side all the time. In other words, defeat Hunter cha and you get some free time for yourself without me around.”

That got your attention and you turned to glance at Hae-In. This woman can’t even manage to hold this vessel’s attention for long, not to mention how you were now dragged into some useless fight. Even if you let her into the guild, her use wasn’t much and she is weak compared to this vessel before you. The comparison was unfair, but it was the truth.

“Fine, but you keep your word.”

“Of course.”

You turned your heel and dumped the snacks back onto the coffee table. Taking a page out of Igris’ book, you stood at attention and fixed your expression to a more stoic and indifferent look, your chin angled down and your hands were placed behind your back, your eyes stared sharply at Hae-In. “My Lord has suggested I do battle with you for your place in his guild,” You offered your hand as you asked, “Should you accept, only if you win against me will you be considered acceptance. Do you still wish to partake in the duel?”

Jinwoo was almost taken aback with your shift in attitude and character. Not that he found fault in it, but rather, he was more drawn to you. It was smart of him to make such an appealing offer to you. The System’s information was right on the money. You are so self-centered and willing to abandon others for your own cause.

Now, all he needed to do was make sure you don’t can’t leave him.

His eyes glowed briefly when Hae-In’s hand gripped yours with a firm nod that meant ‘yes’. The moment you looked over as if asking for approval made his heart skip a beat, you were acting just like an actual Shadow soldier of his. He nodded back and watched you raise your other hand to snap your fingers. 

In the blink of an eye, all three of you were transported to another dimension. All your surroundings were misty, and even the ground was covered with a layer of fog that obscured their vision of their own feet. You had long walked off from Jinwoo’s side, only when he snapped back to attention did he realize he was standing at the perfect angle to see you and Hae-In on either side of a field of sorts.

“Here, we can battle without restraint.” You said, and with another snap of your fingers, a rack of weapons appeared by Hae-In’s side. “Pick your weapon, and we will begin on My Lord’s mark.”

So Jinwoo was right; you could have escaped to your own realm at any moment, with or without his consent and knowledge. Why you haven’t done so was odd, but that also proves how much of a hold Ashborn has on you. If only he could shift your attention from his predecessor to himself. 

Hae-In picked a long sword while you stood immobile. 

“Ready.”

Hae-In got into a stance, but you were as still as can be like you were frozen in place.

“Set.”

Hae-In’s mana aura surrounded her, charging her blade as well. You did nothing.

“Go!”

Hae-In took the initiative and charged forward, planning to end the duel with one quick decisive move. However, just before her blade reached you, you had disappeared in thin air. As quickly as you disappeared, you materialized behind Hae-In and kicked her in the back to send her flying to the side. You stood at your spot, fixing your clothes, tugging at your sleeves from your movement.

Swiftly, Hae-In had recovered and remained on the offensive. Your head tilted and you dodged her incoming attacks with graceful movements. The way you put minimum effort into this was almost like you were toying with the Hunter. Your monotonous expression and your hands behind your back were screaming handicap. It may look like an advantage to Hae-In, but it hurt her pride.

“Fight me for real.” Hae-In panted, finding this play irritating.

You merely blinked and hummed. Your eyes darted over to Jinwoo’s analytic look, no doubt he was watching this fight with a hawk, mainly judging your abilities than Hae-In’s qualifications to join the guild. You knew and he knew, there was no way Hae-In could win against you, a Monarch. It was only a matter of how to create that loss without death.

If only you could kill. Then everything would be so easy.

You sighed, momentarily closing your eyes before they opened and glowed, “Humans are so ignorant of their limits…”

Note: Probably not the update you guys wanted, but I've been writing for this series still~ I'm thinking of making the parts longer cause of the gaps between updates though, not just for this series, but maybe for future posts too.

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST

You, as the Monarch of Void and King of Mist, could be said to be the weakest or among the strongest. Weakest because you lacked the army like other Monarchs and the motivation to be more active in all things cruel. Among the strongest because your powers could single-handedly devour all the other Monarchs and their armies. For you essentially control space and could be dubbed a celestial being. 

Unlike the other Monarchs, you never joined in on the war directly, you merely managed some gates here and there and moved armies to level the playing field. All that to ensure you weren’t a target and wouldn’t be endangered. If you did at least something, the other Monarchs wouldn’t target you or name you a traitor and the Rulers will see you as too weak to bother. Because you were a Monarch unique from the others, you had a particular relationship with the strongest Monarch, Ashborn. 

To him, you were like a little sibling, in human terms. He looked after you and like having you around for nothing in return. In exchange for his indirect protection, you would help him with his army and lend your power to him. As best to describe your powers and abilities was that it was a supporter base, it was better for you to use on others than yourself. That was how you get by. The strongest Monarch would have a grip on you, in exchange for their protection you’d strengthen them. Once you were by Antares’ side, now you were on Ashborn’s because he never forced anything.

“I’m going to have a successor.” Ashborn told you one day. “Can you watch over them for me?”

“I’m a Monarch, Ashborn. I won’t help humans and only aim for my own survival.” You dully told them. It was true, even after the kindness and care Ashborn showed you, it wasn’t enough for you to change your ways for who knows how long. 

“I have a feeling you’ll change your tune later on.” Ashborn spoke with certainty.

You raised a vessel of your own, unlike the other Monarchs however, you preferred staying on Earth and away from the Monarchs. Humans were weak beings even with awakened powers. Their strongest —National Level— Hunters weren’t enough to take down a Monarch’s army, well, not that they were enough to put you down.

Over years, you’ve enjoyed the spoils of human society, moving from place to place and understanding their play. It was tragic to see them burn once your other Monarchs arrive to wreck havoc and the war between the Rulers and Monarch will commence again, but you weren’t going to try to put a stop to the war just because of some human inventions. It’s not like you can’t make it all again after the war. You knew the method so…

“Ow!” You accidentally bumped into someone. 

“Oh, I’m sorry.” The old looking man gave you his hand. 

You subconsciously took his hand and got to your feet, dusting yourself off once you were stable. When you looked over at him, your eyebrows furrowed. A light fragment. “You’re going to die a painful death.”

“Pardon?”

“Nothing.” You turned and walked into another direction. What would be the chances of meeting a sleeping light fragment? None. Because you’ve been very distanced from the Monarchs and Rulers, you figured they might have forgotten about you entirely. You lacked a presence to begin with anyways. 

Above all, you hated how you played a part in the betrayal of Ashborn. Both Rakan and Baran were idiots in your eyes, how could they just do that to Ashborn when he was against the Rulers like them? If you weren’t a passivist, you would have knocked them over. You looked in the distance before disappearing through a gate of your own creation, a misty surface, you wondered where or when Ashborn’s vessel would appear so you could stay by his side once more.

“Bring me to that light fragment inside that human.” Sillad, The Monarch of Frost and King of Snow Folk, demanded while you were enjoying a bowl of noodles in your apartment. 

You glared up at him, “Why? Did you get Antares’ permission to do it?”

“Since when does a Monarch need such a thing?” Sillad scoffed. “Are you still waiting for Ashborn to return? So pathetic. Antares’ waiting for you, you know?” He sighed and spoke his mind, “I’m doing everyone a favour by eliminating the light fragments before they become a hindrance. So?”

It was your turn to sigh, “Give me a location or description of the person…”

Sillad grinned. “Hunters Association, the Chairman’s office.” 

You landed at the top of the Hunters Association building while you placed the entire office in a separate location where no one could bother the two. So long as they don’t focus on the barrier that bounds the space, it will be unbreakable and maintained. The city is peaceful, but with Sillad’s appearance, you knew your days of leisure was done for.

It wasn’t long until your barrier actually broke and something crawled out of the broken glass wall. Your eyes recognized it as a giant ant in black colour with misty purple smoke patterns, it reminded you much of Ashborn and his army. Perhaps his vessel was finally complete and he’s back? 

Your thoughts halted as your eyes caught Sillad racing out to destroy the ant. You hummed and opted not to aid him and see the condition of the Chairman. You found him on the ground in a pool of blood, your indifferent tone rang in the room, “I told you you’d die an agonizing death.”

“Monarch… of… Void…” Gunhee choked out, you moved your feet away to avoid his blood. “You’re time for neutrality… ends now… You must pick… a side…”

“I don’t want to pick a side,” You crushed down, looking into his eyes, “It’s not my style.”

“Don’t be his enemy…” He advised. “If you do… Your fate… will be… death…”

Your eyebrows furrowed, so long as you hold the title of Monarch, you’ll be Ashborn’s enemy, right? By now, he knew you’re the one that gave those two idiotic Monarch the power boost needed to betray Ashborn. So there was no way you could escape your so-called fate with death. You got up with a chuckle, “I welcome Death with open arms. As long as he’s back, I’m grateful.”

Your snapped to your senses when you sensed an attack aimed in your direction. You panicked, how could Sillad do something like this?! There was no way he didn’t know you weren’t in the area, in fact, he’d expect you to check up on the Chairman after he left. What was his deal?!

Before you raised any defenses to protect yourself (and the Chairman indirectly), he got up and shielded you. You grasped and caught a glimpse of Ashborn’s vessel appearing out of thin air to deflect the blow. While Ashborn’s vessel was enraged for some reason and aimed another attack at Sillad, the Chairman’s form relaxed and leaned back into you, you hastily gripped a hold of him by the shoulders. By now, blood had soaked your pants and dirtied your form. You let him lay his head on your lap as you kneeled Japanese style on the ground.

“Let me try to heal you.” You raised your hand to his wound. If Ashborn came to protect this human or fragment, you’ll try as well. But try as you might, as a Monarch, you couldn’t heal a fragment of brillant light. 

“Beru!!” Ashborn’s vessel shouted and a giant ant, this time with a humanoid figure, appeared within seconds across from him.

“You called, My King?”

“Save him, at all costs!” The vessel ordered. 

Seeing some hope, you tried as well. The Chairman’s eyes peeked open weakly, at the healing received. But the giant ant called Beru spoke, “My King, my healing spell… Isn’t working.”

“Monarch of Void… You can stop too…” 

You flinched at his words.

While Jinwoo was troubled by the presence of another Monarch after the last one, he took priority in the Chairman’s survival. He took out of the <Holy Water of Life> thinking it might work. Yet, the Chairman grabbed Jinwoo’s hand and the potion, “Don’t…”

Your brain seemed to have disconnected from the situation while the Chairman was talking to Ashborn’s vessel. As much as you wanted to congratulate Ashborn’s return, you know how to read the room. Maybe he has grown attached to someone during his time on Earth. Odd that you didn’t, well, you did but it never lasted long due to the trials of a human life. 

You didn’t even register the Chairman advising Jinwoo to take you with him by his side. A heartbreaking moment that you couldn’t connect with emotionally, yet for some reason, water came out from the corners of your eyes. You blinked. Was this sadness? Guilt? Why were you feeling such emotions or why was your body reacting in such a way? Was it because Ashborn’s vessel was feeling the same and you’re mimicking?

Why?

Why??

WHY???

“Ahhh!!!” Daggers pierced into your shoulder and knee joints, pinning you to the wall like a doll. Your head dropped down in pain and exhaustion. “Ashborn… You’re really mad at me… Aren’t you… I deserve this…”

The vessel raised a brow, “Why are you calling me that? I’m not Ashborn.”

You looked up at the vessel with dull and almost lifeless eyes, “You’re right, you’re not him, but his vessel. Your days are numbered…”

“Why do you say that?”

“Ashborn will take over your body once its ready for him. He’ll make his return. So for now, I’ll stay by your side until he is back.” You spoke monotonously. “You can torture me or ask my anything, it’s not like it matters if you’re disappearing soon.”

Note: This request is a bit on the complicated side and I honestly have no idea how to do though~ Haha. This is a bit of a test to see if you guys like this one and if not, it won't continue. Do let me know your thoughts!

Circe Y.

The power of Ashborn was one with Jinwoo, you knew Ashborn was leaving permanently but now you knew it wasn’t because of Jinwoo. Ashborn must have been tired as well. You were glad you weren’t within your vessel because your eyes would have watered and your form would have collapsed from sorrow and pain. The time to rejoice for the Shadow Monarch’s return was here.

“Fragment of Brilliant Light, I will aid you. You may not be a Monarch but your inhuman quality will suffice.” Your mist covered the man in a thin transparent layer that slowly boosted his aura and power. “Your goal is the same as mine, so we stand on the same side. Sung Jinwoo’s safety is my highest priority.”

The man didn’t say a word, but his actions meant everything. He raised his daggers and his aura amped up as he got into a defensive stance.

“Monarch of Void! Fragment of Brilliant Light!” Sillad exclaimed in fury, “The worst disaster is coming from the body of the human you are protecting! Are you really trying to bring disaster upon this world by your own hands?! Are you really risking your lives to aid the Shadow Monarch’s revival?! Just what are you traitors thinking?!”

You glared back, as did the man. He stepped forward and obstructed Sillad’s view of you while brandishing his daggers.

“We don’t have much time.” Rakan growled.

Everyone readied their attacks and the two Monarchs dashed forward for their assault. You didn’t need to do anything as the man defended himself perfectly well enough. All focus was on the man, and you have to admit, you were pleasantly surprised that he was able to handle two of the more offensive Monarchs.

You flinched as you looked through the layer of thick ice to Jinwoo. The blood was all gone and his wounds were healed. Not to mention, his aura was familiar to that of Ashborn in his prime. You removed yourself from his encasement and returned to your vessel, placing your forehead on the cooling surface, a lone tear rolling down. “Farewell, Ashborn… Thank you, Big brother…”

Behind you, Rakan had already fled, and Sillad readied his spear for a final attack to stop everything. The entire area was enveloped in an icy chill, and icicle spears formed and rained down without a clear target. “Taste the terror of the frost, weakling! This is my true power!”

The man protected you and Jinwoo while your protection and support were still activated on him, though even he had his limits as the spears pierced through his flesh. All that time, you didn’t bother moving from your spot or flinch from the onslaught.

Meanwhile, Sillad had summoned a giant iceberg over the area. “Mere humans dare challenge me without knowing their place! Be trapped inside the eternal void with the Shadow Monarch.”

Just as the iceberg was released to fall, a shadow flew towards it and destroyed it into smaller pieces to rain down; that Shadow was none other than Beru. The man closed his eyes shut as he used his body to shield you from the attack, but nothing came and when his eyes opened, Igris was proudly standing over the two of you in all his former glory. “Frost Monarch. Do not assume the position of the king with such measly power.”

“Igris…” You smiled, finally looking away from the ice and slowly stepping back.

The ice cracked and shattered into a million pieces, an oppressive force stopped behind you and a voice you once hated with passion spoke, “Hey now, and here I thought you’d worry about me.” You turned around and saw Jinwoo shrouded in a deathly aura of black and purple smoky wisps. “If you stood in front of the ice any longer, I might have hurt you.”

You rolled your eyes, “I have healing abilities.” But you grinned at him all the same, “Welcome back, Jinwoo.”

His eyes widened. Oh, how he wanted to take you right then and there. It was a pity that there were more pressing matters to deal with at the moment, so he could only repay the favour and relieve his ire at his enemies. He turned to Igris and Beru, who were kneeling on either side, “Did the beast flee? Who dares…to leave without my permission?”

You turned your gaze to Sillad, who was trembling from the sheer magnitude of the oppressive aura radiating from Jinwoo. You shrugged and half-heartedly sang, “Yeah, the Monarch of Fangs totally left the field with his tail between his legs. A true coward.”

Jinwoo’s aura expanded until he enveloped the entirety of Korea, then Asia, and then the whole globe. He turned his back to Sillad as he looked in a specific direction, “Found you.”

You followed his gaze with a hum, “You picked up pretty quickly.” Your eyes glowed as you confirmed where Rakan had gone. He must have known you controlled space and you alone could control where they were sent to, or at least limit the range of travel. You stretched your limbs and cooed, “Guess I don’t even need to help you get acquainted with Ashborn’s powers. You’re a pro at it.”

Pro? Jinwoo blinked at you, where and how you managed to learn and incorporate these human slang into your word bank, he will never know. Though sometimes, he does wonder why you picked those up because it ruins your image as a deadly and stoic Monarch. Well, at least, compared to when he first met you. Oh, how the times have changed.

His hand raised as the other hugged your figure into his chest, his hand stopping the ambush of Sillad the instant it was near either of you. When he looked over, he realized it wasn’t an ambush, but a retreat, one that he aimed to take you along with him. As a shield or an ally, there was no clue, but either way… He wasn’t going to let you leave him. “I’ll save you for last. Wait here patiently until I finish taking care of the beast.”

“Go.” You could sense his hesitation, your hand raised to his cheek and you gently caressed him. For some reason, you have started to see Jinwoo as Jinwoo and not the label you called him before or the association with Ashborn. You knew the old you would be furious at you and Jinwoo for taking Ashborn away and accepting the replacement but… Ashborn was and is strong; no mere human could have taken him down unless he willed it so. “Your Shadows are stronger than you could imagine. As am I.”

Jinwoo leaned into your touch, his heart beating like mad, even when this was amidst a battle for Korea’s survival. He couldn’t help but revel in your acceptance and newfound affection. There was more to come. He was sure of it. His eyes widened as he felt himself rejuvenated, no, it was even better. Like he regained his stamina after his daily quests, but now he had more energy to spare. He felt powerful…to the point he could single-handedly destroy a few Monarchs. He looked at you and saw you smile, “This…is your power?”

At your nod, he grinned back. He recalled some time ago, he asked for your assistance and support as you would do to the other Monarchs upon request. You explained why you weren’t compatible with him due to him not being a true monarch and whatnot. Now though. Now he was the true deal and he’ll keep it that way. This presence in his heart, this warmth around him, and this ecstasy in his blood. He’ll keep it. He’ll keep you by his side. Till the end of time and space.

After Jinwoo had left, you turned to Sillad with a dull expression and a slight frown. “What did I say about not engaging with the Shadow Monarch…?”

Sillad twirled his spear and scoffed, “You have betrayed the Shadow Monarch once because of the Monarch of Destruction; you will do it again when he returns. Your loyalty has always been to the Monarchs. The Shadow Monarch is the Brightest Fragment of the Brilliant Light. He was never one of us.”

You grinned, “In that sense, I guess I was never one of you. I always thought my powers were a bit too powerful for someone like me. I guess Ashborn and I have that in common.”

Just as Sillad raised his blade at you, Igris stood between the two of you and brandished his sword at Sillad. “Hold your tongue. You stand before not merely the Monarch of Void, but the Honourary Sovereign of the Shadow Army. Second to our Liege.”

“Wait till the Monarch of Destruction hears this.” Sillad hissed with venom. If looks could kill, his glare would have done you in. Not that Igris would let it, but it was good for him to win at least in his daydreams. “You will regret the moment you sided with that insufferable Monarch.”

“Funny… I could have sworn you were the one to drag me into all this.” You placed a mocking expression in deep thought. You even turned to your side as you gave his words serious thought, it wasn’t that you trusted Sillad enough not to ambush you in your moment of weakness, but that you trusted and know Igris would protect you indefinitely. “Who was it that called me to help them with a certain human? Who was it that left their ally behind and never came back to even check?” You snapped your fingers and looked back to him, “Oh, I remember! It was you!” You smiled innocently at him, “So I guess my betrayal is also because of you? Hm~?”

“You think you’re so funny……” Sillad clenched his weapon that threatened to snap from his grip.

Your smile dropped as you pointed at him with a blank face, “Do not fear death, for death comes to everyone. Even to the so-called immortals.”

⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧

What happened? Ah yes. Sillad is no more, the same for that insect of a Monarch. Now… Now it was time for some anguish for the new Monarch of Shadows. Turns out, the man that protected you and him from before was his father. Hm. Who could have thought? Well, things happen.

Your gaze stared down dully at Jinwoo who was crying and sobbing amongst the pitter-patter of raindrops mercilessly drenching his fallen form. You selfishly only manipulated the space around you so that no water would even touch you, but you didn’t extend that courtesy to the grieving man you started to care for. 

For just a fleeting moment, you could understand his human emotions, for you mourned Ashborn’s death briefly before Jinwoo returned. However, unlike him, you didn’t even get to say farewell to Ashborn face to face. Here, the new Monarch is, crying his eyes out over a father who disappeared for most of his life while he was forced to bear responsibilities.

Weak. Sung Jinwoo was still too weak to deal with the upcoming battles with the other Monarchs. If he was going to cry over every human that died, then he would be next to die, even with Ashborn’s powers passed down to him. How will you even achieve your ultimate goal?

“I know you’re mourning, but I have a question.” Your stoic voice cut through the sound of rain and Jinwoo’s thoughts. You paused a bit, for you didn’t give him the option to have you shut up. “In this world, what character do you see yourself as?”

“...What the hell are you talking about?”

You hummed internally while your eyes shifted to idly glanced over at the fallen buildings and the destruction caused by the aftermath of the battle with―only three of―the Monarchs. “There are a few common characters in your human stories. There’s the hero who is the star of the story, always protecting the weak while sacrificing themselves without a thought. There’s the villain, the evil and darkness of the story, always at odds with the hero and aim to cause the world harm. Don’t forget the side characters and background characters. They’re important too.”

Jinwoo didn’t move from his position, but he was obviously confused by the direction you were heading, evident by the furrowed brow on his face. Yet he said nothing and let you continue.

“Everyone’s the protagonist of their own story, everyone’s also some other character in another’s story. Though… The famous and infamous people in the world might appear as the same character in other people’s stories.” You took a few steps forward then back, to the left and to the right, side-stepping front and back again. From the outside, it appeared as if you were dancing to some steps. “The Monarchs that you just killed were the villains here, the protected humans are a mixture of side and background characters.” 

Your face suddenly popped up in front of Jinwoo and he shifted backwards and lost his balance, thus falling onto his butt. He looked up at you, an ethereal sight where the rain never touched you and your eyes stared down at him. All your attention was on him. Him.

“The hero you are. So noble. So strong. So selfless.” The way you described him, there was a condescending tone mixed into it. What was supposed to be a compliment turned to mockery. Your head tilted and your eyes narrowed, “Between the hero and villain, who do you think loses more in the end?”

“It has to be the villain, they will be defeated by the hero and their lives lost in the process. All stories end like that.” Jinwoo finally got up after he got his bearings.

“Hm, perhaps. Histories are written by winners and victors. Why would it be different for stories? In that case, what makes a hero and what makes a villain? To possess the power of light? To do good deeds? Good and bad are two sides of the same coin.” You shook your head, “But that’s too far. Villains give it their all for what they want, heroes give it their all for what is good for the world. Villains sacrifice the world and themselves for it. So what does the hero sacrifice?”

Jinwoo looked into your eyes and answered, “Themselves.”

You grinned, “Right and wrong. Heroes not only sacrifice themselves, but they would rather sacrifice their close ones to ensure the world is safe and good. When the hero’s deed is complete, what use is the hero to stay? The hero will then…” Your form slowly turned to mist as you left Jinwoo a parting statement. “Turn into the villain in the eyes of the world…”

Jinwoo’s fists clenched so tightly to the point there were cracking sounds from his knuckles.

Your words echoed in his mind, “Give it some thought. Have a good rest, Monarch of Shadows.”

Note: Next arc will be the last one~ Ah~~ This one's finally done!! I'm gonna rest a bit from this story. Plus, I changed the direction of the ending, so some major changes are being made to the last arc as well. Also, for some, you might have noticed that I closed the request for all fandoms I'm writing. For now, I'm planning to finish the series I have ongoing, let's see what's after. Hope you enjoyed this part and this arc! See you guys in the next update~~

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)