Nemeas Cat(1)

You dare mortal?

An unusual chill permeated the cramped room of the cheap inn.

An overbearing voice came out from under the blanket where Luna currently was. Even an idiot would figure out that something very wrong was happening.

Damn, what is it this time

I could see the air condense as I breathed out. Its so cold, why the hell is this suddenly happening?

I heard Lunas voice again while I was trembling in bewilderment and fear.

The laws of supreme subordination cant be broken so lightly by mere mortals. I hope youre ready to pay for breaking the religious precepts, you puny mortal.

Huh, yes maam!

The voice was so overbearing that I unconsciously talked respectfully to it. Was it really the dull-witted Luna that was talking to me right now?

No, it probably wasnt. I could instinctively feel it. What I had in front of me right now, was something akin to a Schrodingers Luna. I would only know if it was really her if I directly checked it, without that her identity would remain uncertain.

I really didnt feel like doing that though. I was a little too frightened at what I might unearth from that revelation.

I chose to kneel face down on the floor with a metaphorical blade on my neck, instead.

Truthfully, Im sorry! Please, forgive me just this once!

I dont know what happened nor what I did wrong here, but apologizing first wouldnt hurt anybody.

The cold was so unusual that the idea of me turning into an ice cube didnt seem weird at all. The back of my head was buzzing and my survival sense was sounding the emergency alert at ear-splitting noise.

At least you know that what you did was wrong. Recognizing ones faults is very important after all. It is very pleasing to see a mortal take such an attitude.

So will you forgive me?

No. Only great chaos can ensue after involving sentiments in law enforcement. I cant ignore it too. Fret not, Ill let you die painlessly at least.

Uh, its so so unfair! What did I do wrong?

You die when you get killed. Even then, I still wanted to know why I would die here at least. From inside the blanket, Lunas cold-as-ice voice resounded, providing me the answer.

Its your medical arts mortal. Just like Asclepius, they have the potential to violate the laws of the heavens and the underworld in the ensuing future.

What do you mean?

Asclepius was struck by lightning because he could revive the dead. The world was in chaos because of this transgression. Such a tragedy should be prevented from being repeated at all costs. Therefore, your life must be taken today, mortal.

The voice from under the blanket reminded me of a long-forgotten story I had heard.

That was what Finley, the healer, told me about the illegality of practicing your medical skills on the street.

I thought youd have to confront government officials, but this is so very much worse, damn it. God fucking damn it

Be content with having a painless death, mortal. Im only giving you this honor to reward your penitent attitude.

Whiirrrr

Swoosh

A pink gas began emitting from under the blanket where Luna was curled up.

Hiik.

As a healthy boy from the Republic of Korea, I had gone through military training and had been discharged from the Gangwon province. I could confidently say that I knew the horror of chemical warfare better than anyone in this barbaric world.

I took in a deep breath, at the thought of inhaling something I didnt know whether it was smoke or gas. Damn, I need to get out of this place quickly! Gas, Gas! [1]

I quickly got up and rushed to the door.

Thud

But the door was frozen solid, like a big lump of ice, and didnt budge at all. Damn, such an inhumane ice prison!

You will slowly lose consciousness and die. You wont feel any pain. Accept it, and pay the price for messing with my daughter. You wont be able to hold your breath forever. So, its just a matter of time anyways.

Cough Uh, uh

Pink mist inevitably began seeping through my orifices. I went half crazy when I felt my chest being invaded by this hazardous gas.

No! Ive just been freed from slavery, I cant die like this!

Open the door, owner! Open the door! Open the door!!

Bang Bang Bang

I was relentlessly banging on the door as if my life depended on it, well it actually did. I was hitting the door so hard that my hands began hurting, almost bleeding from the force of my banging. I checked the windows but it was in a similar state to the door.

Shit, the room has been sealed!

I heard Lunas voice along with an eerie laugh while I was ripping out my hair in frustration.

You lasted a long time for a mortal. Ordinary mortals would have lost their lives after a single whiff.

Owner, this place has become dangerous! Open the door! Please, open the fucking door!

Indeed, youre rather strong for a human child. What a waste of talent.

Im dying! Help! Owner, open the door! Open the door!!

Youre being a little too loud. When the hell are you going to collapse? Moreover I can feel a familiar Karma laced within your own Karma. Mortal, do you have any blessings?

I, who had been acting crazy for a while now, suddenly stopped at her inquiry.

It was also because her usually cold voice considerably softened, and the surrounding air that was chilly enough to freeze my bones like Gangwon provinces warmed again.

B-Blessing? Thats right. I have been blessed by the Sun god

It cant be. It feels very different from that smug Sun god. Oh, so thats what happened How interesting. My goodness, I didnt think this was even remotely possible. Boy, whats your name?

She asked for my name after asking me then answered herself. I dont know what is happening, is she trying to forgive me?

I tried saying my name with a runny nose and a mouth that could barely move because of the shivering cold.

Ha-Hassan.

Ha-ssan? Yes, Hassan. I, the Primordial Night will suspend your execution and forgive you for your sins done against my daughter. I will also bless your journey. With my blessing, you can fool the eyes of others. [2]

Ding

You receive a Blessing from Knox, The Primordial Night. You have acquired Veil of Night.

Instead of killing me, she suddenly blessed me? I was a bit puzzled at the sudden 180 turn in the way she treated me. It looks like Im at least safe for now.

T-Thank you.

What a polite child! Im the Primordial Night, the mother of superstition, Knox. My power will form a dark curtain that will deceive the eyes of unwanted observers.

I Uh, can I ask what you mean?

I was being rather literal. Youll be able to deceive the eyes of the other gods and keep your identity a secret. My faith is declining and so are my powers, so the effects will be humble and could compare in no way to what they once were. Therefore ont overus wers for cinal practice.

The voice of the woman who identified herself as Knox began cracking like an out-of-frequency radio from the 90s.

About your Su od blessing donorry. You your sanity Im leavin Take responsibi for my ghter

I couldnt distinguish what she was saying after that. It was like a whisper during a blizzard, It was hard to even hear her clearly let alone make out her words.

******

Wake up, Hassan. Its morning!

Im waking up Elfriede! Im waking up! Please, dont beat me

Who is Elfriede? Its me, Luna, your pa-party memberhaha. Were now party members, right?

Ah, oh? Its Luna

I woke up once again after closing my eyes for just a few moments. Damn, it feels like time flows much faster when Im asleep. Am I the only one that feels that way or is it more universal?

It looks like I just woke up from sleeping, but it didnt feel like that at all. It felt like, instead of sleeping, I had just closed my eyes and opened them again. When did I fall asleep in the first place? What the hell is going on?

Fortunately, I woke up to Lunas bright and cheerful voice instead of Elfriedes ruthless beating.

I remembered that I was far from that miserable slavehood of a life I had been living for the past two years and felt relief wrap my whole body in its relaxing embrace.

Good morning! How refreshing! Is this how adventurers that are part of fixed parties wake up? So thats how it is.

Luna energetically greeted me. Her reddish cheeks shone as bright as spring flowers budding under the morning sunlight, a refreshing scene to look at, especially as the first thing after waking up.

It seems I was affected by yesterdays curse. Most importantly, certain things need to be addressed first.

Is everything okay? Yesterday, Knox took over your b

Hah? What happened yesterday?

Luna tilted her head as if wondering what was going on. Her reaction left me speechless.

You dont remember?

I remember washing, lying on my bed then Weird. I didnt drink much yesterday. Dont tell me you can get drunk on barley juice?! Anyway, I feel refreshed.

Y-Yeah, thats what happened.

Cant she remember the Ice-Age-like scenario that had struck us yesterday?

I began thinking I was dreaming at the time. I fell asleep too, so it being a dream wouldnt be too surprising, but-

Long live the Chaos.

Ding

[Stats] Name: Hassan

Level: 9

Strength: 4

Agility: 2

Stamina: 3

Task: 177

Blessing: Blessing of Chaos Imperfect Dexterity Veil of Night

A new blessing had been added and proudly appeared on my blessings list. This was definitive proof that all that happened last night was actually real.

Hey, Ive been wondering, what is your mothers name?

Yes? My mother? Didnt I tell you I didnt have one? Im an orphan. I lived with one of the elders back in Ideope.

Oh, umm, I see. I shouldnt have asked, then. Im sorry.

Its okay! I never felt bad about it since I never lost anything, to begin with. Im feeling great right now like Ive taken a load out of my chest. So, what are your plans, Hassan? Its our first day as a party!

Hmm, we sho

Just as I was trying to stand up, I felt my body losing strength and a throbbing pain wracking my whole body.

Guaah

What can I say? I feel like my limbs have been sapped out of all their energy, and I couldnt move them a single bit.

It was like invisible hands had sprouted from the ground, grabbed my legs and shoulders, and began pulling me down in earnest, not willing to let me leave the cold grounds embrace. Maybe last nights near-death experience and the consequent backlash came back now as a belated storm.

Maybe I should just lie down and sleep. It was when I was entertaining such thoughts that I felt a jolt run down my body, remembering yesterdays pink mist, keeping me from going back to sleep. I was afraid Id never open my eyes again if I closed them now.

Are you okay, Hassan? You dont look too well. Should we just rest for today?

You cant make money when youre resting.

It was with that goal in mind that I moved my droopy body and headed to the guild building.

I cant help but feel surprised at my incredible willpower. Well, its not like I had any other choice since Id just starve to death otherwise.

Its nice to see you again Mr. Hassan. Youre looking quite impressive.

The eyes of Daphne, the receptionist, were scanning my body.

She blatantly looked at the three extorted swords and the 5 silvers worth of protective gear, not masking her unrestrained gaze or the interest evoked in them.

Daphne then narrowed those pretty eyes of hers and licked her lips in a dangerous fashion.

I heard some interesting rumors. It seems you fought with some people from the guild?

Oh, for fucks sake. How do these rumors spread so fast? I hope it isnt forbidden to fight with guys from the same guild. Dont tell me Im gonna get sanctioned now. Just as I started getting scared

You roughed them up for real, didnt you?

Um, y-yeah.

Its all thanks to Lord Mars Blessing then. Iron-grade adventurers Skar, Uther, and Corinne were expelled from the guild after being defeated by you in a duel.

Will I get expelled from the guild if I lose a duel too?

Yes. Lord Mars, the god of valor and war, doesnt like losers. Still, you have great luck for being able to win even after fighting three guys at once, Mr. Hassan. They were about to be promoted to the next rank too so it must have been even harder for you to win. You, who have just started your adventuring journey, won against them, I can only contribute it to beginners luck, otherwise, it would be too absurd

I was there to help too!

Luna quietly interrupted Daphne, with a soft murmur, who was nearing the end of her story.

Oh, its Luna, right? I hope you wont mind the question, but did you two come together?

Ah, thats

Starting from today, we are in a regular party. Thats why we came here!

Luna screeched in my stead. Why is your voice so loud, girl? My ears are almost bleeding.

A fixed party? Luna and Hassan?

Yes, yes! Take this by the way!

Luna rummaged through her bag and pulled out one of the totems that I had made.

What is this? This looks like a dick? Why are you giving me such an obscene and ugly object? You know this can count as sexual harassment right?

Huh? I thought Daphnes situation got better after the slap reconciliation agreement but looks like it didnt. Luna and I felt ashamed and could only slightly giggle awkwardly in embarrassment.

Just kidding.

Daphnes lips rose to form a smile. Her eyes, however, were still very cold, she didnt seem to take it lightly at all. Anyway-

So, do you have anything in store for us today?

I actually do. Someone requested you for something. It was actually a task that required a party of adventurers so Im happy to see youve formed one.

Wait, what? Someone requested for me? Like specifically me?

[1]: Gas was in English, maybe an Initial D reference, who knows.

[2]: The original translation was Nights Genesis, which isnt really that good of a title. So, we tried to localize it a bit and found out that Knox is an inspiration from Nox, the Primordial Goddess of Night, hence Primordial Night. Also, we originally wanted to name it Oldest Night, but thats plain MTL so we avoided that.

And this is the end of the Child-making date with Luna. A little disappointed? Worry not, its gonna get real in the s, this title is more than it seems lmao. See you next time.