Rovi didn't truly know what death felt like. After all, he'd never actually experienced it himself.
Yet in this moment, he clearly sensed the presence of the Netherworld itself.
Cold, silent.
But it wasn't frightening—instead, it felt like a gentle hand brushing softly against his cheek, offering a quiet invitation to rest.
Eternal sleep meant fading away.
Granting rest to departed souls was what Ereshkigal, the goddess of the underworld, had done more than anything else.
The Netherworld's wind harmed mortal life precisely because it brought eternal peace.
Though Rovi had fully become the Key of Heaven, granting him freedom to act under any circumstances and theoretically immunity to death, after his last setback he had thoroughly learned his lesson—at the very least, he now fully understood how to activate and deactivate his power.
At this moment, he deliberately sealed his own abilities.
Allowing himself to touch the breath of eternal slumber.
Yet this alone wouldn't suffice to grant Rovi genuine rest. For him, death was forever transient—a passing rather than a liberation.
So the moment his palm touched the dark currents, Rovi steadied himself, continuing onward toward Eresh.
His steps were resolute, eyes unwavering.
Even as the Netherworld's wind flayed his skin, decaying his youthful appearance until he seemed to age a century in mere moments—
Turning instantly from a young man into a decrepit, dying old man.
But...I told you already: My words weren't a joke!
His intent was obvious:
If you want to leave, fine.
Just take me along with you. Please and thank you!
Truly—
I want to die!
Rovi absolutely refused to miss this golden opportunity.
Seeing his actions, witnessing his determination, Eresh—who had taken over Ishtar's body once she yielded control—was deeply shaken.
Why...why is he going this far?
Was he willing to face death itself, endure the Netherworld's corrosion, and suppress his fear just to catch a glimpse of a goddess abandoned by all?
The goddess of death covered her face, her heart thrown into turmoil.
Had Rovi known her thoughts, he certainly would've replied bluntly: No, you misunderstand—I'm just flattering you. You're actually not in my heart at all.
But unfortunately, Rovi couldn't read the mind of the goddess of the underworld, nor could he discern Eresh's inner turmoil through layers of shadowy wind.
Thus, Ereshkigal clearly misunderstood his intentions.
Her heart grew more complicated.
Yet she still believed she must not meet him directly.
Through memories left behind in Ishtar's vessel, she had already discovered Rovi's identity.
He was Uruk's youngest priest.
He was the vizier to the king himself.
Despite his youth, he held great influence in the mortal realm, having achieved immense success.
He was nothing like her.
Death was eternally solitary and ill-omened.
Eresh could not—would not—allow him to lose everything because of her.
What the goddess didn't know, however, was that Rovi was actually...enjoying himself immensely.
The Netherworld's wind didn't bring him pain. The further he advanced, the more his mortal body felt enveloped by soothing drowsiness.
He knew that if he continued forward, he would surely die before even reaching Eresh.
A painless death—
Wasn't that exactly what he'd always dreamed of?
Such a rare opportunity—Rovi's steps quickened even more decisively, and Eresh's heart trembled further.
Stop.
Please stop now.
Why are you pushing yourself this far?
If Rovi halted, he would immediately cease being harmed by the Netherworld's essence. In fact, he'd recover fully. Having only unconscious souls for companionship, surrounded solely by death, Ereshkigal had always been the gentlest toward life.
Though untouched by humanity, she still treated every soul kindly.
Whether alive or dead.
So she had never intended to harm Rovi.
Nor had she expected him to go to such lengths for her sake.
Alongside worry came heartfelt gratitude.
Never had anyone done this for her.
Never had anyone...shown such disregard for death because of her.
He's quite admirable, isn't he?
A voice remarkably similar to her own whispered in Eresh's ear.
It was Ishtar, hidden within her body, speaking softly:
"He's an idiot, sure...but this kind of courage is quite rare."
"Even the most devout believers rarely scorn death itself for their gods."
"He might genuinely like you."
"Ereshkigal."
Of course, Eresh already understood this.
Just by observing the young priest's actions, she sensed his apparent "feelings."
Avoidance now seemed futile.
What should I do...?
"How indecisive you are! And you call yourself the Mistress of the Underworld!" Ishtar's scornful voice echoed inside her head, faintly tinged with envy. "Summon the courage you had when you killed me—Ereshkigal!"
Indeed, Eresh had once killed Ishtar.
It happened when Ishtar had entered the underworld, originally to comfort her sister who had just descended into the kingdom of the dead. But a misunderstanding led to an argument, causing Eresh—within her own domain—to strike down her sister.
Though later revived by Anu, that incident still haunted Ishtar, making her avoid the Netherworld entirely.
Back then, Eresh had acted decisively.
At that moment…
Yes.
Hadn't she always yearned for someone like this—a companion willing to remain by her side?
So why was she retreating now?
Suddenly, the goddess realized something crucial.
Thank you, Ishtar.
Hmph. It's nothing. Just consider this a small compensation for that misunderstanding back then. For a goddess like me, this much is nothing at all!
As their inner voices resonated, Eresh slowly raised her head.
Through the dark veil, scarlet eyes stared quietly at the man approaching her, growing steadily older, body increasingly frail, yet still resolute.
Rovi also saw the crimson glow in the darkness—
The eyes of the goddess.
His body was already withered, practically unrecognizable in age, yet he was filled with delight.
At last! Death awaits me!
But suddenly, the darkness before him vanished, and the goddess hidden within revealed herself clearly.
Golden hair cascaded softly, crimson cloak fluttering around her delicate form. Her long, pale legs supported a graceful figure, black fabric hugging the gentle curves of her hips, emphasizing her slender waist and soft curves. Sharing the same host, Eresh naturally looked identical to Ishtar, yet the aura she radiated was completely different.
Deep, gentle.
A quiet, reassuring girl whose presence promised tranquility.
Yet tranquility was hardly what Rovi felt at the moment. He was utterly baffled.
What are you doing?
Why is my body recovering?
Give me back the Netherworld's deathly air!
Why are you hugging me...?
Rovi stared blankly as Eresh suddenly embraced him.
Softness enveloped him completely.
The girl had opened her arms, wrapping herself around him as if embracing the entire world.
In that instant—
The girl symbolizing death finally found the courage to embrace the one who was utterly unafraid of it.
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T/N: SO CLOSEEE