Suho had always wondered. He had encountered Nidhogg multiple times by now. Each time, it had been for the same purpose: to pass on the primordial darkness to the successors of the other Monarchs. Without exception, every one of those successors had been able to identify which of Nidhogg’s many heads contained the darkness meant for them.0

It was a kind of instinctual recognition, only possible because the succession ceremonies had been crafted specifically for them. Perhaps Nidhogg had let slip the information on purpose to devour them. It could easily have been bait, coaxing its prey to step willingly into its own mouth. Without fail, every one of those successors had followed that lure, diving headfirst into Nidhogg’s jaws without hesitation.2

That series of events was the succession ceremony. Once swallowed by Nidhogg, each successor was presented with two options. Be consumed by the darkness, or consume the darkness themselves and find their way back out. Those lacking the qualifications would choose the former. They would merge with the vast, imposing primordial darkness, melting within Nidhogg’s belly. If one chose the latter, they would overcome the trial, placing the primordial darkness inside their own vessels. When they emerged, it would be as a new Monarch.0

Suho had watched each and every one of those succession ceremonies unfold.0

So what about me?0

That only made him even more curious.0

Which...1