Midgar and the Temple of Tyr 2.280

They all advanced along a path under the mountains that was previously hidden by the high-water level in the Lake of the Nine Realms. As a result, the whole cave was wet, full of algae, some toads were seen jumping from lake to side as if looking for the water that had now been lost. The drops of water fell everywhere and filled the space marking a constant rhythm.

The ground was covered by wet sand that did not sink more than a couple of centimeters because underneath there was a soil made of stone. All this was previously enabled, it was a road built to guide the Jotun to the bridge that led to the temple of Tyr. However, after Thor's massacre, Odin's resentment, and Tyr's death, plus the flood brought about by the world's massive serpent body, everything was lost and now there was nothing left but a desolate cave.

The light entered through small openings in the ceiling that let in beams of light. There were also some grievance posts that were huge bushes that emitted a poisonous mist, but now they had been neutralized by the floral magic of the Vanir. This magic consisted of growing vines from the ground and emitting a purifying light that canceled out the poison. A very practical and beautiful magic.

—Freya did that— said Atreus as they advanced ahead of Viggo, his coppery head looked small and his back thin, dressed in furs, carried the great bow that Faye made crossed to his chest and on his back carried a quiver with arrows.

—Who is she?— asked Viggo, who was next to him, one step behind taking care that he didn't fall. He wore the dwarf royal armor, too beautiful and showy to be worn in a place as desolate as a cave. It gave the impression that the turquoise metal and the gold engravings and edges produced their own light as well as making Viggo look more powerful and robust.

—A friend— replied Atreus, raising his face and looking up at Viggo —she helped me when I got sick—

—Why did you get sick, little brother?—

—Things that happen, I feel better now— Atreus said instead of saying that it was all his father's thing for not telling him that he was a god.

—I understand— replied Viggo, giving Atreus a brief glance and then looking at the cave ahead —Was she good to you?—

—Yes, very kind, she reminded me Mom—

—I understand, it's good to find friends, more in a place as lonely as Midgar—

The whole group came to the end of the cave, where there was a huge double door. Kratos, who was at the beginning of the group, put his hands in the crevice between the doors and slammed them sideways. The next instant the fresh mountain air was felt venting the terrible humidity in the cave. Ahead was a flat terrain, with a stone floor, chiseled and worked as if it were a meeting place. It was wide, at least thirty meters in diameter. On the left side was a blacksmith shop, with a worktable, anvil, forge, whetstone, and other things. Beyond was a cliff and a grove. On the right side was another solitary worktable where a dwarf with brown skin, dark hair and golden armor worked on a large metal gear.

Atreus came forward, approached the dwarf as if they were friends, but the dwarf began to speak ill of a person and Atreus became angry with him. Viggo and the rest approached and listened as Atreus belittled the dwarf for his stature. His argument was that he was always badmouthing his brother and that if he had anything to say to him, he should go and tell him. Atreus was bored of listening to his stupid complaints from little people.

Viggo frowned upon hearing everything Atreus said, he had a lot to say, but it was not his son. His master didn't say much either, although it was the father. After that they continued along the road without stopping to converse with the dwarf. Atreus had said enough.

Kratos and Atreus advanced ahead and Viggo listened as his master scolded the boy as they climbed a slope covered with green grass and pine trees on the sides.

—Viggo— murmured Rosewisse approaching from behind, Viggo looked sideways and saw the silver-haired, blue-eyed Valkyrie very close to him. She had to lift her face to whisper in his ear —he said he met Freya, she must be my master, right?—

—Keep it a secret— Viggo muttered quietly —we don't really know what the situation is. My master has not spoken. Such a person must have helped them, but my master must have some qualms against her. We don't want to win in a scenario where the two were going to face each other—

—Why do you say it?—

—In Midgar foreign gods are not welcome, none of them—

Rosewisse nodded and didn't put much objection. She slowed her pace until she and Brunnhilde walked at the same speed. On the other hand, Viggo had a bad feeling about this encounter. The help and the mistad was always good, but listening to Atreus, he had certain reservations. For example, the fact that Baldur of Asgard was hanging around Midgar and hunting them both. He didn't think it was possible, Baldur was supposed to be invincible according to the tales, but knowing his master, if he had the chance, he did not doubt that he would find a way to kill him. If that scenario were to happen, Rosewisse would have to take sides. Remaining neutral would mean that her master would think Rosewisse was on Kratos' and Atreus' side. On the other hand, helping his master would mean fighting Kratos and Atreus. Faced with such a scenario, could she attack the child she had taken to fly through the Lake of the Nine Realms just a couple of hours ago?

The group reached the top of the slope and turned left, walked for a couple of meters guarded by pine trees, and stopped in front of a rock wall that seemed climbable. Kratos rested his hands on the stone wall and Atreus climbed him like a little monkey and climbed on his back while embracing him with hands and legs.

At the same time, the Valkyries behind Viggo only jumped, a few flutters, and reached the top of the stone wall. Rosewisse stared at the surroundings, smiled, turned around, looked down the ledge, and saw Viggo with red hair and dressed in the beautiful turquoise armor with golden edges.

—Viggo, you won't believe it— Rosewisse said with a broad smile.

Viggo smiled, walking towards the wall, and climbing it behind his master. When he reached the top the five of them gathered and just as Rosewisse said, Viggo couldn't believe it. They had reached the road between the slopes that led to the cave where they defeated the first Valkyrie, they faced at Midgar.

—Did you know this place yet?— asked Atreus, raising his face and looking at Viggo's expression.

—Yes— replied Viggo, gave Atreus a slight glance and ruffled his hair —but this time we had to come to this same place from another side. The Lake flooded everything thanks to the Jormugand, so we had to take a long walk around the mountain. Be careful if they go to that place, it was infested with reaper—

—I understand—

—And Atreus—

—What, brother?—

—Being nice costs nothing—

—But we are gods, they always bother us with their things—

—In that case, if I weren't a god, couldn't we be friends? Wouldn't you talk to me anymore because I'm mortal? Would I become your servant?—

Atreus looked down not knowing how to respond. Viggo walked over, bent down, and raised his face so that their eyes matched —we are kind to others because we expect that kindness to return. Tell me how many hands do you have?— Atreus did not answer, but Viggo said it —only two— he takes his hands and continue —with these two hands it is limited what you can do, but what if I help you? You get another pair of hands that can do twice as much as you can on your own. You said that woman Freya helped you when you were bad Why do you think she helped you? Why are you a god? Why is your father a God and she is afraid of him? Or simply because she saw a person who needed her help?—

—Because I needed help— Atreus replied quietly.

—Be nice to people, Atreus— Viggo said in a soft voice —that will make you great, like Tyr. He was the god of war, but he took care of others and that's why everyone trusted him. Understand this, little brother, a small and petty heart is like Odin's heart, have you heard everything he has done? Has Mimir told you all the things he did?— Atreus nodded and Viggo continued —that's the best example of what happens when you have a small heart, but when you have a big heart, you can overcome all difficulties, make allies, become stronger, wiser, faster than anyone else. You must have intelligence and wisdom, but, above all, enough heart to be empathetic with people. So, I want you to promise me something—

—What?— asked Atreus, looking into his eyes.

—The next time you see that dwarf you will apologize, but not only because I told you, but because you will think about what you said and understand what was wrong—

—I don't know— Atreus replied with reluctance and an angry look.

Viggo chuckled, brought his forehead closer to Atreus's, and said —It's okay not to know, you don't have to know everything. Just think about it a little, that will do you good—

—Okay, I'll think about it— Atreus replied more willingly.

Viggo ruffled his hair, stood up and waved his hand for them to move forward together. No one said anything about that conversation, it was a matter between Viggo and Atreus, but it was just as Kratos thought. Atreus had someone else, which gave him tremendous relief.

They all continued to advance along the path that occurred between the slopes and stopped a few meters from a crossroads. On the left side led to an unknown cave that Viggo and the Valkyries had never visited while the right side led to the cave where Odin's empty chamber should be. The ground was wet with a small pebble path marked as if it were a slope that once filled the space between the slopes. There were pine trees, grass, and brush on the sides.

—Brother— Atreus asked as they advanced.

—What's going on?— asked Viggo, giving him a slight look.

—Can you tell me something about the future?—

—Of course, why no, a little help never hurts—

—Viggo— Kratos said in a thick, serious voice.

Viggo turned around, saw the tattooed, bald, bearded man put on his patented face of few friends. Viggo smiled and said —Don't worry, master, it's nothing serious—

—This is a test for, Atreus—

—Ok, I'll just give you a little advice—

Kratos let out a growl but nodded. Viggo gave a chuckle, looked back at Atreus, and stared at him —you bow— he said —lend it to me a little—

Atreus had the bow crossed to his chest, so he had to pull it out from above and then he held it out to Viggo —you don't need to break it, do you?—

—Not at all— Viggo replied with a broad smile, took the bow, and continued —it's all about energy. A similar energy can connect with the other. Since this bow belongs only to Atreus, there is only one sign of energy, which is like a thread that will lead my clairvoyance into the future, and I will see what Atreus does in a couple of hours or days—

—Sounds... complicated—

—So, it seems— said Viggo with a broad smile, he channeled his divine energy and activated his clairvoyance. Then he took the residual energy that Atreus had left in the bow and looked into the future. Viggo looked to the left, heading north. Only the hillside could be seen, but it was as if Viggo could see something huge moving in the distance. A few seconds later he let out a sigh and looked at Atreus and then at Kratos —as if to say it— he said —your best friend will be Jormugand, whatever happens, don't forget that, especially because of his size and power—

—What does that mean, boy?— asked Kratos.

—You said not to say much, that it was a test for Atreus—

Kratos frowned, Viggo walked up to him. He got too close to the point that Kratos looked at him more angrily than usual. Viggo gestured for him to come closer. Kratos brought his ear closer and hearing what Viggo whispered, his eyes widened. He stared at Viggo, and the latter nodded seriously.

—I understand— Kratos said.