51:The Love of the Goddess

Cu Chulainn looked at the enemy lying on the ground. Some had spoken before being killed by Kevin, and others hadn't said a word yet met the same fate. He couldn't help but ask himself: "What's the difference?"

"No difference," Kevin replied flatly as he woke up the third captive. His interrogation process remained consistent—questions first, then death by the sword.

By the time Kevin had questioned and killed over ten soldiers, he finally nodded in satisfaction. "All right, we've got what we need."

"What are you doing?" Cu Chulainn couldn't hold back any longer. He gestured toward the carnage and asked, "What's the point of asking questions if you're just going to kill them all anyway?"

Kevin glanced at him with mild exasperation. "Gathering intelligence and verifying its accuracy. Simple as that."

"Well, fine," Cu Chulainn conceded, still frowning. "But why are you treating the ones who give you answers the same as those who refuse?"

Kevin tilted his head as though the answer were obvious. "Because I don't want to reward those who refuse, and I certainly don't want to reward those who betray their side. Balance is key."

Cu Chulainn stared at him for a long moment before muttering, "This isn't how balance works…"

"What's next?" Cu Chulainn asked, deciding to focus on the mission. "Should we hit their leader's camp directly?"

Kevin shook his head. "Didn't you hear what they said? Fergus mac Róich is nearby, along with a handful of druids and bards. Are you really confident we won't get flattened the moment we try that?"

At the mention of Fergus, Cu Chulainn's face darkened. Fergus had once been a trusted member of the Red Branch Knights, but he had since turned against the Kingdom of Ulster. His legendary weapon, the Spiral Rainbow Sword, was rumored to be powerful enough to cut through entire hills.

Kevin didn't wait for a response. He gestured toward the supply depot they'd identified through their questioning. "We'll target their food and fodder. Cripple their logistics first."

With the help of runes, the two managed to infiltrate the supply area undetected. Within minutes, flames engulfed the supplies, casting a fiery glow over the camp.

"Time to go," Kevin said, already turning away as the fire spread.

Cu Chulainn, who had been itching for a fight, reluctantly followed. Despite their clean getaway, the damage they had inflicted was significant—nearly half of the enemy's provisions were destroyed.

The next morning, as the camp reeled from the sabotage, Maeve summoned her advisors.

"They broke through all of your magical defenses and burned half our supplies!" Maeve's voice was sharp, her frustration evident. "How do you plan to stop them?"

One of the druids stepped forward hesitantly. "It's clear the intruders are Kevin the Miracle Man and Cu Chulainn, the Son of Light. Both were trained by the Queen of the Shadow Kingdom. Only her runes could bypass our wards so easily."

Maeve's brow furrowed. "And what's your solution? Can you stop them?"

The druids exchanged nervous glances. One finally spoke up. "There is one who might stand a chance—Ferdia, another warrior trained in the Shadow Kingdom. He has more experience than either of them."

That night, Kevin and Cu Chulainn attempted another infiltration but were intercepted by two figures: Fergus mac Róich and Ferdia, their senior from the Shadow Kingdom.

"Fergus…" Cu Chulainn murmured, gripping his magic spear tightly.

"Uncle Fergus," Cu Chulainn said formally, his voice heavy with mixed emotions.

"It's been a long time, boy," Fergus said with a sigh. "You've grown into a fine warrior, just as I always hoped."

Kevin's attention was on Ferdia, who had often served as a mentor during his training in the Shadow Kingdom. "Brother," Kevin said softly. "Do we really have to do this?"

Ferdia's expression was conflicted. "Kevin, Cu Chulainn… leave now. There's no need for bloodshed tonight."

Before Kevin could respond, Maeve stepped into view, flanked by soldiers and druids.

"Well, well," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "I see my welcoming party is already here. You two have been causing me quite a bit of trouble."

Kevin frowned. "A grand reception for little old us? I'm flattered."

Maeve ignored his sarcasm, her gaze lingering on him. "Kevin, you're a smart man. Why waste your talents on Ulster? Join me, and I'll give you anything you desire."

Cu Chulainn scoffed. "Anything?"

Maeve smirked. "Anything."

Kevin pretended to consider. "Well, Cu Chulainn, what do you think? Should we take her up on the offer?"

"She's not my type," Cu Chulainn said bluntly. "I prefer women like Emer."

"You're missing out," Kevin said with mock seriousness. "She's got a great army."

The exchange was enough to make Ferdia crack a smile. For a moment, it felt like they were back in the Shadow Kingdom.

Maeve's patience wore thin. "Kill them!" she commanded.

The camp erupted into chaos. Fergus and Ferdia engaged Kevin and Cu Chulainn directly, while druids and soldiers closed in around them.

Despite the odds, Kevin and Cu Chulainn fought with precision and ruthlessness. Fergus and Ferdia, clearly reluctant to harm their former comrades, held back enough for the duo to escape after inflicting some injuries.

By dawn, they had returned to their makeshift base in the forest. Both were battered and bloodied, but alive.

As they rested, a red chariot descended from the sky, driven by a beautiful woman with flowing hair and piercing eyes. Kevin and Cu Chulainn immediately recognized her.

"Morrigan," Cu Chulainn said, gripping his spear tightly.

The goddess of war and death smiled, her gaze fixated on Cu Chulainn. "Son of Light, your battle today was magnificent. I offer you my favor. Join me, and I will grant you endless victories. In return, all I ask is your love."

Cu Chulainn's jaw tightened. "Thank you, Morrigan, but I cannot accept."

The goddess tilted her head, surprised. "You would reject a goddess for a mortal woman?"

"I would," Cu Chulainn said firmly. "My heart belongs to Emer."

Kevin smirked despite the tension. "You've got guts, I'll give you that."

Morrigan's expression darkened, but she said nothing more. With a flick of her reins, the chariot disappeared into the sky.

Kevin and Cu Chulainn exchanged a glance, both understanding that their fight was far from over.

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