56: Picking up a sister for free

Outside Valhalla, the grand palace of Odin in the divine realm of Asgard, two beautiful figures strolled through the vibrant forest.

One of them, a girl with waist-length golden hair swaying slightly as she walked, wore the elegant and intricate armor of a Valkyrie. Her name was Slude, and her every movement was precise, as if calculated. Her voice, while melodic, carried the hollow precision of a machine.

"Lord Balder," Slude said with a faint sigh, glancing at the slightly taller figure walking ahead of her. "I don't think it's appropriate not to inform the Great God about your plan to personally welcome Kevin, the Man of Miracles and son of Luger, from the Danu tribe."

Balder turned to face her, her radiant golden hair catching the sunlight and framing a face that was perfection itself. Her azure blue eyes shimmered with a purity that evoked the clear skies of Asgard. Even Slude, though used to Balder's dazzling presence, found herself momentarily disarmed.

"Don't worry about that, Slude," Balder said with a light laugh, brushing off the concern. Her voice was as warm and bright as the sun, effortlessly putting others at ease.

"But the Great God Odin is sure to find out eventually," Slude pressed.

"Hmm…" Balder tilted her head thoughtfully, then smiled even brighter. "Well, we'll just deal with it when that time comes!" She turned and resumed her lighthearted steps, her golden hair bouncing with each movement.

Slude sighed, her resolve faltering once again under Balder's effortless charm. She was, after all, the God of Light, a being who could brighten the darkest corners of existence.

As they continued walking, Slude's thoughts drifted. "The Man of Miracles... Kevin, the Son of Light. What kind of person could he be?" she murmured softly to herself, curiosity tinging her voice.

Balder caught the faint whisper and turned around with a curious expression. "What was that, Slude?"

Before Slude could respond, the skies above them shifted. A majestic eagle descended, landing gracefully in front of Balder. The bird delivered a summons from Odin himself. Without delay, Balder and Slude made their way to the Silver Hall to meet the Great God.

In the grand Silver Hall of Asgard, Odin sat upon his high throne, radiating authority. His one eye, gleaming with ancient wisdom, locked onto Balder and Slude as they entered.

"My daughter," Odin said, his deep voice echoing through the hall, "how long did you intend to keep me in the dark about Kevin's arrival in Asgard?"

Balder froze, her bright smile faltering for a moment. "Uh…" She glanced at Slude, who shook her head in denial.

"It wasn't Slude who told me," Odin clarified, his tone calm but firm. "The one who informed me was Scathach, Queen of the Shadow Kingdom and Kevin's master."

"Scathach…?" Balder echoed, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes," Odin nodded. "Long ago, I entrusted her with the runes. I had hoped she would join the Aesir, but instead, she chose to walk her own path in the Shadow Kingdom."

Balder hesitated before asking, "Father, could it be that even you cannot see him?"

Slude, intrigued, raised her gaze to observe Odin's reaction.

Odin sighed deeply, leaning back in his throne. "That is correct. Kevin is a man without destiny. He exists outside the threads of fate."

Slude's eyes widened slightly. A man beyond the reach of fate itself? Such a thing was unheard of, even among gods.

Odin continued, "I have spoken with Scathach. From today onward, Kevin will temporarily reside in your palace, Balder."

Turning to Slude, Odin addressed her directly. "Valkyrie Slude, Kevin has lost much of his strength. From this day forward, you will remain by his side as his protector."

Slude nodded solemnly. "Understood, Great God."

As the two women left the hall, Odin stood and gazed out over the expanse of Asgard. His voice, though soft, carried the weight of his thoughts. "Kevin, the Man of Miracles… the one without destiny. Just how far can you go?"

Several days later, Kevin walked through a corridor of endless light, its brilliance unchanging. Despite the surreal beauty, the monotony had worn on him.

"Neil," he called to the bird perched on his shoulder. "How long have we been walking?"

Neil, the beautiful bird that Ruger had entrusted to him, chirped in reply, "I don't know. It's not easy crossing continents, even with Lord Ruger's assistance."

Kevin sighed. "It feels like we've been walking forever. Half my stock of magic fruit is gone!"

Neil fluffed her feathers indignantly but offered no comfort.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the light faded, revealing a breathtaking scene: a massive, shimmering rainbow bridge composed of ice, fire, and air. Kevin stepped cautiously onto the Bifrost, marveling at its beauty.

"Where am I?" he asked Neil, who simply shook her head.

The bridge led Kevin to the gates of Asgard, where three figures awaited him: a sharp-eyed man with a golden-toothed smile, and two women—one in radiant Valkyrie armor and the other exuding an aura of divine brilliance.

Kevin's gaze lingered on the taller of the two women, her golden hair and azure eyes shining with an ethereal glow.

"Hello," Kevin greeted politely. "I'm Kevin, son of Lugur, from the continent of Erin. Are you here to welcome me?"

The radiant woman stepped forward, her smile dazzling. "I am Balder. Welcome, brother! We've been waiting for you!"

Before Kevin could respond, Balder pulled him into a warm embrace, pressing him to her chest.

Slude, watching from the side, blinked in astonishment. "Lord Balder… brother?"

Balder laughed, holding Kevin close. "Of course! Kevin is the Son of Light, and I am the God of Light. That makes us siblings, doesn't it?"

Slude, still bewildered, muttered under her breath, "He's… much smaller than I imagined…"

Kevin, caught off guard by Balder's affectionate welcome, could only smile awkwardly. "I guess I just picked up a sister for free…"

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