57:Twin Sisters

The moment Kevin found himself enveloped in Balder's embrace, even the gods standing nearby looked surprised. Heimdall, the steadfast guardian of the Rainbow Bridge, known for his sharp eyes and golden teeth, was particularly taken aback. Beside him, Slude, the Valkyrie, tried to mask her confusion, while Neil, the tiny bird perched on Kevin's shoulder, appeared to cover her face with her wings in what could only be described as embarrassment.

Kevin struggled to lift his face from Balder's chest, taking in her dazzling smile that radiated warmth and light. Balder, the goddess of light and beauty, was one of Odin's most beloved children, embodying the essence of joy, purity, and all that was good. Her status as a symbol of hope ensured that as long as she lived, Ragnarok would be delayed—a testament to her importance among the Aesir.

"Well... sister?" Kevin ventured cautiously, his mind racing.

Balder's face lit up even more, her joy palpable as she ruffled Kevin's hair affectionately. "Good boy!" she exclaimed.

Kevin sighed internally. Calling her "sister" seemed to have been the right choice, even if he still felt slightly bewildered by the family dynamics. After all, mythologies often had convoluted relationships. Being Balder's "brother" felt advantageous for now, so he decided to roll with it.

Neil peeked out from beneath her wing and shook her tiny head, clearly unimpressed.

Balder's enthusiasm was so overwhelming that even Heimdall and Slude exchanged bemused glances. However, both chose to remain silent. They were accustomed to Balder's spirited nature and knew it was best not to interrupt her when she was this cheerful.

Heimdall, with his watchful eyes, observed Kevin closely. Although he didn't echo Balder's familial sentiment, he didn't correct her either. As the guardian of the Rainbow Bridge, he recognized Kevin's significance—not just as the son of Luger, but as a mortal whose destiny was a mystery even to Odin.

"Hello, I'm Slude, a Valkyrie," Slude introduced herself, stepping forward. "By the order of the Great God Odin, I will serve as your protector during your time here."

Kevin's eyes flickered to the feathered adornments in Slude's helmet. He tried not to stare, but the bird-like design made him smile despite himself. Coughing lightly to cover his amusement, he extended a hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Kevin."

Slude hesitated before shaking his hand, her expression neutral yet tinged with curiosity.

Balder wasted no time in leading Kevin toward Bredablik, her shining palace. Along the way, she bombarded him with questions about his life and adventures on the continent of Erin, her eagerness more reminiscent of a curious child than a revered goddess.

Kevin, though slightly overwhelmed, did his best to respond. Her enthusiasm was infectious, but her status as a goddess left him feeling awkward.

Once they arrived at Bredablik, Balder guided them to a courtyard perpetually in bloom, where she seated Kevin and Slude before rushing off again, her excitement still brimming.

As Kevin exhaled in relief, Slude finally broke her silence. "You don't need to act so tense," she said. "Balder's enthusiasm comes from genuine affection. She has been looking forward to your arrival for a long time."

Kevin regarded her with a faint smile. "You all seem to know a lot about me already," he said.

"Yes," Slude replied, her tone growing more inquisitive. "Are you truly the most renowned warrior of the Erin Continent?"

Her question caught Kevin off guard. After a moment's hesitation, he shook his head. "I wouldn't say that. I've had my share of victories, but I'm far from the greatest. If anything, I'm just someone who survived when others didn't."

Neil, however, fluttered her wings indignantly. "Nonsense!" she chirped. "Kevin is the Man of Miracles, praised across the Erin Continent! He's a true warrior, and I'll vouch for that in the name of Luger himself!"

Slude raised an eyebrow, looking between the bird and Kevin. Despite her composed demeanor, she couldn't suppress a faint smile.

The serene atmosphere shifted with Balder's return. This time, she wasn't alone. Accompanying her was a young woman with long, flowing black hair and a delicate, ethereal appearance. Her eyes, though closed, gave away her blindness.

"Sister, slow down," the newcomer said softly, her voice hesitant but melodious.

Slude stepped forward in surprise. "Lord Hoder!"

The mention of Hoder's name caught Kevin's attention. He knew from the legends that Hoder was Balder's twin and her opposite in many ways—a goddess associated with darkness and shadows.

Guided by Balder, Hoder approached with tentative steps. When Kevin introduced himself, her delicate features showed a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Brother, is it?" Hoder asked, her voice tinged with doubt.

"Of course!" Balder said brightly, pulling Kevin closer. "Kevin is family now, just like you and me!"

Hoder offered Kevin a hesitant smile. "If my sister says so, I'll believe it."

As the day wore on, Kevin shared stories of his time in the Kingdom of Shadows. He recounted his training under Scathach, the trials he endured, and the victories he achieved alongside Cu Chulainn. Even Neil chimed in, adding colorful details about Kevin's misadventures.

Hoder, who had remained reserved at first, gradually became more engaged. Despite her usual shyness, she listened intently, her expression softening.

By the time night fell, Kevin had unwittingly forged a bond with both sisters. As Slude escorted Hoder back to her quarters, Balder lingered, her radiant smile undiminished.

"Thank you, Kevin," she said. "Hoder rarely spends time with anyone other than me. Your stories seem to have made her day."

Kevin smiled. "I'm glad to help. If she ever wants to hear more, I'd be happy to visit her again."

The following morning, Slude escorted Kevin to the Silver Hall, where Odin awaited him atop his high throne. Standing beside the Allfather was another figure—his sharp eyes and sly grin unmistakable.

"Kevin, son of Luger," Odin said, his voice resonating with authority. "Meet my brother, the God of Trickery—Loki."

Kevin's eyes widened. "Loki…"

The Trickster God grinned wider, his tone dripping with mischief. "Welcome to Asgard, little mortal. I've been looking forward to meeting the infamous Man of Miracles."

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