58:Three Tests

If anyone among the Aesir had the worst impression of Kevin, it was undoubtedly Loki. After all, Kevin's purpose for coming to Asgard was to acquire the blood of Fenrir—the child of Loki.

Loki stood beside Odin, the God-King, a mischievous grin playing on his lips as Kevin entered the Silver Hall. Their eyes met briefly, and Loki's smile widened with an almost predatory charm. Kevin, though slightly startled, responded with a polite smile, trying to suppress any unease.

"Good morning, Your Excellency Odin, King of Gods, and... Lord Loki, God of Wisdom," Kevin said after stepping forward, bowing respectfully.

Loki raised an eyebrow at being called the "God of Wisdom" but said nothing. He returned Kevin's smile with one of his own, mysterious and unreadable.

Odin's single, piercing eye studied Kevin for a long moment before the Allfather spoke. "Kevin, warrior of Erin and Man of Miracles, I am aware of your request. Both Scathach, the Queen of Shadows, and your father Luger have informed me of your intentions. However..."

The hall seemed to darken as Odin's tone grew solemn. "Here in Asgard, we do not grant rewards without effort. To claim the blood of Fenrir, you must complete three tests. These tasks will be perilous, and your life may be forfeit if you fail. Even so, do you accept this challenge?"

Kevin met Odin's gaze, his expression steady. He glanced briefly at Loki, who seemed to be enjoying the moment, and then nodded. "I accept, Great God. I will face whatever tests you deem fit."

Odin's face softened slightly at Kevin's resolve. He turned his gaze to the Valkyrie Slude, who stood silently among her peers. "Slude, after spending time with Kevin, do you still wish to protect him?"

Slude stepped forward, bowing her head respectfully. "Great God, I do. Please grant me the honor of serving as his protector during these trials."

Odin regarded her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Very well," he said at last. "Come forward, both of you. A contract must be formed."

Kevin hesitated briefly before stepping forward with Slude. He wasn't sure what the contract entailed, but he trusted Odin's authority. After all, the God-King had no reason to harm him.

Loki approached the pair, his presence commanding despite the mischievous glint in his eyes. With a wave of his hand, he began chanting an ancient spell, his voice melodic yet chilling.

"Extend your hands," Loki instructed.

Kevin and Slude did as they were told. A soft, golden light emerged, connecting their wrists. As the light faded, a thin red thread remained, visible only to them.

"The bond is formed," Loki announced with an air of finality, stepping back to let Odin speak.

"Kevin," Odin began, his tone grave. "You have exhausted all your magic to wield the sword Vlagerak. I cannot restore your previous strength while you remain untested. However, through this bond, the Valkyrie Slude will bear your magical burden during your trials. Her strength will sustain yours, and in return, she will remain by your side until her own quest is complete."

Odin's gaze shifted to Slude. "Are you willing to accept this responsibility?"

Without hesitation, Slude bowed deeply. "I accept, Great God. I will carry his burden and protect him as required."

Kevin felt a surge of energy course through him as the bond solidified. His body, once frail from his sacrifices, felt renewed—stronger than before. He marveled at the transformation, understanding that Odin had provided him with the means to endure the trials ahead.

"Kevin," Odin said, his voice drawing Kevin's attention once more. "Do you accept this arrangement, and will you uphold your end of the bond?"

Kevin glanced at Slude, who met his gaze with quiet determination. "I do, Great God," he replied firmly.

Satisfied, Odin raised a hand, gesturing to Neil, the bird perched on Kevin's shoulder. Neil fluttered over to Odin, who whispered a few words and touched her head. A faint glow enveloped her before she returned to Kevin.

"Neil now bears my protection," Odin explained. "She will be your guide in Asgard, ensuring your passage through the trials is unhindered."

As Kevin and Slude exited the Silver Hall, Kevin couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of relief and anticipation. The bond had given him newfound strength, and while the details of the tests remained unclear, he felt more prepared than before.

Slude walked beside him, her expression as calm and composed as ever.

"Thank you," Kevin said after a moment. "For agreeing to this bond. I know it's not a small thing to bear someone else's magic."

Slude glanced at him, her features softening slightly. "It is my duty," she replied simply. "Besides, I have my own reasons for staying by your side."

Kevin raised an eyebrow but chose not to press her. After all, they had only just begun their journey together.

"Where to next?" he asked, hoping to lighten the mood.

Slude paused before answering. "Back to the Palace of Light, I assume. Unless there's something else you wish to do first?"

Kevin hesitated, then surprised her with his response. "I want to meet Fenrir."

Slude froze mid-step, staring at Kevin as if he had lost his mind. "You... want to meet Fenrir?" she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Kevin nodded earnestly. "Yes. If I'm to obtain his blood, I'd like to see him for myself."

Slude's eyes narrowed slightly, her tone cautious. "Do you understand what you're asking? Fenrir is no ordinary creature. He is the Earth-shaking Wolf, destined to devour Odin himself during Ragnarok. Meeting him is no simple matter."

Kevin smiled faintly, scratching the back of his head. "I know it's a bold request, but if this journey is about proving myself, I think facing him—even briefly—would be a good start."

Slude regarded him for a long moment, then sighed. "Very well. I'll see what can be arranged. But don't say I didn't warn you."

As they resumed their walk, Kevin couldn't shake the feeling that his journey in Asgard was about to become far more perilous—and far more extraordinary.

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