Chapter 213: Alfheim
Marie Alter, Ereshkigal, Sitonai, and Tristan materialized in the heart of the Elf Village in Alfheim, the same village where Mash and Kama had previously been, and where Beowulf was staying.
Marie Alter surveyed her team and spoke with authority, "As Mash and Ritsuka mentioned, the elves in this village are our allies. Let's proceed to meet the village leader."
Tristan, ever the skeptic, raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure this will work?"
Before anyone could respond, he was met with a simultaneous death glare from Kama, Ereshkigal, and Marie Alter. In unison, they chastised him, "Don't judge our beloved Ritsuka's leadership."
Tristan, feeling the weight of their gazes, muttered under his breath, "There really is no fury like the fury of a woman."
As the group made their way through the village, they were greeted warmly by the elves, who recognized them as allies. The village leader, an elf named Elenion, approached them with a welcoming smile.
"Greetings," Elenion began. "We are honored to have you here. How may we assist you in your endeavors?"
Marie Alter stepped forward, her demeanor both regal and commanding. "We seek your guidance and support. There are challenges ahead, and we believe that with your help, we can overcome them."
Elenion nodded thoughtfully. "We have faced many trials, but together, we can face whatever comes. Let us discuss how we can aid you."
The group gathered with Elenion, strategizing their next steps and solidifying their alliance with the elves of Alfheim.
Meanwhile, back at the Nemo Ship, Ritsuka and the rest of the team were preparing for the challenges ahead, each member reflecting on their roles and the alliances they had forged.
The fate of the Nine Realms rested on their shoulders, and they were ready to face whatever awaited them.
As Marie Alter and her team sat down with Elenion and the elf leaders, they began to outline their plans for the upcoming battle. The air was thick with tension, but the elves' steadfast support gave them some reassurance.
Marie Alter leaned forward, her eyes sharp as she spoke, "We need more information on Asgard's defenses, particularly Thor's new power. Ritsuka's intel suggested the Bifrost is sealed, but it's unclear how we can break that barrier."
Elenion nodded solemnly, "The Bifrost is a powerful construct. Only a few can navigate its pathways, and even fewer can alter its flow. If Thor truly sealed it off, it will take something of immense power to reopen it."
Sitonai raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the mention of the Bifrost. "But, if we can find a way to weaken the barrier, would that not give us an opening to reach Asgard?"
Ereshkigal folded her arms, her usually calm demeanor replaced with a hint of frustration. "Thor's sealed it for a reason. We need more than just brute force. We need a way to understand the magic that holds it closed."
Tristan remained silent for the moment, but his eyes flickered with contemplation. He was always one to think things through, even when others had already made up their minds. As he observed the conversation, a thought suddenly clicked in his mind.
"I think I have something that might help," Tristan said, looking at the group. "In the legends, there were talks of beings who could unravel the very fabric of magic. I believe we may need someone who has a deep connection to that level of power."
"You're talking about a god-killer, aren't you?" Marie Alter's voice was low, but her intent was clear.
Tristan hesitated but nodded. "We need someone capable of disrupting Thor's magic at the core. Enkidu or Gilgamesh—either one could potentially assist us."
Elenion's eyes widened. "Gilgamesh? That would be a bold move. If you can convince him, the odds might shift in our favor. But it will be difficult. He isn't one to act without seeing his own benefit."
Marie Alter's expression darkened at the mention of Gilgamesh, remembering the king's prideful nature and his tendency to do as he pleased. Still, she understood the necessity of securing such an alliance, even if it meant swallowing her pride.
"I'll talk to him," Marie Alter said after a pause. "But we need more than just Gilgamesh. We need to rally the other realms. If we're to confront Thor, we must unite the forces of all Nine Realms."
Meanwhile, Ritsuka and the other team leaders were back on the Nemo Ship, preparing their next moves. Ritsuka was standing near a table filled with holographic maps of the Nine Realms, his finger tracing paths that would lead them to the critical points they needed to strike.
"Everyone is in position," Ritsuka said, his voice calm but resolute. "The key to this operation is to disrupt Thor's control over the realms. If we can weaken his influence, the Bifrost might be accessible."
BB, who had been pacing nearby, stopped and smirked. "You do realize that Thor is no ordinary god, right? This isn't going to be a simple hack-and-slash mission."
"I'm not expecting it to be easy," Ritsuka replied, his tone unwavering. "But we've gathered powerful allies, and we'll need every bit of strength they can offer."
A soft, almost imperceptible chime echoed through the ship's intercom. It was a signal from the Alfheim team. Ritsuka turned to the communication screen, seeing Marie Alter's face appear.
"We've gathered intel on the situation in Alfheim," Marie Alter reported. "But there's more at play here than we thought. Thor isn't just sealing the realms; he's preparing something big. We need to act fast."
Ritsuka's eyes narrowed, sensing the gravity in her voice. "What do you mean?"
"There's a weapon, a source of unimaginable power hidden deep within Alfheim," she explained. "If we don't stop it, it could tip the balance in Thor's favor. We're heading there now to destroy it."
Ritsuka's mind raced. "We can't afford to have Thor gain any more power. We'll support you. Gather your team, and we'll be in contact."
The line went silent as Marie Alter cut the communication. Ritsuka turned to his team, determination set in his gaze. "The situation just became even more urgent. We have to move quickly, and we can't afford any mistakes."
As the team prepared to depart, they knew the stakes had just escalated to an entirely new level. They weren't just fighting for the freedom of the Nine Realms anymore—they were fighting for the future itself.
The clock was ticking, and the final battle for Asgard was drawing near.
Meanwhile in that of Niflheim Sion l, Scathach, Gareth and Tank arrive in Niflheim as they looked around
Gareth then spoke as she sneezed. "This place is cold, how are you not feeling the coke".
She said looking at Tank, Tank looked back at as the shadows ice soldier just tilted it's head, as Gereth onces again spoke. "Right you are undead shadow soldier of Master".
Scathach looked at her as she spoke. "And you are a servant, you shouldn't even be feeling the cold"
Gareth shrugged, rubbing her arms to ward off the chill. "I may be a servant, but this place... it feels like it's trying to freeze the very soul. Plus, I'm not exactly built for this kind of cold. Not all of us have the luxury of Scathach's icy resistance."
Scathach gave her a pointed look, her expression unreadable. "I don't feel it the same way either. My connection to this realm makes it less harsh on me." Her eyes narrowed as she scanned the frozen landscape. "But be careful. The cold here is not the only danger. Niflheim is a realm of death and despair, a place where the weak perish quickly."
Tank, standing silently beside them, shifted slightly, its frozen form emitting a faint glow as it seemed to react to its environment. Sion glanced at the shadowy soldier, his eyes thoughtful.
"Tank's made of the stuff of shadows," Sion mused. "Perhaps that's why the cold doesn't affect it. This realm isn't entirely hostile to those of shadow, after all. Still, we must remain vigilant."
Gareth raised an eyebrow. "So, what's the plan, boss? We here to break something, smash some walls, or just gather intel?"
Sion's gaze hardened. "We're here to scout the defenses. Thor's forces are spread thin, but if we're to make a move on Asgard, we need to know the layout of his strongholds here. If we can disrupt the flow of power in Niflheim, it might give us an edge when the time comes."
Scathach nodded in agreement, her spear gleaming faintly in the cold light. "I'll take point. We move quietly. If Thor's guardians are here, we need to ensure we're not detected."
The group fell into line, moving forward with purpose. The winds howled around them as they descended deeper into the frigid expanse of Niflheim, where only the faintest whispers of life could be heard, barely audible over the relentless cold.
Gareth then spoke, her metal boots meeting the ground as she walk. "Don't forget our main Missions, find the Bifrost seal here and then break it using Tank".
Sion nodded, her eyes sharp as they scanned the surroundings. "You're right, Gareth. The seal is our priority. We can't afford any distractions."
Tank, moving with an eerie silence, followed closely behind, its cold, shadowy form casting a faint glow on the ground beneath it. Its presence was unnerving, but necessary for the task at hand.
Scathach kept a steady pace at the front, her spear held in a relaxed yet ready position. "The seal should be somewhere central, likely well-guarded. I'll scout ahead, keep an eye out for any traps or guardians."
Gareth grinned, her teeth glinting despite the cold. "Well, Scathach, I'm not about to sit back and let you have all the fun. I'll stay on the lookout with Sion. We'll cover you, just in case anything goes sideways."
Sion gave a small nod, her expression focused. "Agreed. Let's stick together, no surprises. If we find the seal, Tank will need to destroy it, but only after we've cleared the area."
The group continued through the chilling landscape, their breath visible in the air as they traversed the labyrinthine paths of Niflheim. The atmosphere felt oppressive, as though the realm itself was resisting their intrusion.
As they neared what appeared to be the heart of the realm, Scathach held up her hand, signaling for the group to stop. "We're getting close. I can feel the presence of something... powerful." Her voice was barely above a whisper, yet it held an edge of warning. "Prepare yourselves."
Tank moved silently, its dark form blending with the shadows as it readied itself for the task ahead. Sion tightened her grip on her weapon, her eyes narrowing as she prepared for whatever was about to come.
Gareth, sensing the tension, drew her sword, the steel gleaming despite the icy surroundings. "Alright, no backing out now. Let's get this seal broken and get out of here."
With that, they moved forward, their resolve unwavering, as the oppressive cold of Niflheim seemed to grow even heavier around them. The final test was ahead, and the fate of their mission rested on their ability to overcome whatever guardians awaited them.
Tank them looked up, as he moved his shield as he blocked an attack as Tank let our at Roar, as his warm hammer was raised up.
Scathach looked up, as she saw people, many people in the sky, with spear and Shields. "Valkyries?".
Scathach's eyes narrowed, and she immediately took a defensive stance, her spear ready. "Valkyries," she muttered under her breath. "I should have expected as much."
The air around them seemed to shift, the temperature plummeting even further, as if the very presence of the Valkyries was causing the environment to respond. The ethereal warriors descended from the sky, their wings cutting through the air like blades of ice, their armor gleaming with the light of the frozen heavens. Each one carried a spear or sword, their eyes cold and unwavering as they hovered above the group.
Sion's grip on her weapon tightened, her gaze scanning the sky. "This isn't good. They won't let us pass easily."
Gareth grinned, her breath visible in the freezing air. "Valkyries, huh? Sounds like a fun challenge." She raised her shield, the metal glinting in the pale light. "Let's show them what we're made of."
Scathach didn't take her eyes off the approaching Valkyries. "Stay focused. They're not just any warriors; these are the elite guardians of Niflheim. We can't underestimate them, or we'll be overwhelmed."
Tank, undeterred by the oncoming assault, raised its massive shield to the front, ready to defend. With a mighty roar, it slammed the hammer of shadow into the ground, sending shockwaves of dark energy across the battlefield, destabilizing the air and creating a brief opening. The Valkyries hesitated for a split second, sensing the power emanating from Tank.
"Now's our chance!" Sion shouted, her voice cutting through the tension.
The Valkyries swooped down, their spears aimed directly at Scathach and the others, but Scathach was already in motion. With lightning speed, she lunged forward, her spear a blur as she engaged the closest Valkyrie in a fierce clash of weapons.
Gareth charged forward alongside her, sword raised and shield ready, deflecting the blows of the second Valkyrie with ease. "Not bad!" she shouted, dodging a spear thrust and countering with a powerful strike of her own.
Tank roared again, its shadowy form lashing out with its hammer to meet the third Valkyrie head-on, creating an explosion of energy with each hit. The battle was fierce, but Tank's overwhelming power gave the group an advantage.
Scathach, fighting with unparalleled precision, blocked a spear strike and retaliated with a vicious thrust, her spear finding the weak spot in the Valkyrie's armor. "These are formidable warriors, but we can break through," she said between exchanges, her eyes flashing with determination.
Sion stood back, her focus never wavering as she kept an eye on the battlefield. She was ready to unleash her magic if needed, but for now, she allowed Scathach and Gareth to engage the Valkyries directly, knowing the time would come when she needed to intervene.
The Valkyries weren't backing down, though. With an eerie, synchronized movement, they regrouped in mid-air, their wings beating as one, ready for another coordinated strike.
"Their tactics are impeccable," Scathach muttered, her stance shifting slightly to prepare for the next onslaught. "We'll need to be just as strategic if we're going to break through."
Tank's shadowy form began to shift, its power radiating as it began charging its energy, preparing for the final assault. With a booming voice, it cried out, "Defend, and strike with all your might!"
The battlefield became a blur of motion as Scathach and Gareth engaged the Valkyries with unmatched ferocity, while Tank's shadow magic continued to disrupt the air. Sion's quiet composure was all that kept their defense together as the icy onslaught from the Valkyries pressed in from all sides. It would take every ounce of strength and strategy to break through.
"Let's end this," Scathach growled as she advanced once more, her spear cutting through the air.
Scathach then looked at her Spear, as she sent up and jumped as she looked at the Valkyries as she kicked it. "Gáe Bulge".
As then the spear split into the million as it then stabbed into all the Valkyries, as it killed almost all of them, as then open for Valkyries was stabbed by Gareth, as then the final Valkyrie moves ready to end Sion, as then with Thud the last was done for as well, the one too kill it was Tank, aa Tank slammed his War Hammer again.
The battlefield fell silent for a moment, the final echoes of the clash fading into the air as the last Valkyrie crumpled to the ground, shattered by Tank's mighty blow. Scathach landed gracefully back on the frozen earth, her spear returning to its original form, her breathing steady despite the intensity of the battle. Her eyes scanned the fallen Valkyries, each of them now nothing more than remnants of their former power.
"That's how you deal with Valkyries," she muttered, wiping the blood from her spear, her tone calm but carrying the weight of her lethal skill.
Gareth wiped her brow, a grin on her face as she patted her shield. "Not bad, huh? They were strong, but we've got the right tools for the job."
Sion let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, her stance relaxed but alert. "Impressive," she said, looking at the fallen Valkyries. "But we need to move quickly. There's no time to waste."
Tank, having delivered the final blow, stood in place for a moment, letting out a low growl, its heavy hammer still resting in its shadowy grip. The ice and frost around them trembled from its power. "Target neutralized," it rumbled, the voice cold but efficient.
The air was thick with the scent of battle and the chill of Niflheim, but for a moment, there was a sense of accomplishment. They had taken down the Valkyries guarding the area, a powerful obstacle out of their way.
Scathach turned to the rest of her group, her expression serious again. "We need to find the Bifrost seal and break it. These Valkyries were only the beginning. We must keep moving."
Gareth gave a hearty laugh, raising her sword high. "Lead the way, then! We've got work to do."
Sion, already scanning the surroundings, nodded. "Let's make sure we're not interrupted again. We need to secure the area before anything else happens."
With their goal clear, the group pressed forward, the weight of their mission hanging over them but tempered by their success in battle. The journey to break the Bifrost seal would be fraught with challenges, but with their strength, determination, and teamwork, they knew they could overcome whatever else Niflheim had in store for them.
To be continued hope people like this Ch and give me power stones and sorry for the late upload