The Recorder of Type-Moon History

Andre de La Notre, the Rhinegold, the Golden Ring, the Ring of the Nibelung—these are all names for the same artifact.

Whoever holds it will gain endless wealth, enough to fulfill every desire in the mortal world. Yet this treasure is cursed. Born from the Rhine and stolen by a dwarf through despicable means, the golden ring carries a fate as dark as its glow is bright.

Anyone who possesses it will face the unrelenting wrath of bad luck, with misfortune shadowing their every step.

The gods of the Aesir, despite their might, dared not touch it. The Rhinegold was forged at the dawn of the world, its curse potent enough to intimidate even the boldest divine hands.

In the original destiny of Slude's sister Brunhilde, this golden ring was meant to pass into her possession. Changing her fate seemed straightforward: intercept the ring before it reached her.

But tampering with the inevitable comes at a price. To stop the ring from reaching Brunhilde, one must bear the curse in her place.

Loki sat quietly, observing Kevin. The boy stood before him, a faint smile playing on his lips, dressed in light black clothing with his long black hair falling in soft waves.

"Have you really thought this through?" Loki asked at last, his voice tinged with uncharacteristic seriousness. "That curse... Even I don't take it lightly."

"If I hadn't thought it through, I wouldn't have come to you," Kevin replied calmly. His tone remained steady as he continued, "Since it's a curse of fate, isn't that just perfect? After all, I happen to be someone who has no destiny."

Loki studied Kevin's expression, letting out a sigh.

Of course.

He already knew what Kevin's choice would be. Like Freya, he had seen this coming. Kevin would intervene, not for Brunhilde herself, but for Slude's sake.

Kevin wasn't the kind of person who tried to save everyone. He wasn't a saint who meddled in the affairs of others or sought to prevent great disasters like Ragnarok.

He only acted when it concerned the people he cared about—Cu Chulainn, Skadi, and now Slude.

Neil had once said Kevin was like a child, mischievous and unrefined. But when it mattered most, when the stakes were high, Kevin's reliability shone through like a beacon.

"Well, that being said, if the curse is really so terrifying, then maybe I'll just forget about it."

Loki blinked.

The moment of solemnity was shattered as Kevin's expression shifted, his tone taking on a cheerful lilt. "Lord Loki, you're the god of wisdom, right? You must know how to break this curse! Surely you won't just sit back and let me risk my life to test whether it'll affect me!"

Loki's servant, standing silently in the background until now, stared wide-eyed at Kevin, utterly baffled.

Meanwhile, Neil sat calmly on Kevin's shoulder, preening her feathers as if nothing was amiss.

"…You brat," Loki muttered, shaking his head with a mixture of exasperation and amusement. He pressed a hand to his forehead, letting out a long sigh.

After a moment of thought, Loki relented. "There is a way to break the curse," he admitted. "Take the ring back to the Rhine and return it to the Rhine maidens. If they reclaim it, the curse will be lifted."

"But," he added, narrowing his eyes, "can you resist the temptation? Whoever holds the ring wields the greatest wealth in the world. Even gods have succumbed to its allure."

Kevin listened intently, then smiled brightly. Bowing deeply to Loki, he said, "Thank you, Lord Loki, for your guidance."

He turned to Neil, who perched silently. "Neil, let's go."

The little bird chirped in acknowledgment and fluttered onto Kevin's shoulder.

Loki watched as Kevin's figure grew smaller, his steps purposeful. He sat there for a long while, lost in thought.

"This isn't right…" Loki muttered under his breath. "Even if this is a deal between Balder and Ruger, it's still too much. I should talk to Odin about this!"

He rose abruptly, ready to storm off and confront Odin.

But before he could leave, a commotion from outside caught his attention. His expression shifted immediately.

"Wait a second." Loki paused and glanced at his servant. "Kevin said he came from Freya's palace, didn't he?"

The servant nodded.

"It's over!" Loki exclaimed.

Without another word, Loki bolted from the room, scaling a nearby wall in his haste. Over his shoulder, he shouted, "If anyone comes looking for me, tell them I'm not here!"

The servant nodded, barely suppressing a grin.

Less than a minute later, Freya arrived with her entourage, her expression radiant with purpose.

"Where's Loki?" she demanded.

The servant gestured toward the wall. "He just ran that way."

Meanwhile, Kevin, oblivious to the chaos Freya was about to unleash on Loki, made his way toward Fenrir's forest.

"Neil," Kevin said softly, his tone more serious than usual, "don't tell Slude or the others about what happened just now. Understand?"

"I know." Neil gave a lazy chirp, familiar enough with Kevin by now to anticipate his thoughts.

Kevin didn't enter the forest directly. Instead, Slude found him partway there, following the bond of their red string contract.

"I've already made arrangements with Hodel, Skadi, and the others," Slude informed him.

"Good," Kevin replied, smiling as they turned toward Valhalla together.

On the way, Slude motioned for Neil to perch on her shoulder. She lowered her voice and asked, "Neil, what did Kevin do just now?"

Neil glanced at her, tilting her head. "Nothing much. He just visited Lady Freya and Lord Loki."

"Lord Loki?" Slude frowned slightly, confused by the mention of Loki.

"Don't worry about it," Neil replied nonchalantly. "We just discussed some minor matters."

Although Slude was still curious, Kevin quickly shifted the topic, skillfully diverting her attention.

Above them, Neil soared higher, leaving the two behind.

She reached the top of a grand palace and settled into a small nest, pulling out a piece of magical paper.

With delicate precision, she plucked a glowing feather from her wing, using it to write a message.

To the Respected Lord Ruger, God of Light and the Sun,

I am pleased to report that Kevin has completed his first trial in Jotunheim. He not only succeeded in taming Fenrir but also formed bonds with Skadi and Shaki, bringing them to Asgard.

Kevin's reputation has now spread across the Nine Realms. The titles of "Wolf Tamer" and "Giant Slayer" have been added to his name.

However, there is something troubling. Kevin has decided to pursue the cursed Rhinegold ring. He believes it is the only way to alter Brunhilde's fate. Although I trust his abilities, I ask for your guidance and protection as he embarks on this dangerous path.

Your loyal servant, Neil.

After sending the letter into the sunlight, Neil rejoined Kevin and Slude, who were now preparing to descend to Midgard.

Kevin mounted the white horse behind Slude, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Can't you remove your armor?" Kevin complained. "It's not exactly comfortable."

Slude glanced back at him, her golden hair brushing against his face. Smiling faintly, she replied, "Endure it."

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