Chapter 14: The rat, the scorpion and the cat

After Thor's challenge to Freya, the situation remained calm between the two familias. But in the rest of the city, unrest rose quickly. The news of the duel between Thor and Freya, through their champions, spread like wildfire. Allen Fromel, the Vana Freya, will duel Ekkrit, the Skorpionen. Although it was now known that the nezu had defeated the Monster Rex Ophiuchus in a single combat, for many he was still far inferior to a fighter like Allen, whether in terms of fame or simply power.

Ekkrit had only been a level 5 for some time while Allen was an advanced level 6. On paper, the match was already decided. All you had to do was look at the bets being made in the various gambling dens and other shady bars. Everyone was betting on Allen's victory, as it seemed so obvious. Moreover, Ekkrit was a nezu, a representative of a widely disliked species. And many were only looking forward to the pleasure of seeing a stinking rat-man being martyred to the delight of a crowd that could justify a few moments of gratuitous sadism.

Allen himself thought the match was a foregone conclusion, and if Freya hadn't told him to take it seriously, he wouldn't even be training. And even so, he was going in relaxed. The only person he accepted, or rather tolerated, being superior to him was Ottar. All the rest were inferiors in his eyes, people who deserved only his indifference or his contempt. So a fight against a vulgar nezu was nothing but an insult to him, and this was reflected in his mood. Knowing that the latter had already been quite execrable for months because of the disproportionate love that their goddess devoted to this white-haired kid.

As for the nezu in question, he prepared his duel very carefully. For the first two days, he immersed himself in intense training with Mei, Ygannea and Thargar, pushing all his limits. In addition, his new equipment had arrived and he was enjoying brand new protection. On the third day, he immersed in intense meditation to condition himself, to prepare his senses and his mind for the terrible battle that lay ahead. Without doubt the most intense of his career, both as an assassin and as an adventurer.

Those close to Thor's familia, especially at Hestia, noted the general attitude of the population with a certain amount of sadness. People were not expecting to see a fight, just a public execution for their amusement. Bell had already seen it with the xenos incident, those who praised you had no shame in booing you the next day according to their moods. If he kept his idealism, the city and his life as an adventurer had taken its toll on his naivety. So he preferred to concentrate on other things and took advantage of the meal to satisfy his curiosity.

Goddess, why is this challenge called holmgang? What does that mean?

Oh, that? It's typical of the Asgardian gods, it's a form of ritual challenge. But then, you can just consider it a challenge with more forms.

Asgardians? asked Lily, who was also new to the term. The goddess sighed a little, because now she would have to explain everything to her children.

Think of it as... a kind of clan, or tribe. It's very old, from a bygone era when the deusdeas weren't as mixed as they are now. Nowadays it doesn't matter so much and we don't base our relationships on these old distinctions. But there are still some old traditions that have been kept, for example the holmgang among Asgardians like Thor or Freya.

By the way, I'm an Asgardian too.

At Loki's house, the same kind of conversation had started and the trickster had to explain to her children, especially the curious ones like Finn, the meaning of the holmang.

Is it such a codified tradition?

It's mostly a way to settle scores in a clean way. The loser gets to know his or her wrongs without ending up humiliated, the winner gets to move on to something else. To put it simply, this means Thor wants to be done with Freya without giving her an excuse to go to war.

Good, a deterioration in their relationship wouldn't be a good thing for us either.

Because even if Finn tried to keep their familia neutral in this kind of story, Thor and Loki's relationship would have consequences.

Yeah... we'll see when it's over.

Mikoto, who had been listening to her goddess' explanation, then followed up with another question.

So, Lady Hestia, given the relationship you have with Thor, are you also an Asgardian?

Not at all, as I said, it doesn't affect our relationship anymore. But to satisfy your curiosity, I am an Olympian. So are Hermes, Demeter, Hephaestus and Astraea. Zeus and Hera were also Olympians. Takemikazuchi is a kami of Takama-ga-hara, Miach is a Tuatha Dé Danann. There are other clans, but don't get hung up on that, you're unlikely to hear about them after this story.

Others had probably asked their gods the same question, but in reality, no one cared about the reasons, they wanted the show and it was going to happen on the day. The stands of the arena were packed, most of the spectators did not expect to be busy for long, some even hoped that the Vana Freya would not kill the nezu too quickly.

Since the challenge was a settling of scores between them, Freya and Thor would not attend with their familias, but together, in the main box. They were both seated in large armchairs in the back, the box was covered with a large cloth that prevented them from being easily seen. This would prevent the presence of the goddess of beauty from disturbing too many people. Ganesha was on the balcony of this box, standing in full view, for he was the referee of this meeting.

Thor's familia was obviously in the stands, gathered to cheer on their brother in arms. Most of the important members of Freya's familia had also made the trip, surrounding Ottar's massive figure, who was looking down on the arena with a serious expression. And of course, the two familias were seated opposite each other.

On a balcony on the other side of the arena, it was a member of Ganesha's familia, Ibri Achaa, who played the commentator. And as he had already demonstrated during the war game between Hestia and Apollo, he had little to prove in terms of verve.

Welcome! Welcome, ladies and gentlemen! For this battle of honour between the magnificent Freya, Goddess of Beauty, and the dazzling Thor, Lord of Storms! This holmgang will see two champions fighting for the honour of their gods!

There was a great cheer from the audience, showing that the man knew how to heat it up. For his part, Ganesha gave a war cry followed by his famous :

I AM GANESHA!

By now, everyone must have known. The elephant god then spoke in a loud and confident voice, in a much more serious tone, saying only one word.

Ouranos!

I allow it. The voice of the guild leader echoed through the city, as if he were everywhere at once. Allowed to release a fragment of his power, the elephant god raised a hand and snapped his fingers. A shimmering barrier surrounded the arena, shielding the spectators from any potential collateral damage, allowing the two fighters to give it their all. Divine mirrors also appeared throughout the city and in the homes of all the familias to allow them to follow the clash.

The announcer then resumed his office and announced the fighters.

On my right, our first fighter! Allen Fromel! Vice-captain of the Freya familia, the chariot of the goddess, the Vana Freya, the fastest adventurer in Orario!

The cat people entered the arena to the cheers of the spectators, though he didn't care, the only one whose attention he sought was his beloved goddess. He was dressed in his black armour and carried his silver spear, ready to fight in earnest. He did not have to kill his opponent to win, but he clearly intended to end the life of the nezu and force Thor to kneel before his goddess.

On the left, the second fighter! Ekkrit! Vice-captain of the Thor familia, the skorpionen, Thor's shadow, winner of the monster rex Ophiuchus in single combat!

The nezu entered the arena with a calm step, covered with his cape and hood. Of course, he didn't get a very nice welcome, only hisses and mockery. However, he didn't care, his only objective being his opponent in front of him. The spectators closest to him even became silent, disturbed by the presence he gave off. They mocked him for what he was, but being in his presence for real was a reminder that he was a level 5 and not there to be victimized without a fight.

You and your god are a living insult to my goddess. Allen then said to him in a provocative tone, but the nezu did not react.

So what? Are we terrified? Don't worry, I'll soon put an end to this. He said while getting into a fighting position.

Again, Ekkrit said nothing, then let out a single sigh.

Ha... fanatics...

Allen gritted his teeth in frustration, he had wanted to provoke the nezu, but it was exactly the opposite that had happened. On the balcony of the main lodge, the elephant god raised his hand and shouted a single word.

BEGIN!

Allen did not waste a moment, he dashed forward with the tip of his spear as if he were an arrow of steel. His speed was such that ordinary people could not follow him. But to his surprise, Ekkrit dodged his attack. The nezu had spun underneath himself and slid one of his blades along Allen's spear, forcing the latter to step back to avoid a blow.

Lucky break... the cat hissed through its teeth before attacking again.

Allen was quick to attack again, landing a flurry of attacks on Ekkrit, who managed to dodge or parry them all, only increasing his opponent's frustration and causing the audience to fall silent and murmur.

People wondered how he, a level 5, was able to do this against the assaults of an advanced level 6, even close to level 7 according to some.

Allen was experiencing the same frustration that Bell had experienced a few weeks earlier, that feeling of punching in a puddle. The former assassin's flowing style was complicated to deal with, as it didn't work at all like most other fighting techniques. However, Ekkrit was not in an advantageous position. He was avoiding Allen's attacks, yes, but to do so he was using his skill Eye of the Norns at full power and he had no opportunity to land a single blow.

In the stands, no one was missing anything of the fight. Although silent and motionless, Ottar was not missing anything. Much calmer than his vice-captain, he analysed the nezu's style and understood why Thor had chosen him, his fighting style was the natural enemy of Allen's. But that wasn't all, his instinct told him that the nezu had other tricks to play.

And his instincts proved him right when Allen had to leap back to dodge a blade that nearly slashed his face. A third blade, which had quickly emerged from the nezu's cloak before returning to it.

Of course, there were divine mirrors all over the city to help follow the fight, including at the Hostess of Fertility where two Cat People women were intensely following the fight, but not for the same reasons.

Chloe was deep in thought. Watching Ekkrit's fight seemed to take her back to very old memories. Something that Lunoire did not fail to notice.

Is something wrong? the former bounty hunter asked her colleague.

The silent army...

The silent what?

An old criminal organization that specialized in assassination, I thought they had disappeared years ago. But this nezu, he practices their fighting style. Or at least... it looks like it.

And that's a good thing? Because the Vana Freya seems to be giving him a hard time.

I don't know, but the fight might not be as easy to break up as he thinks.

Elsewhere in the building, it was another Cat People who was watching the fight with a serious air, in contrast to her usual joviality.

Big brother... Anya murmured simply. Even though he had cut ties with her, he was still her brother, her only blood family, and she was naturally worried, even though he was very strong.

Worried and also saddened, there was something in her eyes, a determination born of a sick devotion. Had she made a mistake in wanting to get away from the influence of Freya's familia? Had her departure and disagreement with her brother left a void in his heart that he could only fill by showing even more devotion to the goddess? Was their relationship really so broken as to be irreparable? But right now, she could only pray that her brother would finish this fight without too much damage.

In the stands, Loki and his children were also following the duel with great attention. The goddess was worried about the consequences of the outcome. A victory for Freya would only make her even more full of herself, and demonstrate her power and authority. But a Thor victory would reshuffle the deck, as Freya's influence would still be weakened and that could inspire a lot of people.

Finn, Riveria and Gareth watched carefully, analysing every action. If they had sympathy for Ekkrit, it was clearly Allen who interested them the most. He was a executive of a rival familia and this was the perfect opportunity to assess some of his power to see where they stood.

As for the two gods primarily concerned by this fight, they watched impassively, neither seeming to want to show anything to the other. Normally, the goddess would be perfectly confident and smiling. But she also knew that Thor, despite the reputation of a big brute he liked to give, did not actually do anything by chance. If he had chosen the rat as his champion, it was because he must have the means to represent a threat to Allen.

Allen was devoted to her in the extreme, almost as much as Ottar, but in a different way. Normally, this absolute devotion flattered her, but this time she wondered if it might be blinding her vice-captain. She tried to remain confident, but there was always this underlying unease despite everything.

You're a nimble rat, but that won't save you forever. I'll kill you, humiliate your stupid god and make my goddess happy.

Huh? Damn fanatic, do you love your goddess that much?

Of course I do! That's something pussies like you will never understand. Lady Freya is the only one who deserves respect. And I am one of the chosen few who are worthy of her love.

Allen's statements drew an amused laugh from Ekkrit, so childish and stupid did they seem to him.

Do you even love her more than your own sister?

The mention of Anya suddenly made his opponent show his fangs. He did not like it at all.

Allen Fromel, the kingdom where you were born was destroyed when you were only four years old, you survived in its ruins by taking care of your little sister and protecting her from all dangers. Two years later, you met Freya and joined her familia. Your sister moved away from your goddess a few years ago and now works in town as a simple waitress.

The nezu made his presentation in a neutral tone, reciting the information he had found. They too had investigated the past of the Freya familia.

So what, you rat? You know my past? Big deal! As for my stupid sister, she's a failure, who succumbed to her fear, unable to do what was right for our goddess.

Oh? Because you are never afraid?

Of course, I am a chosen one of the great Freya, nothing in this world can affect my determination! Nothing can frighten me!

To Ekkrit point of view, Allen was halfway between a raving lunatic and a poor stupid kid. It was so... pitiful that he laughed a little and gave him a much scarier face.

In that case, I'll show you what fear really is...

In the stands, as he watched the fight, Ottar remembered a remark he had made to Goddess some time earlier. He had told her that the man in love and the man in anger were both easy to manipulate. And Allen was both. His opponent knew exactly how to play with this, and he too was beginning to understand why Thor had chosen the nezu instead of the shivati girl. If he wasn't careful, Allen might pay a high price for his lack of self-control.

In the arena, Ekkrit jumped back two steps and began to chant his spell.

Under the sun or the moon

No one will see me

Ignoring the nezu's magic, Allen charged again, intent on preventing him from continuing to chant. And then, if the rat wanted to play with magic, he would return the favor.

Water, air, gather

Become the veil that protects me

Despite the rapid and violent onslaught, Ekkrit managed to keep his concentration, focusing only on defense, but pushing the cat to amplify his attacks with every word. The longer a spell chanted, the more powerful it was, so Allen could not afford to let it continue.

Bring on the white fear

And let my enemies sink into terror

However, Ekkrit had to keep his concentration and mental energy up, so he could no longer rely on the Eye of the Norns. He only parried, deflected and dodged the most dangerous attacks, which earned him a few scratches. But nothing that would be enough to stop him.

Answer my call

Mists of Niflheim!

And suddenly, an explosion of steam surrounded him before spreading throughout the arena, plunging it into an extremely dense fog.

On the balcony of the main box, Ganesha snapped his fingers, which modified a little the protection shield of the arena, as well as the various divine mirrors in town, so that the latter did not allow the spectators to see the two fighters despite the mist. The latter then appear to them as highlighted silhouettes.

Of course, in the arena, the two fighters could not see any of this, especially Allen, who was plunged in a fog like he had never known.

You coward! Stop with your little tricks and face me!

Well, well… Ekkrit replied, his voice echoing through the mist, preventing Allen from identifying its source. So you are one of those who use honour and courage according to what suits them? The rules are clear, we fight with all our weapons and abilities as adventurers. If Ganesha has not yet interrupted the fight, then everything is in order.

With every passing moment, Allen felt more and more like killing Ekkrit. However, he could not find him. The nezu had completely erased his presence, no aura, no killing instinct, no sound. Allen had fought dungeon monsters before that could blind their enemies in one way or another. But this was different. A monster was still a monster, even a powerful one, there were other ways to spot it and they didn't have the intelligence of a person. But this was different, the rat had completely disappeared, no noise, no smell, no murderous impulse. The cat's senses were immersed in a deafening silence.

He had to rely on his instincts to parry a blow that came his way, but he still received a gash along his thigh. More attacks came, and he received another one on his arm. The nezu was attacking unpredictably, using his little trick of holding a third weapon with his tail, forcing the cat to the defensive.

But Allen was no beginner, and he did not let himself go, counter-attacking several times, sending his spear towards where he thought it would hit. Of course, he often hit empty, or sometimes not, he wasn't sure of anything. The rat had turned the tables on him by putting the terrain to his advantage. If there was nothing to exploit in this sandy arena, then all he had to do was add an element in his favour.

The wounds that Ekkrit inflicted on Allen were not enough to bring him down, however. The Vana Freya grabbed a potion from his belt pouch, but it was destroyed by a throwing knife before he could spread it over his wounds.

Ekkrit was increasing the intensity of the fight. In addition to his normal attacks, he alternated with throwing weapons, and even small bombs, like the ones he had used against the Ophiuchus.

Stop playing the fool, you rat, and come face me!

But no matter how much he yelled, the nezu did not answer him. There was only silence and many small wounds that were beginning to make him lose a lot of blood. Ekkrit was simply applying the principle he had taught Bell a few weeks earlier. Water does not break the rocks, but it does erode the mountain. The nezu had inflicted many wounds on his opponent and prevented him from healing. Individually, they were nothing for an adventurer of Allen's calibre, but put together, they caused him to lose a lot of blood.

Whit surprise, Allen was suddenly aware that one of his hands was shaking slightly. Was it blood loss? Or... was he afraid? In this white world where he could see nothing, his opponent was a ghost, a threat without a body, who could come from anywhere.

I will show you what fear really is...

For the first time in years, Allen felt vulnerable, as he had when he was a small level one adventurer venturing into the Dungeon and discovering the effect he could have on people. For all his anger and rhetoric, he was afraid, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time.

He tried to calm himself and considered his options. Magic? After all, he had a very powerful spell, so powerful that even Ottar said he had to give everything to defend himself against it. But it would be useless if he didn't know where his opponent was, he would only waste his mental energy and be vulnerable for the duration of the chant.

A new series of attacks came, new slashes and blows that he didn't know if they really carried or hit in the void. The situation was becoming unthinkable, how could this damn rat, barely level 5, have turned the tables so easily?

The one who understood him best was a cat lady in a waitress uniform.

He's a real assassin. Chloe remarked, not missing any of the fight.

What do you mean? asked Lunoire, who did not fail to notice how much her colleague was caught up in the fight.

Many believe that agreeing to kill people for money makes you a assassin. There is even a belief in the business that an assassin is nothing more than a mercenary, only more precise. But that's not true, an assassin, a true assassin is a rare thing, an incarnation of death itself. This Nezu is a master in this discipline.

But will it really help him? He is a new level 5 and the Vana Freya is an experienced level 6.

This is the only thing that keeps Vana Freya in the fight, the outcome is uncertain.

Very uncertain indeed, because although Ekkrit seemed to have regained control, the situation was not necessarily in his favour, maintaining his magic for so long was draining his mental energy, especially after having to pull so much on the Eye of the Norns. His opponent was wearing out, but not fast enough. His plan was taking its toll on his psyche, the fear was getting to him and the blood loss was weakening him, but as soon as the mist cleared he would be back in control.

Normally, Ekkrit was a thoughtful person, who prepared his fights with great meticulousness, doing the best he could to avoid any unforeseen event. But facing such an opponent, he was going to have to take a risky gamble, for he would not put down such a powerful adventurer without putting himself in danger. So he prepared his last "weapon" and got into position for the final assault.

Allen was starting to feel a little short of breath and his vision was blurring slightly, he too had to finish before the blood loss became really serious. He stood on his guard, ready to react to any hint of his opponent's presence. A noise in front of him, he brought his spear to guard, before feeling something strangely soft around his neck, then the pain of a choke, followed by a weight on his back.

As the mist dissipated, he could see that the rat was trying to strangle him with... hair! More precisely, a large number of strands of hair that he held like a rope and pulled by crossing his arms to lock and amplify the pressure.

Surprised? It's a very strong material, much stronger than you'd think.

The rat said as he balanced on his opponent's back, one foot between his shoulder blades, the other on his kidneys, preventing him from reaching him and further increasing the pressure.

In the audience, everyone was surprised by such a manoeuvre and such a... weapon, even the people from his familia.

So that's why he asked us for locks of hair?

Indeed, the long lock of hair Ekkrit had used was of many colours, it was obvious that it was made up of the hair of everyone with long hair in their familia.

Allen drew on his last bit of strength to try to eject the rat, but without success. It was now a battle of endurance, the first one to lose strength and slacken off would lose the fight.

Go to sleep, you annoying bastard! the rat swore inwardly, drawing on all his strength to keep up the pressure as the cat people drew on his last bit of strength to fight back.

But providence had its way and Allen fell to his knees first. As his body reached its limits and his consciousness faded, a face came into his mind, not that of his beloved goddess, but the cute and playful face of a young woman with cat ears.

A... nya...

The approach of death seemed to have shown him what his unconscious had been repressing for so long. But he wasn't dead, he just passed out. Ekkrit had never intended to kill him, he had maintained his pressure just enough to make him lose consciousness.

He released his opponent to the ground and stood up. There was a dead silence in the arena, for no one was sure they believed what they were seeing. The rat was standing and Allen Fromel was lying on the ground. Finally, it was Ganesha who broke the silence with his powerful voice.

Winner! Ekkrit, of the Thor Familia!

The nezu raised his fist to the sky, the only celebratory expression he allowed himself, as a great clamour suddenly erupted from the crowd. This demonstrated once again the hypocrisy of the public, while the vast majority had come to see a potential execution, they had been treated to a Dantesque fight and were cheering the victory of the one they had despised an hour before.

Silently, the nezu left the arena, as healers from the Ganesha familia came to check on Allen. He would need treatment, but he would live. In the crowd, Mei, who should have been more cheerful, had a worried look on her face and motioned for the others to get up and follow her.

Let's hurry.

In another part of the stands, it was a little goddess dressed in white who was exultant.

YES! Fortune is mine! shouted Hestia, who had apparently placed a bet on the victory of Thor's champion.

Goddess! You didn't dare to bet, did you? asked Bell, a little shocked to discover that his beloved goddess was capable of betting their money, when she herself had known misery at his side and had a large debt to repay.

Why shouldn't I do it? With what I'm going to earn, I'll have enough to pay back what I owe Phae. Besides, I'm not the only one who did it, our little supporter too.

Lili! said Bell, turning to the prum whose cheeks were red with embarrassment.

But, Master Bell! The odds were so good! And I never doubted that Master Ekkrit would win.

Bell heaved a deep sigh of annoyance. The more the weeks went by, the more he thought that being captain of such a familia was definitely a lot of work.

In the gallery of the gods, Freya said nothing, but the way her hand tightened on the arm of her chair said enough. Silently, Thor stood up and approached her. Once in front of the other goddess, he leaned over and placed a hand on the thick backrest, right next to Freya's head. Freya was completely dominated, both physically by Thor's great size and build, but also by his presence. Gritting her teeth, she spoke a few words.

I admit defeat at the holmgang.

These few words made her feel like she was swallowing ground glass, but by accepting this duel, she had committed her honour and had to respect the rules. Her defeat would damage her influence, she couldn't do anything that would give Loki more ways to annoy her.

Let's leave it at that Freya. Don't try to charm my children again and keep yours away from mine.

The colossal god straightened up and left the lodge, leaving the goddess to brood over her defeat. She had to go back to her chambers, calm down and take stock.

In the corridors of the arena, Mei and the others quickly reached Ekkrit, alone in his corner, holding one hand against a wall, short of breath and obviously in pain.

Ekkrit!

It was obvious that he couldn't win such a fight without breaking the bank. The nezu had been able to put on a show in the arena, but underneath his cloak there were several wounds, including a very bad one in his stomach that was bleeding badly.

This bastard deserves his title of fastest, even with my abilities, I couldn't avoid everything, to say he managed to hit me in my mist. I had to resort to stimulants to finish the fight, luckily the rules said we were allowed all our adventurer gear.

Except that the combat drugs he'd been using were starting to wear off and the nezu had no strength to stand. Thargar caught him before he collapsed and Mei came to see his condition.

Yga, give me an elixir! Brica, hurry up and stabilise him! Purhaan, run and get someone from the Dian Cecht familia, he needs urgent treatments!

At their captain's orders, everyone sprang into action as their friend struggled to stay conscious.

The festivities soon came to an end, once the fight was over and all those who had bet on Allen's easy victory, which was a lot of people, had finished mourning their losses, people went back to their duties. Despite the crowd movements, they managed to transport Ekkrit to the Dian Cecht hospital with relative discretion.

Thor had come too and had feared that it would not be a good idea if the Vana Freya was also hospitalized, since he too needed care. Luckily, Allen was being treated directly at Folkvangr, the home of his familia. Freya had made arrangements to keep an eye on the cat in case he couldn't handle his defeat once he woke up. The last thing she needed was for him to go on a rampage.

The nezu was in a separate and isolated room, partly for discretion and partly to avoid idiots making a fuss knowing that a nezu was in the establishment. Airmid Teasanare, the Dea Saint, had taken care of him herself. Afterwards, she came to find the rest of the familia who had accompanied him.

Your friend will be fine. I don't know if it was luck or skill, but he avoided getting hurt in vital areas. But he's going to need time, not only to heal, but also for his body to purge the chemicals he took. Although I'm not entirely sure of the time frame. Much to my chagrin, I don't know much about nezu's physiology.

Although she wasn't sure if Ekkrit had a body that functioned like a normal nezu. Having the opportunity to examine him, she had been horrified to discover that he bore the marks of what appeared to be very violent abuse, dating back a very long time. This nezu had probably been through hell before joining Thor's familia. The blow to his stomach would be just another scar for him.

Mei then ordered the others to return with Thor, she would watch over their companion for a while before joining them later. Once she was alone with Airmid, she gave her a reassuring smile and put a sympathetic hand on her shoulder.

He'll be fine, he's very strong, much stronger than he looks.

I know, but I'm still worried. He's a good friend who I've known for years.

Don't worry, he'll be safe here. I'm the one on duty tonight, I'll take care of it. Go home Mei, you need a rest too.

Or a drink after such an intense day. It's a pity you're on duty, I would have invited you otherwise.

The silver-haired woman blushed and answered.

T-t-t-that's not a good idea. Considering how it ended last time...

Too bad for her, she was giving Mei an opportunity she could only take. The latter approached her and Airmid backed up to the wall before being sandwiched by Mei.

Strange, it doesn't seem to me that you hated that famous evening.

Indeed, some time before, Airmid and Mei had met in town during a evening. Even the Dea Saint seemed to go out a little from time to time. By chance, they had talked, had a drink together, had a laugh, had a good time. Then, without Airmid really understanding how, they had ended up in a quiet place where Mei had demonstrated her own very advanced knowledge of the female anatomy.

Y-yes... it's true... it was fun. But it was a one-night stand, we agreed...

Yes, they had made mistakes, but there were no consequences. They were perfectly in agreement on that. Just two women who had wanted to have fun for a night, however unlikely that might seem to anyone else. And neither of them had told anyone about it. But that didn't stop Mei from teasing her a little when it was just the two of them. Airmid defended herself by putting her notepad in front of her face so that Mei wouldn't see that she was blushing even more.

And I'm on duty tonight.

I know, I'm just teasing you a bit. Like I said, it's been an emotional day. said the shivati, stepping back before starting to leave the premises.

I entrust Ekkrit to you. And if one evening you get bored… Well, we can always go drink, just the two of us.

And it was on this little provocation that the warrior left the hospital. Fortunately for Airmid, she had enough work to take her mind off things.

As for Freya, she had returned to her flats at the top of Babel, but not without first arranging for Allen to be treated directly at Folkvangr. He had a temper, and when he woke up, he could certainly take the news of his defeat very badly. If he sought revenge now, everything would get worse.

Freya had given clear instructions that her children should remain calm for the time being and not seek revenge in any way. Ottar had stayed behind to make sure her instructions were respected and Horn was the one who was taking care of her tonight.

The goddess had gone through several stages in a few hours. Disappointment, anger, towards Thor, Allen for losing, then spite and now weariness. What had all this done for her in the end? Thor had made her mad and it had done her no good. That was the whole story of their relationship, much ado about nothing in the end.

Heaving the umpteenth sigh, the goddess swirled her glass of wine, barely drinking it. Nothing tonight could bring back her good mood, not even spying on Bell.

You who share my emotions, what do you think of all this Horn? And please, for once, I want a real answer, not a polite one.

The young woman was taken aback, but since her goddess was asking for sincerity, she would obey.

Your heart... is too heavy. There is too much weight on it, you should find something that can lighten it.

The goddess answered nothing, but thought about her servant's words. It was true that she had too much on her heart. She needed to lighten some of her burdens. After another moment of reflection, she spoke again.

Bring me something to write a letter, Horn. You're right, it's time to lighten my heart.

And she knew exactly where she would start.

And then... I have a very special favour to ask. Can I count on you?

Always, my goddess. The young woman replied, bowing. Along with Ottar and Allen, Horn was one of the three people most devoted to Freya.

The goddess of beauty had to put Thor aside and focus on other things, especially her precious Odr, but she had to do something much more important before that.