Chapter 28: A Norse Evening
Hadrian lay sprawled across the bed in his room at The Frosted Rune, a rustic yet cozy inn nestled in the bustling heart of Nordhavn Magisk Kvarter. After Hedwig's recent burning day—a cycle that left her as a small, downy chick with dimmed flames—he opted to stay here instead of risking a journey back to HQ. The enchanted frost-laden windows cast a silvery glow across the room, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for studying.
With time on his hands, Hadrian buried himself in the Peverell Grimoire, unlocking spell after spell. Thops's Barrier, Carian Phalanx, Loretta's Mastery, Bloodflame Blade, Golden Vow, and Lord's Heal—each cast brought a quiet thrill, like pieces of a long-forgotten puzzle snapping into place. Combined with Bradamante's dimensional abilities, his repertoire had become formidable.
The real test of these new powers came soon enough when rumors of trolls terrorizing a northern village reached him. With the grimoire freshly committed to memory, Hadrian seized the opportunity, setting off toward the rugged, snow-dusted wilderness. He found the trolls—hulking figures looming in the early morning mist, their skin rough as granite and their eyes glinting with raw hostility. They towered over him, armed with massive tree trunks swung as clubs, each strike capable of breaking bones with a single blow.
As the first troll raised its weapon, Hadrian quickly dodged the crushing swing with a swift Voidstep, reappearing at its side. He unleashed Judgment Rift, Bradamante slicing through the thick morning air and creating an arc of dark energy that severed into the troll's hardened skin, leaving a gaping wound across its side. Bellowing in pain, the creature retaliated, but Hadrian was faster, already out of reach.
Two more trolls lumbered toward him from the tree line, their footsteps thundering against the frozen ground. Hadrian's eyes narrowed, calculating their movements, and with a flick of his wrist, he summoned Carian Phalanx, a shimmering phalanx of spectral blades hovering above his head. As the trolls charged, he sent the blades hurtling forward, each one homing in with lethal precision, striking exposed joints and limbs. The creatures howled, momentarily staggered by the barrage.
Yet they weren't finished. One of the trolls, eyes blazing with fury, swung its makeshift club in a sweeping arc. Hadrian raised his hand, casting Thops's Barrier just in time. The ethereal shield absorbed the blow, rippling with magical energy as the club shattered against it, splinters flying. Without hesitation, Hadrian retaliated, activating Bloodflame Blade. Bradamante's edge ignited with dark, searing flames that licked hungrily as he drove the blade into the troll's leg. The flames bit deep, spreading with a sizzling crackle, leaving the troll limping and smoking.
Seeing the trolls begin to rally again, Hadrian clenched his fists, gathering his energy. He brought Bradamante down, striking the earth with a thunderous impact. Surge of the Abyss burst from the ground, an unstoppable wave of dark energy tearing through the trolls' ranks, sending them sprawling back, limbs flailing helplessly as the ground cracked and trembled beneath them.
As the last troll staggered to its feet, battered and bleeding, Hadrian took a deep breath, channeling his final spell. With a fierce slash, he unleashed Loretta's Mastery, a volley of blazing arrows that ripped through the air, each finding its mark with deadly accuracy. The trolls fell in a crumpled heap, steam rising from the smoldering wounds.
Breathing hard but victorious, Hadrian watched the smoke settle, the snow around him tinged with the aftermath of battle. It was a perfect test, each spell coming alive under the harsh light of combat. And as he sheathed Bradamante, he knew he was ready for whatever came next.
But today, he decided to take things slow, choosing instead to explore the city with a mostly recovered Hedwig perched on his shoulder and Oryou coiled like a tattoo around his wrist. His wandering brought him to Wyrd & Wisdom, a bookshop renowned for its enchanted tomes and Norse lore.
The moment Hadrian stepped into Wyrd & Wisdom, he was enveloped in the scent of aged parchment and a faint hum of magic. Towering shelves crammed with books on ancient spells, Scandinavian folklore, and obscure arcane knowledge loomed around him. His gaze fell on a promising title—Scandinavian Shields and Ward Magic—but just as he reached for it, someone bumped into him, sending a stack of books clattering to the floor.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" said a voice. Glancing down, Hadrian saw a young woman hurriedly gathering the scattered volumes, her cheeks pink with embarrassment.
"No harm done," he assured, bending down to help. As he handed her one of the fallen books, he noticed her striking appearance: silver hair that shimmered softly even in the dim light, and vibrant turquoise eyes that held a spark of curiosity. Her simple black sweater and jeans gave her a practical, grounded look, but the silver charm around her neck hinted at something more.
Their eyes met, and a smirk tugged at the corner of Hadrian's mouth. "You don't look like a local," he observed, teasingly.
She raised an eyebrow, a smirk of her own crossing her lips. "Says the one who nearly toppled my entire library," she replied, humor lacing her words.
Chuckling, he picked up a book titled The Mysteries of Midgard. "Heavy reading for a casual day out, don't you think?"
She laughed—a warm, easy sound that softened her otherwise composed expression. "I suppose so. Valkyries have a habit of taking things seriously."
Hadrian's interest was piqued. "A Valkyrie, huh? Can't say I expected to meet one outside a legend."
Pride flickered in her eyes as she brushed a stray strand of silver hair behind her ear. "I'm Rossweisse. Granddaughter of Gondul and, yes… a Valkyrie in training." She hesitated briefly, then added, "I managed a few days off, so I thought I'd see what Midgard had to offer."
"Right place, right time," he said with a grin, offering his hand. "Hadrian Redgrave. Devil Hunter."
Her handshake was firm, her gaze unwavering. "You don't exactly dress for the part," she remarked a trace of amusement in her voice.
He shrugged, smiling. "Guess I missed the dress code. Though I wasn't expecting to find a Valkyrie bargain-hunting in a Midgard bookshop, either."
Rossweisse's cheeks flushed as she glanced away, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips. "It's not really about bargains," she mumbled, "I just… appreciate practicality."
Hadrian's eyes sparkled with a touch of spontaneity. "Well, how about I make it up to you for all this?" he offered, gesturing at the small pile of books between them. "I know a little place nearby with fantastic Scandinavian food. It's cozy, I promise."
Rossweisse's eyes widened slightly, a darker blush warming her cheeks. "Are… are you asking me on a date?"
Caught off guard, Hadrian's mouth opened, then closed, as he scrambled to reply. "Just a meal, for the books and all," he started but then caught a flicker of disappointment in her expression. "Unless you'd prefer it to be a date?"
Her gaze softened, and she nodded, a small, shy smile curving her lips. "Alright… I'd like that."
The cobblestone streets led them to The Jotun's Rest, a charming, rustic restaurant nestled between two enchanted groves. Inside, flickering candlelight cast a warm glow over wooden walls inscribed with ancient Norse runes, and the scent of herbs and roasting meats lingered in the air. They slipped into a cozy booth, the soft murmur of other patrons creating a relaxed backdrop as they ordered a selection of Scandinavian classics: gravadlax, kjøttkaker, and even rakfisk.
As the first dish arrived, Hadrian leaned back, his expression genuinely curious. "So, what's the appeal of Midgard for a Valkyrie?"
Rossweisse laughed, a warm sound that seemed to catch her by surprise. "Midgard has its own… unexpected charm. Asgard is so full of rules and tradition—everything's set in stone. But here?" She gestured around a spark of excitement in her eyes. "Here, anything's possible. Like running into a Devil Hunter in a bookshop."
Hadrian grinned. "Point taken." He gestured to the tiny chick perched comfortably on his shoulder. "This is Hedwig—she's just recovering from her burning day, so she's not in her full… flame."
Rossweisse's eyes softened as she studied the Phoenix-Thunderbird hybrid. "She's beautiful," she murmured, reaching out slightly, her admiration evident. "I've read about creatures like her, but I've never seen one up close."
Hadrian then nodded toward his wrist, where Oryou was uncoiling, her glimmering scales catching the candlelight. "And this troublemaker is Oryou, my Serpent. She likes to keep me on my toes."
Rossweisse's eyes widened with awe as she took in both creatures. "Quite the impressive company you keep, Hadrian."
"Harry, actually," he corrected, enjoying the familiarity. "And 'Rossweisse' is a bit of a mouthful, don't you think? Got a shorter version?"
She hesitated, her gaze softening slightly. "My family calls me 'Rose,'" she offered, a shy smile appearing. "You… you could use that if you'd like."
"Rose," he echoed thoughtfully, the name rolling off his tongue with a smirk. "I like it. Suits you."
Her cheeks flushed, and she looked down, a quiet smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you. My grandmother always said names carry meaning, something tied to who we are."
Their conversation continued, flowing with an ease that felt almost too natural. They shared stories, laughs, and lingering glances, each moment building a warm familiarity between them.
Finally, Hedwig chirped from Hadrian's shoulder, breaking the comfortable silence. "You two realize you've been staring at each other for a solid five minutes?"
Oryou rolled her eyes, flicking her tail in exasperation. "Honestly, just kiss already and save us the tension."
Both Hadrian and Rossweisse turned crimson, their gazes quickly darting away from each other as they stammered a response, caught completely off guard.
Stepping into the cool night air, Hadrian and Rossweisse lingered beneath the soft glow of the street lamps, the gentle hum of the evening settling around them.
Rossweisse glanced up, a trace of nervousness flickering in her eyes. With a hesitant smile, she rose slightly on her toes and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "Thank you, Harry… I really enjoyed tonight."
Caught off guard, Hadrian stood frozen, mouth slightly open in surprise.
Oryou, unimpressed, slapped his cheek with her tail. "Close your mouth before you catch flies," she muttered.
Shaking off his surprise, he managed a grin. "Well, Rose, I'd say I enjoyed this… non-date, too. Maybe we should do it again sometime?"
A deeper blush spread across her cheeks, but her eyes sparkled with a shy smile. "I'd like that," she replied, her voice soft.
They stood close, neither quite willing to step away, savoring the warmth of the moment. Then, with a dramatic sigh, Hedwig fluffed her tiny wings, breaking the silence. "Honestly, humans. All this staring… it's like watching a first-year charms lesson."
Oryou rolled her eyes. "Next thing you know, they'll be writing wedding vows."
Heat crept up Hadrian's neck, and he muttered, "Alright, alright, you two." Despite the teasing, a small, genuine smile tugged at his lips.
Rossweisse chuckled, clearly amused by his familiar's antics. "You've got quite the lively entourage," she remarked.
"'Lively' might be putting it kindly," he replied with a grin. "But they mean well, mostly."
After a lingering pause, they finally parted with a soft wave. As Hadrian made his way back to The Frosted Rune, Hedwig and Oryou kept up a steady stream of teasing, throwing out jabs about "fated destiny" and "love at first sight." And though he grumbled at their remarks, the faint blush on his cheeks—and the genuine smile that lingered long after—revealed more than he cared to admit.
Chapter 29: The Devil’s Return
The doors to Devil May Cry HQ crashed open with a resounding bang as Hadrian kicked them wide, striding inside with a satisfied grin. "Guess who's back in business!" His voice echoed through the room, his entrance impossible to ignore.
Heads turned, eyes widening as they registered the familiar figure. Behind the main desk, Dante was sprawled in his usual pose, one booted foot propped on the desk and a slice of pizza frozen mid-bite. He arched an eyebrow, his smirk widening as he took in Hadrian's confident stride and the smug grin on his face.
"Look who finally found his way back," Dante drawled, lowering the slice and sizing him up with mock suspicion. "What kept you, kid? Got distracted by the scenery?"
Hadrian shot him a look, hands sliding into his pockets as Hedwig and Oryou perched on his shoulders, their gazes sweeping the familiar faces with interest. "Hardly got lost. Let's just say I had a… productive trip," he replied, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Dante leaned back further, crossing his arms with a glint of genuine curiosity in his gaze. "Alright, now I'm interested. Let's hear it—what happened?"
Hadrian smirked, glancing around as familiar faces greeted him. "Oh, you know. Got a new wand, met a dragon-blooded warrior, fought some undead, got beat up by a demonic knight… the usual."
The crew's reactions were instant.
"Hold on," Lady interjected, folding her arms with an amused smirk, "back up. You fought what?"
Dante straightened, the pizza momentarily forgotten. "Yeah, you're gonna have to break this down for us."
Hadrian took a slow breath, letting the anticipation build before he started, each word resonating as he recounted his journey. He spoke of finally obtaining his Yggdrasil wand, its craftsmanship forged from the sacred tree's wood and bound with the feather and venom of his familiars. His tale shifted to the towering Sieg, a dragon-blooded warrior, and their strange camaraderie amid battles against undead horrors.
As he delved into the clash with Draugrheim, the Wraithlord necromancer, and his skeletal dragon, the room grew tense, the images vivid. He described Helheim's eerie, ghost-lit depths, the echoing clash of metal, and the hollow-eyed stares of Draugrheim's undead thralls. But as he reached the moment of his defeat at the hands of Jin, his tone dropped, words measured.
"…And then there was Jin. He didn't just beat me—he broke my twin swords like they were brittle glass. Every move was calculated, merciless. He was on a level I wasn't ready for," Hadrian admitted, the memory still sharp.
A heavy silence filled the room, broken only when Lady gave a low whistle. "So, you found someone who could actually take you down?"
Hadrian nodded, a spark of humility in his gaze. But he didn't dwell on it; his eyes ignited with renewed pride as he unsheathed the sleek, dark blade now hanging at his side. "Didn't stop me from taking this beauty, though." He held up Bradamante, the katana's dark energy pulsing faintly. "Jin's own Devil Arm. It's part of why I stayed. By the time I recovered, Hedwig's burning day hit, so I spent the time training and…"
He trailed off, casually dodging what he knew would be the next question. But Hedwig wasn't about to let him off the hook.
"Oh, and he's leaving out the Valkyrie," she chirped, her tone dripping with mischief as she gave Hadrian a pointed look.
Dante's eyes gleamed with sudden interest, his smirk widening. "A Valkyrie, huh?"
Hadrian felt a warmth creep up his neck, a telltale flush blooming under the scrutiny. "It's not what you think," he muttered, trying and failing to downplay it. "She's… well, just someone I met."
Oryou, coiled on his other shoulder, flicked her tongue, adding fuel to the fire. "Someone he met… and invited on a 'not-a-date' date."She's a Valkyrie in training, and yes, she's beautiful."
At this, even Dorea's portrait came alive, her expression positively alight with interest. "A Valkyrie, Harry? I'd say she sounds like a perfect addition to the family," she declared with a sly grin.
The room erupted into laughter as Hadrian scrubbed a hand over his face, groaning under his breath. He raised a hand, waving them off as he attempted to regain control. "Alright, alright—enough matchmaking," he said, shooting an exasperated look at his familiars. "Let's get back to what matters."
Dante chuckled, tossing the last bit of his pizza aside as he stood. "You're right. What really matters is this: It's been a long time since you and I went toe-to-toe. Let's see if that shiny new Devil Arm and wand make you as tough as you think."
The grin that spread across Hadrian's face was anything but shy. "Oh, I'm more than ready, old man," he said, fire blazing in his eyes. The room buzzed with energy as everyone followed them to the training grounds, anticipation crackling in the air.
The crew followed as they made their way to the training grounds, a vast space outfitted for intense combat. Reinforced walls lined the room, and the open floor offered plenty of space for both spellcasting and fast-paced melee. Lady, Morrison, and Trish took their places on the sidelines, excitement lighting up their faces as they settled in to watch.
Dante drew Rebellion, resting it casually on his shoulder, his trademark cocky grin never faltering. "Alright, kiddo. Ready when you are. And don't hold back."
Hadrian smirked, taking a step back and gripping Bradamante in one hand, his Yggdrasil wand poised in the other. "Oh, trust me, I don't plan to."
Without hesitation, Hadrian opened with Carian Phalanx. An array of spectral swords materialized, hovering around him and gleaming with an otherworldly light. With a swift flick of his wand, he launched them toward Dante, each blade whistling as it sliced through the air.
Dante's Trickster style kicked in immediately as he sidestepped and rolled, evading each spectral blade with effortless agility. "Nice start," he called, laughing as he blurred through his dodges. Closing the distance in a flash, he retaliated with Stinger—a powerful, lightning-fast thrust of Rebellion aimed squarely at Hadrian's chest.
Hadrian twisted out of the way at the last second, bringing Bradamante up in a fluid counter. The katana shimmered with dark, crackling energy as it sliced through the air, creating a Judgment Rift in its wake. The destabilizing rift pulsed with dimensional energy, sending waves of force rippling toward Dante.
Dodging smoothly, Dante let out a laugh as he switched to Swordmaster style. He spun Rebellion in a fluid motion, unleashing Million Stab—a blistering series of thrusts that came at Hadrian with relentless speed. Each strike was packed with brutal force, sparks flying as Hadrian blocked with Bradamante, the sheer impact forcing him back.
"Good reflexes," Dante acknowledged with a gleam in his eye. "But you'll need more than that to keep up."
A fierce grin spread across Hadrian's face. Raising his wand, he cast Bloodflame Blade on Bradamante. The katana ignited with dark, blood-red flames, intensifying its already menacing aura. Hadrian swung down in a powerful arc, sending a wave of fire cascading toward Dante.
Dante blocked with Rebellion, the clash releasing a shockwave that reverberated through the room. Without missing a beat, he launched Round Trip, hurling Rebellion like a spinning saw toward Hadrian. Hadrian barely managed to dodge as the sword sliced past, before whipping back to Dante's hand with a sharp spin.
Not giving his uncle a moment's respite, Hadrian cast Loretta's Mastery, conjuring a barrage of high-speed magical projectiles that locked onto Dante with deadly precision. Each projectile sizzled with intense energy, forcing Dante to sidestep and flip in rapid succession, showcasing his speed and agility.
Seizing the advantage, Hadrian combined Surge of the Abyss with a quick follow-up strike from Bradamante. Dark energy surged along the ground, splitting the floor as it tore toward Dante in a rolling wave of shadow and force.
Dante leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the surge. He landed with a grin, eyes alight with excitement. "Impressive. Looks like you've been practicing."
Switching to Royal Guard, Dante absorbed Hadrian's next attack with flawless timing, storing the energy before unleashing Release—a counterstrike powerful enough to send Hadrian skidding back several feet.
Recovering quickly, Hadrian cast Golden Vow, a radiant aura enveloping him, boosting his strength and resilience. Fueled by the spell, he charged forward, swinging Bradamante in precise, aggressive arcs. Activating Voidstep, he blinked through shadows to reappear behind Dante, his katana slashing down in a flash.
Dante spun just in time, catching the blow as Rebellion met Bradamante in a powerful clash. The room crackled with energy as they locked eyes, each assessing the other. They broke apart, both breathing hard but with a shared respect evident in their gazes.
"Not bad," Dante admitted, a flicker of admiration in his smirk. "But you're still not quite there yet."
Without warning, Dante activated Dance Macabre, launching into a deadly sequence of attacks, each strike faster and more intricate than the last. Hadrian fought to keep up, blocking and parrying with Bradamante while casting Thops's Barrier to absorb the onslaught.
Despite his best efforts, Dante's relentless barrage began to overwhelm him. With a final, devastating flourish, Dante unleashed Drive, a charged wave of energy that hit Hadrian squarely, sending him sprawling across the floor.
Hadrian landed hard, Bradamante slipping from his grasp. He sat up slowly, breathless but grinning, a look of genuine admiration in his eyes. "Alright, I'll admit it… you're good."
Dante sheathed Rebellion with a chuckle. "Good? Kid, I'm the best. And while that sword of yours is impressive, it still feels like a weaker version of Yamato."
Hadrian blinked, a spark of inspiration lighting in his gaze. "A weaker version… maybe. But that's only for now."
Dante patted him on the shoulder, his grin both teasing and encouraging. "That's the spirit. Keep working at it, kid. One of these days, you might actually make me break a sweat."
As the crew cheered and clapped from the sidelines, Hadrian lingered behind, taking a few quiet moments with Bradamante in hand. Each swing of the katana felt like a step closer to unlocking its full potential. Maybe, with time, he could prove Dante wrong—and show that he could go toe-to-toe with the best.
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