บท 46: A slap in a face
Ritsuka Fujimaru stepped through the shimmering Bifrost portal, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of Asgard. He wasn't the only one mesmerized. Sigurd, Brynhild, Ortlinde, Hildr, and Thrúd, warriors who had fought in the halls of Valhalla, stood speechless beside him. This Asgard was unlike the one they had known — more beautiful, almost pristine, a paradise gleaming with golden spires and lush landscapes. The air itself hummed with ancient power, something divine and untouchable.
Sigurd ran his hand along his sword hilt, his brow furrowing as he scanned the horizon. "This Asgard... it's different. More radiant. Yet, I feel a weight in the air."
Brynhild stood beside him, her face solemn. "Aye, Sigurd. It's as though the beauty conceals a burden… one I do not fully understand."
Ortlinde and Hildr exchanged a glance, sensing the same unease, while Thrúd was awestruck, yet somber. "It is so different," Thrúd whispered. "In our realm, Asgard was a fortress. Here, it is... a realm of gods, untouched by war. But I sense something beneath it."
They started to walk and look the beauty of Asgard.
Sitonai, wide-eyed and curious, looked out over the golden spires of Asgard. It was her first time seeing the grand city, its halls gleaming with divine energy, and its air filled with the scent of eternal power. The Bifrost had brought them to the very heart of the realm of the gods, and now, she stood among legends.
Her eyes sparkled as she took in the beauty of the city, but the moment was interrupted when Frigga, without a word, swept Sitonai up into her arms.
"Wait! Mom, I can walk! I'm an adult now!" Sitonai exclaimed, flailing slightly in Frigga's firm grip. Her cheeks flushed in embarrassment as the rest of the group watched, some of them stifling chuckles. Sigurd, watching from the side, raised an amused brow, while Brynhild smiled softly.
Frigga, however, was completely unfazed. She gave a soft, warm chuckle and adjusted Sitonai in her arms as if she were still a small child. "No way," she said with gentle authority. "You're still my daughter, and I will not let my little girl walk around with those tiny legs of yours. Let your mother enjoy this moment."
Sitonai's protests went unheard as Frigga continued to carry her, cradling her like she was a precious treasure. "I am a *Goddess*, Mother! People will think I'm—" she began, her voice wavering between frustration and mortification, but Frigga simply tightened her embrace and smiled warmly.
"They'll think you're adored, which you are. A mother's love knows no bounds, not even for those who grow beyond their childhood."
Enchantress watched the scene with an amused smirk, leaning closer to Sif. "It seems even gods can't escape the overbearing love of a mother."
Sif nodded, her eyes softened by the sight of Frigga's affection. "It's a reminder that, no matter how powerful we are, family keeps us grounded."
Sitonai, despite her earlier protests, eventually relented, crossing her arms with a small pout. "This is… undignified," she muttered under her breath, though her tone was far from angry. She knew she couldn't win against Frigga when she was like this. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, hidden behind her facade of annoyance.
Thor, noticing Sitonai's expression, chuckled. "You might as well enjoy it, little big sister. Once Mother has decided something, there is no changing her mind."
Loki, on the other hand, leaned in closer to Sitonai, whispering with a mischievous grin. "I could help you escape… for a small price, of course."
Sitonai narrowed her eyes at Loki. "Not a chance."
Ritsuka, standing beside Artoria Avalon and Artoria Lancer, smiled at the sight. "You know," he muttered under his breath, "this feels way too familiar. I've had my fair share of motherly overprotection."
Artoria Avalon gave a small, knowing smile, and Artoria Lancer merely raised a brow, her expression amused. "Perhaps," Lancer said quietly, "but you wouldn't trade it, would you?"
Ritsuka's gaze softened as he watched Frigga and Sitonai. "No… I wouldn't."
As the group continued walking, Sitonai finally gave up her protests entirely, resting her head against Frigga's shoulder with a resigned sigh. Despite herself, she couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in her mother's arms, no matter how embarrassing it seemed.
Frigga smiled down at her, brushing a strand of hair from Sitonai's face. "See? Sometimes, even a goddess needs her mother."
Sif smiled, but there was a melancholy in her eyes. "Welcome to Asgard," she said, her voice strong despite the recent loss of family. "It's different from your world, but still our home." Her gaze lingered on Sigurd and Brynhild. "You come from another Asgard, you said?"
Sigurd nodded. "Yes, but it was not like this. Ours was a land constantly bracing for war, harsher, more unforgiving. Your Asgard... it feels peaceful, but that peace has a price."
Fandral leaned on his sword, nodding in agreement. "Our Asgard wasn't always like this. Once, it too was a land of battles. But things have changed. Some for the better, some... well, not all scars are visible."
Volstagg, ever the lively one, chimed in. "And not all feasts are as plentiful either! But we make do. I hear from history books, Midgard has some wonderful beers. You'll have to introduce me to them."
Sigurd shared a knowing look with Brynhild.
As the conversation unfolded, Ritsuka stood a little apart from the group, waiting for someone. The familiar weight of King Hassan's presence stirred in his shadow, and Loki felt a chill as the towering figure of the First Hassan emerged from the darkness. His skeletal face, half-covered by his imposing hood, was as solemn as ever.
Hassan's deep voice resonated like a distant bell tolling across the great halls of Asgard. "Thou dost not belong here, yet fate has led thee to this land. Mark my words, Ritsuka. Asgard—this Asgard—was built upon innocent blood. The beauty thou seest is but a reflection of a deeper sorrow. Once Asgard hath recovered, the curse will awaken. It is inevitable."
Ritsuka frowned. "A curse? What do you mean, Grandpa?"
King Hassan's hollow gaze fell upon Thor, who stood with his family, the loss of his brother Loki fresh in his heart. "Thy brother hath departed, and thou mournest him, but thy strength is what will save Asgard. Become stronger, Son of Odin, or this realm shall crumble beneath the weight of its past."
Thor, who had been listening, felt the weight of those words deeply. Asgard's legacy was his to bear, and now he understood how much had been sacrificed for its beauty.
"I... I will," Thor muttered, his voice trembling with the gravity of his promise. "I'll become stronger, for Asgard."
With that, Hassan's form melted back into Ritsuka's shadow. "Remember, Ritsuka," the grim voice whispered before vanishing entirely. "Thy path of power comes with a price."
Thor stood in silence, his heart heavy. The power of Asgard was beginning to return to him, and he could feel its divine strength flowing through his veins. But the knowledge that this power came at such a great cost left him deeply troubled. His hand instinctively reached out, and Enchantress, standing close, gently clasped it with both hands. She looked up at him, her eyes soft and understanding.
"Thor," she said quietly, "you carry the weight of Asgard on your shoulders, but you're not alone. We're with you."
"Yes, Thor. Don't forget about us. We will face the problem together" Ritsuka smiled and said.
"Thanks brother" Thor said with happiness. He was very grateful to heavens to meet Ritsuka.
Thor nodded, though his thoughts remained burdened. His gaze flickered across his companions—Ritsuka, Sigurd, Brynhild, Ortlinde, Hildr, Thrúd—all of them warriors from other realms who had seen countless battles, and all now standing in this new Asgard. Their presence comforted him, but Hassan's words echoed in his mind.
The realm itself was alive with energy. Asgard shone in a golden hue, its towers spiraling into the heavens, crafted with an artistry beyond mortal comprehension. Lush gardens surrounded the grand palace, filled with flowers of impossible colors, their fragrance drifting through the air like a song. The skies were a brilliant sapphire, unmarred by clouds, and the gentle sound of water flowed from crystal-clear streams that wound their way through the city.
Looking at the people of Asgard, Thor's resolve hardened. He would fight for this peace, for Asgard, no matter the cost. Loki standing nearby with his usual sly smile, eyed the group, his own thoughts hidden. He could sense the power shifting in Asgard, and he too felt stronger as they neared the heart of the realm.
As the group stood near the shimmering Bifrost bridge, Heimdall, ever vigilant, approached with his gaze fixed upon them. His golden armor gleamed under the Asgardian sun, and his eyes, knowing and far-seeing, focused on Ritsuka and his companions. With a nod to the guards beside him, he gave an order.
"Take them to the All-Father," Heimdall commanded, his voice deep and commanding. "The prophecy speaks of prophecy one arrival, and the All-Father has waited long enough."
The two guards, who had remained still, suddenly moved with a sense of urgency. They approached the group with a slight bow of respect, their armor clinking softly.
"Greetings, warriors from Midgard," one of the guards said, his tone filled with reverence. "Please follow us. The All-Father Odin awaits your arrival."
The group exchanged glances. Even Sigurd and Brynhild, familiar with the Asgard of their world, seemed caught off guard by the formality. Ritsuka nodded to the guards, gesturing for the others to follow. As they began their journey toward the grand hall of Asgard, Ritsuka couldn't help but notice the atmosphere.
Both Artoria Lancer and Artoria Avalon had somber expressions, their brows furrowed in thought. Noticing the tension, Ritsuka decided to lighten the mood. He leaned toward the two Artorias with a mischievous grin and whispered, "You know, back in Chaldea, they used to joke that King Artoria was actually the King of Beers."
Artoria Lancer's eyes widened in surprise, and she shot Ritsuka a glare, her cheeks slightly flushed with indignation. "Whoever dared to say such nonsense about me shall face the consequences," she growled, trying to maintain her dignified composure but clearly offended.
Artoria Avalon, usually calm and serene, raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Indeed. Such blasphemy must be addressed. Who is responsible for this… humor, Master?"
Ritsuka scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Well… Oberon was the one who spread that little rumor."
(Imaginary chibi Oberon cursing Ritsuka: you traitor master)
Both Artorias exchanged a glance, their expressions now unified in silent agreement. "The Fairy King will not escape unscathed for this," Artoria Avalon said coolly.
Artoria Lancer nodded, her gaze sharpening. "Indeed. We shall have a word with him later." Despite their seriousness, Ritsuka laughed nervously, though inwardly he was relieved to see the slight shift in mood. Even in the grand halls of Asgard, where gods walked and kings ruled, some things never changed—like the rivalry between kings and their mischievous court members.
As they approached the towering doors of the throne room, the guards stopped and gestured forward. The massive doors opened slowly, revealing the grand hall of Asgard, its grandeur beyond anything even the most vivid imagination could conjure. The air inside the hall was filled with divine energy, crackling subtly beneath the surface, and the walls shimmered with ancient runes of power.
At the far end of the hall, upon his golden throne, sat Odin, the All-Father. His one eye gleamed with wisdom and authority, his spear Gungnir resting by his side. The weight of his presence filled the room, and even the mightiest warriors could feel the ancient power that radiated from him. His gaze was focused on them as they approached, and for a moment, it seemed as though he could see into the very souls of those who entered his court.
Thor stepped forward, his face serious, but there was a subtle reverence in his voice. "Greetings, all father," he began, bowing his head slightly.
Odin's gaze swept over lingering on Ritsuka before moving to the two Artorias beside him. He remained silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable, though there was a quiet intensity in his gaze.
Finally, the All-Father spoke, his voice deep and resonant, echoing through the great hall. "Welcome to Asgard, warriors of another realm. You stand before the All-Father of this world, and much has been foretold about your coming."
Ritsuka, feeling the weight of the moment, nodded respectfully. The throne room of Asgard shimmered with divine light, but even amidst all the splendor, King Hassan's dark warning echoed in his mind. There was more to this land than Beauty.
The air was thick with anticipation as Odin, the All-Father, regarded the group before him, his one piercing eye scanning each of their faces. His gaze lingered a moment longer on Sigurd and then on the parallel versions of his children Brynhild, Ortlinde, Hildr and Thrúd —before finally addressing them.
"Welcome, warriors," Odin's voice rumbled through the hall like distant thunder. "The prophecy spoke of your coming—those who walk between worlds, who share the blood of gods yet tread a different path."
He shifted his attention to his children from this world, Thor and Loki and greeted them with a solemn nod before turning back to valkyries. His gaze softened, though there was a flicker of curiosity in his eye. "You are not my children, not as I have any valkyries children... but in this world, you shall be treated as such. As guardians, as protectors of Asgard, you have my blessing."
The parallel versions of his family exchanged glances, clearly taken aback by Odin's words. Brynhild, always the warrior but also keen of judgment, spoke first. "You... you are not the father we know. Our father is cunning, always with a hidden motive. But father... you speak as if you truly care for Asgard."
Odin's face remained calm, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. "Perhaps the differences between our worlds are greater than you think. But that is of little matter now."
He shifted his focus toward Thor, his son from this world, and his voice filled with pride. "Congratulations, my son, for proving yourself worthy."
Thor, however, shook his head, his expression filled with humility. "I still have much to learn, Father. My worthiness... it is not mine alone." He turned to look at Ritsuka, offering him a nod of deep respect. "I had help—from a brother who fights beside me."
Odin's gaze followed Thor's, landing on Ritsuka with an almost paternal warmth. But the quiet was broken when Loki stepped forward, his expression dark and bitter. "A fine speech, Father. But where was this wisdom when it came to Baldur?"
Odin's gaze darkened, but he remained silent, allowing his son to continue. Loki's words were laced with venom. "Baldur took the curse of Asgard and madness because of your decision. You may have been right about what it protected Asgard from, but you left him to suffer. A son—your son—was dying, and you never once visited him, even in his last moments."
Loki's voice grew colder, mocking. "Perhaps you had more important matters. Like your throne, or your vow to some higher gods, wasn't it?"
Odin remained silent, his expression one of grim acceptance. "I am bound by laws far greater than even you can understand, Loki. I am a high divine spirit, tethered by the will of those who are above even me. I could not set foot on Midgard, not without risking far worse than the curse Baldur endured."
Thor's face tightened at Odin's words, his heart heavy with disappointment. Loki sneered, clearly unimpressed by his father's explanation. "A convenient excuse, old man. What kind of king abandons his own son because of a 'vow'? Perhaps if you lose your precious powers, you'd finally become the father we needed."
Odin took the jabs in stride, his expression unchanging, but there was a deep weariness behind his eye. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, a sudden crack echoed through the hall.
Frigga had stepped forward, her face a mask of controlled fury. Without warning, she slapped Odin across the face with all the force of her divine strength. The sound was like thunder, reverberating through the grand hall. Odin staggered, and two of his teeth clattered to the ground, the sound ringing in the eerie silence that followed.
The room fell into a stunned, pin-drop silence.
Thor, Loki, and Sigurd, Brynhild, Ortlinde, Hildr, and Thrúd, all stared wide-eyed at the sight, their shock palpable. Even Sif, the Three Warriors, and the Enchantress were taken aback, mouths slightly agape.
Ritsuka stood silently, observing the scene unfold before him with a heavy heart. He had expected something like this; after all, he had a wife with a temperament just as fiery when it came to matters of family. But seeing Frigga, normally the embodiment of kindness and wisdom, now fueled by raw anger and heartbreak, was still a sobering sight.
Frigga's voice, cold and sharp as a blade, cut through the silence. "Why didn't you tell me?" she demanded, her voice trembling with restrained fury. "Why did you hide from me that our firstborn son was *alive* and suffering under that curse for all these years? Two thousand years of marriage, Odin, and you never thought to tell me?!" Her words were drenched with pain, the betrayal clear in her eyes.
Even Loki, who was used to his mother's composed wisdom, was taken aback, watching in shock as the woman who had always been his calming presence now seethed with anger. This was a side of her no one had ever seen before, not even him.
Odin, still reeling from the slap that had just taken his teeth, remained quiet for a moment, his eye downcast. When he finally spoke, his voice was filled with sorrow. "I did what I had to... to save Asgard." He swallowed, the weight of his regret evident in his every word. "I lied. I told you he was dead... but I sacrificed him for Asgard, for our people. It was an unforgivable act, and I have regretted it every day."
His face was twisted in a deep, unspoken sadness, but his words did little to soothe the tempest inside Frigga. Her eyes blazed with fury as she slapped him again, the crack of her hand against his cheek reverberating through the hall.
"You bastard," she spat, her voice cracking as the pain of a mother's grief surged forward. "You sacrificed our son. How could you—how could you lie to me, let me believe he was dead all these years?"
Tears welled in her eyes, but they did not fall. Instead, she glared at him with the fiery intensity only a mother could muster. "Why didn't you transfer the curse to me? I would have gladly taken it! I would have died for our son!" Her voice wavered, but her resolve did not. "I would have suffered every day just to spare him that agony."
Odin could not meet her gaze. He bowed his head, as if the weight of his decisions had finally crushed him beneath the unbearable truth.
But Frigga wasn't done. "You wanted me," she continued, her voice hardening once more. "You wanted me because I could give you children, because some prophecy told you that they would be important." She practically hissed the words, her accusation sharp and unyielding. "You used me. You believed the prophecies more than your own family."
Her hands trembled, and this time, she didn't slap him, though the anger still burned as brightly as ever. "The moment we married, your life became my own, and my life became yours. But you… you betrayed that vow. You betrayed me. You betrayed our children."
Frigga's voice cracked at the end, her strength finally faltering under the weight of her grief and anger. "For thousands of years, I stood by you, helping to protect Asgard, helping you carry the weight of this realm. But now..." She trailed off, shaking her head. "Now, I'm just tired, Odin. I'm tired of all of this."
Her legs gave out beneath her, and before she could fall, Brynhild rushed forward, catching her and helping her stand. Behind her, Sitonai, Ortlinde, Hildr, Thrúd, Loki, and Thor all knelt beside her, their expressions filled with empathy. Even Enchantress and the Three Warriors stood frozen, caught between their respect for Frigga and the shock of witnessing the All-Father brought so low.
They understood now. This wasn't just a conflict between gods and warriors. This was a mother's grief, a woman's heartbreak laid bare for all to see. And it was something that transcended even their divine nature.
Odin, broken by the weight of his choices, turned his head away in shame. He couldn't bear to look at Frigga, nor at the children he had wronged so deeply. For all his power, for all his wisdom and strength, he had never felt so small, so unworthy of the title of All-Father.
Ritsuka watched in silence, feeling the gravity of the moment. His heart ached for Frigga. It was in moments like these that even gods seemed more human than divine.
Thor placed a hand on his mother's shoulder, his face filled with sorrow. "Mother... we are here. We will always be here for you," he whispered, his voice soft but resolute.
Loki, though usually filled with biting sarcasm and bitter jabs, was silent, his face uncharacteristically somber. He too knelt beside his mother, offering silent comfort, his sharp tongue still for once in the face of true loss.
"Don't cry mom, I have memories of this world. I am your daughter Sitonai, I always be with you" Sitonai said to her.
Frigga, surrounded by her children and those who cared for her, allowed herself to be supported. But the pain in her heart remained—a wound that no amount of divine power could heal.
Odin sat in silence, the king brought low, while the room remained heavy with the quiet aftermath of his choices.
However, the moment felt different as Artoria Lancer finally broke the oppressive silence.
"Odin," she began, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of respect, "you may not be perfect, but at least you have managed to keep your kingdom intact for all these years." She gestured around the grand hall, its grandeur reflecting centuries of prosperity. "That's more than I can say for my Saber version. She could learn a thing or two from you about leadership."
Artoria Avalon nodded in agreement. "Indeed, keeping the peace in a realm like Asgard is no small feat. You deserve some recognition for that, All-Father."
(Poor saber getting roasted by her alternate versions)
Ritsuka, still feeling the need to defend Saber's honor, opened his mouth to speak but struggled to find the right words. "Well, it's not like—uh, she has her reasons! I mean, it's all Merlin's fault, really! If he hadn't meddled so much—" (imaginary Fou agrees: yes it's that bastard merlin fault)
Both Artorias turned to Ritsuka, their expressions softening at his attempt to shield Saber's reputation, though they shared knowing glances.
"Yes, Merlin does have a knack for causing trouble," Artoria Lancer agreed, the hint of a smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
"Indeed," Artoria Avalon added, crossing her arms. "He seems to enjoy putting his friends in difficult situations."
Odin remained quiet, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly as he observed the exchange. However, his moment of introspection was interrupted by a sudden shift in the atmosphere.
From the shadows of the grand hall, a figure emerged—a mysterious woman draped in flowing robes, her presence commanding and serene. It was Yao, the Ancient One, a close friend of Odin. Her eyes sparkled with ancient wisdom and mischief.
"I told my friend once," she said, her voice echoing softly around the hall, "that one day, all your mistakes will come to crush you."
Everyone turned in surprise, eyes wide, except for Odin, Frigga, and Ritsuka, who seemed to have been expecting her.
Before Yao could respond, both Artoria's and Sigurd instinctively drew their weapons, ready for any sudden threat. The glint of their blades shimmered in the torchlight, but Yao only smiled, unperturbed by their hostility.
"Easy, earth warriors," she said, raising her hands in a placating gesture. "I come in peace, as always. I have seen many things in my travels, and today, I simply wish to observe."
Ritsuka was really shocked to see. He thought it will take some time to see and change her fate but it's seems, reality is not following the plot like he thought.
Thor, standing protectively next to Frigga, lowered his gaze, unsure whether to join the defense or to trust Yao's intentions. "You have an odd timing to make an entrance like this," he remarked, glancing between his father and the Ancient One.
Thor know about her as he saw her few times before.
"Timing is relative, young Thor," Yao replied, her tone playful yet profound. "And it seems your family has much to discuss, wouldn't you agree?"
Sigurd, still keeping his sword drawn, looked toward Sitonai. "Should we trust her?"
"She is a friend of father," Sitonai answered, glancing sideways at Yao, who nodded in acknowledgment. "And I sense no ill will from her."
"Trust your instincts," Yao added. "In this world, and beyond, there are layers to each being. I am merely a witness to the consequences of choices made long ago."
Frigga, finally regaining her composure, stepped forward, her gaze fierce yet curious. "What do you mean by that? What do you know about Odin's choices?"
Yao's eyes twinkled with ancient knowledge as she stepped closer to the assembled group. "I have seen the threads of fate intertwine in ways you cannot yet comprehend. Each decision creates ripples, and sometimes, those ripples come back to you when you least expect it."
Her gaze settled on Odin, and in that moment, the gravity of her words seemed to resonate through the hall. Ritsuka felt a chill, recognizing the weight of prophecy and consequence, and it stirred something deep within him.
"Is this about Baldur, human mage?" Loki asked, his voice low and filled with a mix of anger and sadness. "What have you foreseen?" He knows how powerful this women is so he didn't raise his voice.
Yao smiled enigmatically, her response hanging in the air, laden with the promise of revelations yet to come. "All will be revealed in time. But remember, even in darkness, there is always a path toward light, if you choose to seek it."
Yao said those words for others to understand like something will happen in future so they need to remember.
Odin, his posture rigid, stared at Yao with a suspicious gaze. "Why have you come here, Yao?" His tone carried the weight of their long, complicated history.
Yao, still smiling with a hint of mischief in her eyes, responded calmly. "I came to help my friends, of course."
Odin narrowed his eyes. "I don't believe that's all. And you know it too."
Yao's smile didn't falter. "You're right, Odin. I'm here to speak of the prophecy—the one about the 'Prophecy One.'" She turned her gaze to Ritsuka Fujimaru, her eyes gleaming with ancient knowledge. "And to keep a promise I made long ago—to help your daughter."
Odin flinched at the mention of his daughter, his expression darkening.
Then, Yao turned toward the young man standing among them. "Ritsuka Fujimaru," she said, her voice echoing his name as if it had been spoken across time itself. "The last Master of humanity from another world."
Artoria Lancer immediately stiffened. "How do you know of Ritsuka's identity as the last Master?"
Yao turned to her, with a calm smile. "Ritsuka told me himself."
Ritsuka blinked in surprise. "Wait, I never—" He quickly gathered himself. "It's my first time meeting you."
Ritsuka only saw her from movies but it's his frist time seeing her. He can guess it was because of Time stone.
Artoria Avalon raised an eyebrow, glancing toward Yao. "He's telling the truth. How do you know about him?"
Yao chuckled softly. "Not yet, no. But in the future, he tells me. That's all."
Artoria Avalon, realizing this was something beyond her comprehension, felt a small shiver down her spine. Time was not something that followed a straightforward path around Yao.
Artoria Avalon, ever perceptive, narrowed her gaze. "This Yao… she's a powerful mage, one of the strongest I've encountered. I can sense it—her presence radiates immense power, ancient and formidable."
Yao laughed lightly, waving off the compliment. "Strongest? No, not anymore. Age catches up even with those like me." She tilted her head toward Artoria Avalon, her eyes scanning her with interest. "It's been years since I last laid eyes on a Fairy—or perhaps a hybrid Fairy like you." Her tone held curiosity. "The last time I saw one was during the fall of Camelot... thanks to a witch."
At this, both Artoria Lancer and Artoria Avalon visibly tensed, their eyes wide with shock. Ritsuka felt his heart race as well—Yao was speaking of Morgan le Fay, the infamous witch who had played a part in Camelot's destruction in their world.
Does that mean another morgan was also there in this world? Ritsuka didn't expected this. He hoped she may not as evil as he thought.
Yao, sensing the weight of her words, raised a hand gently. "But we can discuss this later." She smiled warmly at Ritsuka. "Now, let us stay in the present." She extended her hand toward him.
Ritsuka hesitated for a moment but then shook her hand, feeling the warmth of her presence. As they shook hands, a brief thought crossed his mind—a memory of his fellow Senpai Kadoc, who would no doubt have panicked, yelling, "Never trust a mage! Don't shake their hand!"
Yao's eyes twinkled as if reading his thoughts. "I've seen many fates, Ritsuka Fujimaru. You will save Odin's daughter, Hela. But for that to happen," her gaze shifted toward Odin, hardening, "he must tell you everything about what he did to her. No secrets."
Frigga stepped forward, her voice cold and determined. "If he doesn't tell you, I will." Her tone left no room for argument.
Odin, trapped by his past and surrounded by those he had wronged, sighed heavily. "There are things I have kept hidden for too long." He turned his head, his expression filled with guilt. "Perhaps... it's time the truth comes out."
The weight of his words hung in the air, and everyone in the hall—the warriors of Asgard, his children from parallel worlds, and even Ritsuka—prepared themselves for the revelations to come.
After Odin's confession, the silence in the hall was suffocating. It wasn't shock that permeated the air, but a sense of grim resignation. As if everyone had expected the worst, and yet, hearing it aloud solidified the depth of his betrayal.
Ritsuka, having taken it all in, spoke with a cold edge to his voice. "At first, I had some respect for you, odin, but now…" He shook his head, his disappointment clear. "It's very low."
Odin flinched at his words, but Ritsuka pressed on. "You not only gave her a false dream and made her believe in it, but you also stripped her of her free will. All because you wanted the 'Prophecy One'—me—to be a part of Asgard."
The room was still as Ritsuka's words echoed, and then he delivered the final blow. "Now, Hela has become a twisted goddess of death. Do you even know how much it takes to restore someone who's broken?"
Frigga, who had held her composure for so long, let out a quiet sob as Ritsuka continued. "Hela should have lived as a princess, like Thor and Loki. But you turned her into a weapon of destruction."
Odin's expression, already filled with guilt, crumbled under Ritsuka's condemnation.
The others in the room, too, felt the weight of what had been said. Sigurd, his sword still by his side, glared at Odin with a mix of anger and disappointment. Brynhild, Ortlinde, Hildr, and Thrúd—the Valkyries—stood together, their faces twisted in anger and grief. Valkyries of this world had been tied to Hela's fate through Odin's manipulation, and the weight of the loss of their kind was a deep wound.
Sif, standing beside the warriors of Asgard, clenched her fists. She had followed Odin loyally for so long, but now, the truth revealed a darker side of her king. Even Loki and Thor, though often at odds, shared a rare moment of agreement as they glowered at their father.
Brynhild's voice broke the silence. "You used our sisters of this world, the Valkyries, as bait to seal Hela. Our entire race, wiped out because of your decision. You betrayed our sisters all. How can you use them as tools?"
Ortlinde and Hildr nodded, their expressions grim. "The price of your actions," Ortlinde said, her voice low, "was the annihilation of our sisters of this world. They died for your fear, not for Asgard's future."
Even Artoria Lancer and Artoria Avalon, standing nearby, were visibly angered. Avalon's eyes were fierce. Both Artorias have same thoughts 'You created a rival for us, Odin. ' Despite her bitterness toward Hela for what she had become, Avalon couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pity for her.
Ritsuka, his heart heavy, sighed softly. "Hela… she didn't deserve this fate. I've seen people broken before, but I've also seen them restored. I'll try to help her, to show her a new way of viewing the world."
Yao nodded in approval at Ritsuka's resolve. "Save Hela, Ritsuka. The Earth will need as many allies as it can get. And once you do, I will tell you and your friends everything about the prophecy, about why you are being called 'Prophecy One.'"
Ritsuka paused, considering. He had questions, deep ones. He needed to understand what fate had tied him into universe future. "Alright," he said, "I want to know about this prophecy. But I'll do this on one condition."
Loki, watching from the sidelines, smirked. There it is, No Master of magic would do something like this for free. What's his price? he thought.
Odin, sharing his son's skepticism, was already ready. "If it's about payment, I'll give you access to the Odin vault—"
Ritsuka shook his head, stopping Odin. "It's not about gold or weapons." He turned to Yao. "There are three things I want." He could tell from Yao's calm smile that she already knew what he was about to ask. "You knew this from the future, didn't you?"
Yao chuckled lightly, nodding. "I did. So what are your three conditions?"
"One," Ritsuka began, "I want to learn magic from this world, from you specifically. Not just me, but any of my friends who are interested."
Yao nodded again. "Easily arranged."
"Two," Ritsuka continued, "I want you to show us the magic that can create food materials. It'll be helpful for a lot of people."
Yao raised an eyebrow, impressed by the practicality of the request. "I can do that."
"And three," Ritsuka finished, "I want access to your library. There's no way a mage like you doesn't have a hidden repository of ancient knowledge."
Yao smiled wider. "Indeed, I do. And you're welcome to it."
"All father, Later you should explain us about the cursed god," Ritsuka said to odin who was in shock.
Loki, who had been watching all of this unfold, suddenly found himself doubting the so-called "great Master" before him. 'Learning magic? Asking for basic skills?' He began to suspect that Ritsuka wasn't as powerful as he first thought. 'Perhaps,' Loki mused, 'this Master is just a human mage after all.'
Then Yao showed how to create food materials (meat, Vegetables, infinity beer etc) to Ritsuka and he copied them.
Ritsuka was very happy to learn how to create infinity Beer. Now he can gave treat to his friends and one of them is Nick Fury.
'Fury, I know how much trouble you are going through from our battle against cursed baldur on earth. I hope you will forgive me with infinity beer my friend' Ritsuka thought himself
Odin, still reeling from the events, sighed deeply. "I can only send three people to Hel. One of them must be you, Ritsuka. So choose the other two."
Without hesitation, Ritsuka turned to Artoria Lancer and Artoria Avalon, who both nodded in agreement. "We're ready."
As the dark green portal opened, the three of them stepped into the abyss, heading toward Hela's realm.
---
After they vanished into the portal, the hall remained heavy with tension. Frigga, clutching Sitonai, took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Odin," she said quietly, her voice trembling, "I want a divorce."
Odin, who had faced countless wars and enemies, was rendered speechless. "W-what?"
"I will live on Earth," Frigga continued, her voice firm despite the tears in her eyes. "Separately. I cannot be by your side any longer."
Odin, now panicked, turned to her, his composure shattered. "Frigga… please… don't…"
But she turned her back on him, her decision made. The King of Asgard, the Allfather, stood in stunned silence, watching as his world continued to crumble.
------
Note:
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