Episode 35, Chapter 3 – Great War (3)
This chapter is updated by Novels.pl
Translator: Tsubak
Editor: Julsmul
The ships of each legion were sailing busily in the fog lake.
The sound of the horn trumpet that was heard periodically made one feel nervous by itself.
Sigrun gulped dry saliva several times with a stiff expression. While she was in the Valkyrie Training Center, she received several nicknames like Heart of Steel and The Immovable Sigrun as her expression didn’t change much in any situation, and she had her tall height. But the truth was different.
She wasn’t particularly brave compared to her external looks, but of course, that didn’t mean that she was a coward, and it also didn’t mean that she held her composure at anytime and anywhere to the point that she was outstanding amongst the Valkyries.
Sigrun didn’t have many expressions. Precisely speaking, when she put a particular expression, it didn’t look like her face had changed at all.
Even when she smiled brightly, it looked expressionless by the others perspectives, and they barely managed to recognize when she started to laugh excessively.
Sigrun closed her eyes and breathed. She had only gone out to one or two expeditions since she graduated from the training center, but the Great War had resumed. She couldn’t say this to anyone, but it felt like her vision was darkening because of her fear.
Just what would happen from now on? She had heard that half of all Valkyries had lost their lives in the previous Great War. Would it be the same this time?
What about the warriors? The warriors of Idun’s legion. The warriors that had been in the same battlefield as her and shared laughter and battle cries together.
She was afraid of losing them. Terrified. This was the first time she realized how much of a coward she was.
Sigrun forced herself to breathe once more, but no matter how many times she did so, her heart couldn’t calm down.
But it was at that moment-
“May Idun’s blessing accompany you.”
A soft feeling was felt on her forehead. The divine power of Idun that was warm and gentle began to cover her entire body starting from her forehead.
Sigrun opened her eyes while being enchanted and, just like expected, she saw Tae Ho in front of her.
“Commander-nim.”
Sigrun offered greetings. She had an expressionless face like always, but Tae Ho could vaguely comprehend what she was thinking about.
[The Scared]
[Sigrun]
Heda realized it instantly when Tae Ho used the ‘Eyes of the Dragon’, but it seemed like Sigrun didn’t notice even a little.
Tae Ho grabbed Sigrun’s hands. She became surprised and opened her eyes widely, but she didn’t fall back or take her hands away.
Tae Ho looked at her eyes fixedly and said,
“It’s alright to be scared, and it isn’t weird at all. It’s the same for me.”
Sigrun blinked and gulped dryly. She unknowingly leaned her ear towards Tae Ho’s words.
“But still, you can fight. You aren’t alone. There are others by your side.”
There was strength behind Tae Ho’s words. Sigrun thought of Gudrun, who was at the training center with her. She thought of the lowest-ranked warriors saying that they would protect her in the expeditions.
“Idun should be watching over us, and our comrades will be with us, so lets be more courageous and protect ourselves with our treasured ones. You can do this, right?”
Tae Ho asked. Sigrun held her breath at his really gentle question and nodded.
“I can do it.”
Tae Ho smiled once again. He let go Sigrun’s hands and hit his chest twice.
“For Asgard and the Nine Realms.”
“For Asgard and the Nine Realms.”
[Her nervousness has faded]
[The Determined]
[Sigrun]
Tae Ho checked on Sigrun’s status and grabbed her shoulders. He blessed her one more time.
“May Idun’s blessing accompany you.”
“May Idun’s blessing accompany you.”
Sigrun blessed Tae Ho back. It was a face filled with shyness that wasn’t at all like her.
“Right. Cheer up, then.”
“Yes, commander-nim!”
Tae Ho patted Sigrun’s shoulders and then turned away to walk towards the cabins. Cuchulainn, who’d been silent until now, said,
‘It seems like you just said some random words, but her reaction is good. Is this the effect of Bragi’s rune?’
It seemed like he didn’t quite like the words Tae Ho had said, and he was clicking his tongue.
‘Well, your brain won’t be different just because you received his rune.’
The origin of one’s thoughts was their brain, not their tongue.
Tae Ho grew irritated and quickly retorted,
“Hey! I still chose my words carefully. Besides, I’ve already seen the effects before.”
His words were truthful. He had said similar words to the youngest one in his team that was trembling before the world championship of Dark Age to give him courage.
‘So that was the case. That had happened before. Only I didn’t know about that.’
The effect of imitating Heda was really great. Tae Ho felt worse than having heard curses and let out a sigh but then regained his composure.
Because Cuchulainn wouldn’t be serious about this. He would be joking to soothe his nervousness.
‘No. I’m honest.’
Cuchulainn had perfectly mastered Tae Ho’s pattern of thinking by being with him for two years and added another blow for good measure.
As Tae Ho put on some lukewarm eyes, he snickered and said another thing.
‘Anyways, you are gathering blessings really hard as soon as the number limit got released.’
Sigrun had come to meet Tae Ho and gave him a blessing. She had cleared all the requisites for the ‘Valkyrie that had a Warrior Meet Him’.
Of course, he could only make a fake Valkyrie with a really low completion rate as he had only been blessed once, but still, it was better than having nothing.
“I have to strengthen my force even if only by a little.”
‘Right, then you should also rest. You must be exhausted because you rode on the Black Flash.’
There was a high possibility that he wouldn’t be able to rest after returning to the residence. He had to rest when he could.
Tae Ho heard Cuchulainn’s words to be correct and then lay down on a bed after entering the closest cabin.
And at the same time-
Sigrun, who was putting on an enchanted face in front of the cabin, grew surprised and turned her head around. It was because Adenmaha was approaching her while having a paled and painful face.
“Senior?”
As Sigrun asked with a worried face, Adenmaha frowned and then sat next to Sigrun after determining herself.
“Hey.”
“Yes?”
Adenmaha gathered her lips and then said with a low voice.
“You can’t covet him, okay?”
Sigrun didn’t answer instantly. It was because she needed time to realize what Adenmaha was talking about.
But it didn’t take that long. Sigrun smiled at Adenmaha that was snorting while looked sideways and upwards at her and nodded.
“I understand.”
Adenmaha let out a sigh of relief.
—
The time of rest was short. Tae Ho hurriedly got down the ship as soon as he arrived at the residence of Idun. The warriors of Idun’s legion were lined up and completely armed upon the wooden dock.
“Tae Ho.”
“Heda.”
There were many eyes looking at them, but he didn’t mind. He ran towards Heda and she also didn’t hold him back. They hugged each other and then shared blessings.
Adenmaha and Sigrun got down off the ship too. Heda slightly pushed Tae Ho and smiled towards Adenmaha.
“Adenmaha, you have done well.”
“It’s the task of a Valkyrie.”
Adenmaha pouted slightly and snorted like always and Sigrun approached Gudrun.
Heda looked at Tae Ho and said,
“Our legion also received an order to go to war. Our warriors will be dispatched on the defense of the outskirts under the command of Gudrun and Sigrun.”
Tae Ho read several things in her short words, and that’s why he asked Heda directly,
“Where do I have to go?”
Tae Ho would act separately from the legion because there were really few things he could do with ten lowest-ranked warriors. The fact that Heda or Adenmaha weren’t the leaders suggested that Tae Ho would act alone.
“I will tell you starting from now.”
Heda glanced at Sigrun and Gudrun and gave her a short order and then took Tae Ho and Adenmaha and entered a building near the dock. Merlin and Scathach were waiting there. Ragnar wasn’t seen as expected. He would probably be with the Gods in the front lines.
“My King.”
“Tae Ho.”
“I’m back.”
Tae Ho shared short greetings with the two people and then looked at the map that was spread over the table. Asgard and Midgard were drawn next to a line drawn in the middle.
“You may already know this, but I will still explain quickly.”
Heda got in front of the map and then placed shining rocks on top of it and said,
“A bunch of Garmr’s soul fragments appeared in the front lines, and they also appeared in several places of Midgard almost at the same time.”
The number of fragments Asgard has gotten rid of numbered six in total.
It was estimated that the number of fragments were about fourteen or fifteen, so the remaining eight or nine had appeared almost at the same time.
“We are guessing that the soul fragments in Midgard woke up due to the influence of a bunch of fragments having appeared at the front lines.”
The number of shining rocks Heda placed atop the front lines was five. She didn’t exactly know how many fragments were needed to wake Fenrir, but there was a high possibility for it to awaken with naught but one or two more being gathered.
“The front lines are in a state that may explode at any time. Giants and evil spirits also appeared in Midgard, and based on Freya-nim’s words, it seemed like the God of Lies, Loki, was the one to spread them.”
Heda placed several red flags over Midgard. The situation was more severe than when they had dealt with the fomoires.
There was the possibility that battle may be occurring even in this moment. In addition, if it was that number, it couldn’t be dealt with only the warriors of Valhalla that were already in Midgard.
Tae Ho thought of Helga, King Ivar, and the knights of Kataron.
He remembered the battlefields he had shared with the humans.
It was impossible with just them. They needed the reinforcement of Asgard faster.
“Odin came up with the plan to retrieve Garmr’s soul fragments after dispatching the majority of the force to Midgard.”
Heda placed blue flags in Midgard, and Tae Ho understood what they meant.
“Are we removing the Great Barrier?”
“Exactly. Deploying superior-ranked warriors after the barrier is removed is the essence of this plan.”
The Great Barrier didn’t only stop the giants but also existences above the superior rank.
That’s why they would remove the barrier. They would deploy a lot of strong warriors and take care of the fuss in Midgard in an instant.
“I know what you are thinking about. The giants will also be able to dispatch the forces when the Great Barrier is removed. Before Freya-nim installs the barrier again…a really big battle will occur. It won’t be easy at all.”
In the Great War, Midgard had suffered almost no losses, but it would be different this time. A sea’s worth of blood would flow, a notion scary just by thinking about it.
“Tae Ho, an order that you should participate in this strategy as the commander of Idun came down. Merlin and Adenmaha will accompany you.”
Heda wouldn’t go with him. Tae Ho nodded because he was already expecting it. Idun needed someone to protect her as she couldn’t leave the golden apple tree. If it was Scathach and Heda, he could trust in them.
“I will entrust Idun-nim to you.”
“Right.”
Heda put a bright smile forcefully and then grabbed Tae Ho’s hand.
“There’s not much time. You have to go greet Idun-nim.”
“Yes, I must do it this time.”
Heda smiled at his words. Adenmaha, who was looking at the two of them, said in a low voice,
“I will be preparing to depart.”
Adenmaha and Merlin got out of the building first. Tae Ho gave Gae Bolg to Scathach before going to the shrine with Heda.
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Because Scathach and Cuchulain would also need some time for themselves.
Tae Ho went to the shrine with Heda. After waiting for a bit after entering alone, he could feel Idun’s divine power like usual.
“My warrior, Tae Ho.”
Idun was smiling below the golden apple tree. It was a warm and gentle smile like always, but Tae Ho could feel a bit of sadness hidden within it this time.
Tae Ho approached Idun. She stroked the cheek of Tae Ho, who’d knelt down before her, and asked,
“Did you greet Father and Mother?”
It was the question he had been expecting. Tae Ho nodded slowly and looked at Idun’s rune that was engraved in his wrist.
“I received runes from the previous Idun-nim……and Bragi-nim.”
“Right.”
Idun’s eyes were still covered, but Tae Ho could feel the grief which filled them.
Idun took a breath. She smacked her lips a few times and then drew a sad smile.
“I was going to share a long story with you……when you retrieved the legacy. I was about to tell you the several things that were related with the Great War, but we will have to leave it for later as the situation doesn’t allow it.”
It wasn’t the time to be talking about the past.
Right in this moment, a battle may be occurring in Midgard.
“My warrior, Tae Ho. My only commander.”
Idun lowered her posture. She got to the height of Tae Ho’s eyes and then embraced him.
“There’s only one thing I’m hoping from you, and I will also give you one order.”
Tae Ho could feel Idun’s heat. He could feel his chest burning at her sincere voice.
“Return alive. You must do it, no matter what happens.”
There was fear in Idun’s voice, and Tae Ho smiled towards her.
“I will obey your order.”
It wasn’t a random remark. Idun bit her lips and then nodded. She slightly pushed back Tae Ho and said,
“When the Great Barrier is removed, the obstacle that disturbs our connection will also disappear. So use ‘Idun’s Warrior’ as I will always accompany you. I will support you with all my strength.”
“I will do so.”
“Right. We really don’t have anymore time. You should also have time for Heda, right?”
Idun spoke a bit playfully and stood up. She raised Tae Ho to his feet and then gave him her best blessing.
“May my blessing accompany you.”
It was the same end as always, but Tae Ho placed his lips on her forehead by impulse. He spoke towards her, someone who hadn’t ever been able to receive a blessing, and offered one of his own.
“May my blessing accompany you.”
It was a blessing that didn’t exist nor had any sort of magical effect. Earlier, the blessing Tae Ho gave Sigrun was through utilizing the divine power of Idun.
However, Idun put on a dumbfounded expression and giggled like a girl.
“It’s the best blessing. Really the best.”
Idun smiled brightly and took a step back. She clenched her fist and then hit her chest twice.
“Go, my warrior, Tae Ho. For Asgard and the Nine Realms.”
“For Asgard and the Nine Realms.”
Tae Ho also hit his chest twice and added.
“For Idun.”
Idun laughed once more. She sent away Tae Ho while putting aside her regret.
—
Tae Ho distributed the weapons of the seniors of Idun’s legion that he’d acquired in Vanaheim to the warriors that were lined up at the dock.
There were many excessive weapons for the lowest-ranked warriors, but he didn’t mind. Actually, he didn’t even care if he lost all of the weapons. It was more important if at least one more warrior returned.
Sigrun and Gudrun led the warriors and left out of the residence first.
Scathach returned Gae Bolg to Tae Ho, and Adenmaha and Merlin got on the wooden boat and waited for him.
Tae Ho and Heda didn’t share long words. They shared a deep and long blessing for the last time and then sent each other away.
The wooden boat went towards the central hall of Valhalla.
And at the same time, Valkyrie Hrist delivered the coffin of Vanaheim to Freya.
Freya looked at Odin and he nodded.
He said the thing that was decided once again with a resolute expression.
“We will remove the Great Barrier.”
Freya then opened the chest of Vanaheim.
< Episode 35 - Great War (3) > End
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