Kaito and Zohar jolted awake, their eyes wide and breaths ragged as the remnants of their nightmares faded. They looked around, taking in the gleaming walls of the holy infirmary, the towering Valkyries tending to other wounded, and the angels guarding the doors. The surreal beauty of it all crashed over them in waves, and they finally realized that this wasn't a nightmare—it was reality.
They glanced at each other, then over at Raiden, who was sitting calmly on his bed, watching them with a faint smile. Kaito and Zohar exchanged panicked looks and then turned to Raiden. Kaito broke the silence first. "How are you so calm right now?"
Raiden shrugged, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "There's no point freaking out if we're the ones who have to somehow beat this war," he replied nonchalantly, leaning back against the headboard.
Kaito and Zohar stared at him, incredulous. "What?! Do you not remember how powerful Lucifer was? How are three teenagers supposed to help in this war?" Zohar exclaimed, his voice tinged with panic.
Before Raiden could respond, a Valkyrie who had been quietly tending to a patient nearby stepped forward. "Well, actually," she began, her voice melodic yet firm, "there will be more of you soon enough. All over the world, others will be chosen in time. The gods are merely waiting to pick those they deem worthy."
Zohar's eyes widened, and he let out an exaggerated scream, "SHE CAN TALK!"
The Valkyrie chuckled, an amused glint in her eyes as she met his gaze. "Yes, I can talk," she replied. "And trust me, you're not alone in this. More allies will join you soon enough. This isn't a battle you have to face alone."
Kaito ran a hand through his hair, still trying to process everything. "So, you're saying there are others out there who will end up like us? Chosen by the gods, given powers, all to fight Lucifer?"
The Valkyrie nodded. "Precisely. This war is much larger than just the three of you. It's a battle for the fate of both gods and humanity, and many will be called to stand beside you." She placed a reassuring hand on Kaito's shoulder. "In time, you will see just how vast this alliance truly is."
Raiden looked at his friends, sensing the surge of hope the Valkyrie's words instilled in them. "Guess we're not as alone as we thought," he said, a hint of a smile breaking through.
Kaito let out a slow breath, steadying himself. "Well, that's... comforting, I guess. But still, I can't help but think this is all crazy."
"Crazy or not," Raiden replied, "it's happening. And we're here now. So let's make sure we're ready." He glanced at Zohar, who still seemed stunned but determined.
Zohar nodded, rubbing the back of his neck as he adjusted to this new reality. "Alright then, if we're in this, we're in this together. Guess we better start learning how to use these powers."
With a newfound resolve, the three friends looked around, their fear giving way to a shared determination. They were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that they wouldn't be fighting alone.
Kaito's eyes widened with sudden realization. "My siblings..." he whispered, his heart racing as he thought of them out there amidst the chaos. He turned to the Valkyrie, a note of desperation in his voice. "Are they safe? Please, you have to tell me they're okay."
The Valkyrie gave him a reassuring nod. "Yes, Kaito. The convoys made it to their destination a few hours ago. They're safe, and they're receiving the medical treatment they need. We have angels monitoring all human movement from the clouds. They send messengers back to the heavens every couple of hours, keeping us informed."
Kaito let out a deep breath, relief flooding through him. "Thank you," he murmured, feeling the weight of worry lift slightly from his shoulders.
Raiden placed a comforting hand on Kaito's shoulder. "That's good to hear. At least they're safe. Now, we can focus on making sure we get back to them."
Kaito nodded, his expression firming with resolve. "Yeah. For them. For everyone."
The Valkyrie gave him a warm smile, understanding the depth of his relief and resolve. "Your loved ones are under our protection, Kaito. As long as the gods stand, they will be safe."
Zohar crossed his arms, nodding as he looked at Kaito. "Well, it looks like we're all fighting for someone. Let's make sure this wasn't all for nothing."
Kaito clenched his fists, his gaze steady. "Agreed. We're going to see this through."
The Valkyrie turned to the three of them, her expression serious but kind. "Do you all feel fit to walk? There's someone important who needs to meet you in the courts."
Raiden, still sore but determined, nodded and glanced at Kaito and Zohar. "Yeah, I think we're ready," he replied, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Who's waiting for us?"
The Valkyrie's lips curved into a small smile. "You'll see soon enough. It's someone who's been waiting a long time for the right Chosen Ones to arrive."
Kaito stood up, shaking off the last remnants of drowsiness and pain. "Alright then, let's go. I'm ready to meet whoever this is."
Zohar, despite his injuries, seemed to muster some strength from his curiosity and determination. "If they're as important as you say, then it sounds like we're finally going to get some answers."
The Valkyrie led them through the gleaming halls of the heavenly realm, their footsteps echoing in the silence. They passed other celestial beings who nodded in acknowledgment, recognizing the importance of the moment. The three of them exchanged glances, their anticipation building with each step.
Finally, they arrived at the entrance to the courts—a grand, radiant hall that seemed to pulse with energy. The Valkyrie paused and turned to them with a solemn look. "Beyond these doors lies your future. What happens from here will shape the fate of both your world and ours."
With that, she pushed open the doors, revealing a figure waiting within the ethereal light, a powerful presence that immediately commanded their attention.
The All Mighty God's voice echoed through the grand hall as he spoke, his presence radiating an indescribable power. The three stood before him, taking in the gravity of his words.
"I have been waiting for four centuries to finally greet the new generation of Chosen Ones," he continued, his eyes piercing through them with a gaze both warm and intense. "I have met many great warriors over the ages, individuals with strengths beyond imagination. Yet, none of them could ever move a celestial weapon, even by an inch, while they were still mortal."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming more contemplative. "You see, once you are chosen, you are gifted with a part of us gods. What you become depends on who you are as humans and on which god has granted you power. Each Chosen One receives their own unique weapon and armor, specifically attuned to their soul. No one else can wield another's weapon or wear another's armor, as they are deeply bound to your essence."
The God's gaze fell on Raiden, Kaito, and Zohar with a newfound respect. "Yet, even as mortals, you three were able to lift Gabriel's sword. That left me without words. I believe you three may hold the key to ending this war that Lucifer has unleashed upon the worlds."
The enormity of his statement sank in as the three absorbed the weight of their destinies. Raiden clenched his fists, feeling both the pressure and the purpose of their roles. Kaito exchanged a glance with Zohar, a shared understanding passing between them—they had to rise to this challenge, not only for themselves but for humanity.
The All Mighty continued, "There are reasons each of you was chosen, and in time, you will discover the extent of your abilities. But first, you must know that this path will test you beyond anything you can imagine. Stand ready, for your time has come."
The All Mighty God continues, "You will be staying in Odin's Hall for the next few days. This is where your training will begin. You must learn to control the unique abilities granted to you. The Einherjar, the chosen warriors of Valhalla, will assist you. They will guide you as you grow into your newfound powers. This will not be easy, but know that you were chosen because you possess the strength to face the challenges ahead. Trust in your abilities, trust in each other, and remember that you are never alone."
He gestures to Hermes, who approaches to lead them to Odin's Hall. As they prepare to leave, they exchange glances, feeling the weight of the responsibility they now carry. Yet, within each of them, a spark of determination begins to ignite. They understand the path before them, even if the road is uncertain. Together, they take their first steps toward becoming the warriors they were destined to be.
Hermes steps forward and addresses the All Mighty God, "I have news from Athena. She's stationed where you left her, with two teenage mortals. One of them is seriously wounded and infected with Hell Poison. Athena hasn't given up on him and wants to help."
Raiden, hearing this, quickly interjects, "Wait, I know them! Can't you make them Chosen Ones? They're good people, I swear."
The All Mighty God rises from his throne, his expression thoughtful but stern. "I instructed her to go with Ares and Heimdall," he says, letting out a sigh. Turning back to Raiden, he explains, "It's not that simple, young one. The process requires more than just intent. But, since you have a connection with them, I'll permit Athena to bring them to the infirmary. If the wounded one survives, then we'll see what can be done. However, understand this: if he succumbs to the poison before reaching the hall, there will be little I can do."
Raiden nods, absorbing the gravity of the situation, and accepts the All Mighty God's words with a solemn understanding. The God then turns to Hermes. "Lead them to Odin's Hall, and once that's done, go to Athena. Make sure she has what she needs to stabilize the boy."
With a final glance at Raiden, Kaito, and Zohar, the All Mighty God settles back into his throne, as Hermes motions for them to follow. They leave the presence of the All Mighty, hearts weighed down by the hope for their friends and the daunting challenges ahead.
As they walk through the grand halls, Kaito bombards Hermes with a flurry of questions. "So, is the food actually good up here? Do you have any music, or is it all just classical? And...do you guys watch us all the time or only when we pray? Because if you watch us in the shower, that's definitely weird. Oh, and why are you the only god we've seen that's by themselves? Aren't gods supposed to hang out together or something?"
Hermes clenches his jaw, clearly irritated. After one more question, he finally snaps, "That's so rude! Of course, I have friends—I'm just very busy. Unlike mortals, I actually have a lot of responsibilities! Now, if you could just let me do my job and guide you to Odin's Hall in peace, I'd appreciate it."
Kaito grins sheepishly but stays quiet, sensing he might have pushed Hermes a bit too far. Raiden and Zohar exchange amused glances but follow in silence, taking in the grandeur of the heavenly architecture as they continue their journey to Odin's Hall.
The celestial realm was even more vast and wondrous than Raiden, Zohar, and Kaito could have imagined. As they followed Hermes through the heavenly expanse, their eyes widened with awe. For thirty minutes, they traversed a landscape that felt like something out of their wildest dreams—a sprawling kingdom of light and splendor, where marble spires touched the sky and lush gardens stretched as far as the eye could see. The air shimmered with a golden hue, and a faint, melodic hum seemed to rise from the ground itself, filling the space around them with a sense of peace and solemnity.
All around them, they passed landmarks they recognized from ancient texts, mythological stories, and holy scriptures—places they never thought they would see. A monumental golden gate stood to their left, engraved with symbols they couldn't read but instinctively felt the importance of. Raiden, recalling stories from his childhood, whispered, "Isn't that the Gate of Paradise?" Kaito, ever the curious one, nodded excitedly, already eager to ask Hermes a hundred questions about everything they were seeing.
But they kept their questions to themselves. Even Kaito had started to sense Hermes' rising irritation. Hermes had already made it clear that he had no patience for endless questions, snapping at Kaito just minutes before when he'd asked whether gods ever ate regular food or if it was all ambrosia and nectar up here. Kaito's follow-up about whether the gods could see humans all the time or only when they prayed had earned him an exasperated sigh, so the three of them walked in silence now, absorbing the grandeur of their surroundings with wide-eyed fascination.
Still, Kaito couldn't entirely contain himself. He occasionally glanced at Hermes with a look that clearly communicated he was bursting with curiosity. At one point, Kaito opened his mouth to speak, but Zohar quickly nudged him, giving him a look that said, "Not now." Kaito sighed but obediently closed his mouth. The last thing they needed was to annoy Hermes any further, especially as they were nearing their destination.
As they walked, the trio noticed that the path was becoming narrower, the structures around them taller and more imposing. To their right, they spotted what looked like a massive amphitheater, filled with beings clad in armor, practicing what seemed to be some kind of celestial martial arts. Gods of war, Zohar thought with a shiver, recognizing some of the symbols painted on their shields.
Just beyond the amphitheater, a magnificent river gleamed like liquid crystal, its surface so clear they could see through to its white, smooth stones. A grand bridge arched over the river, seemingly crafted from the finest silver, with statues of winged figures on either end. Kaito almost stopped to take it all in, but Hermes motioned for them to keep up.
As they crossed the bridge, Raiden couldn't resist anymore. He whispered, "Do you think we'll see anyone we know here? Gods we've read about?"
Zohar nodded, his eyes fixed on a statue ahead of them. "We already have. That's Freya over there. I'd recognize those Valkyries anywhere."
Kaito glanced in the direction Zohar was pointing and blinked in surprise. The figure stood with a powerful presence, wings stretching out behind her, her hand resting on the hilt of an ornate sword. She seemed almost alive, the wind tugging at her long, braided hair. He could have sworn he saw her blink, but when he looked again, the statue was still.
After a few more minutes of silent walking, Hermes came to a sudden halt. They found themselves before a massive stone building, its doors easily towering over them. Carvings of wolves and ravens adorned the ancient wood, and runes they couldn't decipher ran along the edges, glowing faintly as if filled with some ancient power.
Hermes turned to face them, crossing his arms with a small smirk. "Welcome," he announced, "to the most hellish place in the heavens—Odin's Hall."
Raiden felt a shiver run down his spine. The hall had an aura of raw, untamed energy that contrasted sharply with the serene beauty they had passed earlier. It was as if they'd stepped from paradise into the heart of a storm. He could almost hear the rumble of thunder within the walls, like the growl of some massive, sleeping beast.
Kaito looked up at the imposing doors, his mouth slightly agape. "This is where we're training?" he asked, voice barely a whisper.
Hermes nodded, clearly enjoying their reactions. "Odin's Hall isn't for the faint of heart. Only the bravest, strongest warriors train here, those who are prepared to face the darkest challenges. It's where the Einherjar, the chosen warriors of Odin, hone their skills."
Zohar took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He had always considered himself fearless, but something about the hall made him feel small and vulnerable. "What exactly are we going to do here?" he asked, his voice steady but his hands clenched.
Hermes raised an eyebrow. "You're going to learn to control the gifts you've been given. If you thought facing Lucifer was tough, then brace yourselves. This is only the beginning. The Einherjar are merciless trainers. They won't go easy on you, and neither will Odin's Hall. But if you make it through, you'll be prepared for whatever comes next."
Kaito, despite the anxiety gnawing at him, couldn't help but feel a thrill at the challenge. "Do you think we'll meet Odin himself?" he asked, eyes gleaming.
Hermes shrugged. "That depends on how well you do. Odin doesn't waste time on the weak. But I'd be more worried about the trials themselves than meeting him. Odin's Hall has been known to break the spirits of even the most determined."
As Hermes pushed open the massive doors, a wave of cold air swept over them. The interior was shrouded in shadows, lit only by flickering torches that lined the walls. The air was thick with the scent of pine and something metallic, like iron. Raiden took a step inside, and the floor creaked under his foot. He glanced back at Zohar and Kaito, who were both hesitating at the threshold.
Zohar swallowed hard but took a step forward, following Raiden. "We've come this far," he said, trying to sound confident. "Might as well see what's in store."
Kaito gave them both a determined nod, and together, they walked into the hall, the doors closing behind them with a deep, resonant thud. The echoes lingered in the air, almost like the low growl of some ancient creature.
Inside, the hall stretched endlessly, with walls that seemed to pulse with a life of their own. Shadows danced around them, and they could just make out the sound of distant voices chanting, their words indistinct but full of power.
Hermes lingered just outside, watching them go. "Good luck," he called out, a hint of a smile in his voice. "You're going to need it."
As they ventured deeper into Odin's Hall, Raiden, Zohar, and Kaito braced themselves for whatever trials lay ahead, each of them silently vowing not to be the first to fall. They knew that this was only the beginning, and that they would need every ounce of strength and courage to survive what was to come.