Chapter 24: Nostalgic Memories

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Valkyrie's PoV

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In my view, there is a purpose to my mission here in Midgard, why I collect the souls of the fallen and the slain. It's not merely because Odin has assigned me to fight alongside them in Ragnarok and for them to be slain again. I believe there is a deeper reason why I was chosen for this position. It's because I want to give them another chance to find their place in this world. Most of the Einherjar I collect are deserving of this opportunity. I don't base this on their physical strength or appearance but on the strength and fortitude of their hearts.

This is often the reason why Freya, one of the highest-ranking Aesir in Asgard and Odin's right hand in Valhalla, and I often clash. She doesn't always trust my decisions and suggestions. If she always opposes my decisions, why doesn't she take charge and bring the Einherjar to Odin in Asgard herself? However, I set aside my shallow annoyance towards Freya for now, as we are currently engaged in battle with a Heidar here in Nifelheim.

"It's intriguing," Freya hypothesized. My attention shifted as she spoke.

After I slew the last Heidar that confronted us, a momentary silence enveloped the surroundings.

The chilling atmosphere of Nifelheim was wrapped in a deafening silence.

Our eyes wandered around, taking in the surroundings. I understood what Freya meant. We were in Helheim, the very place where Hel resided, yet her presence seemed to be mysteriously absent.

"Hel! Come out! I know you're lurking around! Stop playing hide-and-seek with us!" Freya challenged, while I remained vigilant, my sword at the ready.

"Almendra" Freya whispered to me secretly. I subtly glanced at her, keeping my sword poised.

"Release your Einherjar," she commanded, and I agreed. I took a deep breath to prepare myself.

I unfurled my wings, accompanied by a burst of light that illuminated the surroundings. Each white orb emerged from my body, and soon after, my Einherjar Agnimitra, Raiden, and Dalfon materialized.

As they appeared, they became immediately alert, gripping their respective weapons.

"The silence around us is peculiar," Agnimitra remarked, and I briefly glanced at him.

"Do not be deceived by what you see. This might be just a trap set by Hel. She could be concealing her presence," I cautioned, noticing Agnimitra swallowing his saliva, yet keeping his flaming bow ready.

I gradually heard footsteps coming from a distance, and I could make out the approaching figure. My Einherjar tensed, but they were prepared to fight.

"I knew it! It's you again, Loki!" Freya exclaimed at the deceiving figure of Loki.

"Where did you hide the Dragon's Tear, Loki? Or should I say, where did you hide it from us?" As Loki approached, I noticed his infuriating smile. He's truly the epitome of arrogance among the Aesir.

"Is that how you see me, Freya?" Loki made a sarcastic remark, enraging both Freya and myself.

However, despite her anger, Freya remained calm and taunted Loki subtly.

"Hm, enough of your trickery, Loki. Will you surrender it willingly? Or do you want me to humiliate you in front of everyone?" She dared to belittle him.

"Will you humiliate me? Or is it the other way around?" Loki's words amused me, prompting me to interject.

"Don't be so arrogant, Loki! Just because you're siding with Hel doesn't mean you can take us down!" I retorted, ready to engage in battle.

"Hm!" He replied cunningly, "You're only brave because you have your Einherjar with you." He taunted further.

I glared at him, knowing he was trying to deceive me. But if he thought he could manipulate me, he was mistaken.

"Don't think I'm just a mere being easily defeated, Loki," I stated firmly, my anger growing. "Perhaps you've forgotten that I am a warrior of Asgard!" I added, my voice filled with determination.

"Enough," Freya said in a calm manner, but I could sense her anger being restrained.

"Give us the Tears of the Dragon, Loki, and I will forgive you. I haven't forgotten what you did to my husband, Od. I know you're involved in his disappearance," she continued. Loki burst into laughter at Freya's words, causing us all to furrow our brows in reaction, as if he was losing himself.

"Freya, Freya, Freya," Loki said with a mocking tone, taunting her further.

"Are you still blaming me for the disappearance of your husband? That's an old accusation, isn't it?" he added, almost unable to control his laughter.

"Do you really want to know the truth, Freya?" he sarcastically asked.

"What if I tell you that I know the truth?" Our eyes widened in shock upon hearing what he said.

"What is the truth, Loki?" Freya replied, her teeth almost grinding together from intense frustration.

As for me, I waited for what he would say next. Does he really know the truth? I don't want to be deceived or swayed by what he says, but there might be some truth in his words.

I waited for him to speak, but as we anticipated his response, someone unexpectedly arrived behind us.

"Welcome, my guests," He said

"Huh!"