Closer

The fifth day arrived with a crisp and cool morning breeze that swept across the training grounds of Asgard. The sky was a blue, the dawn sun casting warm glow over the land. Erik, Mia, and Liam stood side by side, their eyes sharp and their stances firm as they prepared for another grueling day of training for today.

The change in them was undeniable. Where they had once struggled to lift their weapons now they wielded them with ease. Their stances had grown steadier and more refined. The muscles that had ached and protested just days before now moved with a fluid grace.

Erik adjusted his grip on the hilt of his sword, feeling the familiar weight in his hand. It no longer felt awkward or cumbersome but rather an extension of his arm. He glanced at Mi who was going through her own routine with a spear.

Her movements were quick and smooth, the spearhead cutting through the air with a satisfying whoosh.

Liam too, had grown more confident with his dual axes, spinning them in his hands with a dexterity that had been absent just days before.

Their Asgardian trainers observed them with approval, nodding to each other as they witnessed the trio's progress.

"Look at them. They've come a long way," he remarked to Astrid, who stood beside him. Bjorn, standing with arms crossed, allowed a rare smile to cross his stern features.

"They have indeed," she agreed. "But it's more than just the training. Their Reincarnated Souls are awakening. You can see it in the way they move, don't you?"

Bjorn grunted in agreement. "If they were just ordinary humans, they wouldn't have made it this far. They'd have broken under the strain or simply refused to continue."

Indeed, the influence of their Reincarnated Souls had begun to manifest more clearly. Sigurd's legendary swordsmanship, Brynhildr's unwavering resolve, and Beowulf's indomitable courage were slowly becoming second nature to Erik, Mia, and Liam. It wasn't just the physical changes. Their minds had grown more focused, their spirits more resilient.

The trio was more willing than ever to undergo the punishing regimens, their past lives whispering to them of battles they fought and won. If they had been just normal humans, they might have balked at the demands placed upon them, complained about the pain and the endless drills. Moreover they're just kids.

But now, there was a sense of purpose that drove them forward that came not only from their own desires but from the echoes of the heroes they had once been.

A sudden surge of energy pulsed through Erik, Mia, and Liam, a warmth spreading through their bodies as if the essence of their training had been absorbed into their beings. They felt stronger, faster.

[Weapon Mastery: 100%]

[Weapon Mastery has been completed!]

[Endurance Trial: 100%]

[Endurance Trial has been completed!]

[Attribute Increase!]

- Strength +10

- Endurance +10

- Agility +10

The trio exchanged glances after seeing the Rune that glowing in front of their eyes. Then they sensing that something within them had shifted.

The Asgardian warriors nodded in approval when they sense the trio's aura began to shift, recognizing the transformation that had taken place.

"You have completed your firstt training," Bjorn said. "But remember, this is only the beginning."

The three of them of course knew that they only has completed two of the four of their training. Its done faster than they had expected. They didn't realize it but their quick progess is because their heart also filled with determination.

They didn't know yet that if they pour their very heart into it, they will gain much faster and much better result.

But even as the realization that they had finished their Weapon Mastery and Endurance Trial Quest set in, Erik couldn't bring himself to feel any sense of triumph.

He knew they were far from ready. The battles ahead loomed over them like a dark cloud and the weight of their responsibility pressed down on him.

"We can't waste time," Erik said with urgent voice. "We need to move on to the next training."

Mia and Liam exchanged weary glances. Their bodies aching but they nodded in agreement as well. They, too, understood the stakes. They had to be prepared.

But before Erik could take another step, Bjorn's strong hand gripped his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks. The tall Asgardian warrior looked down at Erik.

"You've done enough for today. Your bodies need to recover before you push them any further. Even the strongest warrior knows when to rest," Bjorn said, his voice calm but resolute.

Erik opened his mouth to argue, the drive to keep going burning in his chest but he found himself faltering because he knew what Bjorn said was right.

"Alright. We'll rest," Erik said.

Bjorn nodded approvingly. "Good. You've made the right choice. Take this time to recover, because when the time comes, you'll need every ounce of strength and skill you've gained."

With that, the Asgardian warriors led them back to their room, where the trio could finally lay down their weapons and rest.

---

The cold wind howled through the trees and whipping at Freya's hair, pushing against her as she sprinted through the darkening forest. Snowflakes began to fall in a steady, relentless flurry that coated the ground and branches in a blanket of white.

But she didn't slow down.

Her eyes were fixed on the figure darting between the trees ahead, a shadow moving with unnatural speed. Freya's breath came in sharp bursts as she narrowed the distance between them. The icy wind stung her cheeks. She scowled, refusing to let the elements distract her. She had been tracking this target and she wasn't about to lose it now.

Freya pulled an arrow from her quiver and nocked it to her bowstring. She didn't hesitate. The arrow whistling through the air. It flew true and striking the target in the back.

But to Freya's frustration the figure merely stumbled, its pace slowing but not stopping. It kept moving, pushing deeper into the forest.

"Damn it," Freya muttered under her breath, her frustration growing. She quickened her pace, dashing through the snow with faster steps.

She was closing in, the distance shrinking. Victory was within reach. But then, a sharp, searing pain suddenly ripped through her abdomen, stopping her in her tracks. Freya gasped, her eyes widening in shock.

Instinctively, she looked down. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw it—a dark, jagged blade had pierced through her stomach.

---