Task

Erik and Mia stared at the Eye of the Abyss. Their eyes reflecting the swirling darkness within the orb. A sense of anxiety crept over them but mingled also with feeling of satisfaction. They had just uncovered one of the artifacts they were certain was key to Valeria's plan to hasten Ragnarok.

Valeria noticing their intense focus on the orb. She smirked slightly. "Careful," she warned. "You don't want to touch this."

Erik's gaze flickered toward her while Mia took a cautious step back. The ominous energy radiating from the Eye was almost clear in the air even though they can't see it with naked eye. Its presence filled the room with a subtle, suffocating pressure.

"This artifact," Valeria began, stepping toward the orb, "is not something to be handled lightly. It can drive a mind into madness. It taps into the darkest corners of your soul and amplifies your worst desires until they consume you. What you saw back there in Midgard with the humans tearing each other apart, lost to rage, that was its influence."

Mia's brow furrowed. "What exactly is it used for in your grand scheme or Ragnarok?"

Valeria's golden eyes gleamed. She said, "It amplifies one's darkest desires, like I just said. It feeds on the chaos within them. It thrives on chaos and that is exactly what it will bring to every realms."

Erik's jaw clenched as he processed her words. He glanced at Mia who looked equally disturbed by the explanation. But they both knew Valeria wasn't bluffing. They had seen the effect firsthand.

"You'll use it on the other realms as well?" Erik asked.

Valeria nodded simply, her eyes never leaving the orb. "Yes. That's the plan. With this, we'll spread chaos faster than Asgard can control. Their power will crumble, and when they're at their weakest, He will come."

Erik's ears perked up at her last words. There was something more to this that Valeria wasn't telling them yet. He exchanged a brief glance with Mia before pressing further.

"And then He will come?" Erik asked, his voice cautious but probing. "Who is this you talking about?"

Valeria's eyes flicked to Erik. For a moment, she didn't answer.

"It's not time for you to know about that," she said after a long pause.

Her words were like a wall slamming shut, Erik knew she wouldn't reveal anything more. Whoever this… He is, its something that will have the most part in this Ragnarok.

Both Erik and Mia feeling a gnawing sense that they were standing on the edge of something far bigger than they had anticipated.

"If you want us to fully commit to this... to your plan," Erik said, "then you need to explain everything to us. Now."

Valeria turned, her piercing golden eyes locking to him. For a moment the tension in the room feel thickened.

"You'll know when I want you to know. For now, it's not something you can learn," she said with voice filled with authority,

Erik sighed in frustration, realizing that pressing her further on this would be futile. He had pushed too far. But there was something more urgent he needed from her. His mind shifted to Liam.

"Fine," Erik said. "Then, where's the cure for Liam? You promised it to us."

"Yes. I did promise that," she said. "But I can't give it to you right now."

Erik's anger flared instantly, and his neutral tone vanished. "What?!" he snapped. "What do you mean you can't give it to us right now?!"

Valeria's expression remained calm, unbothered by his outburst. "Calm yourself. Your brother won't die—not yet. But I need something from you first. A task."

Erik's fists clenched, the anger burning in his chest. "Liam is suffering right now. Give us the cure, and I'll do whatever you want," he growled, trying to rein in his fury.

But Valeria was unmoved, her voice sharp and unyielding. "No. The cure comes after you complete the task."

Mia shot Valeria a furious glare, her own patience wearing thin. Erik let out a sharp angry breath. He knew there was no point in arguing further. She had all the leverage, and they couldn't push her any more without risking Liam's life.

"Damnit, fine. What the hell you want?" Erik said through gritted teeth. Mia remained silent for a second longer, her eyes burning with the same anger Erik felt.

"Your task is simple. Travel to the realm of the dwarves. There is one among them—a talented craftsman. You will capture him and bring him to me. He will forge new weapons and armor for my army and you," Valeria said.

"Just the two of us?" Erik asked.

Valeria shook her head, her gaze calm as she reassured him. "No, don't worry. I will send a few of my army with you."

"You'll give us the cure after we're done with this, right?" Mia asked with sharp eyes looking at Valeria.

Valeria's golden eyes flicked toward her, the faintest hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Yes," she said simply.

Mia didn't trust Valeria, not fully, but there wasn't much choice. With a sigh, she turned to Erik. "Alright then. Let's get this done. We shouldn't waste any more time here."

Erik nodded, his frustration still simmering beneath the surface but he knew Mia was right. "Yeah. We better get going."

As if on cue, a figure draped in a long black coat armor entered the room. His appearance was sudden, as if he had materialized from the shadows. Erik and Mia exchanged confused glances—they hadn't seen Valeria signal anyone, yet here he was.

The member of Valeria's army bowed low, his face hidden beneath the hood. "I have come at your call, my lady," he said in a low voice.

Valeria turned to him without missing a beat. "You will lead these two young warriors who had recently joining us, Erik and Mia, into the realm of the dwarves. Ensure their safe passage and assist them in capturing the craftsman."

The black-robed figure bowed again. "As you command."

After that, Erik and Mia followed the member of the Dreadshade Coven walk outside the room.

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