Depart

Valeria stood atop the building. She is now on Midgard. Her gaze fixed on the world below with a heavy sadness clouding her eyes. The city was in chaos, people running, animals mutated, shadows creeping across the streets as dark mist spread through Midgard.

She didn't want this, but she had no choice. It was part of her plan and if the people here had to suffer to see it through, then she would bear that burden. But the weight of it pressed on her heart.

This was not the world she wanted to create, but it was the only way forward.

The wind swept through her hair, carrying the faint echoes of the panic below. Valeria closed her eyes briefly, trying to block out the guilt. When she opened them again she felt the presence behind her before she heard it. The air grew colder, tension tightening around her shoulders.

Ragi.

Valeria clenched her jaw. Her situation had just grown worse. First Nox, now Ragi had came to replace him. And Ragi… he was worse than Nox in every way. His cruelty was sharper, his motivations darker, and she could feel his every gaze at her body making her wanted to gouge those eyes out. She had known this moment was coming but that didn't make it any easier to face.

But there was one thing she could hold onto. Ragi had given her an unexpected gift. He had wounded one of Asgard's young warriors, one of those mysterious warriors Asgard suddenly have. That was crucial to her plan. With Asgard's attention divided, her next steps would be easier, even if it meant she had to endure Ragi's presence a little longer.

Ragi approached her with a grin, his eyes gleaming with lust under the hood of his cloak. He said nothing at first and only looking at Valeria from behind. His eyes roamed over her body from behind that concealed beneath the armored coat she wore. There was hunger in his stare.

Without warning, Ragi's hand moving toward her ass, his fingers itching to touch her.

However, Valeria's reaction was quick. She slapped his hand away with a sharp motion and glare at him with cold and cruel eyes.

"Touch me again, and I'll cut off your hand," she hissed angrily.

Ragi's grin widened, unbothered by the rejection. He stepped closer, but he didn't attempt to touch her again.

"You're always so serious, Valeria," he said. "But don't forget, our goals are the same. I am here to help you so don't you think you should treat me better than this?"

Valeria turned to face him fully with hard expression. "That may be true, but don't think for a second I'll tolerate your games. You wounded the Asgardian, and that's the only reason you're useful to me. Don't push your luck."

Ragi stood in silence, his eyes narrowing as he watched Valeria. The smirk that usually played on his lips was gone now, replaced by something darker. After a long moment, he finally spoke.

"I'm only here because my master told me to be," he said. "Don't think I'm your dog, Valeria."

Valeria turned her gaze to him, her expression look unbothered. "Your master agreed to help me," she replied. And if you're just a dog to your master, then you're a dog to me as well. Don't think you're anything more than that."

Ragi's jaw clenched. For a moment, his rage flared and his hands curling into fists. The insult stung him and his pride that already fragile cracked. But he said nothing. He knew better than to respond with anger, not yet.

Valeria's gaze didn't waver. "Now go," she commanded. "Wait for my next order."

Ragi gave a short, stiff nod and turned away. But in his mind the fury burned brighter, and a new plan began to take shape. He would find a way to subdue her.

---

Freya stood before Erik and Mia and looking at them with eyes soft with concern. She offered them a small smile. As they prepared to leave for Midgard amidst the chaos and dange she found it difficult to let them go. She knew how much they had already endured. But now, they were the only ones who could answer the call. The only two they could spare.

"I wish there were another way, but this is the only choice we have left. I'm sorry," Freya said.

Erik and Mia nodded with difficult expression.

Freya stepped closer then she place her hands on Erik and Mia's shoulder.

"Be careful," she said. "Both of you. We'll do everything in my power to find a way to cure Liam. Trust us."

Erik gave a slow nod while Mia forced a weak smile. All they could do now was trust in them and fight for the survival of their home.

With a final glance at Freya, Erik and Mia made their way to the Bifrost, the shimmering light of the rainbow bridge already beginning to pulse in the air. As they stood there waiting for the journey to begin, Heimdall's holographic projection flickered appeared again before them. His amber eyes gleamed as he looked at both of them.

"I've made a few adjustments to your System," Heimdall said. "To make things a little easier for you both."

Heimdall raised his hand and suddenly, Erik and Mia felt a strange surge within them, a powerful shift in their bodies and minds. The System interface appeared before their eyes.

[System Upgrade!]

- Enhanced Physical Strength: +10 increase to Strength and Agility.

- Aether Synchronization: Ability to control and manipulate Aether has been refined. Aether regeneration speed increased by 30%, and abilities consume 20% less Aether than before.

- Combat Awareness Mode: The System will now automatically analyze combat situations and provide strategic insights in real-time, highlighting enemy weaknesses and suggesting optimal moves based on their surroundings.

- Dual Combat Synchronization: Your Systems have been linked, allowing you to share a portion of each other's abilities for a limited time when fighting side by side.

The holographic screen flickered as Erik and Mia processed the upgrades. Erik clenched his fists and Mia exhaled as the new strength flooded their body.

"These upgrades will help you. I'm sorry, I hope I can do more," Heimdall said. "Don't be reckless out there. The enemy will be expecting you."

Erik nodded. "We'll be ready."

The Bifrost began to swirl around them. The colors growing brighter as the energy built. Erik and Mia exchanged one last look before they were swept into the light.

---

Erik and Mia emerged from the swirling energy of the Bifrost and landing with a soft thud on the rooftop of a building. They feel the cold immediately, different to the warm air they expected to find in this part of the world. They glanced at each other in confusion before looking at their surroundings.

Before them stretched a city that were a densely populated area in Southeast Asia, known for its bustling streets, humid climate, and vibrant life. But now, it was nothing like what they had imagined. The streets below were blanketed in snow and unnatural winter storm. Snowflakes drifted through the air. People ran frantically through the streets, slipping and stumbling as chaos happen around them.

Shouts and cries of panic echoed up to them, and the distant sounds of car alarms and breaking glass added to the cacophony. The citywas now gripped by chaos and confusion.

"Look," Mia whispered while pointing down toward a square in the center of the chaos.

A massive creature lumbered through the snow-covered streets with form draped in a thick, dark mist. The monster starting to moved. People scattered in its path, but many were killed before they could escape.

Heimdall's voice crackled through their mind through the System in their body.

"The source of the disturbance is near the heart of the city. You'll need to move quickly—this corruption is spreading faster than I anticipated."

Erik and Mia gave a grim nod.

"Let's move," Erik said.

Without another word, they leaped from the rooftop.

---