Chapter 20)Successor

// The promised second chapter for today. Tomorrow there will be two chapters of my second fan fiction and on Sunday I have a day off, although maybe I will write something, although do not hope for it.

"I don't know if it's fate or just luck, but you have stumbled upon the Necrosword Puzzle, the very sword that belonged to the goddess of Death, Hela, ruler of the world of the dead, Helheim," August began, his voice tinged with a hint of gravity. "This sword can only be wielded by those with a talent for death magic, and since you find yourself here, it has chosen you as its next owner. With it, you will possess immense power and the ability to tap into the forces of death."

Aarron's skepticism lingered. "It sounds too good to be true. Countless people have explored this place before me, and I find it hard to believe that I'm the only one who discovered this sword, let alone possesses a talent for death magic."

"They did not find it for a reason. This place is saturated with an abundance of death energy, much like the Necrosword itself. However, due to my demise and subsequent events, the sword has lost much of its power and suffered damage. To wizards and sorcerers, it appears to be an ordinary old blade infused with death energy from the environment."

A mixture of curiosity and anticipation welled up within Aarron, despite his reservations. The prospect of wielding such power ignited a flicker of hope within him, a chance to alter the course of his life.

"However," August continued, breaking Aarron's reverie, "the sword is broken, and it will be your task to repair it. Furthermore, you will become a target, hunted to prevent you from becoming as strong as I once was."

August deliberately omitted the fact that his own demise was a result of his own weaknesses and arrogance, and his tendency to engage in battles without considering the odds.

Aarron interjected with concern, "How am I supposed to repair it without being hunted down the moment I take hold of this sword?"

August leaned forward, his scarred face bearing a serious expression. "You will need to harvest the energy of death by taking lives. The sword must be fed with death energy after each kill. However, the hunters will only track you based on the death energy you emit. You can seek refuge in places where death energy naturally accumulates, such as battlefields and large cemeteries. You could even remain here, in this very cemetery, for the first few years, and they will have a difficult time finding you."

Aarron recoiled at the notion of killing others with his own hands. "I cannot simply take someone's life for this. Moreover, the city guards would surely apprehend me."

August nodded knowingly. "You need not act alone. You can involve your friends in this endeavor."

"What about the talent for death magic?" Aarron inquired, remembering the strange worm that had infiltrated his heart, realizing that he had little choice but to comply.

"They will acquire it just as you have," August replied cryptically.

Aarron's mind raced with questions, but he held his tongue, realizing the urgency of the situation. He was already infected with the energy of death, and the hunt had likely begun. He had been thrust into a world of darkness and danger, where strength and survival were paramount.

"How do I become stronger?" Aarron asked, his voice filled with a mix of uncertainty and determination.

August's eyes gleamed with a sense of purpose. "I will guide you through it, step by step. But know this, the path ahead is treacherous, and sacrifices must be made. Brace yourself, for the journey to mastery, begins now."

Aarron took a deep breath, steeling himself for the trials that lay ahead. The weight of his circumstances began to settle upon his shoulders, and yet, a spark of determination ignited within him. He had been thrust into a world he never imagined, one filled with darkness and danger, but he was not one to shy away from a challenge.

"Very well," Aarron said, his voice resolute. "I will do what it takes to repair the Necrosword and become stronger. I accept this responsibility."

August nodded approvingly, acknowledging Aarron's resolve. "Good. Your journey will not be an easy one, but remember that the power you seek comes with great responsibility. It can be used for both good and evil. Choose your path wisely."

As Aarron prepared himself to embark on this newfound quest, August extended his hand, offering guidance. "I will be your mentor throughout this journey. Together, we will uncover the secrets of the Necrosword and unlock its true potential. But first, we must make preparations."

Aarron reached out and clasped August's hand, sealing their pact. A surge of energy coursed through him, intertwining his fate with that of the Necrosword.

"I am ready," Aarron declared, determination gleaming in his eyes. "Show me the way."

With a solemn nod, August rose from his seated position, gesturing for Aarron to follow. They began to walk through the dark expanse of the mental space, illuminated only by the grayish-black fire that flickered in the distance.

Hela continued her journey through the desolate realm of Helheim, her frustration growing with each futile attempt to find a way out. The remnants of crumbling structures and decaying landscapes served as a constant reminder of her isolation and the dwindling options at her disposal.

As she pressed on, her mind turned to the Necrosword and the feeble mortal who had become its chosen vessel in Midgard. Anger swelled within her, fueled by the perceived betrayal of her masterpiece being wasted on a weak child. She questioned her judgment, doubting the reliability of mortals and their ability to fulfill the role she had envisioned.

Lost in her thoughts, Hela contemplated her next move. The prospect of creating more death worms to aid her escape from Helheim crossed her mind, but she was hesitant to rely on such fickle creatures. She sought a solution that would not depend on the whims of mortal beings.

Recalling the words of a long-forgotten corpse she encountered, Hela entertained the idea that she might have a connection to this realm beyond what she had previously explored. Perhaps there was a trace of her former presence, a house, or a clue that could shed light on her predicament.

With renewed determination, Hela redirected her focus. She turned away from the fruitless paths and ruins that offered no answers and instead embarked on a more introspective search. The desolate landscape seemed to stretch endlessly before her, but she refused to be discouraged.

Days turned into weeks as Hela delved deeper into the recesses of her memories. She sought fragments of forgotten knowledge, memories of a time when Helheim was familiar to her. With each step, she examined the desolation through a different lens, searching for the faintest glimmer of recognition.

In the face of her fruitless search for a way out of Helheim, Hela eventually conceded to the possibility that her connection to the realm was not as strong as she had hoped. She accepted that the path she had been pursuing might have been a misleading one, and her frustration with the situation grew.

Setting aside her quest for escape, Hela turned her attention back to her experiments and studies within Helheim. As Odin's first daughter, she recognized the importance of honing her skills and unlocking the full potential of rune magic. Recent events had highlighted the usefulness of such abilities, and she was determined to delve deeper into their secrets.

Returning to the river of souls, Hela resumed her training and research, delving into the intricate nature of souls and seeking to improve her command over rune magic. While her attention had been focused on the mortal realm of Midgard and the potential of the chosen vessel for the death worm, she knew that her own mastery of these arts was paramount.

"Perhaps this new carrier of the death worm will prove to be of some use after all," Hela pondered. Although she harbored doubts, she recognized the potential for learning and refinement that came with each experience. She resolved to observe the development of the mortal's powers closely, noting any areas where improvements could be made to the death worm's manifestation.

Despite her self-assured nature, Hela couldn't ignore the lingering emotional impact of the perceived betrayal. The wounds were fresh, and time alone would not easily heal them. She acknowledged that she may never fully come to terms with the events that had transpired. However, she refused to allow her emotions to cloud her judgment or deter her from her ultimate goals.

With steely determination, Hela committed herself to further exploration and refinement of her powers. She sought solace in the depth of her knowledge and the potential for growth that lay within her grasp. As she delved deeper into the mysteries of rune magic and the manipulation of souls, she embraced the hope that her efforts would lead her to new revelations and restore her sense of purpose.

Helheim may have denied her an escape, but Hela was far from defeated. She would continue her experiments, her studies, and her quest for power, for as Odin's daughter, she was destined for greatness.