Anxious

Liam stared at Freya with a deep frown etched into his forehead. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. His friends were in enemy territory, and Freya just said they couldn't save them?

"What?" Liam asked with tense voice. "Why?" He felt his anger beginning to rise. "My friends are behind enemy lines, and you're saying we can't do anything to help them?"

Freya met his gaze, her expression calm but filled with the weight of the situation.

"They need to do something first, Liam," she explained. "Erik and Mia are our best advantage in knowing the enemy's movements. If we pull them out now, we lose that edge."

Liam's jaw tightened. His hands clenched into fists at his sides.

"But what if they're in danger?!" His voice rose, carrying a mix of frustration and fear. He took a step closer to Freya and looking at her eyes. "We can't just leave them there."

Freya hesitated, and that pause sent a wave of dread through Liam. She wasn't answering because the truth was too painful. They were in danger, and there was no immediate way to save them. But Liam didn't know that. He didn't know that this has been going for a little bit longer than he knew.

"Listen to me, Liam," Freya said softly but firmly, trying to calm the storm brewing inside him. "We have too much on our hands right now. Thor and the other gods are already fighting to prevent more catastrophes. Erik and Mia… they're our only hope to stop what's coming. Without them, we don't stand a chance."

Liam wanted to argue, to shout that it wasn't fair, that they should do more.

But as he stared into Freya's eyes, the truth of her words hit him. They were at war. Everything was spiraling out of control and they were losing ground with every passing moment. Erik and Mia had taken the risk knowing the stakes, and now, they were key to the battle ahead.

Still, the thought of his friends being in danger, risking their lives to save them, made Liam sick with worry. His stomach churned and his heart ached with the weight of guilt.

"So… what can we do now?" Liam asked, his voice has become calmer.

Freya softened, her tone shifting as she offered a small bit of reassurance.

"Don't worry. They're not completely alone. Mia managed to tinker with the Rune of Heimdall's system. She's made a connection with Odin and now Odin has authority over the system as well. He can communicate with them and provide support."

Hearing that, a flicker of relief passed through Liam. He exhaled slowly, the tension easing just a little.

"Mia..." He let out a short laugh, despite the situation. "I knew she was a badass."

Freya smiled gently, the same soft pride evident in her expression. "She is."

The weight of worry still hung over Liam, but at least now he knew they weren't entirely alone.

Erik and Mia were fighting, and they are together. No matter how dangerous the situation, Liam knew one thing for sure. They would fight their way back. He just had to believe in them.

Liam then looked at Freya, determination hardening his features. "So… what should we do next?" he asked.

Freya's eyes met his. "We need to prepare for everything, like we always do," she said. "Mia managed to send a few more messages to Odin about the enemy's plans. Turns out, there's a lot going on. But be careful, Liam. You're still not fully healed yet. The cure only got you halfway."

Liam frowned, his expression darkening. He hated the thought of being held back by something like not being fully healed. But then, with a small shrug, he accepted the reality of it.

"Well, it is what it is. I'll just have to do what I can with it now," he said with voice a mix of defiance and acceptance.

Freya smiled at his words, clearly pleased by his attitude. "I like your attitude," she said, a flicker of pride in her voice.

Thomas who had remained silent during the conversation stepped forward and placed a hand on Liam's shoulder.

"I'm glad to see you're still that tough boy I remember," he said, his voice filled with warmth and relief. The older man's eyes shimmered with pride as he looked at his grandson.

Liam smiled back at his grandfather, feeling a sense of warmth spread through his chest.

If anything, the trials and everything that he had faced, also the power of the Reincarnated Souls inside him had made him braver and even more positive than he ever remembered being back on Earth. He wasn't just fighting for himself anymore.

Freya took a step toward the door, her expression softening as she looked back at Liam.

"If you think you're ready, meet us in Odin's throne room. We'll go over the details of what's next."

Without waiting for a response, she gave him a final nod and left the room leaving Liam alone with his grandpa for a moment.

Liam watched the door close behind her. Erik and Mia had risked everything to save him. The least he could do was be strong enough to return the favor.

He turned to Thomas with serious expression. "I guess it's time for me to make a move, grandpa."

Thomas squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "I'm sure you'll got this, kid."

With a firm nod, Liam stood up, ignoring the stiffness in his body. He wasn't fully healed, but it didn't matter. He had a job to do. He feeling ready right now.

---

Liam stood in Odin's grand throne room few minutes later. Freya stood beside him with the same serious expression, while Odin sat at the center of it all.

The other gods hadn't yet returned from their battles, leaving an unsettling quiet in the room, but the discussion had already begun. It was clear that something big was brewing.

"Mia informed me that Valeria has captured a Giant," he said, his one good eye gleaming with an intensity that Liam had grown accustomed to. "She's forced the giant into wearing an armor crafted specifically by Vekkir, a dwarf artisan. I'm certain it's a part of her larger scheme."

"What about Erik and Mia themselves?" Liam asked. "What's their condition right now?"

"They're fine," Odin responded. "They haven't been harmed, but... I'd wager they're under tremendous pressure."

Liam clenched his jaw tighter, the muscles in his face tensing. He could imagine the stress Erik and Mia were under while constant danger lurking around every corner.

"Yes," he muttered. "I bet they are."

Freya glanced at Liam, her face softening just a fraction. "We're doing everything we can to support them from here. They know the risks and they're prepared. Because of them, when Valeria start moving the pieces into place, we can be ready on our end as well."

Liam nodded, though it did little to calm the storm brewing inside him. He had to trust that Erik and Mia could handle themselves, but that didn't ease the gnawing worry that something could go wrong.

"I must do something," Liam muttered to himself.

"If you feel restless, I will go practice with you," Freya said.

Liam look at her, and said. "Yeah, that's a good idea. Lets go."

---