The Recorder of Type-Moon History

The notion that the curse binding Hodr's blindness could only be undone by the destruction of the Aesir weighed heavily on Kevin's mind. It was a revelation he hadn't been prepared for, and he now understood why Frigga had left her statement unfinished earlier.

Standing under the silvered glow of Asgard's stars, Kevin glanced back at Loki. He was Odin's sworn brother and the father of Fenrir—the infamous wolf with whom Kevin had struck up an unlikely friendship. Despite his mischievous reputation, Loki's demeanor remained calm and unbothered.

"You know," Loki began, breaking the silence, "Freya would be delighted to see you."

Kevin blinked, startled by the sudden change of topic.

"She loves warriors who shine with a 'dazzling brilliance,'" Loki continued, smirking knowingly. "In truth, if Balder hadn't been playing defense, Freya would've found her way to you long ago. She's persistent, to say the least."

The mention of Balder's efforts brought clarity to Kevin. He recalled her frustration whenever Freya's name was brought up, often accompanied by muttered complaints about "overstepping boundaries."

"Freya has an insatiable desire for things she finds beautiful," Loki added. "That desire often manifests in a need to own them."

Kevin chuckled awkwardly, picturing Balder's aggrieved expression. He suddenly realized that Slude, who had also expressed mild distaste for Freya, likely shared Balder's sentiment for similar reasons.

"She doesn't hate Freya," Loki clarified, reading Kevin's thoughts. "But she's no fan of how Freya diverted nearly half of Valhalla's warriors to her palace. Odin allowed it, seeing no harm in her actions, but you can imagine how that ruffled some feathers."

The image of Freya as a collector of brave warriors intrigued Kevin. Her reputation as the goddess of beauty and love preceded her, but her obsession with warriors painted a more complicated picture.

"Do I really have to go alone?" Kevin asked.

Loki grinned. "Of course. Freya will welcome you warmly, but you'll need to negotiate for the goshawk feather yourself. She'll enjoy seeing you struggle—and you will struggle—but rest assured, she won't hurt you… for now."

Though Loki's warning carried a playful tone, it was laced with enough sincerity to make Kevin nervous.

The next morning, Kevin found himself reluctantly preparing to visit Freya's palace. Despite Balder's vehement protests and insistence that Slude accompany him, Kevin knew he had no choice. The goddess's hawk feather was crucial for entering Shaki's castle, and he needed to retrieve it quickly.

Upon reaching Freya's grand palace, Kevin was greeted by Valkyries who, after a brief discussion, led him and Slude to Freya's private chambers.

When the doors opened, Kevin was met with a scene of dazzling beauty. Freya was seated elegantly by a gilded table, her long silver-gray hair cascading over her shoulders like liquid moonlight. She wore a sheer, flowing gown, and every movement seemed to radiate grace and allure.

Kevin felt his breath hitch. Despite Frigga's enchantments to protect him from Freya's charm, her presence was overwhelming. It took a moment for him to find his voice.

"Lady Freya," he greeted, bowing politely.

Freya's lips curled into an enchanting smile as she studied him with amused eyes. "Kevin, the warrior from the Eileen Continent," she purred, "it's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Slude stiffened at the tone of Freya's voice, stepping protectively closer to Kevin, but Freya paid her no mind.

"Please, sit," Freya gestured gracefully to the chair opposite her. Kevin hesitated but complied.

Her gaze lingered on him, sharp and appraising. Kevin felt as though he were being dissected under her intense scrutiny.

"You've come for my hawk feather," Freya stated matter-of-factly.

"Yes, Lady Freya," Kevin replied, his voice steady.

Freya leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "And what will you offer me in return?"

Kevin hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Before he could respond, Freya continued, her voice teasing. "Of course, you could offer yourself. Become my warrior, and I'll give you not just the feather, but anything you desire."

Kevin's heart skipped a beat. Freya's proposition wasn't surprising, but it was still unnerving. Her words were honeyed, but the implications were heavy.

Slude's fists clenched at her sides, her body taut with tension.

"Lady Freya," Kevin began carefully, "I'm honored by your offer, but I cannot accept. I am bound by my mission."

Freya's smile didn't falter, though her eyes darkened imperceptibly.

Kevin continued, "I don't see myself as a hero or a warrior. I'm simply someone fortunate enough to have been given second chances. I'm unworthy of such a title."

His words seemed to catch Freya off guard. She leaned back, her smile softening as she regarded him thoughtfully.

"Humility," she murmured. "A rare quality in someone with your reputation."

After a long pause, Freya stood gracefully and walked to a nearby chest. She retrieved a gleaming feather and held it out to Kevin.

"I will lend you the hawk feather," she said, her voice firm. "But only on two conditions."

Kevin nodded, prepared to listen.

"First," Freya said, "you must prove your bravery. I will select warriors from my palace, and you will fight them in my presence."

Kevin nodded again, unfazed.

"Second," Freya added, her smile returning with a mischievous glint, "after you complete your test, you must visit me within three days. One day is all I ask."

Kevin froze, glancing at Slude, whose disapproving glare spoke volumes. But he knew he had little choice.

"I accept," he said finally.

The subsequent battle was grueling but invigorating. Under Freya's watchful eye, Kevin fought against two of her chosen warriors. Though they were skilled, Kevin's experience and determination shone through, earning Freya's approval.

As she handed over the hawk feather, Freya's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "You've impressed me, Kevin. I'll look forward to your visit."

As Kevin and Slude left the palace, Slude couldn't hide her irritation.

"She's toying with you," she muttered.

Kevin sighed. "I know. But it's a small price to pay for what we need."

Back in her chambers, Freya watched them leave with a knowing smile.

"Do you think he noticed?" one of her Valkyries asked.

"Not yet," Freya replied cryptically. "But he will. The light within him is unlike anything I've seen in centuries."

Her smile deepened, her gray eyes glinting with intrigue.

"And I intend to make it mine."

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