The Recorder of Type-Moon History

"I'm back."

Skadi's voice was soft as she returned to the castle. Shaki, who was chopping wood, paused mid-swing and glanced at his daughter.

"He's gone?" Shaki asked, his gruff voice tinged with curiosity.

"Yeah," Skadi nodded, her long purple hair swaying as she walked past.

"...That human." Shaki grunted, planting the axe into the ground. "He's quite... interesting."

Skadi tilted her head, her red eyes curious. "Father, have you ever met other humans?"

Shaki chuckled darkly, his white hair rustling in the breeze. "Plenty. I've eaten a lot of them too. Foolish creatures always think they can defeat me and claim my treasures."

Skadi pursed her lips, unsure how to respond.

Idun chose that moment to emerge from the castle, her golden pigtails gleaming in the morning sun. She smiled as she approached. "Regardless of what you think about humans, Kevin is special. The fact that he's friends with Fenrir proves it."

"Friends with Fenrir?" Skadi froze mid-step, blinking in surprise.

Shaki's brow furrowed. He looked at Idun sharply. "Is that true?"

Idun chuckled softly and winked at Skadi. "He didn't tell you?"

Skadi shook her head. "No, he just told me some interesting stories about his homeland. Erin, I think he called it. He said he needed Fenrir's blood, but he didn't mention they were friends."

Idun's laughter grew. She began recounting how Kevin befriended Fenrir—a tale that had spread widely among the gods thanks to Tyr's loose tongue. She even described the infamous incident when Fenrir destroyed part of Asgard looking for Kevin after being "stood up."

By the end, Skadi looked utterly astonished, while Shaki stared into the distance, his expression unreadable.

"Skadi, go inside," Shaki ordered suddenly, his tone firm.

Skadi hesitated, reluctant to leave, but a glance at her father's serious face convinced her otherwise. She gave Idun a quick, apologetic smile before heading inside.

Once they were alone, Shaki rested his hand on the axe and fixed Idun with a piercing gaze. "You want to ask about Loki and me."

Idun nodded, unperturbed by Shaki's sharp tone. "Yes, I do. I've been thinking about it since you brought me here."

Without waiting for a response, Idun summoned a treasure box out of thin air and opened it, revealing the golden apples within. Their divine glow illuminated the space between them.

"The golden apples grant eternal youth," Idun began. "But their effect isn't permanent. They need to be consumed regularly. Even if I gave you one, you'd eventually need another."

Shaki's eyes flicked to the treasure box, his face betraying no emotion.

"So," Idun continued, closing the box, "what's your true goal?"

Shaki was silent for a long moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. Finally, he spoke. "Skadi. My goal is to see her join the Aesir."

Idun wasn't surprised. She had suspected as much. "Why not approach the Aesir directly?"

Shaki barked a bitter laugh. "Do you think they'd listen to a giant? Those walls they built weren't meant to keep out wolves—they're there to keep us out. If my daughter didn't possess divine power, I wouldn't even entertain the thought of sending her to them."

"But Loki—"

"I don't trust your gods," Shaki interrupted sharply. "That's why I need leverage. And you," he gestured toward her, "are my guarantee. They'll negotiate if it means getting their precious goddess of youth back."

Idun studied Shaki carefully. Despite his gruff demeanor, she could see the determination in his eyes. He was willing to sacrifice everything for Skadi's future.

"You'll die," Idun said bluntly. "The authority of the gods cannot be challenged without consequences."

Shaki's expression didn't waver. "I've already accepted that. To gain something, you have to pay a price."

Idun smiled faintly, impressed by his resolve. "You know, I think Kevin will come back."

Shaki raised an eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"

"Because he's not just any human," Idun replied cryptically. "I understand now why Odin and Loki are watching him so closely. They want to see how far a man without destiny can go."

Meanwhile, back at the inn where Kevin had reunited with Slude and Neil, the Valkyrie and the bird regarded him with exasperation.

Kevin shifted uncomfortably under their scrutinizing gazes. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Nothing," Slude said dryly, rubbing her temples.

Neil flapped her wings in agreement. "Absolutely nothing. We're just... impressed."

Kevin frowned, confused. "Impressed?"

Slude rolled her eyes. "Let me guess—the plan to use the goshawk feather and sneak Idun out failed spectacularly."

"Well..." Kevin hesitated. "Did Loki really think that would work?"

"What do you mean?" Slude asked, narrowing her eyes.

Kevin sighed. "I think there's more to this situation than we know. Shaki isn't unreasonable, and there's definitely a deeper story behind all this."

Slude and Neil exchanged wary glances. They had a sinking feeling they knew where this was heading.

"What exactly are you planning?" Slude asked cautiously.

Kevin stood, a determined glint in his eyes. "I'm going back to Shaki's castle."

Slude groaned audibly. "What? Why?"

Kevin grinned. "This time, we're going together. And we're bringing gifts. It's always good to build a little goodwill."

Slude stared at him incredulously, while Neil squawked in disbelief. "Are we saving someone or visiting as honored guests?"

Meanwhile, in Asgard, Odin and Loki observed the unfolding events through Neil's "eyes."

"It seems the original plan has failed," Odin remarked, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

Loki smirked. "Yes, but I'm not surprised. Kevin rarely takes the direct approach. Besides, it wasn't as if he had the chance this time."

Odin chuckled. "Do you think Shaki will survive?"

Loki leaned back, his wicked grin widening. "That depends entirely on Kevin. He's already thrown the script into chaos. Let's see what kind of miracle he creates."

Odin nodded, his single eye gleaming with interest. "Indeed. Chaos can be... enlightening."

Both gods fell silent, their gazes fixed on Kevin, who had unwittingly turned their carefully laid plans into a tangled web of possibilities.

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