The Recorder of Type-Moon History

This trial was a test for Kevin, but it was also a performance stage for Odin and Loki.

For them, the true trial wasn't about rescuing Idun, the goddess of youth. Instead, it was a deliberately chaotic scenario crafted to test how far Kevin, a man without destiny, could go.

For Odin, Loki, or even Thor, Idun's abduction wasn't an existential crisis. If it had been, they wouldn't have left it to Kevin to resolve. The real trial lay in observing Kevin's decisions amidst a tangled web of challenges.

….

The Third Day

Kevin approached Shaki's castle for the second time, accompanied by the steadfast Valkyrie Slude and the watchful Neil perched on his shoulder.

At the castle gates, Shaki, already aware of Kevin's approach through his magical barriers, set down his axe. Changing into more formal attire, the imposing mountain giant stood waiting.

"Human," Shaki greeted Kevin brusquely. His sharp eyes swept over Slude and then lingered on Kevin. "Why have you come again? I've already said—unless Idun gives me the golden apple, she's not leaving."

Kevin stepped forward confidently, bowing with respect. "Respected mountain giant Lord Shaki," he began. "I came here today to apologize for my impulsive behavior two days ago. My original intention was to find an opportunity to rescue Lady Idun, but I realize now that approach was disrespectful to your hospitality."

As he spoke, Kevin handed over the gifts he had carefully selected the previous day.

Shaki's eyes flicked toward the gifts before returning to Kevin's face. His expression remained stoic, though inwardly he noted the young man's forthrightness.

"I see you've brought friends," Shaki said, glancing at Slude and Neil.

Slude stepped forward, her crimson eyes meeting Shaki's unflinchingly. "I am Slude, a Valkyrie assigned by the Great God Odin to protect Kevin during his trials."

Neil added from Kevin's shoulder, "I am the servant of Luger, the god of light and the sun. Lord Luger has ordered me to ensure Kevin's safety."

Slude continued, her tone formal but assertive. "We mean no deception. I swear in the name of the Valkyrie that there will be no interference from Asgard during the next five days. The only ones involved are those standing before you now."

Kevin turned to Slude in surprise. Her declaration wasn't part of their plan. She gave him a subtle wink, reassuring him that she had reasons for her bold statement.

Shaki scrutinized the trio in silence for a long moment. Then, without a word, he turned and gestured for them to follow him into the castle.

…

Inside the Castle

"This castle is a far cry from your resplendent temples," Shaki remarked as they walked. "I don't care what you intend to do here, but you should know this: Idun cannot leave. I've bound her with a spell. Even if you manage to break it, I'll feel it immediately. If you dare try, be prepared for my wrath."

Kevin and his companions exchanged glances, neither shocked nor discouraged by Shaki's warning. If anything, his candor reassured them that he didn't intend to act against them unless provoked.

Shaki accepted their gifts and arranged rooms for them, but before departing, Kevin couldn't resist asking, "Lord Shaki, may I ask about Skadi—?"

Shaki froze mid-step, casting a sharp look back at Kevin. His frown deepened, and with a low snort of irritation, he turned away without answering, leaving Kevin standing awkwardly in silence.

As soon as Shaki left, Neil perched on Slude's shoulder and regarded Kevin with a mischievous glint.

"Kevin," Neil chirped slyly, "it seems your springtime has finally arrived. But your 'father-in-law' doesn't seem too pleased."

"Go away," Kevin groaned, rolling his eyes at the bird.

Slude crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "You're very concerned about Skadi. Should we assume there's something more here?"

Kevin glared at both of them. "What are you implying? Didn't I tell you already? You'll understand when you meet her!"

Slude exchanged a knowing look with Neil, both now even more curious. Kevin's insistence on returning to the castle and his peculiar behavior since meeting Skadi made it clear that something about her had shaken him.

The trio wandered the castle grounds, ostensibly exploring but also searching for Skadi. Eventually, they reached the garden, where they found Skadi chatting with Idun.

Idun noticed them first, smiling knowingly as she gestured toward Kevin and his companions.

"Kevin?" Skadi turned, her crimson eyes widening in surprise. "You came back?"

She stood, her movements graceful yet tinged with disbelief.

Neil, however, reacted less gracefully. She took one look at Skadi's face, then promptly lost her balance and toppled off Slude's shoulder.

"Scathach?!" Neil squawked as she fell, flapping her wings frantically.

Slude caught her just before she hit the ground, cradling the stunned bird in her hands.

Kevin grinned at the chaos.

Neil righted herself, shaking her feathers as she stared at Skadi, who was now walking toward them. She blinked, rubbed her eyes, and even slapped her own face with her wings.

Finally, she turned to Kevin, her expression a mixture of shock and exasperation.

"No," Kevin said preemptively, anticipating her question. "This is Skadi."

Neil let out a long sigh, shaking her head. "You and this woman... are really fated, aren't you?"

Skadi tilted her head curiously. "What are you talking about?"

Kevin only smiled, while Neil and Slude exchanged weary glances.

As Skadi approached, her radiant resemblance to Scathach became even more striking under the soft sunlight. Yet, there was an undeniable warmth and curiosity in her demeanor that set her apart.

For Kevin, it wasn't just her face that intrigued him—it was her kind-hearted nature, her innocent fascination with the world beyond Jotunheim, and her quiet courage in standing up to her father when necessary.

In Skadi's presence, Kevin felt an odd sense of familiarity and destiny. It wasn't love—at least not yet—but a deep connection that made him want to protect her, even if it meant confronting Shaki again.

As the group settled into their temporary quarters that evening, Slude folded her arms and leaned against the wall, her expression unreadable.

"So, what now?" she asked.

Kevin leaned back in his chair, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Now? We figure out how to convince Shaki to let Idun go... and maybe, just maybe, help Skadi find her own path."

Neil tilted her head. "You mean stay here and negotiate with a giant who could crush you like a twig? Sounds completely sane."

Kevin chuckled. "It's fate, Neil. Sometimes, you just have to roll with it."

Slude shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "You really are impossible, Kevin."

"Maybe," Kevin replied, his eyes glinting with determination. "But impossible isn't a bad place to start."

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