The Recorder of Type-Moon History

Kevin shrugged off Neil's concerns, casually brushing aside the implications of his actions.

"I wasn't serious about starting a war," Kevin explained, but Neil didn't seem convinced.

The little bird puffed up, glaring at him. "You know, I used to think you were the rope keeping Cu Chulainn grounded. But now I realize it's the other way around—he was the one holding you back!"

Ever since Cu Chulainn left, Kevin had grown more daring, often toeing the line between reckless and bold.

"Speaking of Cu Chulainn…" Slude interjected, tilting her head. "If he's like a brother to you, Kevin, why don't you go to the underworld and find him?"

The question hung in the air, and Kevin blinked at Slude, caught off guard.

"Why would I do that?" Kevin asked, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "He chose his own path and walked it to the end without regret. What would I even say if I found him?"

Slude tilted her head, her red eyes sparkling with curiosity, but she stayed silent as Kevin continued.

"Besides," Kevin added with a shrug, "he's with Fudia and the others down there. He's not alone."

For a moment, there was quiet between them. Slude studied Kevin with a new sense of understanding, seeing in him a depth she hadn't fully grasped before.

Ding-ding—

The soft sound of two knocks broke the stillness.

Kevin opened the door to find Skadi, peeking nervously into the room. Her crimson eyes flitted to Slude and Neil, and she hesitated.

Although Skadi trusted Kevin, her instincts warned her against the Valkyrie. Slude served Odin, after all, and Skadi couldn't ignore her giant heritage.

"Come in," Kevin invited warmly, sensing her apprehension.

Slude smiled kindly, a gesture meant to put Skadi at ease. After a moment's hesitation, Skadi nodded and stepped inside.

Two days later, on the fifth morning since Kevin's trial began, the castle grounds shook.

Several towering giants had gathered outside Shaki's residence. In their true forms, massive and terrifying, they blocked the rising sun, casting the castle into shadow.

"Shaki!" one of them bellowed, his deep voice echoing across the mountains.

Moments later, Shaki stepped out of the castle. As he grew from human size to his enormous true form, the ground quaked beneath his massive feet.

"What is the meaning of this?" Shaki roared, his thunderous voice filled with anger. His sharp eyes swept over the frost giants before him. "Harold, Nigel, what are you doing here?"

One of the giants, Nigel, stepped forward cautiously. "Shaki, we mean no offense," he began. "But there have been reports of a Valkyrie spotted near your domain. And we've found the bodies of several giants killed by a weapon that resembles the fake god's spear."

Shaki narrowed his eyes. "What does that have to do with me?"

Nigel hesitated before continuing. "There are rumors that a Valkyrie has been visiting your residence, and…" He glanced nervously at Shaki's massive figure. "And that your daughter holds powers that—"

"Enough!" Shaki's roar interrupted him, shaking the mountains. His fiery eyes blazed with fury. "Do you dare insult me? I am the mountain giant Shaki, a warrior feared even by the gods! If a Valkyrie had come here, she would have come for my life!"

Shaki's hand reached into a nearby mountain, gripping something within. As the ground rumbled, he drew out a giant axe, the weapon's blade gleaming with menace.

Seeing this, the frost giants faltered, stepping back in fear. Even Nigel, their leader, looked hesitant.

"Calm down, Shaki," Nigel pleaded. "We have no wish to fight you."

"Hmph!" Shaki slung the axe over his shoulder, his long beard swaying in the wind. "If you believe these ridiculous rumors, then go back to your king and have him confront me himself! Otherwise, I'll slay anyone who dares to insult me!"

The frost giants exchanged uneasy glances before slowly retreating, muttering apologies as they left.

Watching the exchange from a hidden corner, Kevin let out a shaky breath.

"Is your father always this terrifying?" he whispered to Skadi, who stood beside him.

"Kevin," Slude said, rolling her eyes. "Didn't you say yourself that even gods struggle to best Shaki? What did you expect?"

Kevin chuckled nervously but didn't argue.

Once the giants had gone, Shaki returned to his human form and re-entered the castle. His face was dark with suspicion as he approached Kevin, Slude, and Skadi.

"This isn't over," Shaki said grimly, his tone heavy with foreboding. "You don't have much time left."

Kevin's expression turned serious. He understood the weight of Shaki's words.

That evening, as the sunset bathed the garden in golden light, Kevin found Skadi tending to her flowers.

The breeze played with her waist-length purple hair, and the soft glow of the sun highlighted her delicate features.

When she noticed Kevin, she smiled warmly.

"Did you plant all of these yourself?" Kevin asked as he approached.

"Of course," Skadi replied with a playful grin. "Are you surprised?"

"A little," Kevin admitted.

Before he could say more, Skadi conjured a small icicle and tapped him lightly on the head.

They walked together in comfortable silence, the flowers swaying gently in the wind.

After a while, Skadi broke the silence. "Sister Idun told me about your master, Scathach. She said I look a lot like her."

Kevin stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening.

Skadi continued watering her flowers, not looking at him. "I'll admit, I was upset at first. It felt like… I don't know, like I was just a substitute."

"Wait," Kevin interrupted. He stepped forward, his expression earnest. "Skadi, I've never thought of you as a substitute. Scathach is Scathach, and you're you. I can tell the difference."

Skadi finally turned to face him, her red eyes searching his. "Really?"

"Really," Kevin affirmed with a nod.

Skadi hesitated before asking, "Then why do you care about me so much? Isn't it because I look like her?"

Kevin glanced away, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

Skadi pouted.

"Ahem," Kevin cleared his throat. "Listen, I asked Slude to take Idun and use the hawk's feather to leave."

The watering can slipped from Skadi's hand, her eyes widening in shock.

Kevin smiled faintly. "I assume you knew this was your father's plan all along."

Skadi bit her lip, her red eyes glistening. "He's my father, Kevin. What choice do I have?"

"You have me."

Kevin stepped closer, holding out his hand. His voice was steady, his gaze unwavering.

"Skadi, I, Kevin, the son of Luger, the god of light and the sun, swear to you here and now: I won't let your father die like this. But to make that happen, I need your help."

Skadi stared at him, her breath catching.

"You… swear?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I swear," Kevin replied, his tone resolute. "I've already come up with a plan. Trust me, Skadi—I'll save your father."

For a long moment, Skadi didn't move. Then, slowly, she placed her hand in his.

"Alright," she said softly, a small smile forming on her lips. "I'll help you."

Kevin nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "Then let's do this together."

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