The sun had just begun to rise over the horizon, casting a soft golden glow across the serene gardens of Valhalla. The crisp air carried a light breeze, gently rustling the leaves of the ancient trees surrounding Asia as she sat on a stone bench, gazing out into the distance. Despite the tranquil surroundings, her heart felt heavy with confusion and unease.
Something had been changing in her, and it wasn't just the usual growth that came with honing her magical abilities. It was deeper, more intrinsic—like something was shifting beneath the surface of her very being.
Asia raised her hand to her face, gently touching her cheek with the tips of her fingers. Her skin felt softer, more delicate than it had ever been before. She caught her reflection in a nearby pool of water and frowned slightly. Her face, once round and youthful, had taken on a more defined shape. Her jawline was sharper, her cheekbones more pronounced, and her features seemed to carry an ethereal quality that made her look almost unearthly. Her lips had taken on a fuller, more graceful curve, and her eyes—those deep green eyes—seemed to glow with an inner light, reflecting the magic within her.
It wasn't just her face. Her entire body had undergone subtle changes. Her frame was still slender, but now it seemed more elegant, more refined. Her movements felt lighter, more graceful, as if gravity had less of a hold on her. Even her hair, once straight and simple, had transformed. Her blonde locks had become fuller, cascading down her back in soft waves that shimmered in the light, giving her an almost ethereal appearance. Where her hair had once been straight, it now had volume and movement, as if it too had been touched by the strange magic that seemed to flow through her.
And then there was the feeling—the strange sensation that her healing powers were growing stronger, but in ways she couldn't fully understand.
With a sigh, Asia let her hand drop, her gaze turning toward Yuki, Shin's loyal white wolf, who sat beside her, ever watchful. Yuki's bright eyes shimmered with intelligence, her head slightly tilted as if she could sense Asia's unease. The wolf's soft fur gleamed in the morning light, and for a moment, Asia felt a small measure of comfort from her presence.
"Yuki..." Asia whispered, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She reached out, gently running her fingers through Yuki's fur. The sensation was calming, grounding her, if only for a moment. "I... I don't know what's happening to me."
Yuki made a soft, contented sound, her ears twitching as she leaned into Asia's touch. She couldn't speak, of course, but there was something about her presence—something that made Asia feel like she was being heard. Yuki understood in her own way, offering silent support as Asia's thoughts swirled in confusion.
"I just... I feel different," Asia continued, her brow furrowing as she tried to put her feelings into words. "It's not like when I learned new spells or when I grew stronger in my healing. This is... something else. It's like my body is changing without me even knowing why."
She glanced down at her hands, flexing her fingers as if expecting to see something new, something unfamiliar. Nothing was outwardly wrong, but Asia couldn't shake the feeling that her very essence was shifting.
"My powers... they're stronger too," she murmured, a note of hesitation creeping into her voice. "I can feel it in my sacred gear. It's like... I can do more than I ever could before. I healed a soldier the other day—a wound that should have taken minutes to close—and it happened in seconds. I didn't even think about it. It just... happened."
Asia's grip on Yuki's fur tightened slightly, her heart racing as the memories flooded back. She had always been proud of her healing abilities, but this—this was different. It was like her magic was evolving, becoming something far more potent than she had ever imagined. But why? And what did it mean for her?
"I don't understand," Asia said, her voice barely above a whisper now. "What's happening to me?"
The events at the Well of Urd weighed heavily on her, and now these changes were adding to her confusion. Maybe this was what the Well had been referring to. It had said she would be part of the upcoming events, a big part. Could this be connected to that? Was this transformation somehow tied to the fate the Norns had hinted at, a future she had yet to fully comprehend?
Yuki pressed her head against Asia's leg, her warmth offering a quiet comfort in response. The wolf's eyes, sharp and understanding, seemed to say everything that words couldn't. You're not alone.
For a moment, Asia allowed herself to relax, drawing strength from Yuki's presence. But deep down, the questions remained, gnawing at the edges of her mind. What was happening to her body? Why was she changing in ways she couldn't control or comprehend? And what did it mean for her future in Asgard?
Asia let out a slow breath, closing her eyes as she leaned back against the bench, letting the sounds of the garden wash over her. The soft rustle of leaves, the distant chirping of birds—it was all so peaceful, so serene. And yet, inside, she felt anything but peaceful.
"I guess I'll just have to wait and see," she whispered to herself, though the words brought little comfort. There was no way to know what was coming, no way to predict how these changes would unfold. All she could do was face them, one step at a time.
Yuki shifted beside her, resting her head in Asia's lap. Asia smiled softly, running her fingers through the wolf's fur once more. Whatever happened, at least she had Yuki by her side—a silent guardian, a loyal friend. And for now, that was enough.
(Scene Break)
Odin's hall was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of cloaks and armor as Shin and Thor stood before the All-Father. Odin's single eye gleamed with purpose, his gaze shifting between the two warriors. The captured Dark Elf had finally broken, and the information he revealed was troubling—Jotunheim's involvement hinted at something far larger than they had anticipated.
"Jotunheim is part of this," Odin began, his voice low and deliberate. "But it goes beyond that. The scope of this plot is greater than we first believed. We need more information, and Niflheim is the key. Thor, Shin—you are to go there, find out what you can, and return swiftly."
Thor grinned, his hand instinctively tightening around Mjolnir's handle. "Niflheim, eh? Sounds like fun."
Shin smirked, always ready for the next challenge. "We'll get the information you need."
Odin nodded, the weight of the mission pressing down on them. "Go with caution. The realm of Niflheim is not to be underestimated."
Without another word, Shin and Thor turned to leave, already prepared for what lay ahead.
The moment they arrived in Niflheim, the cold struck like a force of nature. Shin stood still for a moment, his breath visible in the icy air, his eyes widening at the breathtaking sight before him. The frozen land stretched endlessly in every direction, vast and imposing. Huge jagged mountains dominated the horizon, their peaks coated in thick layers of ice and snow. The ground was a solid sheet of frost, glittering under the pale light of the realm's perpetually overcast sky.
The air was blisteringly cold, and yet there was a beauty to it—a harsh, unforgiving kind of beauty. The ice, the snow, the distant echo of wind howling through the mountains—it all made the land seem alive, ancient, and deeply powerful. Shin could almost feel the magic of the realm thrumming beneath his feet, the energy of the Ice Giants who called this place home.
"Quite the view," Shin murmured, his eyes scanning the frozen landscape. "Never thought a place so deadly could look so… beautiful."
Thor chuckled, his breath steaming as he looked out across the ice plains. "Aye. Niflheim's not for the faint of heart. But we're not here for sightseeing." He cracked his neck, his grin widening. "Let's find ourselves some Ice Giants."
The two began their trek across the tundra, moving silently, their senses alert. They concealed their magic, blending into the icy environment as they navigated the towering trees of frost and snow. Every step was cautious, calculated, as they moved through the landscape like shadows. The wind howled around them, carrying with it the distant sounds of movement—perhaps Ice Giants in the far distance.
After hours of searching, they found what they were looking for.
A small camp lay ahead, nestled between two massive ice formations that rose like jagged teeth against the frozen sky. The air was sharp, biting at Shin's skin, but the cold didn't seem to bother the Ice Giants who stood around a flickering fire. Their massive forms were wrapped in thick, battle-worn armor, the steel dull but sturdy, the kind that could withstand the elements of Niflheim. They conversed in low, rumbling voices, their breaths forming thick clouds of frost in the freezing air. The ice that caked their skin made them seem as much a part of the landscape as the towering glaciers in the distance.
"Looks like we found our targets," Shin whispered, crouching behind a large boulder, his eyes narrowing as he observed the giants. "What do you think? Should we ask nicely?"
His tone carried a hint of amusement, though his mind was already calculating the possibilities. These were not ordinary foot soldiers. They were seasoned, their movements deliberate, and from their armor and weapons, it was clear they were preparing for something significant. Shin's instincts flared—this wasn't just a random group.
Thor, crouched beside him, grinned, his breath steaming in the cold air. His fiery red hair and beard stood out starkly against the white backdrop, but his presence was anything but subtle. The God of Thunder radiated an energy that was hard to ignore, even when he was trying to stay low-key.
"Asking nicely isn't really my style," Thor said with a smirk, his blue eyes flashing with the excitement of battle.
Before Shin could respond, Thor's arm whipped forward, sending a knife sailing through the air. Shin blinked, surprised by the sudden movement but intrigued. It struck the ground just in front of the Ice Giants with a solid thud, embedding itself deep in the frozen earth. The giants, startled, turned their attention toward the knife.
So that's what he's planning, Shin thought, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. He could see the mischief in Thor's actions. Always ready for a fight, aren't you?
Earlier, Shin had given Thor three of his knives, each inscribed with a teleportation circle—a backup plan for tight situations. The idea was simple: if they ever got separated or needed to coordinate an ambush, Thor could throw the knife, and Shin could instantly teleport to its location. It was meant as a safeguard, a tool for tactical mobility. But it seemed Thor had a different idea—using the knife to initiate an attack instead of retreating or regrouping.
Shin couldn't help but approve. I can get behind this.
"What's this?" one of the Ice Giants growled, his voice a deep, rumbling sound as he stepped forward to inspect the blade.
That was when they heard the scream.
From above, Thor came crashing down like a thunderbolt, Mjolnir raised high, his expression fierce and triumphant. The Ice Giants barely had time to react as the God of Thunder plummeted toward them, the air crackling with energy. The sheer force of Thor's descent was enough to send shockwaves rippling through the ice below, causing fissures to form beneath the giants' feet. But their first mistake had already been made—they took their eyes off the knife.
From his vantage point, hidden high in the frost-covered trees, Shin's smirk widened. Perfect timing.
The knife still pulsed with latent energy, the teleportation circle glowing faintly. A flash of red lightning crackled around the blade, and in the blink of an eye, Shin appeared where the knife had been, standing in the middle of the camp, his red eyes glowing beneath the frost-kissed sky. His expression was calm but deadly, the look of a man who had already won the fight before it had begun.
Shin inhaled deeply, the cold air filling his lungs as the Draconic magic surged through his veins, setting his blood aflame with power. The familiar heat built within him, but this time, he had a new idea. What if...
He had a theory. If he could use his Draconic magic to build flames in his lungs and then combine those flames with his Sacred Gear—the Power of Destruction he had adapted over time—he might be able to create something entirely new. The Flames of Destruction. The thought intrigued him, a combination of two deadly forces he had never tried before. Now, surrounded by enemies, seemed like the perfect time to test it.
The flames that erupted from Shin's mouth were unlike anything the supernatural world had ever seen. Deep red, swirling with raw, unstoppable power, the fire wasn't just flame—it was destruction. The Draconic Flames of Destruction burst forth in a violent torrent, engulfing half of the Ice Giants in its path. The flames didn't just burn; they consumed, leaving nothing behind. Their screams filled the air, their bodies turning to steam in mere seconds, vanishing into the icy wind as if they had never existed.
As the flames danced around him, Shin watched the devastation with a sense of satisfaction. So it works, he thought, his lips curling into a small, self-satisfied grin.
Thor, capitalizing on the moment, came down with Mjolnir, smashing it into the ground with a thunderous roar. The impact sent a shockwave through the camp, and three more Ice Giants shattered beneath the blow, their bodies exploding into tiny fragments of ice that scattered across the frozen plains.
Only two Ice Giants remained, backing away in sheer terror. The once-mighty warriors were now reduced to trembling shadows of their former selves, their bulky forms shaking with fear. The overwhelming power of Thor and Shin was too much for them—the looming sense of death crushed them under its weight.
"Look at them," Thor muttered, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Big as mountains, but now they're just mice."
The two remaining giants turned to flee, but it was too late. Shin was already behind them, his speed enhanced by his teleportation abilities and Draconic energy. One of the giants barely had time to register the spike of pure Power of Destruction that impaled him before his body disintegrated into dust, swept away by the cold wind of Niflheim.
The final Ice Giant fell to his knees, his enormous hands raised in a pathetic gesture of surrender. "Please... mercy..." he begged, his voice cracking with desperation.
Shin and Thor exchanged glances, the unspoken question hanging in the air between them. For a moment, the camp was eerily silent, the only sound the faint crackling of ice underfoot and the distant howl of the wind.
"Shall we?" Thor asked with a smirk, raising an eyebrow.
The Ice Giant, watching in horror, blinked in confusion as the two warriors—who had just wiped out his entire group—began to play rock, paper, scissors. The game was over in seconds, with Shin raising a triumphant fist in victory.
"Ha!" Shin laughed. "Looks like you're up, Thor."
Thor grinned, turning his attention to the terrified giant. "Lucky for you, I'm in a good mood."
Half an hour later, the last Ice Giant lay slumped against the icy ground, his body carved with signs of intense torture. Thor wiped the blood from his hands, his expression cold as he turned to Shin.
"Seems like they were out here gathering resources for some bigger mission," Thor said, his voice low. "The poor bastard didn't know much, but he did mention something interesting—there's a larger camp. A couple hundred Ice Giants, just west of here."
Shin nodded. "Sounds like our next stop."
The cold wind howled around them as they prepared to move on, deeper into the frozen wasteland of Niflheim.
(Scene Break)
It had been four days since Shin and Thor left for Niflheim, and every moment Asia had spent in Asgard felt longer and more isolated. The city bustled around her, but she felt out of place—like a shadow that didn't quite belong. Her heart was heavy, her thoughts tangled as she walked through the cold streets, barely registering the frosty wind that swept through the air.
Every time Shin had returned from Niflheim, he had been in a rush, teleporting in and out, his face sharp with purpose. He gave brief reports to Odin and the others, detailing how they had taken down groups of Ice Giants, inching closer to understanding the conspiracy that threatened Asgard. Dark Elves, Ice Giants... and potentially two more unknown factions were involved. It was clear something massive was brewing, something that could shake the foundations of Asgard.
Yet as important as all of that was, Asia found herself consumed by something else—something far more personal. Her.
She couldn't shake the feeling anymore. Her body was changing, and the more she tried to deny it, the more evident it became with each passing day. Every morning when she looked in the mirror, her reflection felt like a stranger staring back at her. Her once soft, youthful features had become more defined, sharper. Her face, which had always been innocent and kind, now carried a regal grace that unnerved her. It was as if the very structure of her bones had shifted, giving her an otherworldly beauty that made her feel like she didn't recognize herself anymore.
What's happening to me? The question echoed in her mind, but there were no answers. She could feel it in her magic, too—an unfamiliar power coursing through her veins, growing stronger every day. Healing was something she had always prided herself on, but now... it was as if her abilities had taken on a life of their own, reaching beyond her control.
The uncertainty gnawed at her. What if something terrible was happening? What if she was losing herself, becoming something she couldn't understand? Fear welled up inside her, gripping her heart.
As she walked through the cobbled streets of Asgard, lost in thought, she barely noticed the people around her whispering. Their curious glances lingered on her for just a second too long, and she could hear their murmurs—soft but distinct. The human citizens seemed... fascinated by her. They watched her with a strange reverence that sent chills down her spine. Why? What had changed so drastically that people were staring at her like this?
She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ignore the weight of their gazes, the cold wind biting at her skin. She had never felt so out of place in a city she had come to know so well.
But it wasn't until she felt a sudden presence behind her that her pulse quickened. She turned slowly, her heart skipping a beat when her eyes met a figure that was as regal as it was intimidating.
Freya.
The Goddess of Love and Beauty stood just a few feet away, her violet eyes glinting with a quiet amusement. Her gown—rich purples and gold—floated gracefully around her, the colors shimmering in the faint light. Her long white hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of silk, making her seem almost otherworldly. There was something about her presence that made the hairs on the back of Asia's neck stand on end.
"Freya," Asia managed to say, her voice soft but filled with surprise. She hadn't expected to see the goddess, let alone be approached by her. It wasn't often that Freya paid attention to someone like Asia, and the mere fact that she was here now sent waves of anxiety coursing through her.
Freya tilted her head, a smirk playing on her lips as she observed Asia with an almost predatory gaze. "Taking a stroll, are we?"
Asia nodded stiffly, feeling the tension coil tighter in her chest. There was something unsettling in Freya's gaze—something knowing, as if the goddess was looking through her rather than at her. "Yes... I just needed to clear my head," Asia said, trying to keep her voice steady.
Freya stepped closer, her eyes scanning Asia's figure with a discerning look, as though she was sizing her up for something. "I imagine you've had a lot to think about lately," she remarked casually, but there was a sharpness behind the words.
Asia blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean?"
Freya's smile widened, though there was something almost sinister lurking behind it, something that made Asia's stomach twist with unease. "Tell me, Asia. Have you felt... different lately? Changes to your magic? To your body, perhaps?"
The words hit Asia like a blow, and her breath caught in her throat. How could she know? Her heart raced, pounding so hard she thought Freya might be able to hear it. She took a step back, her pulse quickening with fear. She had told no one about the changes—not even Shin. How could Freya possibly know?
"H-How do you know that?" Asia stammered, her voice trembling with the weight of the revelation.
Freya chuckled softly, the sound light and melodic, but beneath it was something far more ominous. "Oh, you really are clueless, aren't you?" She crossed her arms, her gaze almost condescending as she looked down at Asia. "Tell me, girl. Have you ever heard of the Power of Manifestation?"
Asia's mind raced, trying to understand what Freya was implying. "Yes, I think so. It's something humans say to motivate themselves... to push toward their goals, right?" Her voice wavered, unsure of where this conversation was going, but every part of her body screamed that this was important—critical, even.
Freya laughed again, but this time it was louder, more pointed, as if Asia's response was amusing to her. "Yes, but also no," Freya said, her violet eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "The Power of Manifestation is far more than just a silly human motivational tool. Little do humans know, they possess the strongest power of all." She paused, letting her words sink in like venom. "Their belief is what created us. We gods and goddesses weren't born from mothers or fathers. We were born from human belief—their faith in us gave us life."
Asia's heart dropped as Freya's words washed over her. She stared at the goddess, her mind struggling to process the magnitude of what she was hearing. Created by human belief? That couldn't be true... could it?
Freya nodded, as if reading Asia's thoughts. "Yes, humans made us. And that belief, even when it fades, only makes us stronger. This is true for all gods—Norse, Greek, Shinto, Buddhism, even the Biblical God. We are all born from the belief of mortals."
Asia swallowed hard, her mouth dry as she tried to keep her composure. "But... what does that have to do with me?" she asked, her voice cracking under the pressure of the moment. Fear gnawed at her insides. What is happening to me?
Freya's smirk deepened, and she stepped closer, her presence overwhelming. She leaned in slightly, her voice low but filled with amusement. "Oh, you silly girl," she purred. "Don't you see what's happening? Asgard is filled with human citizens—humans who have heard of your exploits, your abilities. They've begun to worship you as a healing goddess."
Asia's world spun. The weight of Freya's words hit her like a tidal wave, and she staggered slightly, struggling to stay upright. Worshipping me? Her hands shook as she stared at Freya, her mind reeling. The changes in her body, the whispers of the people around her, her growing magic... it all made sense now. It had never been random. It had been building, leading to this.
Freya's voice was soft but final as she delivered the crushing truth. "You're becoming a goddess, Asia."
For a moment, Asia could only stand there, frozen in shock. Her mind raced, trying to replay everything that had happened over the past few weeks—the way her healing had surpassed even her wildest expectations, the strange transformation in her appearance, the surge of power that had been growing within her, day by day. It was all real. It was happening.
"I'm... becoming a goddess?" she whispered, her voice trembling, her throat tight with emotion.
Freya straightened, her smile never faltering, as if she had been waiting for this exact moment. "Yes, dear. The humans of Asgard have begun to worship you. Their belief is transforming you. You're not just Asia Argento anymore—you're becoming something more."
Asia's heart pounded in her chest as the weight of Freya's words settled over her, crushing her under the realization of what was happening. She wasn't just changing—she was transforming, piece by piece, into something she didn't even understand. Something... divine.
(Scene Break)
The air grew colder and more still as Shin and Thor moved through the treacherous terrain of Niflheim, the icy wind biting at their faces. Their breath misted in the frozen air as they stalked through the snow-covered landscape. In the distance, a group of Ice Giants loomed, clustered around a large encampment. The firelight flickered against the white of the snow, casting long shadows over the imposing figures. They were clad in thick armor, their massive forms towering over the landscape. This was it—the final group of Ice Giants they needed to take down to complete their mission.
Shin narrowed his red eyes as he crouched behind a frozen outcrop of rock, scanning the camp. "This should be the last group, right?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the howling wind.
Thor, crouched beside him, nodded grimly. His breath was visible in the cold, and his blue eyes gleamed with the anticipation of battle. "Aye. Once we finish these bastards off, we can finally get some answers."
Shin smirked. The two of them had taken down four groups already, each fight leading them closer to the truth. Dark Elves, Ice Giants, and Giants from Jotunheim were involved—of that much they were certain. But there was something more here, something that still eluded them. Shin's instincts told him this group held the final piece to the puzzle.
"Ready?" Shin asked, the air around him crackling with anticipation.
Thor grinned, gripping Mjolnir tightly in his hand. "Always."
They moved swiftly, slipping through the shadows, their magic cloaked to avoid detection. Shin's heart pounded with excitement, but something about the air felt... wrong. The closer they got to the encampment, the more his gut twisted with unease.
As they approached, Shin and Thor exchanged a glance, and without a word, they moved in unison. Thor raised Mjolnir, and with a mighty swing, sent the hammer crashing into the earth. The ground quaked, sending Ice Giants stumbling backward, caught off guard by the sudden attack.
Shin capitalized on the chaos. With a flash of red lightning, he teleported to the center of the camp, appearing in a burst of energy as his blade sliced through the air, cutting down the nearest Ice Giant before they even knew what hit them.
But something was off.
As the first wave of Giants fell, more appeared, seemingly from nowhere. Dark Elves emerged from the shadows, their arrows raining down from the high cliffs surrounding the encampment. The air crackled with fire, and Shin's eyes widened as he saw the hulking forms of Lava Giants from Muspelheim emerging from the distant hills, their molten bodies casting an eerie red glow over the battlefield. And then, from the north, Giants from Jotunheim stormed in, their massive forms shaking the ground as they charged.
"This isn't right..." Shin muttered, eyes darting around. "Thor, it's an ambush!"
Thor barely had time to react before a group of Ice Giants closed in, their massive fists swinging toward him. He raised Mjolnir just in time to block the blow, the impact sending shockwaves through the ground. "Damn it, they were waiting for us!" he shouted, smashing his hammer into the chest of the nearest Giant, sending it sprawling.
Shin spun around, cutting down a Dark Elf who had tried to sneak up on him. "Four groups... this confirms it!" he yelled, adrenaline surging through him as he parried another attack. "They've banded together—Ice Giants from Niflheim, Dark Elves from Svartalfheim, Giants from Jotunheim, and Lava Giants from Muspelheim—they're all working together!"
Thor grunted as he slammed Mjolnir into the earth, sending a shockwave through the ground that knocked several enemies off their feet. "Then it's an invasion for sure! We must report this immediately!"
Shin cursed under his breath, his mind racing. They needed to escape, but the numbers were overwhelming. And worse—he felt it. The barrier. He tried to teleport, tried to summon the familiar surge of magic that would carry them away, but nothing happened. The battlefield was surrounded by a barrier, preventing any teleportation in or out. He could only teleport to other places within the barrier, which didn't help.
"They've sealed the battlefield," Shin growled. "We're trapped."
Thor swung Mjolnir again, his expression fierce as he fought off another wave of Ice Giants. "Then we'll just have to break through."
The next few moments were a blur of chaos. Dark Elves launched arrows from the cliffs, while the ground trembled beneath the weight of the three different kinds of Giants. Shin and Thor fought back to back, their bodies moving in perfect synchrony, but the enemies kept coming, wave after wave, an endless onslaught that seemed impossible to overcome.
Shin's heart raced, his magic surging violently within him as he fought through the endless waves of enemies. His blade, now coated in his newly found and newly favored Flames of Destruction, left scorched devastation wherever it swung. The red, crackling flames clung to his sword, wrapping around the blade like a living entity, and every time it sliced through flesh, it left nothing but blackened, smoldering remains. Dark Elves, Ice Giants, and Lava Giants alike fell before the onslaught, their bodies incinerated by the intensity of the draconic and destructive flames.
Each swing of his sword was a delicate balance between immense power and the painful toll it took on his body. The Flames of Destruction were potent, nearly unstoppable, but they demanded more from Shin than any magic he had ever wielded before. His veins burned with the strain of keeping the flames alive, his muscles screaming in protest. He could feel his magical reserves depleting faster with each swing, and it was becoming harder to maintain control.
Shin gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling up inside him. He didn't have the level of control over the Power of Destruction that Sirzechs possessed—hell, not even what Rias had. They wielded the magic like a well-honed weapon, bending it to their will with practiced ease. But Shin? He barely knew how to use it. He had potential, that much was clear, but potential meant nothing without mastery.
I'll need to absorb more from Rias... he thought, grimacing as he felt the magic slipping through his grasp. Add that to the to-do list...
But that was a problem for another day. Right now, he needed to survive.
I have to keep going... I can't stop... not yet, he thought, gritting his teeth harder as his blade cleaved through the neck of a Jotunheim Giant. The Flames of Destruction instantly reduced the hulking figure to ash, but the effort left Shin feeling drained, like a fire burning through its last embers. His muscles ached from the exertion, and he could feel the weight of exhaustion pressing down on him like an invisible hand squeezing the life out of his body.
Still, the enemies kept coming. For every foe he cut down, another seemed to take their place, emerging from the shadows, ready to kill. Dark Elves loosed arrows from the cliffs above, sharp and deadly, while the towering forms of Giants from Jotunheim and Muspelheim closed in from all sides, forming a circle of death around him and Thor.
Shin's blade lashed out again, carving through a Lava Giant. The flames on his sword crackled with intensity, scorching even the molten rock that formed the Giant's body. But with each strike, the strain on his magic became unbearable. His breath was ragged, and his vision blurred around the edges, the signs of magical exhaustion beginning to set in. His Phenix clan regeneration was still working, but it couldn't keep up with the sheer damage his body was taking from overuse of the destructive flames.
I'm not going to last much longer at this rate... he thought, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He could barely feel his fingers gripping his sword anymore.
But he couldn't stop. Not now. Not when they were so close to confirming the threat against Asgard.
Thor, standing just a few feet away, roared as he brought Mjolnir crashing into the earth. The force of the blow sent a shockwave through the ground, knocking several enemies off their feet. A few Lava Giants were caught in the blast, their molten forms shattered by the force of Thor's attack. But even the God of Thunder was starting to slow. Blood dripped from a gash on his forehead, mingling with the sweat and dirt that covered his face. His breathing was labored, each swing of Mjolnir more taxing than the last.
"We're getting overwhelmed," Shin muttered, panting as he fended off another group of Dark Elves. His muscles screamed in protest, and his magic felt like it was draining faster than he could replenish it. The Flames of Destruction continued to burn around his sword, but each time he called upon them, the toll on his body grew heavier.
Thor grunted in response, swinging Mjolnir into the chest of an Ice Giant, sending the massive creature crashing to the ground. His chest heaved with exertion, and for the first time, there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "We need to break that barrier," he said, his voice thick with fatigue.
Shin nodded, trying to steady his breathing as he deflected an incoming strike from a Dark Elf. He could feel the pull of exhaustion settling deep in his bones, his Phenix clan regeneration struggling to keep up with the sheer number of injuries he had sustained. Cuts and bruises littered his body, and his once-reliable healing abilities were beginning to falter. His vision blurred for a moment, and he blinked hard, trying to refocus.
But he couldn't stop. Not now.
Summoning what little strength he had left, Shin cut down another Giant, blood splattering across the snow as he turned to Thor. "We have one chance," he panted, barely able to keep his sword steady as the flames flickered along the blade. "I'll infuse your hammer with the Power of Destruction. We use it to break the barrier."
Thor, bloodied but unyielding, looked at Shin with a gleam of determination in his eyes. Despite the exhaustion etched across his face, there was no hesitation. "Do it," he growled, gripping Mjolnir with both hands.
Shin took a deep breath, the cold air stinging his lungs as he gathered the last remnants of his strength. His body screamed in protest, every muscle on the verge of collapse, but he pushed forward. He had no other choice. He channeled the raw, crimson destructive energy into his hands, the familiar surge of power pulsing through his veins. The red lightning crackled around him, swirling like a storm, and he could feel the immense toll it was taking on his already depleted reserves.
Thor raised Mjolnir, the legendary hammer glowing faintly in the dim light of the battlefield. But as he lifted it high above his head, something changed. The hammer, already a fearsome weapon, began to grow, expanding with the raw power Thor was channeling into it. Mjolnir swelled to a monstrous size, now four times as large as Thor himself. It was no longer a convenient weapon to wield in battle—this was something far beyond that. It was a weapon of pure devastation, designed for one purpose: to obliterate anything in its path.
Shin's eyes widened slightly as he took in the sheer size of the hammer. Even in his weakened state, he could feel the immense power radiating from it. He pressed his palm against the cold metal, channeling the Power of Destruction into Mjolnir. The crimson energy flowed from him into the hammer, melding with the thunderous magic already coursing through it. The hammer began to glow brighter, pulsing with an intense red energy that radiated pure destruction. The ground beneath them trembled, as if the world itself was reacting to the power they were about to unleash.
"This... better... work," Shin muttered, his voice hoarse as his vision swam with exhaustion. His entire body felt like it was on the verge of collapse, barely holding together under the strain of the battle and the magic he had poured into Mjolnir.
Thor grinned, his face bloodied, yet his eyes still gleamed with confidence despite the weariness. "It will," he said, his voice filled with unshakeable certainty.
The air around them seemed to vibrate with tension as Thor readied the massive hammer for the strike. The sheer size of Mjolnir, now crackling with red lightning and charged with the combined might of thunder and destruction, was almost overwhelming. The damage output was pushed to its absolute limit—there would be no holding back.
With a roar that shook the battlefield, Thor swung Mjolnir with all his remaining strength. The hammer connected with the frozen ground, and the power of thunder and destruction collided in a blinding explosion of red lightning. The shockwave that followed was immense, tearing through the battlefield and sending enemy forces sprawling in all directions. The barrier, which had been impenetrable up until now, cracked under the force of the blow, the sound of its shattering like a deafening scream.
For a brief moment, everything was silent. The air stood still, and even the endless waves of enemies seemed stunned by the sheer power of the attack.
The barrier had fallen.
Shin, barely able to stand, placed a trembling hand on Thor's shoulder. His body was wracked with pain, the toll of using the Flames of Destruction and channeling the Power of Destruction leaving him utterly drained. Even his Phenix regeneration had begun to fail him—wounds that should have healed instantly remained open, and he could feel the blood seeping from them.
"Let's... get out of here," he rasped, his voice weak but determined.
Thor, equally exhausted, nodded. "Aye."
With the last of his strength, Shin summoned his teleportation magic, feeling the familiar surge of power as it enveloped him and Thor. Crimson arcs of red lightning crackled around them, cutting through the freezing air of the battlefield like jagged streaks of energy. It was a sight everyone on the battlefield recognized as Shin's trademark—a flash of red lightning, signaling his movement.
This time, it worked.
The icy battlefield blurred around them, the relentless onslaught of enemies fading from view as the crimson lightning carried them away from the carnage. In an instant, the chaotic scene disappeared.
In the blink of an eye, they reappeared in Asgard. The red lightning flashed again as they materialized in the war council chamber, collapsing onto the stone floor, battered, broken, but alive.
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