{Rossweisse's POV}
As the ancient runes flared to life, a searing light swallowed everything around us. My senses reeled, and a strange sensation washed over my body—weightlessness, like I was drifting through the void. For a few disorienting seconds, I felt like a leaf caught in a gust of divine wind.
Then, just as suddenly, we landed.
Solid ground returned beneath our feet, and the brilliance faded to reveal a new world. Standing before us was a young blonde woman with soft features and a radiant smile. Her presence exuded calm, a sharp contrast to the vertigo that still spun behind my eyes.
"Welcome back, Mrs. Eir," the blonde greeted warmly, her voice melodic.
"Mr. Erik is waiting for you just outside the temple."
"Thank you, Miss Aada," our supervisor replied with a gracious nod. "You've done well. This village is lucky to have such a dedicated Oracle."
Miss Aada flushed lightly, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I was just doing my job. Honestly, I should be thanking you and Mr. Erik. If you hadn't arrived that night…" she trailed off with a sheepish smile, "…well, I don't think many of us would have made it."
Oracles—individuals chosen by the gods. They serve as the bridge between mortals and divinity, relaying divine messages and guiding humanity. They also function as conduits for the Bifrost, facilitating travel between Midgard and Asgard. Only eight Oracles remained now, ever since most mortals turned to the Christian faith. A dwindling light in a fading world of gods.
After exchanging a few more polite words, Mrs. Eir led us out of the temple.
The moment we stepped into the open air, we officially set foot on Midgard.
The village before us sprawled gently across a green landscape unmarred by modern blight. Rolling fields stretched far and wide. Cattle grazed peacefully, farmers tended to golden crops, and fishermen cast lines into a broad, glittering river. It felt like stepping into a dream preserved in time.
Our eyes wandered across the idyllic scene—until a deep voice cut through the quiet.
"Ah, it appears the lady of the hour has arrived," said a booming baritone.
A tall, broad-shouldered man with tanned skin and a beard worthy of legend approached. He wore a large sword across his back like it was a feather. His mere presence radiated strength and authority.
Mr. Erik.
Sigrun elbowed me with a not-so-subtle nudge. Her grin stretched from ear to ear. "Now that's what I call a man~" she purred under her breath. I didn't need to look at her to know what was coming next. "Bet he's good under the sheets too, if you know what I mean."
I groaned. "I never knew you were into older men."
Sigrun winked. "What can I say? Muscles, beard, commanding voice—he checks all the boxes."
"You're hopeless," I muttered, though I couldn't help the amused snort that escaped me.
"Hey! Don't judge me!" She jabbed a finger at me. "You have your preferences too!"
"I just want a guy who's financially stable," I shrugged, ignoring the look she gave me.
Sigrun's expression twisted into exaggerated disappointment. "Girl, that makes you sound like a gold digger."
My cheeks flushed. "I am not a gold digger! There's nothing wrong with wanting a man who can support a family! My father always said a man who can't care for his household isn't worthy of one!"
She snorted. "Sure, sure."
"I'm not—!" My protest caught in my throat.
Sigrun grabbed my chin and turned my head. My eyes widened at the sight before me.
Mrs. Eir and Mr. Erik were locked in a passionate kiss.
A deep, intense kiss. The kind you'd read about in those forbidden romance novels hidden under your bed.
A collective gasp passed through the Valkyries around me.
"Heh?" several of us blurted out at once.
The air turned awkward as we all stood, stunned, watching our commander and the imposing warrior—clearly her husband—openly make out in front of us.
"Did not see that coming…" someone whispered behind me.
But of course, I knew. Mr. Erik wasn't just any Einherjar—he was Erik Ivarson, the legendary Ironhide. I knew the moment I saw him. After all, I watch the news.
Finally, the two separated, gazes still burning with mutual desire.
"Husband~" Mrs. Eir whispered in a tone so sultry it gave me secondhand embarrassment. "I missed you~"
"Wife~" Mr. Erik's deep voice rumbled, sending visible shivers down Mrs. Eir's spine. "After we deal with the undead tonight, I'll be waiting for you in the shed~"
I choked on my own saliva.
Were they… actually flirting that openly? In front of us? What happened to professionalism?
Mrs. Eir slapped his broad shoulder playfully. "I am still on duty!"
"But your shift ends in three days," he said with a grin, "and I don't think I can wait that long."
She giggled.
Giggle. As in, an actual giggle.
Who was this woman, and what had she done with our terrifying supervisor?
From everything I'd ever read, Mrs. Eir was supposed to be a fearsome and dignified Valkyrie—strict, unyielding, a leader of legends. And now here she was, acting like a giddy newlywed.
Love really does strange things to people.
She cleared her throat, regaining her composure. "Enough fooling around. Let's focus. Please explain to the girls what their roles will be during the mission."
"Of course, honey~"
Instantly, their expressions transformed. Playful smiles vanished. In their place, stern authority returned—sharp as any blade.
"Attention!" Mrs. Eir barked. We all straightened immediately.
"This is my husband, Erik Ivarson, the Ironhide. He'll be briefing you on tonight's mission and assigning your posts. Listen to every word."
"Yes, ma'am!" we chorused.
"Good. I'll leave you in his care." She turned and made her way back toward the temple, where the previous team was preparing for Bifrost departure.
Mr. Erik stepped forward, posture imposing. "Follow me."
We obeyed without question, trailing behind him across a sturdy wooden bridge that led away from the village. On the other side was a clearing surrounded by dense forest. Charred earth, shattered branches, and the lingering scent of ash marked it as a recent battleground.
"Listen closely," he said, voice firm. "This will be your first real mission outside of training. The undead are relentless and cunning. You must be decisive. Aim for the head or sever the spine."
He pointed to the forest edge. "There are three primary entry points the undead use. Ten of you will be stationed at each. You—" he pointed to the first row of Valkyries "—will guard this location. An Einherjar will be your field supervisor."
He marched us to the second clearing. "You ten—here."
I felt Sigrun squeeze my arm. We were assigned together under Mr. Erik's command.
The final group was led to the third position, supervised by Mrs. Eir herself.
It was a basic mission—guard and eliminate any threats. But simplicity didn't make it easy.
"I'm glad we're together, Rose," Sigrun whispered. "Wouldn't be the same without you."
The sun had begun its descent. Long shadows stretched across the earth.
"You know," she said quietly, "our strict supervisor getting all flirty… that was weird, right?"
"Yeah," I admitted. "It was… unexpected."
"But kinda hot."
I side-eyed her. "Seriously?"
"What? I want a boyfriend like that—manly, affectionate, lewd~"
I sighed. "You're hopeless."
"Don't give me that look. You want that too. I've seen the books under your drawer."
My face flared red. "You—!"
"No point denying it. They're not even well hidden."
"They're romantic!" I protested. "Sure, some are… steamy. But they're well-written!"
Sigrun smirked. "Please. They're like kiddie pool versions of the real stuff. Tell you what—I'll lend you Fifty Shades of Grey when we get back."
"Never heard of it."
"Oh, you will."
Hours passed.
Darkness blanketed the village. The torchlight flickered along the perimeter, casting shadows that danced across the trees. We were at our assigned posts, the tension mounting with every passing minute.
Mr. Erik stood nearby, his sword gleaming faintly in the torchlight. He'd drilled us on formation and fallback protocols, and now we waited.
The clock ticked toward ten.
Then—movement.
The forest rustled.
From the shadows emerged a figure—humanoid, armored in rusting steel, face hidden behind a rotting helm. It dragged a sword, its movements jagged and wrong.
More followed.
The undead had arrived.
And the battle had begun.
Author's Note: Sorry for the delay—college work got in the way. Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Don't forget to comment, review, and toss a power stone. Your support keeps this story alive!
See you in the next chapter!