The grand entrance to Valhalla shimmered as Velkharion passed through it, its massive silver-and-gold gates opening to reveal a magnificent hall beyond. The realm exuded an aura of divinity unmatched by anything he'd seen in Asgard. The air was warm despite the icy mist outside, and golden light streamed through towering windows carved from enchanted crystal. The walls were lined with intricate murals, depicting the might and triumphs of the Asgardian gods. At the center of the hall stood a massive painting—a breathtaking tapestry stretching from one end of the chamber to the other.
Velkharion tightened his grip on Gungnir, his fiery eyes scanning the room with a mix of awe and anticipation. But before he could take another step, the spear in his hand began to glow—its radiant energy surging with an intensity that made him stop in his tracks.
"What now?" Velkharion muttered, holding the spear steady.
Gungnir suddenly broke free from his grasp, soaring across the hall as its golden light illuminated the painting. The figures depicted in the tapestry—the Asgardian gods themselves—began to shimmer and move, their forms shifting as if alive. In a burst of brilliant light, the gods emerged from the painting, their trapped forms released into the hall. Velkharion shielded his eyes from the overwhelming glow, his heart racing as the scene unfolded.
When the light subsided, the figures of the gods stood before him. Each one radiated an aura of power and majesty that seemed to make the very walls tremble. Among them was Thor, his mighty hammer Mjölnir resting against his shoulder. His rugged features were softened slightly by a look of gratitude as his piercing gaze settled on Velkharion.
"Are you the one who freed us?" Thor asked, his voice resonating through the hall like rolling thunder.
Velkharion hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the sheer weight of the question. "I… I guess I am," he replied, his tone steady despite the surreal situation.
Thor stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied Velkharion closely. "I can sense the blessings of Yggdrasil upon you. And the marks of those old hags—Ingrid and Elira. They guided you here, didn't they?"
Velkharion nodded. "They gave me the key. I had no idea freeing you was part of the deal."
Thor let out a deep laugh, clapping Velkharion on the shoulder with a strength that nearly knocked him off his feet. "Then you've done more than most mortals could ever dream. We owe you our freedom."
The other gods murmured their agreement, bowing their heads in gratitude. Finally, Odin himself stepped forward, his piercing gaze commanding silence. The All-Father held Gungnir in his hand, its divine energy pulsing faintly in his grasp.
Odin's deep voice echoed through the hall, carrying with it a weight of authority. "Velkharion, you have done what many thought impossible. You have wielded Gungnir, freed the gods, and stood against forces that seek to unravel the balance of Yggdrasil. For that, we are eternally grateful."
Odin raised the spear high, and the other gods bowed deeply, their respect for Velkharion evident in the gesture. "Your efforts have brought us back to the realm where we belong," Odin continued. "We will take care of the Frost Giants and the chaos they have wrought. It is no longer your burden to bear."
Velkharion felt a wave of relief wash over him. The weight of the blessings, the temporary titles, and the looming threat of Kolvagoth's influence—Odin's assurance was like a lifeline pulling him back to reality.
"Thank you," Velkharion said simply, his voice steady but filled with exhaustion.
As the gods began to organize among themselves, Velkharion lowered himself onto a nearby bench, his body finally succumbing to the fatigue of the journey. He leaned back, letting out a long exhale as he stared at the vaulted ceiling above. The radiant light of Valhalla seemed to soothe him, a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the past few days.
A system notification appeared in his HUD, signaling the completion of the quest:
Hidden Quest Completed: Ymirion's Legacy: Wrath of the Giants.*
- All blessings, titles, and buffs have become permanent.
- Final Rewards: Divine XP Boost (Active for 24 Hours), Class and Subclass Progression Unlocked.
Velkharion glanced at the notification with a faint smirk. But instead of dwelling on the rewards, he made a simple decision—he needed rest.
"Time to log off," he muttered, opening the menu and selecting the logout option.
Marcus's eyes snapped open as the headset disconnected. He glanced at the clock—it was morning. But exhaustion weighed heavily on him, and without hesitation, he collapsed onto the bed, pulling the blankets over himself. As his head hit the pillow, he muttered, "I've earned this."
Despite the sun rising outside, Marcus fell into a deep sleep, his body and mind grateful for the respite after an adventure that had pushed him to the very brink.
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