Alex heard the roar of the crowd—some mourned, while others celebrated after Heimdall announced Dracula’s victory. A faint smile appeared on his face; he acknowledged that this Apollo was far more worthy than the one he had known in Orario. However, he didn’t have time to dwell on his thoughts before strong arms suddenly enveloped him, and the soft lips of Brunhildr interrupted all further contemplation.

The Valkyrie couldn’t contain her joy over the victory and practically attacked Alex. She embraced him so tightly it seemed she wasn’t planning to let go, kissing him with such passion that the world around them ceased to exist. Alex responded to the kiss, wrapping his arms around her waist. He clearly had no intention of rejecting such a gift from fate. For the first time, Brunhildr took the initiative—usually, it was Alex who kissed her.

In Brunhildr’s mind, only two thoughts swirled: victory and the fact that only one battle remained until the end of Ragnarok. She understood that all of this was thanks to Alex. If not for him, fighters of Vlad’s caliber would hardly have participated in the war. Thanks to Alex, she no longer lost her sisters and could, for a moment, feel relief.

Not far from them, Göll joyfully hugged G.I.R., celebrating the victory. She wanted to share the moment with her older sister and brother, but when she turned her head, she saw something that made her cheeks flush immediately. Alex and Brunhildr were still kissing, completely oblivious to what was happening around them.

“How improper…” Göll mumbled, turning away and covering her face with her hands.

On one hand, she wanted to look away, but on the other, curiosity got the better of her: she was interested in observing the “process.” However, her sense of shame won out, and the young Valkyrie turned away with flushed cheeks, covering G.I.R.’s eyes.

“You don’t need to see this,” she muttered, though she knew full well that G.I.R. had already witnessed such scenes at their home countless times.

Meanwhile, Alex realized it was time to stop the kiss before it became something more. Unfortunately, there was neither time nor place for it to continue. Especially since voices from the other Valkyries began to echo in his mind, as if they were watching the scene like it was their favorite TV show.

Alex sighed heavily. He still couldn’t fully understand how this spiritual connection between him and the Valkyries worked. Sometimes, they heard his thoughts, sometimes they saw the same things he did, and he had no time to figure it all out. The only thing he could do was turn the connection on and off, but not fully sever it.

“I think we’ll stop here for now,” Alex said softly, resting his forehead against Brunhildr’s. “Not that I’m opposed, but we’re short on time.”

Brunhildr heard Alex’s words and gave a slight nod, but her eyes still sparkled, and she couldn’t tear her gaze away from his. The kiss had been so deep and consuming that she had completely forgotten where she was and what was ahead—the conclusion of Ragnarok. However, she knew there would be time for them later, and for now, there were more important matters at hand.

First, they had to find out who would be the next fighter from the gods, and then wait for the opponent from humanity, whom Alex had invited. Brunhildr was sure that Alex would send one of his fighters for the final battle. These thoughts circled in her mind, but her arms didn’t want to let go of Alex. The embrace gave her an incredible sense of calm and tranquility.

Alex and Brunhildr continued to look at each other, as if there was nothing around them: no crowd, no triumphant shouts. Alex saw sadness in her gaze and an unwillingness to break the moment. He felt the same. Finally, he made up his mind: he quickly leaned in and kissed her again.

“We’ll have time to cuddle later,” Alex said with a light smile. “But for now, we need to prepare for the final battle.”

Brunhildr sighed and reluctantly loosened her embrace. Then, taking Alex by the arm, she prepared to leave. Alex turned around and called out to Göll, whose ears were still burning from what she had seen, and G.I.R., whose head was still being held, preventing him from turning.

“Hey, don’t lag behind,” Alex called, throwing them a quick glance.

Together with Brunhildr and the others, Alex left the viewing balcony and headed to the rest area — his temporary base, which he had already set up and protected with magical suppressors so no one could eavesdrop on them.

As they walked down the corridor, Alex thought about what form his clone should take in the next battle to defeat the god. He hoped everything would proceed along the original timeline and nothing unforeseen would happen. However, he was worried about Odin’s behavior, who still remained in the shadows.

In the last two battles, the one-eyed old man hadn’t been seen in the stands. This could only mean one thing: he was scheming and already making preparations in case his plans failed.

Alex walked alongside the Valkyries, but the feeling of unease didn’t leave him. All he had managed to understand during this time was that Odin was somehow connected to the power of the Outer Gods. Most likely, he was preparing a large-scale sacrifice to bring an Outer God into this universe or awaken one. Maybe even both. One didn’t exclude the other, and that only meant one thing: the one-eyed old man was planning something truly massive.

“Most likely, that one-eyed bastard will start acting at the very end,” Alex muttered, thinking aloud.

Brunhildr turned her head and looked at him closely. She immediately understood that he was talking about Odin, but wasn’t quite sure what he meant by “start acting at the very end.”

“What do you mean?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Alex blinked and looked at her with mild surprise.

“Did I say that out loud?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Brunhildr rolled her eyes and nodded, confirming Alex’s words. His lips twitched slightly—an old habit of talking to himself had resurfaced. However, Alex decided to explain what he meant to clarify his thoughts and plans for Brunhildr.

“The tenth battle will be won—one way or another,” Alex began calmly, turning his gaze to Brunhildr. “But what worries me is that Odin is nowhere to be seen. The one-eyed man hasn’t been in the stands for several battles now. That means he’s planning something. And I’m sure he’ll interfere at the very end to carry out his schemes.”

Brunhildr paused in thought. Unfortunately, she hadn’t paid attention to the balconies where the gods sat, so she hadn’t noticed Odin’s absence. But Alex, as always, had noticed everything and was already thinking ahead about how to protect the spectators and counter any potential threats.

Göll was quietly walking alongside them, carefully listening to their conversation. For the young Valkyrie, all this planning was too complicated—some of Alex’s words made her head feel like it was literally boiling from the pressure.

“And who are you going to send into the tenth battle?” Brunhildr asked with an interested tone, turning her gaze to Alex.

Alex thought for a moment, stroking his chin with his free hand. If he remembered correctly, the next fighter from the gods was supposed to be either Susanoo-no-Mikoto or Anubis. If it was Susanoo, it would make sense to send out a fighter from the same region. But if Anubis appeared, things would get much more complicated.

Alex didn’t know much about him: in Egyptian mythology, Anubis was associated with the world of the dead and was considered the judge of souls, but the details of his abilities escaped his memory. Alex pondered, sifting through possible options, while Brunhildr patiently waited for his answer.

Alex’s thoughts were interrupted by a voice coming from behind them:

“I’ll be next.”

Alex and Brunhildr turned in unison at the sound and saw a trio of samurai slowly approaching them. Alex recognized them immediately: it was Okita Soji, Sasaki Kojirō, and another samurai whose name Alex couldn’t recall.

Alex’s group stopped, waiting for the samurai to approach. Alex crossed his arms over his chest and, with a slight smirk, addressed Sasaki:

“Old man Sasaki, can’t you sit still? Still wandering around the Coliseum looking for trouble?”

“Oh, kid,” Sasaki said with a mock hurt expression, “that’s insulting! I thought we had become friends after we both drew our swords against the gods. And note, I didn’t even accuse you of stealing my fight and punching me in the stomach.”

Alex merely rolled his eyes at Sasaki’s behavior and focused on the young samurai. His attention was drawn to Okita Soji—the young man who seemed to live only for battle. Alex watched him and couldn’t help but wonder how one should even approach a fighter whose obsession with combat often bordered on madness.

Okita was a young man who looked more like a teenager. His long, dark brown hair was tied back in a neat ponytail. A black-and-red checkered scarf wrapped around his neck, and his violet kimono, under a haori patterned with the Shinsengumi Dandara, along with gray hakama, gave him both a serious and daring appearance. But what drew Alex’s attention the most were his eyes—narrow like a predatory cat’s, with vertical pupils that gave the samurai an unnatural, intimidating look.

All Alex knew about Okita boiled down to one thing: the guy was obsessed with battles. Not just obsessed—he craved fights like a person in the desert craves water.

“And why should it be you?” Brunhildr asked calmly, casting a careful glance at Okita Soji.

Alex gave her a brief look but remained silent. He was curious himself—what could Okita say in his defense? Of course, this didn’t mean Alex would allow him to fight. The tenth battle was too important, too risky, to trust some guy, no matter how talented.

“Because I’m the one who won’t allow myself to lose,” Okita replied with burning eyes, his sheer stubbornness flaring up.

Alex stared at him silently for a moment, trying to comprehend how absurd that statement sounded. “I can’t allow myself to lose”—what did that even mean? Alex’s face reflected his thoughts eloquently, and Brunhildr suppressed a smile, noticing the “Are you serious?” expression on his face. Alex couldn’t help but recall heroes who relied on “the power of friendship” at the decisive moment of battle.

Yes, Okita was a strong swordsman—that much couldn’t be denied. But that was all. Alex had already come up with a plan where his clone would fight instead of a living fighter—a clone capable of standing up to Odin if he decided to intervene.

Brunhildr was about to tactfully reject Okita, but Alex beat her to it.

“Sorry, Okita,” Alex spoke calmly, his gaze firm and serious. “It’s not about your strength or skill. It’s just that my fighter will take the tenth battle.”

Sasaki raised an eyebrow in surprise when he heard Alex’s calm tone. He remembered how Alex fought for the right to face Poseidon—back then, his voice was full of stubbornness and anger. But now? Now, Alex’s words were cold, calculated, and composed. But to Okita, those words came across more as an insult than an explanation.

“If I’m stronger than your fighter, does that mean I can step into the ring?” Okita asked, revealing a bloodthirsty smile that sent a chill down the spine.

Alex squinted at him slightly, his voice calm but laced with challenge:

“You won’t even have time to draw your sword before you’re eager to fight. But fine. If you can draw your blade right now, I might consider your candidacy.”

Brunhildr looked at Alex in surprise after his words. She hadn’t expected him to say something like that. In her eyes, Alex was a man who preferred to keep everything under control, eliminating any flaws in his plan even before it was set into motion. She also knew that he only selected fighters from his inner circle, considering everyone else too unreliable.

Alex’s words sounded like a challenge to Okita. The samurai grabbed the hilt of his katana and tried to unsheathe it, but unexpectedly, the blade got stuck in its scabbard. Before Okita could understand what had happened, Alex was suddenly in front of him, placing his hand on the hilt, preventing the sword from moving.

Okita struggled with all his might to pull out the katana, but it was in vain—Alex wasn’t even exerting himself, blocking every move. It all happened so quickly that Sasaki Kojirō and Isami Kondo couldn’t even react.

“What the…?” Sasaki exhaled, stunned by what was happening.

Realizing that strength alone wouldn’t work, Okita jumped back to try again. But Alex didn’t give him any time to maneuver—he was next to him once more, placing his hand on the hilt again. Okita tried to find any possible way to draw the blade, but Alex was always one step ahead, blocking every attempt like a ghost.

“Stop,” Alex said calmly, not taking his eyes off the furious samurai. “You still won’t succeed unless I want you to. If you’re so eager to fight, after Ragnarök, you’ll have plenty of opportunities. I guarantee it.”

“What do you mean by that?” Isami Kondo interjected, his voice betraying surprise and confusion. He looked at Alex and Okita as if he couldn’t believe his eyes.

Okita looked as though he was on the verge of snapping, about to turn into a predatory beast. Alex just sighed tiredly and, with a slight smirk, extended his hand and gently flicked Okita on the forehead. The flick was almost casual, but the effect was astounding—Okita instantly slumped and lost consciousness.

“W-what…?” Sasaki exclaimed, his eyes wide in shock.

Alex skillfully caught Okita before he could fall to the ground and handed him over to Isami. Isami stood there in a daze, holding the unconscious samurai, unable to comprehend how everything had happened so quickly.

“He… with a flick?” Isami mumbled, still trying to process the situation.

Sasaki silently stared at Alex, searching his face for even a hint of a joke. But Alex looked completely serious.

“Now, maybe you can explain what you meant by your words?” Sasaki asked, folding his arms across his chest and eyeing Alex intently. “What does ‘we’ll have a chance to fight after Ragnarök’ mean?”

Brunhildr had already figured out what Alex was referring to. It seemed like he had decided to implement his plan—creating a new system of battles to resolve conflicts. She was curious about how he intended to pull this off and how far he had progressed with his calculations.

Alex turned his gaze to Sasaki and Isami, pausing for a moment to consider whether he should reveal more than necessary. But the plan was already at its final stage, and there was no point in keeping it hidden any longer.

“After Ragnarök, I plan to create a battle system in the Arena,” Alex began, carefully choosing his words. “Conflicts will be settled through combat, but without any deaths. Defeated fighters won’t die, and these will be team battles.”

Sasaki squinted skeptically, pointing his thumb at Isami, who was still bewildered.

“Could you elaborate?” Sasaki said. “Because everything you’ve said has only confused me and Isami more.”

Alex smirked, anticipating the flood of questions that were about to come.

He looked at Sasaki and Isami, whose faces clearly showed confusion. Sighing in exhaustion, he rubbed his face with his hand, realizing that his brief explanation hadn’t been understood. It seemed like he’d have to spend more time explaining his idea.

“Alright, let’s go over this step by step,” Alex began, trying to speak clearly and simply. “The essence of the system is that two conflicting sides each choose five fighters. It doesn’t matter who they are—gods, humans, or anyone else. The key point is that battle enthusiasts like you will be able to fight as much as you want, without the fear of dying. Moreover, you’ll be able to challenge anyone registered in the arena to prove your skill.”

Sasaki, stroking his chin, listened thoughtfully. Interest appeared on his face, and with clear enthusiasm, he asked:

“So, you’re saying we can fight different opponents and even challenge anyone if we want?”

“Exactly,” Alex nodded. “The only restriction is that you can only challenge those who are registered in the system. I might even add a ranking or rating system. That way, there’ll be more motivation—you’ll be able to boast about who’s the best.”

Sasaki thought even deeper. The idea seemed brilliant to him—unlimited duels, the ability to challenge the strongest fighters, and if rankings were added, the spirit of competition would only intensify.

“What about the gods?” Isami suddenly asked, interrupting Sasaki’s thoughts. “They have more strength by nature. Can they only be defeated with the power of the Valkyries?”

“Don’t worry,” Alex replied calmly. “All fighters will be on equal terms. Victory will depend solely on skill and technique. If a god relies on their divine weapon, it will have the same strength as an ordinary weapon, without any divine effects. In the end, it will all come down to who has better mastery of their skills.”

Isami nodded, processing the answer. This approach meant that even Okita would have a chance to challenge a god and prove his skill. Sasaki, with a smirk, looked at Alex, clearly already imagining himself challenging the strongest opponents.

Meanwhile, Brunhilde stood a little to the side, deep in thought over Alex’s words. Gradually, her eyes widened as she realized the hidden meaning behind his plan.

“He wants more than just to resolve conflicts through battle,” she thought. “This system could bring gods and mortals closer together. Fighters from both sides will fight side by side, entrusting each other with their lives and learning to cooperate. The ranking system will only strengthen this: it will become a symbol of honor and allow everyone to strive for perfection.”

“So this is what you’re planning…” Brunhilde murmured quietly, not taking her eyes off Alex. “This idea really could bring gods and humans closer, when they fight on the same side.”

Alex glanced at her and gave a small smile, seeing that Brunhilde had figured it out. Her reaction was exactly what he had expected.

“Exactly,” Alex replied briefly, indicating that his plan was well thought out.

Sasaki and Isami exchanged glances, clearly excited by the new possibility. Alex’s idea was becoming clearer, and along with it, the sense that the world would never be the same again.

If Alex had known that Brunhilde had figured out his true intentions, he would have silently given her a thumbs-up in approval. However, at that moment, he was fully focused on explaining the principles of the future arena to Sasaki and Isami. Naturally, Alex didn’t reveal any unnecessary details—the system was still in the conceptual phase. After finishing his explanation, he watched the two samurai with interest, waiting for their reactions. It was important for him to know the opinions of those who would become a key part of this new battle system.

“Honestly, your plan doesn’t look bad,” Sasaki said with a pleased smile. “I hope you make it happen soon. I’m tired of doing nothing for eternity!”

“I’m also up for fighting different opponents,” Isami added, nodding in agreement. “When Okita wakes up, I’ll explain everything to him. I think he’ll support this system too.”

Hearing their responses, Alex nodded and decided not to linger. After saying goodbye, he turned to head back to his more pressing matters. As he passed by, Sasaki patted Alex on the shoulder, wishing him luck in making his idea a reality, and Isami, without saying a word, simply nodded and dragged the unconscious Okita along.

Alex watched them leave and allowed himself a satisfied smile. Getting the support of those who would be fighting in his system was already a small victory.

Returning to Brunhilde, Alex noticed that she, without missing a beat, took his arm again. They continued their walk, chatting casually. But soon, their conversation was interrupted once more: someone blocked their path.

“Again?” Alex thought irritably, as he spotted the figure ahead.

Göll immediately hid behind Alex, peeking fearfully from behind his back. Brunhilde’s face turned expressionless, as if made of stone, and dark black lines began to appear on Alex’s face, a sign of his growing irritation. This time, their path was blocked by none other than Odin himself.

“It’s over,” came the low voice of “Odin,” “your fate is sealed. Both humanity’s and yours.”

Alex simply snorted, scrutinizing the figure in front of him. A single glance was enough to tell that this was not Odin. The appearance was perfectly replicated, but something in the mannerisms and voice gave the imposter away.

“Loki,” Alex thought with mild irritation, “that damn trickster is looking for trouble again.”

Brunhilde, like Alex, immediately understood. Her eyes narrowed as she spoke:

“This is not Odin. Loki, enough with the theatrics.”

“Be ready for what’s coming, Brunhilde. And your death is not far off, Voldigoad,” Loki continued, still hiding behind the guise of his “father.”

Alex raised an eyebrow, looking at Loki in surprise. He tried to understand what this slippery god had against Brunhilde. A moment later, it hit him: Loki, that damn stalker! The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, and Alex’s eyes filled with empty exhaustion.

“Brunhilde is only mine as a Valkyrie,” he thought. “I really don’t need to get involved in these bizarre mythological relationships.”

Of course, Alex remembered the legends where Brunhilde adopted a child named Siegfried and raised him like a brother. But since Brunhilde kissed Alex, it was likely that in this universe, Siegfried, like in the legends, was her brother. This could only mean one thing—there were no romantic relations between Brunhilde and Siegfried in this world; they were just siblings. And yes, Siegfried eventually killed the dragon Fafnir. But that didn’t matter right now.

“Don’t you think, Lord Loki, that you’re going a bit too far with your ridiculous jokes?” Brunhilde sighed heavily, her voice firm and cold.

“Well said,” Alex added, crossing his arms over his chest and smirking sarcastically. “Listen, slippery face, did you even try to disguise yourself? In the end, you still messed up.”

Loki, hiding behind Odin’s guise, was clearly displeased with this response. Alex just smirked to himself, watching his reaction.

“Joking with Loki is always fun, but he’s asking for it,” Alex thought, preparing for the next wave of foolishness from the god of mischief.

Brunhilde sighed again, but this time with some relief—everything was falling into place.

Loki’s disguise began to fade. As his true form returned, the face of the god of mischief was etched with black lines of fury. His gaze was full of obsession, focused on Brunhilde, who calmly held Alex’s arm.

Alex caught the madness in Loki’s eyes and smirked, innocently and yet mockingly. However, Loki didn’t notice this—his full attention was focused on Brunhilde, which only irritated Alex more.

“I expected a more frightened reaction from you, Brunhilde,” Loki croaked, throwing her a dark glance before turning it to Alex. “As for you, Voldigoad, your time will come very soon.”

“As for my time, it’s not for you to decide,” Alex replied with a hint of sarcasm, grinning. “But your ‘dose of positivity’ is just around the corner. G.I.R., give this idiot a dose of positivity!”

The robo-dog immediately followed the command. The shocker’s charge struck Loki in the leg, making his body twitch in convulsions. White smoke began to pour from his mouth, and he collapsed to the floor with a dull thud, frothing at the mouth. Alex raised his thumb in approval, and G.I.R., proudly puffing out his chest, also gave a virtual “thumbs up.”

Brunhilde stood frozen, watching everything unfold. Her gaze slowly drifted from Loki, who was lying on the floor, to Alex, who was smiling contentedly while patting G.I.R. on the head. Meanwhile, Göll’s eyes were so wide that it seemed they might pop out of her head.

“Was that… necessary?” Brunhilde finally asked, unable to hide her empty stare.

“What did you expect?” Alex replied, grinning. “When a guy obsessed with you shows up, you need to act quickly and decisively. I was just using a tried-and-true tactic for scaring off persistent suitors.”

Brunhilde tried to argue, but, just like last time, Alex once again presented an irrefutable argument. She was about to respond when she suddenly heard a dull thud. Turning around, she was astonished to see G.I.R., with mechanical calm, kicking Loki in the groin.

Alex, watching this, couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing loudly.

“Nice, G.I.R.! Knock his balls out!” he laughed, clutching his stomach.

“I don’t even know what to say… You taught him this?” Brunhilde asked, staring at the scene with an empty expression.

“No, not me,” Alex paused, barely holding back laughter. “Maybe Rebecca or someone else at home. I only taught him how to use the shocker, or, you know, a club to the head.”

Brunhilde recalled how Alex once talked about dealing with persistent suitors when he was a mercenary: first, the shocker, then the “memory neutralizer”—a hammer to the head. Now everything made sense. Most likely, it was Rebecca who taught G.I.R. this “high-precision technique.” After one conversation with her, Brunhilde understood that Rebecca was exactly the kind of person who wasn’t shy about hitting the most vulnerable spots.

“Alright,” Alex sighed, waving at the fallen Loki. “Let him rest, the dose of positivity will clear his mind.”

Brunhilde simply shook her head wearily, silently agreeing. Göll continued to stare in amazement at G.I.R., who stood over Loki and seemed ready to repeat the strike.

Brunhilde sighed heavily and, unable to come up with any arguments, silently agreed. Alex, not even bothering to glance at Loki, confidently led her forward. Göll threw one last look at Loki, sprawled on the floor, and hurried to catch up with them.

G.I.R., realizing he had been left behind, decided to deliver one last “bonus” strike. A familiar dull thud sounded, making Alex turn his head. He smirked slightly, understanding that the robo-dog had most likely broken something important in Loki’s groin area.

“You’re cruel, G.I.R.,” Alex quietly chuckled, continuing on his way with a satisfied look.

When they reached the rest room, Alex swung the doors open and froze in the doorway. Before him lay a familiar, yet unfamiliar scene. Buddha wasn’t sleeping but had lazily sprawled in a chair as if he’d been expecting their arrival. Geirölul sat next to Göndul, engrossed in an animated conversation.

Rebecca, as always, was busy—carefully carving runes on bullets, fully absorbed in her work. MIMI, Stitch, and Zerofuku sat on the floor, eagerly pressing buttons on their game controllers, playing a video game, while the group of Valkyries was, as usual, watching another series.

The sound of the doors opening caused everyone to turn their heads.

Geirölul stared at Alex with a strange look, as if trying to read something on his face. Göndul, on the other hand, smiled like someone who had just made the best deal. Buddha lazily raised an eyebrow and cast a surprised look at the newcomers, while Rebecca, tearing herself away from her task, turned in her chair and gave Alex an annoyed glance.

“Why so late? Don’t tell me you got lost again,” she muttered, pointing at him with a runic pen.

“No, we were just… delayed,” Alex replied calmly, shrugging.

Rebecca rolled her eyes and returned to her work, muttering something under her breath. Alex scanned the room, looking for a place to sit, clearly unsure where to settle. Geirölul, noticing his confusion, patted the couch next to her, inviting him to sit.

Alex looked at her in surprise, not expecting such a gesture, and immediately glanced at Göndul, who responded with her signature kind smile. He quickly realized that she had most likely said something to Geirölul, calming her down. Or maybe the Valkyrie had figured something out by studying his memories.

Sitting down next to Geirölul, Alex leaned back against the couch and sighed in relief. Brunhilde sat on the other side, giving Geirölul a suspicious glance, as if ready to say something at any moment.

Buddha lazily rolled over in his seat and looked at Alex, clearly interested in his pleased expression.

“A-chan, what delayed you so much? Your face is practically glowing like a child’s,” Buddha asked with a smirk.

Alex absentmindedly touched his face and suddenly realized he was smiling. Rebecca, hearing the question, also turned her head, raising an eyebrow in curiosity. Brunhilde, on the other hand, cast Buddha a blank look, clearly unimpressed by the topic being brought up.

“Well, first, we were stopped by samurai,” Alex began, smirking. “One of them challenged me to a fight. I knocked him out with a flick of my finger.”

Buddha grunted approvingly and gestured for Alex to continue.

“And then?” he asked, noticing that Alex’s smile had grown wider, as if he was about to burst out laughing.

“Then…” Alex paused, savoring the moment, “when we moved on, Loki popped out from around the corner, pretending to be Odin. And, you know, I really didn’t like the way he was looking at Brunhilde.”

Buddha raised an eyebrow in curiosity, and Rebecca, hearing Loki’s name, grimaced but kept working, now listening intently to the story. Brunhilde slightly furrowed her brow, glancing furtively from Alex to Buddha, preparing for the continuation.

All eyes turned to Alex when he mentioned Loki’s appearance and his intense gaze at Brunhilde. The Valkyries exchanged knowing looks — they all knew that Loki had a strange, obsessive attachment to Brunhilde, bordering on obsession.

Brunhilde herself sat with an unreadable expression, clearly unsure how to react to Alex’s statement about not liking the behavior of the god of lies.

“So what did you do?” Geirölul asked with a curious smile, eagerly anticipating the next part.

Alex theatrically shrugged, hiding his smirk:

“I didn’t do anything. But my loyal G.I.R. gave Loki a whole dose of “positivity.” And then… maybe accidentally, maybe not, he zapped him a couple of times in the groin. And, maybe, knocked one of his balls loose. Maybe,” he added innocently, trying to hold back his laughter.

For a moment, silence hung in the room, after which all eyes slowly shifted to Brunhilde. Her face remained impassive, as if she hadn’t even been part of the events being described. No emotions, no hint of embarrassment — just complete emptiness.

Rebecca was the first to crack: she looked at G.I.R., who, noticing her gaze, proudly gave her a thumbs up. That was the final straw — Rebecca burst out laughing so loudly that she even dropped her runic pen.

“Damn, at least someone put that slippery bastard in his place!” she said through her laughter, wiping tears from her eyes.

Buddha, noticing Brunhilde’s stone-cold expression, smirked and immediately understood that Alex wasn’t exaggerating. Realizing he had missed such a moment made him sigh with slight envy, but laughter still won out.

“Ah, too bad I didn’t see that with my own eyes!” Buddha rumbled, bursting into infectious laughter.

Geirölul smiled at Alex, admiring how he had handled the situation. Loki had never been her favorite, and the fact that this “trickster” had gotten what he deserved gave her unrestrained pleasure. Göndul, sitting nearby, also smiled, but her gaze was more calculating. She understood that Alex could have been much harsher with Loki, but since the god of lies seemed to be part of his plan, Alex had refrained from more drastic measures.

The room filled with laughter and lightness. Alex, leaning back on the couch, allowed himself to relax, but his thoughts were elsewhere. While the others enjoyed the moment, he was already considering the next step — namely, choosing the fighter who would face Susanoo.

To be continued…

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep