The Greece Antagonist

"Bang!"

A clay figurine, about three inches in size, flew from the bed and smashed against the stone pillar within the hall, instantly shattering into pieces.

It was unclear how much time had passed before the rough, heavy breathing turned calm.

Hela lifted the veil, walked barefoot off the bed, and approached the pile of debris. With a gesture of her fingers, the broken clay figurine automatically reassembled into its original form.

—A handsome and elegant god wielding the Flame Sword.

"Teacher..."

Accompanied by a murmur filled with complex emotions, Hela cradled the clay figurine in her hand, gently rubbing it against her cheek, as if she could feel the warmth from a thousand miles away through the clay, a warmth from within her memories.

Again, it was unclear how long it took, but Hela eventually lifted her head, and with extreme care, placed the clay figurine on the table, her actions tender as if she were caring for a precious treasure.

Yet the table was already filled with similar clay figurines, leaving hardly any space left.

The Night Sky Sword swung, its sharp blade left a clear and visible scratch on the wall ahead.

Hela lifted her head and looked at the dense sword marks on the wall, subconsciously biting her lip, allowing the gloomy hues to once again dominate her face.

347 days...

Soon it would be another year...

Hela walked out of the dark and lifeless temple, raising her head to the sky covered with a rainbow of light bands, her eyes showing even greater gloom.

Aesir, Warner, Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Giants, and the entire world... everything had a place in his heart.

"But, what about me?"

The question slipped unconsciously through her lips, a mix of bewilderment and venting.

"I'm afraid, no one cares about you..."

A sudden deep voice arose, startling the somewhat dazed Hela to her core, prompting her to swing the Night Sky Sword in her hand toward the sound:

"Who? Get out here!"

In front of the red and black sword light, amid the grey fog of death, a pitch-black silhouette stood in the open space before the hall.

Though he had a human shape, his entire body was made of a black, tar-like mud, making his contours and appearance indistinguishable. The eerie aura he exuded caused even the evil spirits wandering around the Death Temple to keep their distance in fear.

Hela stirred the Divine Power within her, her eyes filled with intense murderous intent:

"Sneaky! Who are you? What are you doing in the Netherworld?"

"I've come to help you," a genderless voice came from within the black mud.

"Help me?" Hela sneered, "What can you help me with?"

"To free you from the curse of death and grant you what you desire most, how about that?"

The shadow replied eerily, gazing meaningfully at the long table within the hall, full of clay figurines.

Hela's heart trembled, and a trace of disdain flickered in her eyes:

"Do you have such a good heart?"

"We are both abandoned by this world; helping you is the same as helping myself. Our goals do not conflict."

The shadow paused, then shook his head at the Death Goddess before him,

"Moreover, I pity you. Because, you are more pitiful than I."

"What did you say?"

Furious, Hela fiercely swung the Night Sky Sword in her hand, the sharp blade instantly slicing through the black shadow.

Yet, in an instant, the flowing black mud sealed the wound, returning to its original shape, and shook his head with a sneer:

"Why are you so agitated? Did I say something wrong?

As a daughter, you achieved great deeds for Odin, securing his throne;

As a sister, you abandoned the struggle for power and never harmed your brothers, letting them enjoy the fruits of your labor;

As a student, you left the last warmth in your heart to your teacher, willing to remain alone in this realm of death, even if deceived by him;

As a goddess, you maintained the order of the Nine Realms, delayed Nidhogg's devouring of the World Tree's roots, uplifted the glory of the Aesir Gods, and diligently postponed the arrival of Ragnarök...

But having done so much for others, what have you gained?

—Enemies, betrayal, neglect, misunderstanding, caution...!

The throne you should have had, the honor that should have been yours, everything they have should rightfully include you. And now, you can only stand in the shadows, in this Netherworld prison, enduring slander, fear, solitude, and pain. Is this not unfair?"

The shadow's words pierced Hela's heart like sharp steel nails, causing a piercing pain that struck her soul.

Hela's face turned pale, her tightly clenched teeth cut her lips into bloody lines, her body shaking more violently.

She had thought her mind was strong, immune to being swayed or affected by others' words.

But lies won't hurt; the truth is the sharpest blade.

Moreover, it ignores any physical defense.

"Hela, you have done right by everyone, but failed yourself. Isn't that pitiful?"

"Shut up!"

Hearing this, Hela reached her breaking point, slicing through the grey fog with her Night Sky Sword, shredding the incessant shadow into countless fragments.

But it was merely a puppet under someone else's control, and in just a few moments, the black mud reconvened into human form:

"Your Majesty, don't be so agitated. I merely spoke the truth. Besides, those who have wronged you aren't here."

Realizing she could not yet deal with the thing before her, Hela's gaze flashed, and she withdrew her murderous intent, sneering coldly:

"Whether I've been wronged or not is not for you to judge; and what to do is also not for you to tell me!"

"Of course, how to choose is up to you; no one else has the right to interfere."

The shadow paused, contemplating deeply,

"But there is not only one path, I can offer you a new choice..."

"Do you have such a good heart?"

Hela stared at the shadow before her, a cold smile on her face,

"Don't think I don't know your intentions; you want me to betray the Aesir!"

"No, I merely wish for you... to stay true to yourself."

The shadow spoke earnestly, then shifted the conversation,

"No need to rush to a decision, think it through. When you have an answer, come and tell me, you know where to find me..."

The voice gradually faded, and the shadow ahead turned into a handful of lifeless dirt, scattering away.

Hela tightened her grip on the Night Sky Sword, standing still, her expression uncertain.

~~

Meanwhile, in Etheregar City, at the Frost Giant Palace.

A tall silhouette in the darkness slowly opened its eyes, a subtle smile appearing on the frost-blue face.

"How are things progressing?"

An unseen voice entered his mind, its source unknown.

Lafei quickly wiped the smile from his face, bowing his head toward the deepest darkness in the palace:

"I've followed your instructions, said everything that needed to be said."

"Good, you did well."

The voice in the darkness showed satisfaction.

"Then, what should I do next?" Lafei asked cautiously.

"Wait," the voice in the darkness replied calmly, "The Seed has been planted; time will let it take root and grow. It is the destined fate and the inevitable conclusion."

Lafei nodded respectfully, hesitating to speak.

From the darkness came a chuckle:

"Rest assured, what you desire, you shall certainly obtain. Fate never forsakes anyone willing to strive."

The flowing black mud climbed onto the desk, depositing a sparkling Treasure Diamond.

Lafei stood excitedly, overjoyed at the sight of the item before him.

Heart of Mountains! The second item was finally in hand!

He then took out a frost-blue jewel box and placed it on the desk.

Seemingly sensing the kindred aura, the once-lifeless heart in the box began to throb strongly, its powerful rhythm creating a visible magic vortex around it, the vast aura of Divine Power inspiring Lafei with an urge to worship.

Just as the lord had said, uniting the treasures of the Mountain Giant, Fire Giant, and Frost Giant clans equates to possessing the complete Authority of Ancestor Ymir.

And the inheritor of this power will lead the Giant Clan to greatness once more!

Lafei suppressed his excitement, directing his gaze toward the vacant third spot on the desk, his eyes glimmering softly.

Now, only one piece was missing!