The Recorder of Type-Moon History

"Is that enough?"

Loki's question hung in the air, unanswered. Odin remained silent, gazing out over the glorious Asgard from his place in the temple.

But Loki didn't care.

With his back turned to Odin, a hint of sarcasm on his face, Loki continued, "At least I can't do it. Watching this child save your child, taking on the curse of the golden ring for her, suffering the consequences in her place—and yet, you stand idly by.

"Yes, Kevin will try to save Brunhilde, and yes, it's part of the deal between Balder and Luger. But tell me, Odin—do you truly believe that this reason alone is enough?"

His voice, steady and deliberate, carried through the vast, empty temple, echoing against its sacred walls.

The silence stretched, growing heavier with each passing second. Finally, Odin broke it.

"I'll wager with you."

Still looking out over Asgard, Odin spoke slowly, his tone measured. "Summon the gods. Let us witness, here in the Silver Hall, if Kevin will do as you claim—bring back my former daughter, my pride, Brunhilde."

Loki turned his gaze toward Odin, his expression unreadable. Then, without a word, he vanished.

Not long after, the gods of Asgard gathered in the grand Silver Hall. Among them were Balder, Hoder, and Skadi, who had been with Kevin just earlier in Fenrir's forest.

"Mother," Hoder said softly, reaching for Queen Frigga's hand. "What's going on? Why has everyone been summoned so suddenly?"

Hoder's unease was palpable. She, Balder, and the others had only just left Fenrir's forest, where they knew that Fenrir's consciousness had accompanied Kevin to Midgard.

Frigga, too, appeared concerned as she shook her head. "I do not know," she replied, glancing at the gathered gods with a hint of worry.

The only one who seemed to have an inkling of the situation was Freya. Having recently pursued Loki in a whirlwind of rage, she now sat silently, her expression contemplative.

Before the murmurs could swell, Odin, seated high on his throne, opened his single, piercing eye.

The gods fell silent as Odin's gaze swept over them, his presence commanding their undivided attention.

"I summoned you all," he began, his voice deep and resonant, "to tell you this: Kevin, the son of Luger, the god of light and the sun, the one destined to be the next king of the Danu tribe, has begun his second trial."

His words sent a ripple through the assembly.

"What?!" Balder, unable to contain his shock, stepped forward. "Father, what are you talking about? Kevin only recently finished his first trial. He's gone to Midgard to meet my sister—how can he be in a trial already?"

Loki chuckled, drawing Balder's furious gaze. "Meeting your sister is the trial," he said with a smirk.

Balder's eyes widened in disbelief. "What nonsense are you saying, Loki? He's just visiting my sister—how could that be dangerous?"

Even Skadi, standing by Balder's side, frowned in confusion. "A trial? What trial?"

Loki's smirk widened as he leaned back casually. "Oh, it's quite the test. Kevin must slay Fafnir, the golden dragon guarding the Rhine, and return the Rhinegold to its rightful owners. After that, he must bring Brunhilde back to Asgard—and convince her to willingly return to the Valkyries."

The Silver Hall was struck silent.

The Rhinegold.

Even among gods, the golden ring was infamous. Formed at the dawn of creation, its allure was matched only by its deadly curse. None who held it could resist its temptation, and all were doomed to suffer its wrath.

Balder was the first to recover, slamming his hand against the armrest of his seat. "This is absurd! He's a mortal—how can you expect him to face something even gods fear?"

"It's not just about the Rhinegold," Loki added, clearly enjoying the reactions of the gods. "Kevin must also bring Brunhilde back and convince her to resume her role as a Valkyrie. Quite the task for a mortal, don't you think?"

Gasps and murmurs spread through the hall.

Hoder paled, clutching Frigga's hand tightly. "Mother," she whispered, her voice trembling, "this is too much for him. He… he can't—"

Frigga, her face darkened with concern, stepped forward. "Odin, this decision is unfair to the boy," she said firmly. "He doesn't deserve such a trial."

Odin met her gaze but said nothing.

Before anyone else could speak, Freya rose from her seat. Her lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Great God," she said sweetly, "may I ask a question?"

Odin's gaze turned to her. "Speak."

"Does Kevin know this is his trial?"

"No," Odin replied.

Freya's smile widened. "Then why don't we keep it that way?"

The gods turned to her in confusion, unsure of her intent.

Freya, unfazed, continued, "If Kevin doesn't know it's a trial, he'll act based on his own will. Let him face the dragon and decide what to do with the Rhinegold. Let him choose how to handle Brunhilde.

"If he succeeds—if he slays the dragon, returns the Rhinegold, and convinces Brunhilde to return to Asgard—then the trial will be complete. And as a reward, we grant him one wish. A wish of his choosing."

The hall was silent.

Balder, furious, stood and pointed at Freya. "Freya, this is going too far! I know you're upset because Kevin rejected you, but—"

"Rejected me?" Freya interrupted, her voice laced with mock innocence. "Oh, Balder, don't misunderstand. I'm simply suggesting a fair test."

Her eyes sparkled as she turned to Odin. "What do you think, Great God? Surely a wish is a fitting reward for such an extraordinary accomplishment?"

Odin's gaze swept over the hall, lingering on Freya and Loki, then on Balder, Hoder, and the other gods. Finally, his lips parted.

"Very well," he said.

The hall erupted in whispers, but Odin silenced them with a wave of his hand.

"If Kevin succeeds, he will earn one wish," Odin declared. "Let the trial proceed."

And with that, Odin's expressionless face turned back to the heavens, leaving the gods to ponder the weight of his words.

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