The Recorder of Type-Moon History

Kevin was momentarily stunned when he heard Neil's report that Idun, the goddess of youth, had been captured. But Valkyrie Slude's reaction was immediate and intense.

"Are you sure?!" she exclaimed, her red eyes wide with urgency as she stepped closer to the bird.

Both Kevin and Neil blinked at her unexpected outburst.

At the same time, Kevin finally recalled who Idun was.

Idun, the goddess of youth, held a unique role among the Aesir. While not one of the twelve principal deities led by Odin, her existence was indispensable. She was the sole caretaker of the golden apples from the Eternal Garden—fruit that granted the gods eternal youth. Only Idun could harvest these apples; any attempt by others to forcibly pluck them would render the fruit powerless.

In essence, Idun's role was critical to the gods' immortality. Without her, even the Aesir would succumb to the ravages of time.

This realization struck Kevin like a bolt of lightning. No wonder the gods were in turmoil. The significance of her abduction could not be overstated.

As the gravity of the situation sank in, Kevin instinctively took a few steps toward the Silver Hall, only to stop abruptly.

Should I go?

He hesitated. He was, after all, an outsider in the Aesir realm—a guest from another divine domain, the Tuatha Dé Danann. Did he truly have the right to involve himself in this matter?

"Kevin?!" Slude's sharp voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

He turned to see her glaring at him, her expression a mix of impatience and determination. The red thread binding them—formed by their contract—gleamed faintly, reminding Kevin of their shared fates.

Sighing, he nodded and followed her toward the Silver Hall.

When they arrived, the scene was chaotic, just as Neil had described. The courtyard outside the Silver Hall was filled with agitated gods, their anxious whispers creating a cacophony of noise.

"Kevin! Slude! Neil!"

Balder's radiant voice cut through the commotion. She waved at them from the steps of the Silver Hall, her golden hair shimmering in the light. The gods parted to let them through.

"Sister Balder, what happened?" Kevin asked as he reached her side, glancing nervously at the closed doors of the Silver Hall.

"Idun has been taken by a mountain giant named Thjazi, who lives in Jotunheim," Balder said solemnly. "And..." She paused, her gaze flickering toward the hall.

"And Uncle Loki is involved," Tyr finished as he approached. His brows were furrowed, his golden eyes blazing with restrained anger.

Tyr explained that Idun had been lured out of Asgard by Loki's trickery and subsequently captured by Thjazi. Odin and Frigga were inside the hall, interrogating Loki to uncover the full truth.

Kevin's stomach twisted. The situation was worse than he'd anticipated.

Before Tyr could say more, the Silver Hall's doors swung open with a resounding creak. Thor, the towering god of thunder, strode out. His muscular frame was imposing, his piercing eyes sweeping over the assembled gods before locking onto Kevin and his companions.

"You're all here," Thor said, his voice deep and commanding. After acknowledging Tyr and Balder with a nod, his gaze settled on Kevin. "Father requests your presence as well, warrior of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Bring your Valkyrie."

Inside the Silver Hall, the atmosphere was heavy with tension. Odin sat on the High Throne, his single eye glowing with divine wisdom. Standing before him, unrestrained and unfazed, was Loki, his handsome face adorned with a mischievous smile.

Kevin followed Balder and Tyr to pay his respects to Odin, while Slude joined the other Valkyries stationed along the hall's walls.

Odin's gaze turned to Kevin, scrutinizing him intently. "Do you know why you were summoned here?"

Kevin hesitated but remained composed. "No, Great God."

"This incident involving Idun," Odin said slowly, "provides an opportunity. Do you wish to accept it as your first test?"

Balder's reaction was immediate. "Father!" she protested, stepping forward. "Thjazi is a formidable foe! Even seasoned warriors among the gods have struggled against him. This test is too dangerous for Kevin!"

Odin listened silently to his daughter's plea. When she finished, he turned back to Kevin.

"Warrior, what is your answer?"

Kevin took a deep breath, his thoughts racing. He understood Balder's concerns, but he also knew he couldn't afford to back down.

"If I may ask, Great God," Kevin said carefully, "is rescuing Lady Idun the only way to complete this test?"

Odin's lips curved into a faint smile. "That depends on you."

"And if I fail?"

"You have one week," Odin replied. "If you do not succeed within that time, the test will be considered a failure."

Kevin nodded, understanding the unspoken implication: failure could mean death.

"I accept."

Balder sighed heavily, her golden eyes filled with worry. But she said nothing, knowing Kevin's decision was final.

Odin dismissed the gathering after announcing Kevin's task to the other gods. Though some murmured their doubts, none openly objected. Kevin's reputation from the Irene Continent, coupled with Odin's decree, ensured their silence.

Later that evening, Kevin stood outside Hodel's residence, preparing to say his farewells. Slude and Neil had been called away, leaving him alone.

As he approached the quiet home, the door opened, and Queen Frigga emerged, guiding her daughter by the hand.

"Kevin," Frigga greeted him warmly. "We've been expecting you."

Her calm demeanor and knowing smile caught Kevin off guard. Before he could respond, she placed Hodel's hand in his. "I'll leave you two to talk."

With that, Frigga departed, her regal figure disappearing into the night.

Kevin and Hodel walked together in silence, her delicate fingers resting lightly on his arm. The moonlight cast a serene glow over the garden, illuminating the path ahead.

When they reached the steps of her home, Hodel stopped and turned to face him.

"Will you come back?" she asked softly.

Kevin hesitated but nodded. "Of course."

"Then take this."

Before Kevin could react, Hodel reached up, her hands gently cupping his face. Standing on tiptoe, she pressed a light kiss to his forehead.

"From this moment on," she declared, her voice clear and resolute, "I swear in the name of Hodel, Goddess of Darkness...

Your enemies will have nowhere to hide in the shadows of night!"

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