The frost-laden winds of Asgard swirled around the teleportation rune as Velkharion approached, his steps heavy with urgency. His mind raced, piecing together the fragments of his mission. The Frost Giant King's wrath was now a threat to all of Asgard, amplified by the looming presence of Kolvagoth the Frost-Eater, the World Enemy awakened by his actions in Gjallar's Cradle. Velkharion gripped Gungnir tightly, its radiant glow now feeling like a double-edged sword. As he prepared to activate the rune, something clicked in his memory—a rare and expensive item he had purchased from the old women, Elira and Ingrid, in the run-down shop.
"Wait," Velkharion muttered, halting mid-step. He rummaged through his inventory, his gaze landing on the high-tier scroll he had nearly forgotten. Its description read: Divine Summoning Scroll: Keeper of Knowledge.
Velkharion's fiery eyes widened, realization dawning. "Yreka," he whispered to himself, a rare grin tugging at his lips. "Guess I finally get my money's worth."
Without hesitation, Velkharion activated the scroll. The parchment dissolved into radiant light, illuminating the area with a brilliance so intense it seemed to push back the frost and cold. The glow coalesced into a humanoid shape, revealing Elira, the Keeper of Knowledge. Her sharp features softened with an almost amused expression as she adjusted the glowing tome in her hands.
"Well," Elira said, her voice cutting through the cold with ease. "Haven't you been busy, Velkharion? Spear of the All-Father, Champion of Yggdrasil, enemy of World Enemies. You've certainly been keeping yourself entertained."
Velkharion frowned, wasting no time. "Elira, you're the Keeper of Knowledge, right? Tell me—is there a way to end this chaos before it swallows Asgard whole?"
Elira's smirk grew sly as she flipped through her glowing tome, the pages shimmering with ancient runes. "Ah, straight to business. No time for pleasantries, I see. Typical. But yes, mortal, I may have an answer for you. However, you won't like it."
"Try me," Velkharion replied bluntly.
Elira sighed, her tone growing serious. "Gungnir—the spear you so recklessly wield—is your key to resolving this crisis. But its power comes with limitations. You've already sensed it, haven't you? That the spear itself has begun to weigh heavier on you, as though the gods themselves are warning you."
Velkharion's jaw tightened. He opened Gungnir's stat screen and felt his chest sink. Elira was right—the spear now had a visible time limit for usage, allowing him only two hours before its overwhelming power would become inaccessible. The level requirement to wield Gungnir permanently was Level 100, far beyond Velkharion's current standing.
"You don't have much time," Elira continued. "But there's a way. Take Gungnir to Valhalla, the realm of warriors and gods. There, you may find the means to bypass the Frost Giants' power and challenge their king. However…" She paused, her gaze sharp. "Finding Valhalla will not be so simple."
Velkharion stepped away from Elira, pulling up his map with a flick of his hand. His eyes scanned the glowing grid, but Valhalla's name was nowhere to be found. "It's not here," he muttered, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior. He turned back to Elira. "You said Valhalla is the solution—how do I find it?"
Elira smiled faintly, her tone edged with amusement. "Ah, that's where your mortal ingenuity comes into play. Think, Velkharion. You're carrying the spear of the All-Father. Surely you can piece it together."
Velkharion's brow furrowed as he mulled over the question. Valhalla—the legendary hall of warriors. In Norse mythology, it was described as Odin's grand hall, a place where fallen heroes were brought by Valkyries to feast and prepare for the final battle. His mind raced, connecting dots.
"The Valkyries," Velkharion muttered, his fiery eyes narrowing. "If Valhalla isn't marked on the map, then it must be accessible through one of their sanctuaries. The legends say the Valkyries choose their warriors… Maybe their domain is the way in."
Elira's smile widened. "Clever boy. You're on the right track. Now, hurry. The clock is ticking, and the Frost Giant King won't wait for your leisurely stroll."
Velkharion nodded, gripping Gungnir tightly as he sprinted toward the teleportation rune. "Thanks for the tip," he called over his shoulder. Elira's amused laughter followed him as her radiant form dissolved into light, returning to the ether from whence she came.
Velkharion activated the teleportation rune, his form disappearing in a burst of frost and flame as he reappeared in the wilds of Asgard. Guided by the faint whispers of Norse mythology, he headed toward the Valley of Wings, a treacherous region rumored to house a Valkyrie sanctuary. The timer in his HUD continued its relentless countdown, adding to the urgency of his journey.
The wilds were unforgiving. Frost Giants and monstrous beasts roamed freely, their aggression heightened by the influence of Kolvagoth the Frost-Eater. Velkharion's buffs, including the Fruits of Labor, allowed him to cut through the enemies swiftly, but the constant combat took its toll.
A group of Frost Giant Berserkers roared as they descended upon Velkharion, their frost-rune-covered axes swinging with deadly precision. Velkharion raised Gungnir, its divine energy flaring as he invoked: "Second Tier Spear Magic: Frostfire Arc!"
The spear released a fiery wave of frost magic, engulfing the giants and forcing them back. Velkharion followed up with Fifth Tier Magic: Divine Tempest, unleashing a swirling storm of holy winds and flames that shattered their formation.
Damage Dealt with Divine Tempest: 300 Magic ATK per target.
Effect: Reduced enemy magic resistance by 30%.
As the berserkers fell, Velkharion's HUD flashed again: Level Up: 56. Level Up: 57. The Fruits of Labor continued to accelerate his progress, but the timer's relentless countdown kept him moving forward.
After cutting through frost wolves and wraith-like creatures, Velkharion finally arrived at the edge of the Valley of Wings. His form was battered and exhausted, but his determination burned brighter than ever. Before him stood a massive, ornate gateway carved from enchanted silver and gold. Valkyrie symbols adorned the structure, glowing faintly in the icy mist.
Velkharion leaned against Gungnir, panting heavily as he muttered, "Can't wait to log off after this…"
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