**2 Weeks After The End Of Chapter 2**
The scene opens with Ulrich stepping onto a wooden stage, greeted by thunderous cheers from the crowd. Among the throng is Harald, who stands proudly beside him. Ulrich raises his hands in acknowledgment and declares, "I am happy to announce the Day of the Gods!" At this proclamation, the crowd erupts into even louder applause, for this is the day that marks the beginning of the revered festival.
"I would also like to announce the formation of a new empire that will encompass the villages of Eddaheim, Alsvik, and Kolsvik, with Eddaheim as its capital!" As Ulrich makes this announcement, a hush falls over the crowd, whispers ripple through the air, and then the cheers return, even more fervent than before. "With me as your emperor, I will lead our people to greatness!" he promises, his voice rising above the clamor.
**2 Weeks Later**
Ulrich, now clad in a black, two-layered cloak, walks beside Harald toward a sprawling field dotted with numerous tents. "Is this Alsvik?" he asks, his curiosity evident. Before he can continue, hundreds of men and women race past him, each shouldering large, heavy logs. A rallying chant rises from the soldiers:
"In honor we gather, with hearts fierce and true,
Loyal to kin, in the storm we break through.
We fight for the fallen, their names we shall sing,
With iron and valor, our courage takes wing.
Protecting the weak, like a shield we stand fast,
In unity's strength, our bond shall hold fast.
With wisdom of elders, we heed the old ways,
For glory and honor, we carve out our days!
In the halls of Valhalla, our legends will soar,
As warriors of might, we shall battle once more!"
From the back of the group, a familiar voice calls out, "Hey!" A red-haired, shirtless warrior approaches, clutching two logs. "Hey, Hakon," Harald greets him as he strides forward. Hakon stops in front of Ulrich and exhales heavily.
"The training regime you devised is working wonders. The army is thriving! All we need now is armor and a few weapons, but that might take some time," Ulrich replies, contemplating the challenges ahead. Before delving further into military concerns, he asks, "Did you send the food to Eddaheim?"
Hakon nods enthusiastically. "We've gathered an abundance of fish and meat, along with vegetables and fruits. Winter will be plentiful this year." He gazes at Ulrich, an inquisitive glint in his eye. "I heard a rumor that you received a Divine Blessing from Odin himself. Is it true?"
Both Ulrich and Harald fall silent, then Ulrich responds with a solemn nod. "Yes, it's true. I have the ability to create structures and objects, big and small, according to my thoughts."
**Flashback: One Week Prior**
The scene shifts to Ulrich standing beside Nia, their expressions contemplative. "Why don't you pray to the gods?" Nia suggests, giving him a gentle pat on the back. "I don't know what I would say, so I'll choose not to say anything," Ulrich replied. "It looks strange if the leader of a nation doesn't participate in a holiday celebrated throughout the realm," Nia said, laughing. "Fine, I'll go," Ulrich conceded as he maneuvered through the crowd, politely saying "excuse me" to everyone until he reached the massive altar, which was stained with blood.
Ulrich knelt and closed his eyes, speaking internally. *Dear gods—Odin, Thor, Loki, Freyr, Frigg, and Freya—I don't know what to say, but the only thing I can think of is: Why? Why have you sent me to this world? Is my family okay? By now, my daughter should have been born. I just want to know if they are safe.*
In an instant, an overwhelming chill enveloped him, and he opened his eyes to find himself atop a snowy mountain. "Look at me, boy," a deep voice boomed, sending shivers down Ulrich's spine. He turned to see an old man with a long beard and hair, sitting on a throne. Two wolves sat beside the throne, and two crows perched on the old man's shoulders.
"Who are you?" Ulrich rasped, his voice barely audible.
"We are the gods to whom you prayed," the woman's voice responded. Ulrich turned to see a woman in a red and blue dress, adorned with jewels. "We apologize, but Thor, Loki, Freyr, and Freya aren't available. So you get us," she added.
Realization dawned on Ulrich. "You're Odin and Frigg," he said, astonished.
"Yes," Odin replied, his voice as intimidating as ever. "We have been watching you. And we have decided to bestow upon you the power of creation."
Ulrich's eyes widened in shock. "You will now have the ability to create structures and objects, both large and small, but only of things you have experienced before," Odin continued. "Beware, though; this power has an extreme toll on mortals. We caution you against using it more than once."
Suddenly, everything went black.
When Ulrich regained awareness, he saw Nia beside him, pleading for him to wake up as blood poured from his nose, mouth, and finally his eyes, saturating him. "Ulrich!" Nia screamed.
In an instant, Harald rushed over but froze at the sight. "Oh my god," he murmured, before quickly moving to check Ulrich's pulse. "He's still alive!" Harald yelled, and soon they were carrying Ulrich to the Great Hall.
**END OF FLASHBACK**
The scene shifted back to Harald, Ulrich, and Hakon. "It must be extraordinary to also have a blessing from the gods," Hakon remarked in awe.
"Also," Ulrich said, now intrigued, "you mean... you don't know? Hakon Said"
"Know what?" Ulrich asked.
"Ash has a blessing from the gods, too. There are rumors that all the major kings on this side of the world have received blessings," Hakon explained.
"What is Ash's power?" Ulrich inquired, now excited.
"She has the ability to duplicate objects hundreds, sometimes thousands, of times," Hakon replied.
"Well, I think that's enough for today. Harald and I will head back to Eddaheim," Ulrich said as he and Harald walked in the direction Hakon had come from.
"Do you know what I'm thinking?" Ulrich asked.
"No, what is it?" Harald replied.
"My power to create items and Ash's power to duplicate them is perfect," Ulrich exclaimed. "We could make thousands—maybe even more—pieces of armor and swords!"
"Huh, that's actually brilliant! It might work," Harald said, his enthusiasm growing. "And the best part is, if we're lucky, she might even be able to duplicate food."
Harald's eyes widened. "We have to test this!"
The scene shifted to Helga, who was picking fruits and vegetables from a farm. As she turned, she spotted Astrid running toward her. This time, Astrid wasn't wearing armor or face paint. With her blonde hair and deep blue eyes, she donned a deep blue dress, some parts a lighter hue.
"Hey! Where's the dress Ulrich made for you?" Astrid asked, noticing that Helga was wearing a simple white tunic with black pants.
Helga scratched her head and laughed. "I didn't want it to get dirty, so I took it off. I heard that Ulrich is entering Eddaheim again."