Chapter 19 - The God

As the massive, shadowy figure stepped closer, Erik, Liam, and Mia could only stare in stunned silence.The deep, rumbling voice had surprised them adding an unnerving element to the already tense situation. They exchanged wary glances.Erik's mind is confused right now, but he forced himself to stay focused."Don't let your guard down," he warned, his voice steady despite the fear gripping him. His eyes remained locked on the towering figure, his instinct tell at him to prepare for an imminent attack.Mia and Liam nodded in agreement with grim expressions. They readied their weapons. They could feel the oppressive weight of the figure's presence, a dark pressure that seemed to press down on them.The figure continued to advance, its form becoming clearer as the swirling light faded. The trio's eyes widened as they took in the full sight of the being before them.It was a gigantic humanoid with a physique that seemed chiseled from stone. The muscles were vast and well-defined, giving the creature an imposing, almost divine appearance.The figure's skin was a deep, metallic gray, shimmering slightly as it caught the remnants of the fading light. Its face was stern and chiseled, with high cheekbones and a strong jawline.A long, wild mane of hair flowed down its back, a color as bright as fire and as dark as night. The eyes were a piercing blue, glowing with an intense light that seemed to see through them.Clad in armor reminiscent of ancient designs, the figure wore a broad chestplate adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to pulsate with a subtle energy.Heavy, ornate gauntlets and boots completed the look, each piece meticulously crafted and brimming with a raw, primal power. A massive hammer was slung across his back, its head decorated with runic symbols that glowed faintly, hinting at its formidable power.The figure's presence was both majestic and intimidating, embodying a force of nature that seemed to resonate with ancient strength. Though Erik, Liam, and Mia did not yet recognize him, the figure was undeniably a force to be reckoned with. They not sure if they can beat him if they clashed."You have fought bravely," The figure's voice rumbled again, deeper and more resonant. "You need not worry any longer. You are safe now. I am sorry that I am too late," he said, his tone both reassuring and apologetic.Erik's confusion deepened. "Who are you?" he asked with voice edged with both fear and anger.The figure blinked, momentarily taken aback by Erik's question. It seemed he hadn't anticipated that the trio would not recognize him. The figure's gaze shifted to Liam and Mia, who, like Erik, looked equally bewildered. The realization seemed to dawn on him and a rumbling, amused laugh escaped him."HAHAHA... I see now. It seems my reputation has not reached you. You are unfamiliar with me."Erik's mind raced. He had knew about himself that from Freya, he is some kind of reincarnated heroes of myth.Suddenly, it clicked. The figure before him—this immense, muscled being, clad in ancient armor and wielding a runic hammer. With a rush of realization, Erik deduced that this was no ordinary man but a deity from myth."You must be some kind of god," Erik said, his voice filled with a mix of awe and apprehension.The figure nodded solemnly. "Indeed. I am Thor, the Thunderer, god of thunder and storms. My presence here is both a blessing and a burden. I have been watching over you but only now I have the time to come to you directly."Mia and Liam looked at each other, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and astonishment. Thor's presence was both intimidating and reassuring. He is a literal god after all. Erik's mother, Liam's grandfather, and Mia's father stood with faces etched with confusion and disbelief. The sudden appearance of a god, coupled with the already overwhelming events, left them struggling to comprehend the reality of the situation.Erik, Liam, and Mia, though shocked, had some understanding of what the hell is happening. Their encounters with Freya and their stat windows had prepared them, albeit minimally, for the existence of beings like Thor."Alright. Mr. Thor," Erik began, trying to process everything. "What's happening to our world? Why are these things attacking us?"Thor sighed, the weight of his burden evident in his expression."The explanation is long and complex," he said. "There is much you need to understand about the ancient forces at play and the battles that rage beyond your sight. It would be best if I took you to Asgard first. There, you will receive the full explanation, protection, and the training you need."Erik, Liam, and Mia exchanged uncertain glances. The idea of going to Asgard was daunting. They had only just begun to grasp the reality of their powers and the existence of gods and now they were being asked to take an even greater leap of faith."How can we trust you?" Liam asked, his voice tinged with skepticism. "We've been through a lot, and it's hard to just accept all of this."Thor nodded, understanding their hesitation. "Your caution is wise," he said. "Trust is not easily given, especially in times like this. But listen, the threats you face are beyond your current ability to handle alone. In Asgard, you will find allies and protection you need."Erik looked into Thor's piercing blue eyes, searching for any hint of deceit. He was not sure about it."We don't have much choice," Erik finally said, turning to Liam and Mia. "If what he says is true, we need his help to protect our families."Mia nodded slowly, gripping her weapon tighter. "You're right. I'm with you.""Alright. We'll go with you to Asgard. But if this is some kind of trick…" Liam said.Thor raised a hand, his expression solemn. "I assure you, no harm will come to you in Asgard. You have my word as the Thunderer."Erik, Liam, and Mia turned to their families, offering reassurances despite their own uncertainties. Erik's mother, Liam's grandfather, and Mia's father nodded, trusting their children to make the right decision.With a final nod from Erik, Thor raised his hammer, Mjolnir, high above his head. The runes on its surface glowed brighter, and a swirling vortex of light began to form around them."Stay close," Thor instructed. "It will be rough for your first time."---