Chapter 22 - Madness

Erik, Liam, and Mia stood in silence for a few seconds as their mind tried to process everything Thor had just told them. He said that they are the reincarnations of legendary heroes was almost too surreal to comprehend. They exchanged confused glances, each of them trying to make sense of what they just heard.

Thor watched them quietly. His eyes flickering with a mix of urgency and understanding. He knew the enormity of what he was saying to them. Yesterday they just a normal human but suddenly, he revealed that they are a reincarnations of heroes. He understand that it will be too much for them

However, there was no time to let them fully grasp it at their own pace. Every second counted and the threat of Ragnarok loomed closer.

After a few moments, Erik finally broke the silence.

"You know," he began, his voice hesitant as if piecing things together, "it actually kind of makes sense. When we saw the status window there was something about a title... some kind of name we didn't recognize, right?"

Liam and Mia nodded, recalling the strange titles they had seen. It was something they hadn't fully understood at the time but now with Thor's words in mind, it started to click into place.

Thor nodded approvingly.

"Exactly! That 'status window' thing is designed to help you understand your new powers and your true nature. It was created by someone who has a deep understanding of Midgard and its people," Thor said.

Erik frowned, still processing. "So, this status window... it's like a tool?"

"Yes, a tool to guide you. It simplifies the complexity of your abilities and making it easier for you to access and understand what you are capable of. The one who created it knew that the transition from ordinary human to legendary hero would be difficult, so they crafted a way to make that path a little clearer. I was pessimistic about it, though. I don't know if something like that can really make you use your power.

"But it turns out that guy is right. Because of it you can actually kill the Fenrir Wolves with ease. Hahaha! Who would've thought that three young human managed to face those damn dogs."

"It wasn't really 'with ease'" Mia said with a glare toward Thor. He didn't realize it, or just simply don't care. "So, this was all planned out? Us, our powers, everything?"

"In a way, yes. The forces at play in the cosmos are vast and complex. Your reincarnation, your powers, they are all part of a larger design. But something happened, something we have no idea about. That caused Ragnarok to suddenly happen. Its quicker than we have anticipated," Thor said.

The idea that something could manipulate the fate beyond the god's back and causing Ragnarok to approach faster, filled them with an unsettling mix of fear.

Thor stepped closer to the table, his hand hovering over one of the ancient scrolls. With a deliberate motion he unrolled it, revealing intricate diagrams and symbols that depicted a series of cataclysmic events. He pointed to the first section, where a great serpent coiled around a burning tree.

"Ragnarok unfolds in stages," Thor explained. "It begins with the Fimbulwinter—a long, harsh winter that brings suffering to Midgard. You may have noticed that the weather has become more severe, even unnatural. This is just the beginning. Fimbulwinter weakens the barriers between realms, allowing dark forces to seep into your world."

"This is what happen to our world," Liam muttered.

He moved his hand further down the scroll, where images of wolves devouring the sun and moon were depicted. "Next comes the breaking of chains—the release of ancient, monstrous beings. You've already encountered some of these creatures. The wolves you fought are just the first wave. As the chains weaken more of these beasts will be unleashed, each one more powerful than the last."

Liam's eyes widened as he stared at the terrifying imagery. "And these creatures... they're going to keep coming?"

Thor nodded grimly. "Yes. And with each one that appears the fabric of reality weakens. Eventually, this leads to the final stage—the Battle of the Gods. The forces of chaos will rise and the gods will be forced to fight to protect the Nine Realms. But this battle isn't just about the gods. It involves every being, mortal and immortal, in all the realms.

"But this stages happen sooner than its supposed to be. Normally, we can contain the problem before its spreading into Midgard, earth, your world. But a lot of things happening simultaneusly and we were overwhelmed. So we didn't have any choice but to call you three."

Mia swallowed hard, trying to grasp the scale of what Thor was describing. "So... if we don't figure out what's causing this acceleration, the whole universe is basically screwed?"

Thor's gaze locked onto hers. "Yes, young lady. That's why we must act quickly. The unknown force that is pushing Ragnarok forward must be found and stopped. If it's not, the destruction will be far greater than anything prophesied."

Erik, Liam, and Mia exchanged glances, their expressions reflecting the absurdity of conflict they are now being part of. They had been thrust into a cosmic conflict far beyond anything they could have imagined, and the stakes were terrifyingly high.

Thor continued, "Your task will not only be to fight and defend but also to seek out the cause of this disturbance. It may be hidden, even in plain sight, or it might be something entirely unexpected. But whatever it is, it's our only chance to prevent total annihilation."

The room fell silent as the weight of Thor's words settled over them.

"This is madness," Liam said. "Fuck this, man! I don't want to be involved in this. What do you expect from us? We're just kids, for fuck's sake!"

"He's right. You're a literal god—you should be the one fighting and protecting us. Why should we be the ones risking our lives?" Mia added, fueling Liam's anger.

Among them, only Erik remained silent. Liam and Mia were making sense. Why should they, mere kids, have to fight against actual mythological monsters to stop a cosmic apocalypse?

But then again, if a literal god was asking them for help, didn't that mean he had no other choice?

"Let's go, Erik!" Mia tugged on Erik's hand, pulling him away as they left the chamber.

Erik glanced back and saw Thor watching them with a helpless look. He could also hear the sound of his sigh.

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