The silver light, brighter than the moon itself, faded from the night sky, but its brilliance lingered in the hearts of all who witnessed it. Mortals and gods alike would forever remember the moment Kevin wielded the magic sword Flagrak and carved a miraculous path through the battlefield.
The radiant silver beam left a deep scar on the plain, a mark that would remain as an eternal testament to Kevin's heroic stand. The two final challengers sent by Maeve had been annihilated in its wake, their bodies swallowed by the light. A rift now divided the battlefield, a line drawn in defiance of an army once thought invincible.
On another side of the field, Cu Chulainn's uncle Fergus lay pinned to a tree, rendered incapable of further combat by Cu Chulainn's decisive strike. His life hung precariously in the balance.
Cu Chulainn, however, had expended all his strength. Collapsing to the blood-soaked ground, he breathed heavily, his magic spear falling from his hand. His body bore the weight of endless battles, but the sight of Kevin standing unshaken brought him solace.
At the center of the field, Kevin stood with Flagrak in hand. His slim figure seemed almost too frail to bear the weight of the blade, yet he towered over the battlefield. The sword's point rested in the earth, its light dimmed but still fierce.
"The man of miracles..." someone whispered among Maeve's ranks.
The silence that followed was profound. Warriors from both sides lowered their weapons. Even Maeve, who had orchestrated this campaign, was left speechless, her usual commanding voice lost amid the awe that gripped her soldiers.
Beside her, the three goddesses of war exchanged hushed words, their faces betraying a mix of intrigue and respect.
Maeve's face turned pale, then flushed with frustration. She clenched her fists, but Marian's steady hand on her shoulder brought her back to her senses. Taking a deep breath, Maeve finally admitted defeat.
"We... concede this challenge," she declared, her voice trembling with reluctant acceptance.
Almost instantly, Scathach appeared on the battlefield. Her long, dark purple hair floated in the moonlight, her veil masking her expression. With swift, decisive movements, she reached Kevin, who, upon hearing Maeve's concession, finally allowed his body to give in to exhaustion.
Scathach caught him as he collapsed, her arms cradling him tightly. She ignored the gods and mortals watching her every move, her focus solely on her disciple. Kevin's blood stained her robes as he looked up at her, his lips curving into a faint smile.
In his dazed state, Kevin thought to himself: Every time I end up in Master's arms, it never bodes well...
And then, he lost consciousness.
Maeve held her forces back, adhering to the agreement, while the curse on the men of the Kingdom of Ulster lifted at dawn. Warriors long thought lost to slumber awoke, their strength returning. For Ulster, the war was just beginning, but the sacrifices of Kevin and Cu Chulainn had given them a fighting chance.
The story of their defiance spread rapidly. Bards wove their tale into songs that echoed across the continent of Erin. Warriors from neutral territories, inspired by the sons of Luger, flocked to Ulster's banner.
In a mere week, the Ulster army had swelled, becoming a force equal to Maeve's coalition.
Half a month passed, and the war reached its peak intensity. Kevin, who had been rendered powerless, sat on the city wall of the Ulster fortress. His long black braids swayed in the wind as he watched the distant horizon.
Beside him sat Fergal, the towering king of Lask, whose presence had once been a source of conflict.
"I never thought we'd end up sitting together like this," Kevin said with a weak chuckle.
"Neither did I," Fergal replied, his booming laugh echoing across the walls. "At the time, I wanted nothing more than to take your head. But..." He shook his head, his expression softening. "You've earned my respect, Kevin. It's a pity, though. You've become a hero, but you can no longer fight alongside us."
Kevin laughed quietly. "I've done all I can."
Behind them, Scathach approached, carrying a plate of divine fruit. She handed Kevin a piece, her tone flat as she said, "Burning everything in your body to release the true name of Flagrak... What a brilliant plan."
Kevin smiled sheepishly as she fed him the fruit. "Master, are you angry?"
"Angry?" Scathach's voice was calm, but Kevin winced at the edge in her tone. "Why would I be angry? You've only destroyed your divine body, left yourself powerless, and rendered yourself immune to further divine restoration. No, why should that bother me?"
Fergal, sensing danger, muttered an excuse and hastily retreated.
Kevin's laugh faded as his vision shifted. Suddenly, his eyes changed, glowing like stars in the night. Scathach noticed the transformation, her brows furrowing in concern.
"Cu Chulainn..." Kevin's voice was quiet but heavy. "He's gone."
Scathach froze. "Gone?"
Kevin nodded slowly. "He died just now."
The weight of his words hung in the air. Scathach said nothing, and Kevin continued, his voice steady but filled with sorrow. "Master, can you take me to him? I just... want to say goodbye."
A soft light surrounded them, and before Kevin knew it, they stood by a clear river.
At the water's edge, Cu Chulainn's body remained upright, his magic spear in hand. Blood marked his path, but his face was calm, as if he were at peace.
Ruger appeared beside Kevin, his hand resting gently on his son's shoulder. "He died as he lived," Ruger said quietly, his voice trembling. "Even when trapped, outnumbered, and betrayed, he reclaimed his spear and killed every enemy who stood against him."
Kevin gazed at Cu Chulainn's figure, his heart heavy. "He really left nothing behind, did he?"
Ruger nodded. "Nothing... except a legacy that will never fade."
Kevin turned to Ruger. "Father, I've decided. I'm going to the Aesir to find Fenrir. I need his blood to rebuild my body and become stronger."
Ruger's expression darkened, but before he could protest, Scathach interjected.
"Let him go," she said firmly. "He's a miracle man, a child of the sun, and a hero. His path was never meant to be confined to us."
Ruger sighed, then summoned a beam of light. "Go, then," he said. "But take this bird with you. It will guide you."
Kevin smiled as the small bird landed on his shoulder. Turning to Scathach, he hesitated, then said, "Master, I'll return someday. And when I do... I'll be strong enough to challenge you."
Scathach tilted her head, her expression unreadable.
Kevin grinned. "And when I win, I'm going to spank you for every time you hit me!"
Without waiting for her response, Kevin stepped into the light, his laughter echoing behind him.
Scathach watched him go, a small smile playing on her lips. "We'll see, Kevin. We'll see."
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