Odin: "Ahem... ahem."
We both turned to see none other than Odin, standing at the entrance with an amused expression. His gaze lingered on us, calm yet calculating, like a man who knew far more than he let on.
Odin: "Would you prefer it if your marriage were held in Asgard?"
We froze.
Hela's face turned red — redder than I had ever seen it. The Goddess of Death, who could make entire armies tremble in fear, now looked like a teenage girl caught sneaking out by her strict father.
For a second, I thought she was about to lash out at him. I expected her to summon her necroswords and go on a rampage, maybe even try to kill him right there and then.
But to my surprise, she didn't.
Instead, Hela lowered her gaze, her posture stiff but awkward. She looked... shy?
What the hell am I seeing? I thought, utterly dumbfounded. Is this really the same Hela I know?
However, that shyness didn't last long. Her usual demeanor returned, and her voice came out cold and sharp.
Hela: "What do you want, old man? Did you come to invite us to your domain and kill us there?"
Odin sighed, shaking his head.
Odin: "Hela, my dear, you know that's not what I meant." He stepped forward, his gaze softening. "And we both know you've already forgiven me. Otherwise, you would've sliced me to ribbons the moment you saw me."
Hela's eyes narrowed, but she remained silent.
Odin: "So, drop the act. It's time to come home — to where you truly belong."
Hela blinked, her mask of indifference cracking ever so slightly. For a moment, I could see the conflict in her eyes.
Does she really miss Asgard? Does she miss him? I wondered.
After a brief pause, Hela let out a sigh, crossing her arms.
Hela: "Fine. Let's go, old man."
Odin smiled softly, relief washing over his features.
Hela: "But tell me... why didn't you come earlier? Why wait until now?"
Odin's expression grew somber. He glanced away, lost in thought for a moment before answering.
Odin: "I had... a little work to finish first."
Hela stared at him, as if trying to read between the lines. Eventually, she gave a small nod and turned to me.
Hela: "Kael, do you want to go to Asgard?"
Kael: "Uh... sure."
What else could I say? No? Asgard is way better than this place.
Suddenly, a soft ding echoed in my mind.
[System Notification]
Mission: Visit and remain on the Rainbow Bridge for 3 minutes.
Reward: System Function Unlock.
WTH? What does this system want from me now?
Before I could ponder it further, Odin's gaze fell on me. His eyes sparkled with a knowing glint, and he gave me a smile — a smile that sent a shiver down my spine.
I feel like I just got played.
And then it hit me — this was Odin, the Allfather. A literal god. He probably knew everything that was happening, including the system's interference.
Panic kicked in, and I immediately bowed.
Kael: "Pardon my earlier rudeness, Your Majesty. This peasant didn't know how to behave in your presence."
Both Hela and Odin stared at me.
Then, to my utter confusion, they burst out laughing.
Hela: "Hahaha! Kael... seriously? My father is your father-in-law now. And seeing as he didn't pierce you with Gungnir when you proposed to me, you should stop with the formalities."
Odin chuckled, his shoulders shaking.
Odin: "Indeed, young man. I considered you part of the family the moment I saw the changes you brought to my daughter."
Hela: "I'm still mad at you, Father."
Odin: "I know." He smiled warmly. "Now, enough chit-chat. Heimdall!"
At his call, a brilliant rainbow light enveloped us, and before I knew it, we were standing in a grand, golden hall — the Himinbjorg, if I wasn't mistaken.
Guards lined the entrance, standing tall and vigilant. But my attention was drawn to the three figures waiting for us.
The first was a beautiful woman who looked to be in her late thirties, her regal aura unmistakable. She had an air of wisdom and warmth — Frigga, my new mother-in-law.
Next to her stood two tall men. One was a muscular blonde, practically radiating power — Thor, the God of Thunder.
The other was a leaner man with sharp features, dressed in blackish-green robes — Loki, the God of Mischief.
Both brothers stared at Hela, their expressions a mix of shock and... fear?
Why do they look like they've seen a ghost?
Frigga's eyes welled up with tears. Without hesitation, she ran toward Hela and embraced her tightly.
Frigga: "My daughter... my beautiful daughter."
Hela stiffened at first but slowly returned the hug. Her expression softened, and for a moment, the Goddess of Death seemed vulnerable.
Frigga pulled Hela away gently, cupping her face with both hands.
Frigga: "Come. There's much to discuss."
With that, she led Hela away, not sparing us even a glance — except for when she passed me. She gave me a warm, grateful smile before continuing on.
She must be thankful I helped Hela.
Once they were gone, everyone in the hall — including Odin, Thor, and Loki — let out a collective sigh of relief.
Thor: "Well... hello, brother-in-law, I guess."
Loki: "Greetings, brother-in-law."
Kael: "Uh... hi."
Odin chuckled.
Odin: "Meet my two idiotic sons. And the lovely woman who just left is my wife, Frigga."
Kael: "I thought so."
Thor stepped forward, offering me a handshake.
Thor: "I know it's a bit late, but I'm Thor, God of Thunder."
Loki smirked, stepping closer as well.
Loki: "And I'm Loki. God of Mischief. It seems we're family now."
Kael: "I guess so. I'm Kael Alaric... and no god. Just a mortal."
Odin shook his head, his smile never faltering.
Odin: "Even if you are mortal, Kael, you've achieved enough to earn your place among us. Don't diminish yourself."
Kael: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Odin: "Enough with the formalities. You can call me 'father' or 'old man' — like my daughter does."
Kael: "Sure... old man."
As we walked through Asgard's palace, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the grandeur of it all. It was far more beautiful and vast than anything the movies ever showed. The walls sparkled with golden light, and the murals depicted countless battles, legends, and victories.
I noticed something different about the murals.
In the movies, Hela had revealed how Odin conquered the Nine Realms alongside her — and later erased her from history. But here, those stories remained untouched. Hela's achievements, her battles, her role as Odin's right hand — it was all displayed proudly.
So this is what Odin meant by having work to do. He must have been restoring Hela's legacy.
Odin glanced at me, as if reading my thoughts, and smiled again.
Suddenly, a maid approached.
Maid: "Your Majesty, Queen Frigga has summoned Kael Alaric."
Odin motioned for me to go.
I followed the maid, lost in thought. The system mission was complete, and the reward I received was a map of the Nine Realms — a map that showed hidden locations, including the dark elves' hiding spot.
But it didn't show the locations of Thanos or Galactus.
Guess I still have to find them myself.
The maid led me to a chamber where Hela and Frigga waited.
Frigga: "Come in, Kael."
I entered, and before I could say anything, Frigga approached me with tears in her eyes.
Frigga: "Kael Alaric... you've made one of my deepest regrets disappear."
She hugged me tightly.
For a moment, I froze, but then I returned the embrace, smiling.
Frigga: "You don't need to fear anything. I'll personally host your marriage with Hela. We won't leave it to those fools to ruin."
She smiled one last time before leaving, giving me a look that said, Enjoy your time.
And with that, she was gone.
Now, Hela and I were left alone in the chamber. She looked at me, a smile spreading across her face, and I couldn't help but smile back at her.
I hadn't spent millennia with her, but from the time we had shared, I could tell that, right now, she was the happiest she had been in a long while.
End of Chapter 10