Knight Of Valhalla

Idun's Legion

Jin Tae Kyung and Bjorn exchanged glances amidst the bustling crowd of warriors. Reginleif, the leader of the Valkyries, stood on the stage with a proud gaze, holding her gleaming sword in hand. The atmosphere inside the room was filled with enthusiasm and joy, as if a dream had finally come true.

Reginleif raised her hand, signaling for the commotion to settle down. The warriors immediately quieted their voices, but their passion still burned within them. Reginleif smiled widely and said, "Have you all inspected your respective legions?"

The warriors enthusiastically replied in unison, "Yes, Reginleif! We have done so!"

Reginleif laughed contentedly. "You have all done your tasks well. You are great warriors! The celebration is over, and it's time for us to join our respective legions."

The warriors exchanged glances, and the cheers grew louder. They had been eagerly awaiting this moment with determination, and finally, their dreams were almost within reach.

Reginleif continued, "You will each find a warm and comfortable place to rest in your legions. Valkyries will come to pick you up and take you to Valhalla, the place you've longed for all this time!"

The warriors cheered even louder. Their faces beamed with happiness and unstoppable hope. They quickly formed lines, ready to embark on their new destiny.

Jin Tae Kyung felt a stark contrast between himself and the warriors. As an ordinary human, he had no right to join Valhalla. He looked around, pondering his situation. Then, suddenly, Bjorn gently touched his shoulder.

"Bjorn, I..." Jin Tae Kyung paused for a moment, trying to find the right words.

Bjorn smiled softly. "There's no need for you to say anything, Jin. I know what's on your mind. You won't be going with us."

Jin Tae Kyung nodded softly, gratitude evident in his eyes. "I truly owe you, Bjorn. Without you, I wouldn't have made it this far."

Bjorn shook his head. "We've been through a lot together, Jin. I'm just doing what I should as a friend. You're a resilient fighter, just not in the same sense as us. But you have your own important place."

Jin Tae Kyung smiled bitterly, sighing deeply. "I will miss you, my friend."

Bjorn responded with a sincere smile. "I will miss you too, Jin. Don't forget, we'll meet again someday. Until that time comes, keep fighting in your own way."

They embraced each other briefly, letting the warmth of their friendship fill their hearts. Then, with steady steps, Bjorn joined the warriors who were already waiting in formation.

Jin Tae Kyung watched them depart with mixed emotions. He knew he had to continue his own journey, seeking his different destiny. However, in his heart, he carried cherished memories of friendship and the adventures they had shared together.

Jin Tae Kyung bid farewell to Bjorn, and Bjorn stood up and said, "I'm part of the Tir legion. We'll meet again."

"Tir"

He had never heard that name before, but it sounded beautiful and reminiscent of Thor.

As Bjorn walked away with light steps, Jin Tae Kyung looked around once again. Soon, the Valkyries lined up at the entrance.

"Thor!"

"Odin!"

The Valkyries shouted the names of the gods, and the warriors joined in with enthusiastic shouts. They formed a long line, divided into the Odin and Thor lines.

"Tir!"

"Heimdal!"

And the other lines in front of the Valkyries also grew longer. Jin Tae Kyung rose slowly and waited for the name Idun to be called, but he couldn't hear it.

"Should I move closer?"

There were hundreds of soldiers in line, but half of them were in the Odin and Thor lines. Moreover, they all respected and waited for their turn, so it wasn't too difficult to approach the Valkyries.

Jin Tae Kyung took slow steps towards Valkyrie, who was sitting in the corner of a cardboard box. He tried to give her a friendly smile. "Excuse me," he said softly, trying to overcome his own awkwardness.

Valkyrie lifted her gaze and furrowed her brow, her sharp eyes scrutinizing Jin Tae Kyung with suspicion. "What do you want?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Jin Tae Kyung swallowed and felt a bit uncomfortable with the question.

"I noticed you looked lonely and wanted to make sure everything is okay," he replied gently.

Valkyrie seemed surprised. She picked up a small scroll from her lap and slowly opened it. Inside the scroll were notes about the members of the Idun Legion. "You... are you really a member of the Idun Legion?" she asked in disbelief.

Jin Tae Kyung nodded firmly. "Yes, I'm a new member. My name is Jin Tae Kyung," he said, extending his hand.

Valkyrie observed him for a moment, then cautiously accepted Jin Tae Kyung's handshake. "I'm Brynhildr, the lonely Valkyrie," she introduced herself with a faint smile.

The two of them sat facing each other in a peaceful corner, while a gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers around them. Jin Tae Kyung was impressed by Valkyrie's beauty, although he also saw the heartache reflected in her eyes.

"From this scroll, I see the names of the past members of the Idun Legion, but now it's empty. They left me behind," Brynhildr said sadly.

"I have no followers left."

Jin Tae Kyung felt a pang of pain in his heart upon hearing that. "I don't know what they were thinking, but I'm here to help. I want us to support each other as members of the Idun Legion," Jin Tae Kyung said hopefully.

Brynhildr looked at him with eyes filled with doubt, but there was a glimmer of hope shining through. "Will you stay with us?" she asked hesitantly.

Jin Tae Kyung nodded firmly. "Yes, I will stay. Together, we can make the Idun Legion strong and start gathering followers again."

Brynhildr smiled slightly, her enchanting face now appearing brighter. "Thank you, Jin Tae Kyung. I truly appreciate your help."

They sat together, sharing their stories filled with struggle and bravery. Jin Tae Kyung promised to listen to every story Bryndildr had with attention and support.

"Um, I belong to the Idun legion."

"Huh? Is there someone new?"

The Valkyrie was surprised, then stood up and unrolled a small scroll.

"Wow, that's true."

Jin Tae Kyung closed his eyes tightly. Then, the Valkyrie put the small scroll on her waist and patted Jin Tae Kyung's shoulder with a shy face.

"Keep up the good work."

Why do they always console him?

Jin Tae Kyung opened his eyes and saw the gentle smile of the Valkyrie.

"I'm Bryndildr,You can call me Heda, just like the others here."

"I'm called Jin Tae Kyung."

He wondered if Heda would show the same expression as Bjorn, but Heda only nodded.

"Well, shall we go now?"

Heda pushed the box she was sitting on with her foot, and Jin Tae Kyung asked hastily.

"Um, is there no one else?"

Hundreds of soldiers gathered in the room, but Jin Tae Kyung was the only one from the Idun legion?

Seeing Heda's expression, that was true, but Jin Tae Kyung still wanted to ask. And Heda answered sincerely.

"Yes, you're the last one. But you're kind of strange. What do you think when you want to join our legion?"

"Want?"

A desire. So it's not a forced assignment?

At Jin Tae Kyung's question, Heda tilted her head and smiled brightly.

"Ah, are you confused? Well, your name is kind of strange."

"Um, what do you mean?"

"Usually, they join the legion of the god they worshiped in life. That's why our legion always lacks members. Because Idun isn't the God of War. Soldiers like war, don't they? Wow, now that I see it, how long has it been since a newcomer arrived?"

Heda gazed at Jin Tae Kyung with a look of wonder, as if he were something truly captivating.

Jin Tae Kyung felt far from being a "newcomer" or "outsider"; to him, those labels were no longer important as he had become a part of a strong community.

"Nevertheless, let us not look down on those who do not worship a particular deity," he said. "Welcome here, and let us celebrate together."

Heda playfully nudged Jin Tae Kyung's shoulder.

"I'm reminded of the past," she said. "My first time on a pro gaming team was so boring."

"Hey, hey, don't look so sad. Let's go," Heda said cheerfully as she took Jin Tae Kyung's hand. They left the hall and saw the harbor filled with ships.

"We'll be taking a boat from here to our respective legions," said Heda.

As soon as she finished explaining, the Valkyries and soldiers emerged from the building.

"Soldiers of Odin! Follow me!"

"Let's go! For Thor!"

With their high military discipline, the Valkyries led the soldiers onto the ship. The Valkyries, who numbered in the dozens, brought along many members, while those with only a few had around ten members.

"At least I'll have a comfortable journey without any disturbances," Jin Tae Kyung thought positively as Heda pulled his hand again.

At the end of the bustling harbor with large ships and tall towers, Jin Tae Kyung stood hesitantly on the harbor's edge, observing a gloomy and unremarkable wooden boat amidst all the other prominent ships. He furrowed his brow, uncertain if the boat was the right choice. However, suddenly, Heda, another character residing on the adjacent large ship, leaped agilely and approached Tae Kyung.

"Hey, Tae Kyung!" Heda exclaimed cheerfully. "Come on, hop on this boat with me!"

Tae Kyung was surprised by Heda's spontaneous action. He looked at the magnificent ship next to him and doubted if the wooden boat was safe enough. However, Heda noticed his hesitation and quickly provided a reason for choosing the wooden boat.

"Tae Kyung, we don't need a big ship with a large crew like the others," Heda said with a smile. "This boat is simple but sturdy. Besides, we can explore more hidden waters with ease."

Tae Kyung understood Heda's argument and finally agreed to board the wooden boat. Heda quickly invited him inside the boat and gestured for Tae Kyung to take a seat. Once seated together, Heda pulled out a small box from his pocket and offered a cigarette to Tae Kyung.

"Tae Kyung, try this. It's amazing," Heda said with a smile.

Tae Kyung politely shook his head. "Thank you, but I don't smoke," he replied.

Although Tae Kyung declined, Heda still put the cigarette in his pipe and enjoyed the tobacco while conversing with Tae Kyung. In silence, their journey began as Heda called for departure. The large ships around them started leaving the harbor, followed by their wooden boat.

As their wooden boat sailed in the calm sea, Heda continued to savor his pipe with great pleasure. Tae Kyung discreetly observed his new friend and let his thoughts wander in a different direction.

When the atmosphere grew quiet, Heda suddenly looked at Tae Kyung with enthusiasm.

"Tae Kyung, do you know? We have powers equal to the others!" he exclaimed confidently.

Tae Kyung looked at Heda with hope and great curiosity. He wondered what Heda meant by those words. Heda saw clarity in Tae Kyung's eyes and immediately explained what he meant.

"We are legions of God, Tae Kyung," Heda continued with enthusiasm. "Though we may be few in number, we are blessed by God. We may not have the same strength as the other legions, but we possess a special power given to us by God."

Tae Kyung nodded in understanding. He felt a profound spiritual strength within himself. Although their wooden boat was not visually striking, both of them acknowledged it as a symbol of the strength and blessings they possessed. They understood that even though they were not on par with the grand ships and stronger legions in terms of numbers, they had an unwavering belief that the spiritual strength they possessed would aid them in their challenging journey.

"We will prove to the world that our spiritual strength is more valuable than physical strength," Tae Kyung said resolutely in his heart.

Heda smiled with satisfaction. They continued their journey with confidence, carrying hope and the flowing spiritual strength within their hearts. The wooden boat became a symbol for them, reminding them that despite their unassuming appearance, they possessed boundless strength within themselves.