Knight Of Valhalla

Secrets of the Legion of Idun

"It's highly unreasonable to just send him off to fight without knowing who their enemies will be," Jin Tae Kyung felt it was important to know their opponents at least before they engaged in battle.

Seeing Jin Tae Kyung's expressed interest, Heda took a deep breath and began drawing on the chalkboard. There were ten circles drawn. She connected three circles horizontally and vertically, forming nine circles. Then, she added an extra circle on the left side.

"These are Asgard and the nine planets. Asgard and Midgard are here. Valhalla is also located in this place," Heda explained while drawing.

Heda drew the letter 'V' in the circle next to the extra circle and above it. Then she explained, "Above Asgard is the temple, and below it is Olympus. These three places are at the forefront."

Although Jin Tae Kyung was intrigued by the temple, the word 'Olympus' caught his attention even more. He wondered if Gods like Zeus, Hera, and Athena would be there.

"No one said they don't exist," he thought, recalling the existence of Gods like Thor and Odin.

Therefore, Jin Tae Kyung asked a more crucial question.

What about that planet?" Jin Tae Kyung asked, pointing to the circle next to Asgard.

Heda smiled bitterly and marked the circle with an X.

"That planet is destroyed. Actually, not ten planets, but nine. One planet has been destroyed. So, should we call it Asgard and eight planets?"

That planet was actually at the forefront, but due to its destruction, Asgard, and Olympus became the front line.

Heda placed a chalk next to the additional circle on the left and continued, "Beyond this place, there's Muspelheim, the planet of giants. That's where giants, demons, and devils reside."

With arrows drawn from left to right, Heda pointed to the circles on the right side of Asgard.

"You come from one of the planets behind, not the front line. Maybe this could be evidence that the destruction of war is starting to impact the rear as well. However, it doesn't mean there are no cases like yours, so perhaps it's just a mere coincidence."

He spoke lightly, but Jin Tae Kyung couldn't take it lightly, especially when trying to grasp the concept of war destruction.

"Anyway, what's important is that we are fighting. Against the enemies of the world who want to destroy our world," Heda continued firmly.

Valhalla, in the mythology they knew, was a place for warriors to train and rest, preparing themselves for the upcoming battles. But this Valhalla was different. The warriors had fought, and the planets were destroyed.

Unconsciously, Jin Tae Kyung uttered the words "Ragnarok." Although his knowledge of Norse mythology was limited, it was still something he recognized.

"True. Right now, we are experiencing Ragnarok, the final battle that will determine the fate of our world. We fight to protect our world, or, if we're honest, to survive," Heda revealed.

Jin Tae Kyung looked around with worry filling his eyes. Before him stretched the magnificent sight of Valhalla, the city of the gods in Asgard, preparing for a massive attack. He felt overwhelmed by the enormity of the task at hand and the crucial nature of this battle for the survival of the entire universe.

Heda, an experienced warrior who had fought in many epic battles, approached Jin Tae Kyung with a sympathetic demeanor. With a gentle smile, she reached out and grasped Jin Tae Kyung's shoulder, saying, "There's no need to be so afraid. We have been in this situation for hundreds of years. Let the great ones fight in the grand battle, while we focus on the battle before us."

Jin Tae Kyung nervously bit his lip, trying to calm himself. "But Heda, this is not just about Asgard, is it? Defeat in Valhalla would mean destruction for the world. Not only Asgard, but also the planets behind it. How can we win against such great evil forces?"

Heda released her grip on Jin Tae Kyung's shoulder and took a few steps back. She looked at the young face with confidence shining in her eyes. "You're right, Jin Tae Kyung. This battle is indeed crucial, but we mustn't let fear dominate us. We must gather the courage and strength that remains within us and fight until the very end."

Jin Tae Kyung lifted his gaze and looked into Heda's spirited eyes. There was a fire ignited within him, fueling his determination not to give up. "How can we fight against such great evil forces? Do we stand a chance?"

Heda smiled and reached for her sword, which vibrated in its sheath. She swung it expertly, showcasing her fighting prowess. "We may not possess the power they have, but we have brave hearts and unwavering resolve. As long as there's a drop of blood flowing through our bodies, we will fight to protect this world. Let's prove to them that true strength lies in our courage."

Jin Tae Kyung felt his spirit reignited. He realized that courage and determination were invaluable weapons in a battle like this. He lifted his chin confidently and said, "I'm with you, Heda. We'll fight together and stand against the darkness that threatens the universe. We won't give up!"

Heda smiled proudly and nodded. "That's what I want to hear. Let's prepare ourselves for the upcoming battle. We'll ensure that life on the planets behind us continues. We'll be the hope for those who have no voice."

"Your rank is still low, so you won't be involved in the grand battle. You might think you'll only be involved in small battles like the one that happened yesterday."

"Small battle?" Jin Tae Kyung asked in surprise. What happened yesterday? Besides, even Thor himself was involved.

Heda smiled and continued, "Yes, the battle yesterday. For those of us with low ranks, the grand battle is something that the greatest warriors go through. We may only be involved in small battles, but each battle has its own meaning and importance."

Jin Tae Kyung looked at Heda with burning curiosity. He began to understand that even though he wasn't involved in epic battles, his role was still important in their efforts to protect their shattered world.

"That's why we're here, in the Idun Legion," Heda said confidently.

"We fight together to rebuild our destroyed world. We are the hope for those who continue to fight on the front lines. So never underestimate our small battles, Jin Tae Kyung. Every step we take carries great significance."

Jin Tae Kyung nodded sincerely, inspired by Heda's words. Although he wouldn't be involved in the grand battles, he realized that his small role was valuable and could make an important contribution to their struggle.

"Jin Tae Kyung, Thor likes to be on the front lines. Above all, yesterday's battle was a sudden one thrown at newcomers, right?" Heda initiated their conversation.

"He must be worried. Although he appears that way, he has a very gentle side."

Jin Tae Kyung recalled the image of Thor she saw yesterday. It was difficult to connect the awe-inspiring sight of blue lightning with gentleness, but she felt a little relieved. It showed that the Gods also had a human side.

"Um, Heda," Jin Tae Kyung called.

"Yes?" Heda replied.

"Can I ask you something?" Jin Tae Kyung inquired.

"Anything," Heda responded, sitting in front of Jin Tae Kyung.

Jin Tae Kyung gazed at Heda's face with doubt. In his heart, there was a strong desire to know if he would be able to return to the place he called home after this new life of his came to an end. He swallowed and finally voiced the question that had been haunting his mind.

"Heda, are you really sure that we can go back to our place after this?" he asked, unsure.

Heda raised an eyebrow and looked at Jin Tae Kyung thoughtfully. She knew how important that question was to Jin Tae Kyung, and she wanted to give the right answer.

"However, if this war ends someday, as I mentioned before, there's a possibility for us fighters to get some rest and return to the place we call home," Heda said slowly.

Jin Tae Kyung felt his heart pounding. Although Heda's answer was still ambiguous, those words gave him a glimmer of hope. He realized that the chance to return to the beloved place depended on the outcome of this war and whether they would succeed.

"But Heda, there's no guarantee, is there?" Jin Tae Kyung replied with a trembling voice.

"What you're saying is based on possibilities, and it scares me."

Heda nodded understandingly, sensing Jin Tae Kyung's anxiety. "Yes, you're right. There's nothing certain in this war, and much is beyond our control. However, hope provides a little solace in the face of the uncertainty we're currently facing."

Jin Tae Kyung stared blankly at the ceiling. His mind drifted to an uncertain future where they fought to live and survive. But behind the fear and doubt, a small light shone within him. He could envision himself with his family in the place they called home, living in the peace they yearned for.

"Thank you, Heda," Jin Tae Kyung sincerely said.

"Although your answer is still vague, I feel a little more at ease now. You've given me a glimmer of hope in the midst of these difficulties."

Heda smiled softly. She knew how important that hope was for all of them.

"You're not alone, Jin Tae Kyung. We're all in this fight together. We'll keep fighting side by side and hoping for a better future."

In the silence that enveloped them, Jin Tae Kyung felt a newfound ember of spirit within him. He knew that the path ahead would be challenging, but now he had something firm to hold onto in his heart—hope. Hope to return to the place he called home and hope for a better future for himself and his comrades.

"Anyway, do you understand the reason why we have to fight?" Heda continued enthusiastically.

"So let's start with the class right away. You have to become strong quickly to increase your rank and get better treatment. You're doing the same thing, but now you should be treated better, right?"

Heda spoke cheerfully and then returned to the blackboard, giving Jin Tae Kyung encouragement to face the upcoming classes.

"First, I'll teach you how to use the runes you acquired yesterday," Heda said while drawing a pentagon in the air.

"The gods have created a growth system for Valhalla warriors. It's a simple way to invest runes and strengthen your abilities," she explained.

Jin Tae Kyung carefully observed the drawing made by Heda. "These abilities are divided into five major aspects: strength, endurance, speed, mana, and concentration," Heda continued.

"The first three are clear, and mana is related to magic. The stronger you are, the stronger your magic becomes, as well as your resistance to magic. As for concentration, can we consider it as the power of will? When you enhance it, your concentration or resistance against mental attacks also improves."

It was a simple system, as explained by Heda. Jin Tae Kyung recalled the words she had heard from Bjorn yesterday and then asked, "Is mana related to myth?"

Although she had considered her battle yesterday as much as she could, the most important thing was the myth itself.

Heda frowned, as if finding it difficult to answer the question.

"Myth is very special magic, so even if you have strong mana runes, myths won't be that strong. Moreover, myths are sometimes influenced by concentration. It can be said that their power changes depending on their origin."

Those words reminded Jin Tae Kyung of what Bjorn had said earlier. However, Heda continued to explain further.

"Myth is a story. A transmission. The more people know it and believe in it, the stronger your Myth becomes. Sometimes, there are very rare cases where the power of a Myth becomes stronger than its original strength. Like how the story of capturing a big snake becomes a legend of capturing a dragon."

"However, most of them are unable to fully unleash their true power. That's because they can't fully comprehend the Myths," Heda said, pausing for a moment before approaching Jin Tae Kyung.

"The Myths of low-ranking and simple low-ranked warriors. Most of them only grant additional strength or speed. Although those effects are remarkable, they don't fully align with the essence of a Myth."

Heda explained that Bjorn's Myth makes someone bigger and stronger, while Jin Tae Kyung's Myth makes his body faster.

"Myth is the manifestation of a legend. The recreation of a story. That's why the effects of a Myth are vast. In fact, some abilities can only be achieved within a single Myth," Heda said, gently opening his palm.

Then, as if summoning magic, a yellow flame appeared in his palm and transformed into a sword that emitted enchanting light.

"You can create weapons like this, or even transform them as you wish. You can even summon monsters or troops," he continued.

Heda informed Jin Tae Kyung that heroes were not the only things that appeared in Myths. For a moment, Jin Tae Kyung was reminded of the legend of Excalibur. If the Myth of King Arthur existed, could he also summon Excalibur?

That question lingered in Jin Tae Kyung's mind, revealing the unlimited potential that lay before him. The Idun Legion, with all its uniqueness and power, awakened his dormant spirit of adventure.