Knight Of Valhalla

The Situation

The battle was over, ending abruptly like a fading universe. After catching his breath following the defeat of the sixth or seventh monster, horn trumpets and cheers filled the air.

But how much time had passed?

Jin Tae Kyung anchored back on the ship and sat at the large round table. The table was filled with strong drinks and meat, where the soldiers rushed to fill their stomachs and tongues.

"Is this the feast for the night?"

Jin Tae Kyung looked around. As far as he could see, many strong-built men gathered and connected with each other, causing the temperature to rise by five degrees.

Yes, this was the feast served. It contained strong drinks and meat.

"Still, only strong drinks and meat."

Simple like the Valhalla feast, where the gods gathered. There were no signs of Valkyries around. His only sight was of the muscular and masculine-smelling men.

Jin Tae Kyung looked around and sipped the strong drink. He did not do it because he enjoyed the drink, but only to fill the emptiness on the table. He thought he would not have an appetite after his first battle in life, but he was wrong. After a bit of meat filled his mouth, he continued to eat until he was full.

"Come on, eat first."

Although it was not very tasty because it was just roasted, it was still meat. The stomach must be filled first.

"But, where will I stay?"

Would he eat and drink all night until the next battle time came?

Nevertheless, Valhalla had sent him to the battlefield without any notification. He pondered, but it did not mean that there was no possibility.

"But still."

"Young man."

A voice was heard. Jin Tae Kyung turned his face and saw a familiar face. It was the person he saw on the ship.

"You survived. Now, can you tell me your name? My name is Bjorn."

Bjorn, that person, smiled and sat next to Jin Tae Kyung. He was so tall that Jin Tae Kyung had to lift his head to look at him.

"I am Jin Tae Kyung."

As soon as the name Jin Tae Kyung was spoken, Bjorn tilted his head.

"Hmm? An odd name. And, you also wear strange clothes."

Jin Tae Kyung contemplated the figure of Bjorn, who was staring at him with a questioning look. He wanted to shout out that he had just realized his mistake, but hesitated to echo the words right there.

"Quiet," he whispered to himself.

"Don't rush it."

Unexpectedly, Bjorn nodded and agreed.

"Seems so. Someone with a name like yours should head to another city."

Jin Tae Kyung knew something was amiss, even though he wasn't sure what was wrong.

However, the last words caught Jin Tae Kyung's attention.

"What city?"

"Didn't I tell you on the ship? About Asgard and the nine worlds. People with names like yours don't gather in Valhalla, but in another place. Ah, yes... it's called the temple."

Jin Tae Kyung furrowed his brow and took a slow sip of beer.

If Bjorn's words were correct, then there were nine worlds besides Valhalla, and the temple was where people with names like his gathered.

"However, everything was spread out before me.

"No. Perhaps there's a Korean figure over there."

But it was impossible to be certain. It was only a resemblance, the same as Jin Tae Kyung.

"Accept it, this is fate, isn't it? We've already woven words together. I believe your presence here has been planned."

Bjorn smiled, piecing together all his complexities. It sounded like it could be disputed, but his words were already carved in stone.

"Besides, you've achieved various accomplishments. You've conquered many obstacles."

"Can you see anything?"

Bjorn laughed when Jin Tae Kyung automatically replied.

"Yes, that's right. You don't even know what you're capable of. Let me explain."

Bjorn paused his words for a moment, then his fingers touched his chin, his choices cautious.

"You must know that every creature has mana within them. No matter how big or small. This is also true for enemies in Valhalla."

The dog-shaped monster was clearly a living being. But his mind didn't reject the memory of having killed it just because it was a monster. In the past, Jin Tae Kyung's life had been in danger.

When Jin Tae Kyung nodded softly, Bjorn continued his explanation.

"When Valhalla warriors successfully defeat their enemies, they can take the remaining mana and turn it into magical runes. Imagine, every opportunity brings a new story."

Jin Tae Kyung was presented with an unusual request. With closed eyes and unwavering determination, he let out a resounding cry.

"Ah."

[Rune Level: Seven]

A sparkling message appeared in the myth category.

Bjorn pinched Jin Tae Kyung's strong heart with his fingers and said,

"You can hone your rune power and improve your abilities. There are some conditions, but you can certainly learn new magic and myths."

"So, my status will be upgraded and my abilities will improve?" Jin Tae Kyung asked.

Aware of the task at hand, Bjorn continued speaking.

"First and foremost, physical ability - particularly endurance. On the battlefield, the body is the most vulnerable."

Jin Tae Kyung listened to every instruction and nodded, although he didn't apply them immediately. He needed a little time to feel things out before deciding to fight. Then, he asked,

"But where's Valkyrie?"

The black-haired Valkyrie who had escorted Jin Tae Kyung to Valhalla. Surely, she had given instructions to meet again at the evening feast.

When Jin Tae Kyung asked Bjorn about the whereabouts of the Valkyries, his tongue rolled and his shoulder was playfully punched.

"There are no Valkyries here. They're partying in a different place."

"A different place?"

"This is the most basic party, where soldiers and newcomers stand together. So it's no wonder the food and drinks are this cheap. To drink with the Valkyries, you have to work hard. At least, you have to ascend to the middle-level party."

Thus, the separation that occurred in the party's food was revealed.

"How demeaning. They discriminate with food."

Nevertheless, it seems that privileges are not only applicable within the party. Perhaps they will be given better equipment or trained with special techniques.

"What about you?"

Bjorn stated that this place is intended for newcomers and low-ranking soldiers. So, is Bjorn himself a low-ranking soldier?

When Jin Tae Kyung asked him, Bjorn just laughed.

"I just came to see you."

Meaning, he is not a newcomer.

"Thank you very much."

Jin Tae Kyung bowed respectfully to Bjorn. This is not just an act, but his sincere feeling. Without Bjorn's guidance on the myth, he would not be able to survive on the battlefield today.

"You have good manners. I like that."

Bjorn nodded and patted Jin Tae Kyung's shoulder.

"You're talented. You'll quickly climb the ranks. If you have to fight, wouldn't it be better if you're treated well beforehand and then fight?"

Bjorn did give encouragement, but why did Jin Tae Kyung feel his strength leaving his body? Jin Tae Kyung tried to smile, then asked the next question.

"Uh, but where will I stay tonight?"

He was curious about many things, but for now, he had to think about his most urgent basic needs.

"Ah, you were sent to the battlefield as soon as you arrived, without explanation," Bjorn said, then continued,

"But it will be announced later. Your lodging will depend on which legion you follow from the gods."

"Legion?" Jin Tae Kyung said, bewildered.

"Yeah, all the Valkyrie warriors are under the Asgard God Legions."

A question arose in his mind. Jin Tae Kyung opened his sharp eyes and asked, "I just want to know, does the blessing depend on which God you follow?"

"Oh, you quickly understood. That's right. It's the same with affiliated Valkyrie."

He pondered. Jin Tae Kyung still didn't know what blessings each God would give, but he felt like it depended on luck.

"Now let's start," Bjorn pointed to the center of the hall with a nod of his head. Then he turned and looked at the golden-haired Valkyrie, Reginleif.

"Warriors! I have seen your good performance today! Valhalla welcomes you, honored warriors!"

"Ohh!"

"Thor!"

"Thor!"

The warriors raised their cups and shouted the name of the thunder God. Reginleif smiled proudly, then raised her voice again.

"Starting now, I will teach you your affiliation! Everyone, look at your cup! Now, you will remember the name that you will believe and follow!"

Reginleif swung her sword in the air after speaking. Then, light began to shine and poured over the heads of the warriors, splitting into hundreds and thousands of pieces.

"Hurry up. Check," Bjorn said, hurriedly. The warriors around him checked their cups.

Jin Tae Kyung, who was amazed by the particles of light, looked at his cup. Shining words began to appear where there had been none before.

'Please! Please!'

Although he only knew about Odin, Thor, and Freya in Norse mythology, Jin Tae Kyung still had a legion he wanted to follow.

"Odin, the ruler!"

"Exactly, Thor!"

The soldiers whispered to each other, and Jin Tae Kyung felt nervous as he stared at the cup in front of him. The symbols carved on it felt foreign to him, but he could read them clearly.

"Iðunn?"

Unfamiliar, yet melodious. He turned to Bjorn, his loyal friend.

But suddenly Bjorn lightly punched him on the shoulder and said, "Cheer up!"

Jin Tae Kyung smiled bitterly, he knew the meaning of those words. He wanted to ask, but he already understood the answer. Now, he continued to ponder, contemplating the meaning of a name so beautiful yet unknown to him.