Valhalla Saga – Chapter 142

Episode 41 / Bab 3: Cabang tertinggi (3)

TL: Tsubak

ED: Julsmul

Adenmaha membuka matanya lebar-lebar sambil mengungkapkan wajah tercengang.

“A-Apa ini? Kenapa begitu besar? "

Suara bingungnya keluar tak terhindarkan.

Tubuh naga hitam, Nidhogg.

Tubuh itu memberikan kekuatan yang luar biasa kepada orang-orang yang melihatnya meskipun hanya berbaring.

Adenmaha telah menghadapi banyak kesulitan sebagai Dewi Tuatha De Danann, tetapi ini adalah pertama kalinya dia melihat naga sebesar ini.

Di sampingnya, Nidhogg merasa senang ketika Adenmaha berseru dengan tulus. Dia tertawa bodoh dan kemudian merentangkan tangannya.

“Kesepakatan sebenarnya lebih besar dari itu. Muuuuuch lebih besar. "

Karena tubuh asli Nidhogg membentang 2 kilometer. Dari pandangan sekilas, itu dua puluh kali lebih besar dari naga di hadapan mereka, jadi itu dengan mudah sepuluh kali lebih besar.

Nidhogg merentangkan tangannya mencoba mengungkapkan betapa besarnya itu, tetapi dia tidak berhenti di situ dan juga berdiri di atas jari kakinya. Tentu saja, tidak mungkin dia bisa mentransmisikan ukurannya secara akurat, tetapi Adenmaha masih mengagumi kenyataan bahwa ukurannya jauh lebih besar.

“Lebih besar dari itu? Dan banyak? "

"Ya ya. Jauh, jauh lebih besar. "

Nidhogg menjawab dengan tergesa-gesa dan memikirkan metode lain untuk mengekspresikan kebesaran, tetapi dia tidak bisa memikirkan apa pun.

Dan itu sama untuk Adenmaha.

Dia hanya menatap tubuh Nidhogg dengan wajahnya yang tercengang dan mengeluarkan suara kekaguman.

"Haa. Betapa menakjubkan. Sangat luar biasa. ”

Dia baru saja menerima kenyataan bahwa Tae Ho telah mengalahkan pasukan raksasa saat menunggang Nidhogg, tapi sekarang dia bisa memahaminya dengan pasti.

Dengan tubuh sebesar itu, ia akan mampu menciptakan malapetaka dan kekacauan hanya dengan berguling-guling di tanah.

Adenmaha teringat ketika dia harus berguling di Hutan Pohon Musim Dingin Kataron.

Hari dia harus berguling untuk merawat pohon yang bergerak dalam sekejap.

Bukankah Nidhogg juga berguling di medan perang?

"Hei, tidak mungkin."

Dia menggelengkan kepalanya secara refleks pada citra mental naga yang panjangnya seratus meter berguling di medan perang. Dia meyakinkan dirinya sendiri bahwa bahkan Tae Ho tidak akan membuat Nidhogg melakukan sesuatu seperti itu.

"Ngomong-ngomong, kamu benar-benar luar biasa."

Nidhogg menggaruk kepalanya saat Adenmaha berseru sekali lagi dan tidak tahu harus berbuat apa. Dia tertawa seperti orang bodoh dan kemudian sedikit mengenakan pakaian Adenmaha.

"Adenmaha."

"Iya nih?"

"Tidak bisakah kau melakukannya sedikit lagi?"

Nidhogg berkata dengan ragu sambil memerah. Adenmaha memiringkan kepalanya karena dia tidak bisa mengerti apa yang dia katakan, tetapi dia segera mengerti.

Apa yang diinginkan Nidhogg.

Kata-kata Ratatoskr tidak memberitahunya.

Adenmaha tersenyum cerah. Dia merentangkan tangannya dengan lebar dan berkata dengan penuh semangat,

"Luar biasa. Nidhogg kami luar biasa, besar dan indah! "

Ratatoskr hanya mengatakan kepadanya bahwa dia besar dan bodoh.

Itu hanya memberitahunya bahwa dia terlalu besar.

Nidhogg juga berpikir seperti itu. Dia hanya bisa melakukannya.

Tapi bukan itu masalahnya sekarang.

Adenmaha mengatakan kepadanya bahwa dia luar biasa. Alih-alih mengutuknya bahwa dia besar dan bodoh, dia memuji bahwa tubuhnya besar dan cantik.

"Ehehehe."

Tawa terus keluar. Wajahnya terasa panas, tetapi dia tidak bisa berhenti tertawa.

Dan yang keluar bukan hanya tawa. Matanya mulai memerah, dan air mata jatuh tanpa sadar juga.

Adenmaha mengarahkan senyuman bisu pada Nidhogg. Dia menyeringai bukannya menghapus air mata Nidhogg dan kemudian mengungkapkan kekagumannya dengan lebih bersemangat.

“Bagaimana kabarmu ini luar biasa? Sungguh, sangat menakjubkan. Kamu luar biasa, aku tidak bisa berhenti mengagumi. "

Dia berbicara dengan lembut seolah memuji seorang anak.

Nidhogg tidak tahan lagi dan memeluk Adenmaha.

"Aku sangat menyukai Adenmaha!"

"Saya juga. Aku juga, Nidhogg. "(Catatan ED: Narsisisme banyak, Adenmaha?)

Adenmaha menepuk punggung Nidhogg. Meskipun Nidhogg lebih tinggi 10 cm darinya, tidak peduli siapa yang melihatnya, yang dipeluk kali ini adalah Nidhogg.

Bukan tidak suka tapi aku suka kamu.

Nidhogg menggigit bibirnya dan kemudian menangis.

Dia menangis sangat sedih sehingga dia mulai merendam pakaian Adenmaha, tetapi dia tidak mendorongnya kembali. Dia agak memeluknya lebih hangat.

Dan Cuchulainn, yang melihat itu dari tempat yang jauh, berkata ketika matanya menjadi merah,

‘Betapa nyaman dan hangatnya. Sangat menyenangkan dan hangat sehingga saya tidak membutuhkan kompor sama sekali. ’

Nidhogg adalah satu kasus, tetapi Cuchulainn telah kagum pada Adenmaha.

Dia hanya melihat dia mengambil udara segar di depan Tae Ho, tetapi baginya untuk menjadi seorang wanita yang dipenuhi dengan cinta keibuan ….

"Pada akhirnya Dewi masih Dewi."

Cuchulainn menyeringai sekali lagi. Itu karena dia ingat masa lalu Adenmaha ketika dia memilih untuk menjadi budak Bress the Tyrant dengan keputusannya sendiri untuk menyelamatkan warga Erin.

Hela, yang tidak tahu banyak tentang Nidhogg dibandingkan dengan dua lainnya, memandang Nidhogg dengan kejutan yang tertulis di wajahnya.

"Aku tidak pernah bisa membayangkan kalau naga hitam itu seperti ini."

Terlebih lagi ketika dia melihat dia bertarung dengan gagah berani di medan perang.

Odin tersenyum pahit.

“Benar, itu juga yang terjadi padaku. Saya hanya menduga bahwa itu akan menjadi keberadaan yang jahat dan jahat. ”

Dia tidak bisa menyadarinya meskipun dia telah mendengar tangisan Nidhogg dipenuhi dengan kesedihan.

Odin mengambil napas dalam-dalam dan menoleh untuk melihat Hela.

"Apakah persiapannya berjalan dengan baik?"

“Kami telah menyelesaikan semuanya. Aku akan memimpin Naglfar setiap kali kamu memberi perintah dan pergi ke Asgard. ”

Sudah ada puluhan Naglfars yang disiapkan, kapal-kapal yang dibuat dengan cakar dan paku orang mati.

"Itu melegakan mendengarnya."

Kekuatan individu orang mati jelas lemah. Mereka adalah makhluk yang bahkan tidak bisa bertarung dengan baik melawan para raksasa, tetapi cerita berubah ketika jumlah mereka mencapai ratusan ribu. Meskipun masih tidak mungkin untuk menghadapi para raksasa, itu tidak mungkin untuk menghadapi roh-roh jahat.

"Odin, apakah kamu akan pergi ke cabang tertinggi sekarang?"

"Aku berencana untuk melakukannya. Tidak ada alasan untuk menunda lebih jauh. "

Mereka harus bergegas. Dia telah mengumpulkan sedikit informasi dari Niflheim dan Midgard, tetapi dia masih belum memiliki informasi terperinci mengenai Asgard.

Odin segera menjawab pertanyaan Hela dan kemudian berbalik untuk melihat Tae Ho yang berdiri di sebelah Merlin.

"Prajurit Idun."

"Ya, Odin?"

“Hraesvelg adalah pelindung dan raja dari cabang tertinggi. Dia mungkin akan menunjukkan dirinya ketika dia melihat kita mendekat. ”

Dan Nidhogg terutama dalam kelompok. Dia tidak pernah bertemu Nidhogg bahkan sekali sejak dia dilahirkan, tetapi dia harus tahu karakteristiknya, seperti empat pasang sayap dan empat tanduknya, melalui Ratatoskr.

Jelas dia akan datang menyerang ketika dia mendengar bahwa naga hitam telah muncul.

"Aku akan melanjutkan negosiasi seperti yang aku katakan sebelumnya, tetapi hal setelah itu sepenuhnya terserah padamu."

Segala sesuatu yang berkaitan dengan mengalahkan Hraesvelg ada di pundak Tae Ho. Bukan karena Odin secara tidak bertanggung jawab menyerahkan tugas kepadanya. Odin benar-benar mempercayai Tae Ho.

"Serahkan padaku,"

Tae Ho memukul dadanya dan menjawab. Odin ingat saat Tae Ho muncul untuk menyelamatkannya dan tersenyum pahit. Dia memikirkan Idun, yang berusaha keras untuk menyembunyikan Tae Ho dari matanya, dan membuat gerakan tangan.

"Datang mendekat. Saya akan memberkati Anda. ”

'Oh bagus. Anda suka berkah. Dapatkan banyak dari mereka. Setidaknya dua. "

Cuchulainn menyela seolah-olah ini adalah saat yang tepat.

Tae Ho tersenyum pahit ke dalam dan mendekati Odin dan kemudian memberkatinya di dahinya.

"Untuk Asgard dan Sembilan Alam."

"Untuk Asgard dan Sembilan Alam."

Mereka tidak punya waktu untuk disia-siakan, seperti yang dikatakan Odin. Kelompok itu kemudian menuju ke cabang tertinggi dengan Ratatoskr sebagai pemandu mereka.

–

World Tree, Yggdrasil, dapat dikatakan semacam sistem yang merupakan komposisi dunia itu sendiri.

Karena itu, Pohon Dunia bukan hanya apa yang bisa dilihat orang. Pohon Dunia yang melewati Niflheim, Midgard, dan Asgard hanyalah bagian tubuh yang utuh dari seluruh pohon.

Hraesvelg tahu fakta ini secara naluriah. Dia tidak bisa menjelaskannya secara detail, tetapi dia bisa merasakannya.

‘Tidak hanya ada satu jalur yang mengarah ke cabang tertinggi.’

Ada beberapa jalan lain yang mengarah ke cabang tertinggi selain dari memanjat pohon terwujud.

Dan jalan yang Ratatoskr gunakan tentu saja jalan yang tidak bisa mereka lihat.

Karena itu, Hraesvelg meninggalkan penjaga di beberapa bagian cabang tertinggi. Itu untuk mengusir siapa pun yang mendekati cabang tertinggi dengan cepat, baik itu Dewa atau raksasa.

Hraesvelg, yang memiliki penampilan seorang lelaki tua yang kokoh, berdiri di pusat pelatihan yang luas dan sendirian dan perlahan-lahan mengambil sikap.

Dia akan mengayunkan tombaknya dan memotong udara secara horizontal dan kemudian secara vertikal, mengambil belokan, dan menghasilkan tebasan yang kuat.

Hraesvelg bergerak perlahan. Dia menggunakan beberapa detik hanya dalam satu posisi.

Itu adalah metode pelatihan yang digunakan seniman bela diri manusia ketika mereka ingin meningkatkan ketepatan gerakan.

Sebenarnya, itu adalah pelatihan yang tidak berarti bagi Hraesvelg.

Dia semacam Dewa, sama seperti naga kuno Nidhogg.

Karena itu, meskipun ia sekarang memiliki penampilan seperti seorang lelaki tua, itu tidak sama dengan tubuh aslinya.

Elang putih yang memiliki sayap besar yang bisa menutupi langit.

Itu adalah penampilan nyata Hraesvelg. Itu adalah tubuh yang tidak bisa menggunakan tombak dan bahkan tidak perlu menggunakannya.

Tetapi Hraesvelg masih terlatih dalam keahlian tombaknya. Itu menjadi mirip dengan pahlawan besar yang tetap ada di pikirannya.

Tusukan yang bersih.

Hraesvelg menarik tombaknya dan mendesah panjang. Dia seharusnya pindah ke gerakan berikutnya di sini, tetapi dia mengerutkan kening dan berbalik. Burung pipit muda terbang ke arahnya dengan tergesa-gesa.

“Hraesvelg-nim! Hraesvelg-nim! "

"Muncul! Muncul! "

“Seorang penyusup! Infiltran!"

Burung pipit terbang di sekitar kepala Hraesvelg dan berkicau dengan berisik.

Hraesvelg mengulurkan tombaknya untuk membuat tempat bagi burung pipit untuk bertengger dan kemudian dia tersenyum seperti seorang pria dan bertanya,

"Apakah itu para raksasa?"

"Bukan raksasa atau dewa! Itu naga! "

“Naga hitam! Seekor naga hitam! "

"Naga hitam?"

Hraesvelg membuka matanya tiba-tiba dan bertanya balik dengan nada yang tidak masuk akal. Burung pipit menahan napas pada aura kuat yang tiba-tiba dilepaskan.

"Ah, maafkan aku."

Hraesvelg menerima seekor burung gereja yang jatuh karena lumpuh dan kemudian menenangkan auranya.

Burung pipit nyaris tidak bisa bernapas sekali lagi dan mengepakkan sayap mereka.

"Ini sangat besar!"

“Ada racun di tubuhnya! Dan memiliki empat pasang sayap! Ia juga memiliki empat tanduk! "

Hraesvelg menelan ludah kering. Dia nyaris tidak menekan aura yang akan keluar secara refleks dan menahan napas.

Empat pasang sayap dan empat tanduk.

Seekor naga hitam.

Hanya ada satu hal yang muncul di kepalanya. Dan saat itu, seekor burung hitam dan besar datang terbang dari jauh.

"Hraesvelg-nim!"

Itu adalah ajudan Hraesvelg, Vedrfolnir.

Dia biasanya bertransformasi menjadi wanita berambut hitam panjang untuk mengekspresikan etiket, tetapi dia tidak punya waktu untuk melakukannya kali ini. Dia berteriak ke arah Hraesvelg sambil berbentuk burung.

"I-Itu telah muncul!"

Jika Vedrfolnir yang biasanya tenang mendapatkan ini, hanya ada satu skenario yang mungkin.

"Naga hitam, Nidhogg."

Naga kuno.

Musuh lama Hraesvelg sendiri yang terhubung dengannya karena takdir.

Napasnya menjadi kasar dengan sendirinya. Dia merasa detak jantungnya mulai bergetar, dan dia mengepalkan tinju untuk mengantisipasi.

Dia ingat pertarungan melawan pahlawan besar yang masih bisa dia ingat dengan jelas ketika dia menutup matanya.

Kegembiraan dari saat itu melonjak secara alami, dan senyum yang sama alami perlahan-lahan digambar di wajahnya.

Pertempuran terakhir dan menentukan.

Duel yang mempertaruhkan nasib dunia.

Hari dia telah menunggu selama seribu tahun!

Dia bisa mati dalam pertempuran ini. Lawannya adalah naga kuno yang membenci dunia. Mungkin, ini mungkin menjadi hari terakhir bagi Hraesvelg.

Tapi dia tidak menyesal atau takut.

Jika dia bisa menuangkan semua yang dia mampu.

"Ayo pergi. Pimpin jalan, Vedrfolnir. "

Suaranya anehnya tenang dibandingkan dengan dadanya yang panas. Matanya juga tenang.

Hati burung pipit tergerak oleh gambar Hraesvelg yang seperti pahlawan saat ini. Vedrfolnir hampir menangis, tetapi dia menahannya. Itu adalah saat tuannya menunggu seluruh hidupnya. Dia tidak bisa menyebarkan perasaannya hanya dengan air mata.

“Aku akan memimpin, tuanku yang tercinta. Raja cabang tertinggi. "

Hraesvelg memandang ke langit dan menarik napas panjang. Dia menenangkan ambisinya yang panas yang membakar seperti matahari dan melompat ke langit.

< Episode 41 – The highest branch (3) > Akhir

Catatan TL: Terima kasih telah membaca ~

Episode 41 / Bab 4: Cabang tertinggi (4)

TL: Tsubak

ED:

Cabang tertinggi bukanlah cabang seperti namanya.

Itu adalah dunia kecil yang menempel di pohon dunia seperti Midgard dan Asgard.

Hraesvelg terbang di langit dengan anggun. Vedrfolnir terbang sedikit di depan daripada dia untuk memimpin jalan dan burung pipit yang naik di punggungnya berkicau dan berteriak.

"Raja akan pergi!"

"Raja akan bertarung melawan naga hitam!"

Burung-burung yang memiliki pendengaran yang baik mendengar mereka. Burung-burung yang gelisah karena kemunculan naga hitam yang tiba-tiba menjadi senang dan terbang. Mereka kemudian mengikuti jejak raja mereka.

Hraesvelg tidak menghentikan warganya. Itu karena akan lebih baik untuk memiliki lebih banyak saksi dalam duel besar yang akan terjadi sebentar lagi.

Tapi tentu saja, Hraesvelg tidak berencana menempatkan warganya dalam bahaya karena dia adalah seorang raja. Dia berencana untuk tidak membiarkan mereka mendekati jarak tertentu karena mereka bisa tersapu dalam pertempuran melawan Nidhogg.

"Rajaku! Rajaku! "

"Raja kita!"

"Raja burung!"

"Pelindung cabang tertinggi!"

Burung-burung mulai berkumpul satu per satu dan berteriak bersama. Hraesvelg adalah seorang raja yang dicintai semua orang saat dia melindungi cabang tertinggi selama seribu tahun sejak dia naik takhta.

Mereka tahu betul tentang naga hitam, Nidhogg, berkat binatang buas tupai Ratatoskr.

Manifestasi semua kejahatan di dunia.

Tetapi mereka tidak takut karena rajawali putih bersama mereka. Mereka yakin dia akan mengalahkan naga hitam belaka!

Hraesvelg pertama kali menuju ke inti cabang tertinggi daripada pergi ke daerah luar tempat naga hitam muncul. Itu tidak membuat lebih banyak warga mengikutinya. Itu karena tubuh aslinya tertidur di tempat itu.

“Bangunkan tubuhku. Saatnya telah tiba."

Ketika Hraesvelg berdiri di udara dan menggumamkan sesuatu, seluruh cabang tertinggi mulai bergetar. Burung-burung yang dikumpulkan ketakutan tetapi senang pada saat yang sama. Mereka menutup paruh mereka dengan erat dan berkonsentrasi.

Sebuah kepakan sayap yang besar mengguncang dunia.

Dua sayap yang terbentang saat memecah kesunyian menghantam udara sekali lagi dan tubuh asli Hraesvelg muncul.

Mata burung pipit yang menunggang Vedrfolnir melebar dan itu sama untuk orang-orang yang sudah melihat penampilan nyata raja dan orang-orang yang melihatnya untuk pertama kalinya.

Jika Anda menghubungkan ujung sayap yang ekstrem, Anda dapat membayangkan bahwa itu adalah dataran yang besar dan lebar. Itu adalah keberadaan besar yang bisa menciptakan angin puyuh dengan embusan anginnya.

Tubuh asli Hraesvelg adalah sejenis baju besi ajaib seperti tubuh Nidhogg.

Elang putih murni yang tidak memiliki noda.

Hraesvelg memandang tubuhnya sendiri dengan ekspresi puas dan kemudian mengambil satu langkah. Dia menginjak udara dan kemudian pindah ke kepala tubuh aslinya.

Vedrfolnir berubah menjadi wanita cantik dan berdiri di sebelah raja dan burung pipit duduk di bahunya dan memuji kebesaran-Nya.

Hraesvelg mengepakkan sayapnya sekali lagi. Tanah bergetar sekali lagi dan elang putih melintasi jarak yang luar biasa dalam beberapa saat.

"Itu raja!"

"Ini raja elang putih!"

"Raja akan bertarung melawan naga hitam!"

Warga cabang tertinggi berteriak dengan seluruh kekuatan mereka. Mereka juga sangat bersemangat saat ini.

Ini juga jasa Ratatoskr. Warga membayangkan raja mereka mengalahkan naga hitam dan mengepakkan sayap mereka dengan lebih kuat.

Dan Hraesvelg akhirnya mencapai perimeter luar bersama rakyatnya. Dia membuka matanya dengan tajam dan menatap naga hitam itu.

Seekor naga hitam yang memiliki empat pasang sayap dan empat tanduk, seperti kata burung pipit, berdiri diam. Itu tampak seperti gunung hitam dan besar.

"Ini lebih kecil dari yang kupikirkan."

Elang adalah binatang yang sayapnya lebih besar dari tubuhnya sehingga hanya dengan melihat ukurannya, sepertinya tidak akan ada banyak perbedaan antara Hraesvelg dan Nidhogg.

Tapi mungkin, itu hal yang jelas. Karena Nidhogg adalah musuh besar Hraesvelg. Kisah itu akan cocok jika mereka memiliki ukuran yang sama.

Naga yang memiliki kabut beracun di sekitarnya tidak bergerak, seolah-olah itu benar-benar menjadi gunung. Hraesvelg membuat warganya berhenti dan terbang sendiri.

Sekitar 200 meter dengan Nidhogg.

Itu jarak yang sangat jauh sehingga orang tidak akan dapat berbicara satu sama lain, tetapi sangat dekat untuk keberadaan besar seperti Nidhogg dan Hraesvelg.

Berdasarkan kata-kata Ratatoskr, hal yang normal adalah naga itu akan meluncurkan serangan kejutan terlebih dahulu tetapi itu agak menunggu dengan tenang untuknya.

Itu adalah hal yang aneh tetapi Hraesvelg bisa mengetahui alasannya.

"Itu juga sedang menunggu duel yang ditakdirkan."

Senyum menyebar di mulutnya sendiri.

Ya, itu adalah pertempuran melawan musuh lamanya yang dihubungkan oleh takdir. Tidak peduli berapa banyak makhluk jahat itu, setidaknya dia ingin berduel dengan benar.

Hraesvelg berdiri di atas kepala tubuh aslinya dan menatap kepala Nidhogg. Itu adalah jarak yang membuat orang-orang tampak seperti titik-titik tetapi ini sama sekali tidak menghalangi mata raja elang. Dia bisa melihat pemandangan 200 meter di depan seolah-olah itu tepat di depannya.

Ada seorang prajurit berambut hitam berdiri di atas kepala Nidhogg.

Tubuh yang tinggi dan terlatih. Fitur yang jelas dan resolusi yang kuat di wajahnya.

"Apakah itu esensi Nidhogg?"

Dan pada saat itu juga. Yang diperkirakan sebagai esensi Nidhogg membuka mulutnya dan berteriak dengan suara keras. Sepertinya dia telah menggunakan kekuatan mistis sehingga suaranya terdengar jelas terlepas dari kejauhan.

“Raja burung Hraesvelg! Saya memanggil Lee Tae Ho, komandan pasukan Idun! "

"Komandan Idun? Apakah Anda seorang prajurit Valhalla? "

"Betul!"

Alis Hraesvelg berkedut. Bukan hanya karena tebakannya bahwa pria itu adalah esensi Nidhogg salah.

Ketidaksenangan terlihat dalam suara Hraesvelg, yang memandang kehormatan dengan penting.

"Bajingan! Asgard jatuh dalam bahaya tetapi tampaknya seorang pengkhianat telah muncul! Bagi seorang prajurit Valhalla untuk bergandengan tangan dengan Nidhogg! ”

Hraesvelg tidak memiliki hubungan dengan Valhalla tetapi itu tidak masalah. Bagaimana mungkin seorang prajurit Dewa bergandengan tangan dengan naga jahat?

Pengkhianatan adalah salah satu hal yang sangat tidak disukai Hraesvelg.

Saat dia memandang prajurit itu dengan mata penuh penghinaan, Tae Ho menjawab dengan kepala tinggi seolah-olah dia tidak peduli sama sekali.

"Bukan itu masalahnya! Saya seorang prajurit Valhalla yang bertarung untuk Asgard dan sembilan kerajaan, dan raja Dewa Odin akan membuktikan ini! "

"Itu benar. Prajurit Idun adalah prajurit yang luar biasa bahkan di Valhalla. "

Odin, yang duduk agak jauh dari Tae Ho, berkata dengan suara rendah. Hraesvelg tidak bisa melihat Odin karena dia berkonsentrasi pada pria yang diperkirakan sebagai esensi Nidhogg dan bertanya dengan suara terkejut.

"Odin? Kamu masih hidup? "

"Aku bisa selamat berkat pejuang Idun."

Odin tersenyum pahit dan berkata. Suara dan penampilannya sepertinya tidak dipaksakan sama sekali.

Hraesvelg menjadi bingung. Dia tidak tahu tentang pejuang Idun, tetapi sulit membayangkan raja para Dewa untuk bergandengan tangan dengan Nidhogg.

Tetapi ini adalah kenyataan yang terjadi di depan mereka. Teriak Hraesvelg blak-blakan.

"Tidak masalah, apa pun itu. Saya tidak peduli apakah itu raja Dewa Odin atau pejuang Valhalla. Yang penting adalah bahwa prajurit hitam Nidhogg datang ke cabang tertinggi! "

Elang putih Hraesvelg tidak melewatkan poin utama dari masalahnya.

Hanya kebenaran bahwa Nidhogg telah menyusup ke cabang tertinggi yang penting.

Tae Ho mengangguk. Dia berteriak dengan suara yang menyenangkan karena mengalir sesuai keinginannya.

“Kamu benar, Hraesvelg. Yang penting adalah Nidhogg. Ayo sambut dia. "

Tae Ho berdiri ke samping dan kemudian, salah satu batu di kepala Nidhogg terpecah dan dua orang muncul.

'Perempuan?'

Mereka berdua wanita. Yang satu adalah wanita jangkung dan ramping yang memiliki rambut hitam panjang dan yang lainnya adalah wanita berambut putih yang mengenakan seragam Valkyrie.

Anda bisa tahu siapa intisari Nidhogg secara sekilas.

Valkyrie-Adenmaha yang berambut putih, berhenti di pintu masuk dan wanita berambut hitam – Nidhogg berjalan di depan.

Tetapi pada saat itu.

"Kyak!"

Nidhogg, yang mengambil langkah dengan ekspresi kaku, hampir jatuh. Adenmaha bertanya dengan tergesa-gesa saat dia terkejut.

"Apakah kamu baik-baik saja?"

"Kamu, ya. Saya baik-baik saja. Saya tidak jatuh. "

Baginya hampir jatuh saat dia tersandung dengan batu.

Nidhogg berdeham beberapa kali karena memalukan dan kemudian berdiri di sebelah Tae Ho dengan gerakan masih kaku. Dia kemudian memandangi Hraesvelg dan melambaikan tangannya dengan malu-malu.

"Ah, halo? Saya Nidhogg. Aku ingin bertemu denganmu sebentar. Saya juga mendengar banyak hal dari Ratatoskr …… Meskipun itu bukan hal yang baik, itu baik-baik saja karena semuanya salah paham. Uh, um …… .ah … hai lagian! ”

Dia ragu-ragu sejenak dan kemudian meningkatkan suaranya di bagian terakhir.

Dia bahkan tersenyum cerah.

Tetapi jawaban yang diinginkan Nidhogg tidak kembali. Odin menoleh dan menahan tawanya dan Tae Ho mengertakkan giginya untuk mempertahankan ekspresinya.

Ketika Nidhogg menjadi putus asa dan mengangkat bahu, jawaban datang dari sisi Hraesvelg.

Itu adalah Vedrfolnir.

"Bajingan! Anda berani menghina raja cabang tertinggi! Kamu berani membawa tiruan ke tempat ini! ”

Tidak ada yang lebih jahat. Bagaimana mereka bisa membawa gadis kekanak-kanakan seperti itu dan mengatakan bahwa dia adalah esensi Nidhogg!

Vedrfolnir memelototi kelompok Tae Ho dengan mata yang dipenuhi rasa tidak senang. Tetapi sesuatu yang sama sekali tidak terduga keluar dari mulut Hraesvelg.

"Dia nyata?"

"Apa?"

"Dia benar-benar Nidhogg."

Vedrfolnir berkedip ketika dia tidak mengerti apa yang dikatakan Hraesvelg tetapi dia tidak mengatakan hal lain. Sebenarnya, Hraesvelg juga ingin berteriak seperti Vedrfolnir untuk membawa real deal.

Tapi dia bisa tahu.

Karena dia terhubung dengannya oleh takdir.

Yang ada di depannya memang Nidhogg. Dia adalah naga hitam Nidhogg.

Itu sebabnya Hraesvelg memutuskan untuk berpikir dalam perspektif lain. Dia berbicara dengan suara yang berhasil dia keluarkan.

“Nidhogg, berhentilah berakting. Saya mendengar bahwa Anda adalah eksistensi jahat tetapi Anda telah melewati batas. Tindakanmu sekarang … .tidak sopan santun saat menghadapi musuhmu yang ditakdirkan. "

Dia sudah memperkirakan duel yang ditakdirkan sambil berpikir bahwa naga itu eksistensi jahat, tetapi bukankah itu terlalu berlebihan sehingga ia bertindak seperti itu?

Tetapi kenyataan selalu melampaui imajinasi Anda.

"Ni, Nidhogg tidak bertindak. Saya …… ​​bukan jahat. Tuan Tae Ho dan Adenmaha mengatakan bahwa Nidhogg bagus. ”

Nidhogg balas berbicara sambil menyadari sekelilingnya. Adenmaha mengepalkan tinjunya ke arah Nidhogg yang menyuruhnya bersorak tetapi itu tidak terjadi pada yang lain. Odin tidak bisa menahan tawanya dan berbalik dan Tae Ho menjepit pahanya.

"I, itu sial …"

Vedrfolnir bergetar. Dia tidak tahan melihat bagaimana raja yang dicintainya dibenci lagi.

“Nidhogg! Saya tahu betul bahwa Anda telah mencoba membuat pohon dunia tumbang dengan memakan akarnya! Bagaimana Anda berani bertindak sebagai anak yang tidak bersalah! ”

"Ah, aku tidak. Saya tidak memakan akarnya. Pahit dan tidak enak. Makanan yang dibuat oleh Heda atau Adenmaha jauh lebih lezat. ”

Itu benar. Nidhogg sangat tidak suka memakan akar pohon dunia.

Vedrfolnir terhuyung. Kekuatan diambil dari tubuhnya saat kata-kata Nidhogg terdengar dengan tulus.

"Yo, dasar jalang! Saya ingat kutukan yang Anda sampaikan kepada Hraesvelg-nim! ”

"Ah, uh …. Maafkan aku! Ratatoskr memaksa saya untuk melakukannya. Maafkan saya. Dikatakan bahwa ia akan pergi jika aku tidak … "

Nidhogg mulai terisak karena dia benar-benar minta maaf. Wajahnya yang menangis terlihat sangat sedih dan miskin.

“Hei, kenapa kamu membuat anak kecil menangis! Apa yang dia lakukan salah! ”

Teriak Adenmaha. Vedrfolnir, yang sudah dalam keadaan grogi, memasang wajah lebih bodoh.

"A, apa?"

Buat anak kecil menangis?

Dia ingin menyangkalnya tetapi dia tidak bisa. Melihat mereka dari kejauhan, sepertinya Vedrfolnir adalah gadis nakal yang membuat gadis malang menangis.

"Ya, rajaku."

Vedrfolnir tidak bisa menerima situasi yang tiba-tiba dan berkata dengan suara bergetar. Tapi Hraesvelg juga merasakan hal yang sama dengannya. Tidak, dia menerima kejutan yang lebih besar dari Vedrfolnir.

"H, bagaimana …… .."

Bagaimana mungkin dia bukan musuh lamanya?

Bukankah ini duel yang telah dia tunggu selama seribu tahun?

Hraesvelg merasa pusing. Mereka bahkan belum mulai bertukar pukulan tetapi kekuatannya benar-benar meninggalkan tubuhnya. Rasanya seperti langit menguning.

Burung pipit yang duduk di pundak Vedrfolnir bersemangat karena kebingungan raja mereka. Mereka, itu sederhana, mengira Nidhogg sedang berakting. Mereka menyeberangi jarak 200 meter dalam sekejap yang cocok untuk menjadi pembawa pesan dan mulai menyerang Nidhogg.

"Gadis nakal!"

"Gadis nakal!"

Tapi mereka masih burung gereja. Satu-satunya hal yang bisa dilakukan burung pipit sebesar kepalan tangan adalah terbang mengelilingi kepala Nidhogg dan memuncak.

Awalnya, dia harus menghentikan burung pipit. Mereka adalah makhluk lemah yang bisa mati oleh satu serangan musuh yang marah.

Tetapi tidak perlu melakukannya dan fakta itu membuat Hraesvelg merasa lebih lelah.

“Kyak! Tidak! Jangan lakukan itu! Itu menyakitkan! Saya tidak suka hal-hal yang menyakitkan! "

Nidhogg bahkan tidak bisa berpikir mengenai memukul burung pipit dan hanya menutupi kepalanya.

Adenmaha dan Tae Ho mengusir burung pipit sebagai gantinya.

"A, akting …"

Vedrfolnir tidak dapat menyelesaikan pembicaraan. Hraesvelg menutup matanya dengan erat.

Dia tidak ingin melihat lagi. Tidak ingin mendengar lagi.

Musuh yang ditakdirkan yang terhubung dengannya.

Duel yang ditakdirkan melawan iblis yang mengancam dunia.

Bukan seperti ini.

Duel yang dia impikan untuk waktu yang lama bukanlah sesuatu seperti ini.

Hraesvelg menunjukkan air mata dalam waktu yang sangat lama. Itu adalah air mata penyesalan yang mengalir turun dari bagian dalam hatinya.

"Rajaku ….."

Vedrfolnir juga mulai menangis. Dia merasa hatinya hancur ketika dia melihat rajanya sedih. Dia merasa sangat linglung sehingga dia bahkan tidak bisa berpikir tentang Ratatoskr.

Tetapi pada saat itu.

"Hraesvelg!"

Tae Ho berteriak sekali lagi. Dia memelototi Hraesvelg yang berbalik untuk menatapnya secara refleks dan berkata.

"Kami membutuhkan bantuanmu untuk mengambil kembali Asgard. Itu sebabnya saya punya proposal untuk Anda! "

Hraesvelg, yang bahkan tidak ingin memikirkan apa pun sekarang, tidak menunjukkan reaksi apa pun.

Tae Ho berteriak sekali lagi.

“Aku meminta duel denganmu sebagai komandan Idun. Jika saya menang, bantu kami mengambil kembali Asgard. Karena saya adalah master Nidhogg, ia juga akan berpartisipasi dalam duel. "

"Ya ya. Saya bisa bertarung dengan baik jika itu dengan master Tae Ho! "

Kata Nidhogg. Pada saat itu, Tae Ho mengaktifkan 'yang mengendalikan naga' dan pada saat itu, atribut aura yang menutupi tubuh Nidhogg berubah.

Naga hitam Nidhogg.

Aura kuat yang cocok dengan naga kuno.

Itu sama dengan ketika dia berdiri di medan perang Niflheim. Hraesvelg menguasai dirinya di aura tajam dan vitalitas juga memasuki mata Vedrfolnir.

"Rajaku."

Vedrfolnir berbicara dengan suara basah. Itu hanya sedikit tetapi ada sukacita bercampur dalam suaranya.

Ada jarak yang jauh dengan apa yang mereka bayangkan tetapi Nidhogg saat ini adalah lawan yang baik.

Hraesvelg mengangguk. Dia mengepalkan tinjunya dan berteriak.

"Bagus! Ayo berduel! "

Hraesvelg menenangkan dirinya dan melepaskan aura dari dalam tubuhnya. Aura yang kuat melonjak seperti api seperti apa yang terjadi dengan Nidhogg.

Raja dari cabang tertinggi memang.

Dia bukan lawan yang mudah sama sekali. Dia adalah musuh yang sangat kuat.

Tapi Cuchulainn menggelengkan kepalanya dan tersenyum jahat.

"Dia tidak memberi syarat kapan dia menang."

Setelah Tae Ho mendengarkan situasi tentang Ratatoskr, dia meminta Odin untuk mempercayakan negosiasi kepadanya.

Alasannya sederhana.

"Aku akan bisa mengguncang Hraesvelg hanya dengan membuatnya berduel dengan Nidhogg."

Dan ternyata seperti yang dia pikirkan. Hraesvelg, yang pikiran dan tubuhnya berantakan, akhirnya menggigit umpan yang dilontarkan Tae Ho.

Tapi memancing Tae Ho belum berakhir. Ada akhir yang paling penting yang tersisa.

“Hraesvelg! Saya punya satu hal lagi untuk memberitahu Anda sebelum duel. Saya adalah summoner pada saat yang sama saya adalah prajurit Idun. Apakah saya bisa bertarung dengan panggilan saya? ”

"Lakukan apa yang kamu mau! Tidak masalah berapa banyak lawan yang ada! "

Semua kondisi telah ditetapkan. Odin berdiri dan berteriak.

"Aku, raja para Dewa Odin, akan menjadi saksi duel ini."

"Aku, Vedrfolnir, juga akan menjadi saksi bagi rajaku."

Vedrfolnir berbicara dengan percaya diri dan kemudian mengambil burung pipit dan terbang tinggi.

Itu tidak mengganggu duel.

Tubuh asli Hraesvelg terbang ke langit. Hraesvelg, yang masih berdiri di atas kepala tubuh aslinya, menatap Nidhogg dan mengaku sebagai raja dari cabang tertinggi.

"Ayo, berapa banyak yang kau inginkan! Saya Hraesvelg, raja dari cabang tertinggi! "

"Uooooo!"

"Rajaku!"

"Raja kita!"

Warga, yang tidak tahu percakapan mereka dengan Nidhogg, bersorak. Tae Ho menghadapi Hraesvelg itu dengan wajah puas dan kemudian berbalik untuk melihat Nidhogg dan Adenmaha.

"Ayo mulai."

Odin juga meninggalkan kepala Nidhogg, seperti yang dilakukan Vedrfolnir, dan kemudian pergi ke Merlin yang sedang menunggu di tempat yang jauh.

Tae Ho pergi ke ruang jantung dengan Nidhogg.

Adenmaha dan Rolo berdiri di sisi Nidhogg.

‘Ini akan menjadi perang singkat. Anda tidak akan bisa bertahan lama bahkan jika itu yang sedang kita bicarakan. '

Dia tidak berbicara tentang pertempuran melawan Hraesvelg. Itu tentang apa yang harus dilakukan Tae Ho sekarang.

Tae Ho mengangguk dan duduk di kursi di ruang jantung. Dia kemudian mengeluarkan sebuah apel emas yang dia terima dari Odin dan membersihkannya dalam sekali jalan. Kekuatan suci Idun, yang mengisi apel, menutupi tubuh Tae Ho.

[Saga: Idun’s warrior]

Kekuatan yang diperbesar dari Dewa sekali lagi diperkuat. Dia memeluk Nidhogg, yang memeluknya secara alami, dan kemudian meletakkan tangannya di atas keyboard dan mouse.

[Saga: Owner of flames]

[Saga: Owner of frost]

Rolo dan Adenmaha berubah menjadi Shootingstar dan Javier. Mereka lebih kecil dari Nidhogg tetapi mereka masih naga besar.

Tiga naga.

Hraesvelg berkedut dan Vedrfolnir menelan ludah kering.

Tapi ini bukan akhirnya. Tae Ho masih punya satu kartu lagi.

[Saga: The warrior that had a Valkyrie meet him]

Nidhogg palsu muncul. Warga dari cabang tertinggi berteriak pada penampilan naga yang identik dengan Nidhogg.

And one more thing to this.

The fake Adenmaha that appeared with the ‘Warrior that had a Valkyrie meet him’.

[Saga: Owner of frost]

The fake Adenmaha turned into a fake Javier. It then let out a loud roar.

Five dragons.

It was just like Cuchulainn had warned. An overwhelming amount of divine power got spent just by maintaining it. He probably won’t be able to maintain it for too long.

In addition, it was doubtful if the fake Nidhogg and Adenmaha would be able to move properly. If he couldn’t control them properly, it would only be a waste of divine power.

‘There’s no way you would do something that stupid.’

Cuchulainn smirked and said. Tae Ho finished the last preparations instead of nodding.

[Saga: Legendary pro gamer]

The screen of the monitor changed. The first person point of view, that was Nidhogg’s point of view, changed into a third person like RTS games.

Tae Ho would control Nidhogg and give simple orders to Adenmaha and Rolo. He would control the fake Adenmaha and Nidhogg as when you controlled several units from an RTS game.

‘Bad guy. You really are a bastard. Really.’

Tae Ho mengangguk. He thanked Cuchulainn’s compliment and moved the mouse and the keyboard.

"Ayo pergi."

[Saga: The one that controls dragons]

Nidhogg flinched and let out an exclamation. It was the same for Rolo and Adenmaha. They received orders from Tae Ho through the ‘one that controls dragons’ and ‘the legendary gamer’.

The duel started.

The five dragons flew up towards Hraesvelg.

< Episode 41 – The highest branch (4) > Akhir

Catatan TL: Terima kasih telah membaca ~

Episode 41/Chapter 5: The highest branch (5)

TL: Tsubak

ED:

The reason Tae Ho unleashed all the strength he possessed was simple.

“Hraesvelg is strong.”

Those were Odin’s words. And thanks to Ratatoskr’s testimony being added here, there was no doubt about Hraesvelg’s strength.

It was too different with Nidhogg.

The ancient dragon was one of the strongest existences that could bring destruction to the world but it didn’t know how to fight at all. In addition, Nidhogg was submissive and naive so her battle power declined even more. She was at a situation where she should be glad if she knew how to use a tenth of her strength.

But that wasn’t the same for Hraesvelg.

He was a protector that had guarded the highest branch for a thousand years. He had plenty of real battle experience and wasn’t the type to dodge battles like Nidhogg.

The one connected by fate to the black dragon Nidhogg.

The king of birds Hraesvelg.

Dia kuat. He wasn’t saying that he was Nidhogg’s destined enemy for nothing so Tae Ho could only use all of his strength from the start to defeat him.

‘First hit first win. The best thing is to defeat someone before they unleash their real strength.’

It was Ragnar’s teaching and the experience from when Tae Ho was a pro gamer was telling him the same thing.

If Hraesvelg got strong when he transformed, then defeat him before he can transform.

If it’s an opponent that can manifest strong magic, defeat them before they can complete their magic.

Waiting until the opponent unleashed all of their strength or helping them so they were able to was only a thing that protagonists from fairy tales did.

‘That’s how adults fight.’

Cuchulainn said like a joke but his eyes were sharp and cold.

Tae Ho didn’t let himself get swept by his spirit. He maintained himself calm while five dragons flew towards the sky.

Just looking at the numbers, it was 5 vs 1 but reality wasn’t that simple.

First, the difference in size was different.

Hraesvelg was also a really huge creature, although not as big as the 2km long Nidhogg.

His wings when spread seemed like it passed the hundred meters. Even if eagles were animals which wings were bigger than their bodies, being that big meant that their bodies also reached tens of meters.

Just looking at the size, the only one that could face Hraesvelg on equal ground was Nidhogg.

Rolo and Adenmaha also reached tens of meters after they transformed into Shootingstar and Javier but they were still much smaller than Hraesvelg.

If the length was twice as big, then your body became a few more times that. Rolo and Adenmaha would be seen as children in Hraesvelg’s eyes.

And actually, Nidhogg was only comparable to Hraesvelg in size when looking at their bodies. She wasn’t as big as him when you also took the length of the spread wings into account.

‘The more you delay the more disadvantageous it is for you. You have to crush him fast.’

Tae Ho also agreed to that. He glared at Hraesvelg through Nidhogg’s eyes and then looked at the 3rd person screen that showed in the screen. He quickly moved his hands and ordered.

Hraesvelg spread his wings. He fluttered once and the ground shook. The moment he surged up, a strong wind became a wall and covered the heads of the five dragons.

It was an overwhelmingly strong wind. Tae Ho placed Nidhogg, that was the strongest, at the front and pierced through the wall of wind. Adenmaha and the fake Adenmaha stuck close to her and elevated and Rolo placed the fake Nidhogg in front of it and headed to Hraesvelg’s rear.

Looking at humanity’s long war record, the strategy in a war served to accomplish one objective.

Surround and defeat.

Big numbers would surround a minority and destroy them.

Even if the total number of the enemy was higher than the allies, they took into account that they were in their local territory where they were bigger in number.

Tae Ho was loyal to the basics. Nidhogg charged towards Hraesvelg and opened her mouth and Adenmaha and the fake Adenmaha, that easily passed through the wall of wind by sticking close to Nidhogg’s tail, flew sideways and attacked Hraesvelg’s sides.

The citizens of the highest branch gulped dry saliva and a part of them let out a gasp.

Right at that moment, a strong poison got fired from Nidhogg’s mouth. It was a strong poison that seemed like it could melt everything it touched and even if the opponent dodges it, they can only get infected.

But Hraesvelg flew up once again instead of fearing it. A strong wind than the first time got generated to form a whirlwind and scattered the poison Nidhogg spat and a part of them even flew towards Adenmaha and the fake one.

Adenmaha and the fake Adenmaha hurriedly let out a breath and froze the poison and the wind altogether. Hraesvelg laughed and attacked Nidhogg. There was still the remnant of the poison but he just ignored it. He had no need to fear the remnants, now that it wasn’t even the original attack.

Hraesvelg had prepared a long time for this battle. ALthough the shape was a bit different to what he was expecting, it wasn’t that everything he had prepared had become useless.

The first time he realized Nidhogg and him were old enemies, he didn’t save time on increasing his resistance towards poison. It was an obvious thing as he would be fighting the black poisonous dragon.

Hraesvelg pierced through the wind mixed with poison and attacked Nidhogg. It was a sharp and fast movement like a mother bird snatching her prey. But Tae Ho moved Nidhogg’s body as if it was his own and dodged Hraesvelg’s attack. He had barely managed to dodge it by twisting Nidhogg’s body so he couldn’t even think about counterattacking. But she wasn’t the only one that was at this place.

Adenmaha and the fake Adenmaha, that flew on top of Hraesvelg’s head fired an ice breath at the same time.

Hraesvelg snorted and showed a movement normal birds couldn’t even imagine. He started to drop down from the sky and then turned his body at a 180 degree to surge up and hovered on top of the head of Adenmaha and the fake Adenmaha. This attack is what you call a barrel roll.

The both of them let out a gasp and got bewildered. Nidhogg also expressed perplexion with a really surprised face.

Hraesvelg fluttered his wings strongly. He tried to make Adenmaha and the fake Adenmaha crash by creating a strong wind.

The two dragons flied desperately and let out screams and Hraesvelg gattered all attention on him.

"Rajaku!"

Vedrfolnir screamed.

Hraesvelg, that was about to attack Nidhogg after sweeping down the two dragons, knew instinctively what Vedrfolnir’s scream meant.

He turned his head and rolled his eyes. He released his spirit and checked his surroundings.

Adenmaha, that had pretended to act as if she was crashing, smirked. Tapi sudah terlambat.

The fake Nidhogg rushed at Hraesvelg from his rear however Hraesvelg twisted his body and easily dodged the attack. But the fake Nidhogg was also merely a bait. The real attack was something else.

Rolo fell down from the sky. He was executing a body slam similar to a meteorite, befitting of his name of Shootingstar.

This attack was hard to dodge even in normal situations. In addition, it was even more so as he had turned to dodge the fake Nidhogg hurriedly.

But Hraesvelg wasn’t that easy either. He dodged in that situation and evaded a direct hit.

Rolo hit Hraesvelg’s wing. He barely managed to drop his speed before he crashed in the ground.

A trajectory of fire got drawn in the sky. Hraesvelg tried to flutter his wings and regain balance but this time, Nidhogg charged towards that Hraesvelg. She opened her mouth widely as if she was trying to bite him instead of firing poison.

"Bajingan!"

Hraesvelg roared and also opened his beak widely. It was to fire an overwhelming amount of magic power.

But Nidhogg didn’t stop and Hraesvelg didn’t hesitate and fired out his magic power. He fired away an incredible power that could seal even the movements of Hraesvelg himself!

[Saga: The warrior that had a Valkyrie meet him]

Right at that moment, Tae Ho activated his saga. He changed the locations of Nidhogg and the fake one.

Hraesvelg’s magic power hit the head of the fake Nidhogg and broke it down. And right after that Nidhogg, that had moved to the location of the fake Nidhogg, that was at the rear of Hraesvelg attacked him. This time, Hraesvelg had no means to dodge this attack even if it was him.

Nidhogg bit Hraesvelg’s wing. Half of what she had bit were feathers but there were some fangs that had penetrated Hraesvelg’s skin.

Nidhogg inserted poison in Hraesvelg’s wings as if she had become a snake. Adenmaha and the fake one didn’t stay still either. They sat on Hraesvelg’s back, now that his movements were sealed, and pushed him to the ground.

Kwagang!

Hraesvelg crashed on the ground and a great shockwave swept the surroundings. An explosion shaking the ground got set off and a dust cloud arose to the sky.

The process became different but the results was as planned. Adenmaha fired an ice breath along with the fake Adenmaha and glued Hraesvelg to the ground. Nidhogg just focused on pressing down Hraesvelg instead of attacking him.

But even so, Hraesvelg was in good shape. As he put strength in his wings, a crack got formed in the ice made by Adenmaha. Nidhogg’s body moved up and down.

Rolo fluttered his wings in the air and glared at Hraesvelg. It was to transform into a meteorite once again and attack him.

Adenmaha and the fake one fired out an ice breath once again. Their task was to restrict Hraesvelg’s movements however they could.

Nidhogg moved from Hraesvelg’s wings to his body. She spread her arms and legs widely and focused on pressing him down.

Hraesvelg tried to fly once again. The ice broke down and the three dragons shook.

But he couldn’t fly this time either. Tae Ho gulped dry saliva and handed over the mouse and the keyboard to Nidhogg.

"Aku akan menyerahkannya padamu."

“Yes yes!”

Nidhogg nodded with an expression full of joy. She embraced the keyboard and the mouse and then closed her eyes and concentrated. Nidhogg’s body pressed down Hraesvelg once again. It was funny to see as her movements seemed like she was swimming in the ground but the effects were enough. Hraesvelg couldn’t even move.

The objective of this battle was to make Hraesvelg into their ally. Not to kill him.

Nidhogg didn’t cover poison in her body just like when she fought against Hrumbak. It was to evade damaging Adenmaha, that was also inflicting damage to Hraesvelg, but there was also another objective.

The fake Adenmaha disappeared and Rolo descended from the sky to fill that empty spot and stepped on Hraesvelg. The moment he let out a groan filled with rage, the chest of Nidhogg’s body opened with a clicking sound.

Itu Tae Ho. He started to jump in the air the moment he got out of the heart room. He calculated the remaining power of a God he had and headed to Hraesvelg’s head.

Hraesvelg’s essence.

He didn’t enter somewhere like Nidhogg’s heart room. He was standing on the head of his original body perhaps to attack the dragon that was stepping on his back himself. It was just like Tae Ho had expected.

Hraesvelg, that was about to attack Adenmaha, noticed Tae Ho approaching him. He grabbed a spear of air he made with magic power and glared at Tae Ho.

Suppress the essence and end the fight.

It was the same as with Nidhogg. But Hraesvelg wasn’t Nidhogg. His essence, that had polished his martial arts for a hundred years wasn’t weak at all.

“You!”

Hraesvelg roared towards Tae Ho but there was joy in his eyes.

It was because he was displeased that Tae Ho used many dragons in a duel but he liked Tae Ho’s spirit that got out of Nidhogg and faced him head on.

"Datang! Owner of the black dragon!”

And perhaps, this was the image of the long waited duel Hraesvelg was waiting for a long time. Hraesvelg remembered his battle against the Great hero a hundred years ago.

In the other hand Tae Ho felt a sense of incongruity as he charged towards Hraesvelg. And he then realized the reason for it and got perplexed.

‘Scathach’s style techniques?!’

The stance Hraesvelg was taking was similar to Scathach’s techniques.

Cuchulainn said quickly.

‘It’s a subspecies of it. It seems like he only saw it with his eyes and developed it to his own style.’

Originally, Cuchulainn was usually like the dumb brother of the town, but he was different only in battles. It was a surprisingly fast and precise analysis.

‘I don’t know how this happened but it rather turned out well. A subspecies won’t be able to beat the real Scathach’s style techniques at all!’

Tae Ho juga setuju. He looked at Hraesvelg with the insight in Scathach’s style techniques, that couldn’t be contained in a subspecies. He also took out his spear to completely suppress Hraesvelg, that was also holding a spear.

Gae Bolg.

The spear of death that was like the incarnation of the prince of light Cuchulainn!

And it was at that moment. Hraesvelg opened his eyes widely and let out a shocked voice.

“Th, that spear is!”

He knew it. The shape had gotten a bit different but he had certainly seen it before.

Hraesvelg couldn’t speak as he was really surprised. It was to the point that he couldn’t even breathe properly, although for a brief moment.

And Tae Ho didn’t let that opening go to waste. He got loyal to Ragnar’s and Cuchulainn’s teachings.

Strike first, win first.

He had plenty of time to hear why Hraesvelg got surprised at a later time.

The attack that was like thunder that started from Tae Ho’s hands extended to Hraesvelg’s chest.

< Episode 41 – The highest branch (5) > Akhir

Catatan TL: Terima kasih telah membaca ~

Episode 41/Chapter 6: The highest branch (6)

TL: Tsubak

ED:

The higher your comprehension you had in the sentence of the Milesians, you could unleash a higher skill compared to that.

Tae Ho had increased the comprehension he had towards almost all weapons significantly in the two years he spent in the tower of shadows.

Gae Bolg was especially a weapon that needed a high comprehension rate but the reason Tae Ho was able to use it was because he used it frequently but also because he had Cuchulainn’s help.

Cuchulainn transmitted his strength through the sentence of the Milesians. He made Tae Ho’s spearmanship much stronger and quicker.

Wind walk.

One of the three stages Scathach’s style techniques had.

The moment Tae Ho charged forward, he became the wind. No, he became an existence quicker than gale and crossed the air.

The wind walk wasn’t simply a technique that granted you fast movements.

It gave you a natural movement like the wind.

That was why it was hard to catch. Even if you were someone that could catch up to that speed, your reactions became dull by one step in front of the wind walk.

In addition, Hraesvelg was currently taken aback with something else.

The moment he realized Tae Ho’s stab, Gae Bolg was already stabbing his chest. The straight attack that was like thunder entered Hraesvelg’s chest regardless of the strength behind it.

"Kuhok!"

Hraesvelg got pushed back helplessly and vomited blood. It was only this much as he only received the tip of the spear and not the complete blade. If he had been stabbed completely it wouldn’t have ended with this much.

Hraesvelg didn’t groan even at the pain that seemed like his chest turned to dust. He rather opened his eyes widely and glared at Tae Ho.

Water flow.

Tae Ho used Scathach’s style techniques instead of attacking Hraesvelg immediately. It seemed like he was just standing in place but Hraesvelg didn’t look at it that way. Tae Ho looked like the water of a flowing river that couldn’t be grabbed by your hands.

‘No way.’

Hraesvelg felt his consciousness dim once again. Itu tidak bisa dihindari. He had seen those stances in the past.

The duel against the great hero he would never forget.

‘So that is the case.’

Hraesvelg got sure of it. Idun’s commander was certainly a predecessor of the great hero. His spear and the techniques he used were proof of it.

Hraesvelg laughed. The pain in his chest still remained but his smile didn’t fade away and even let out a strange sound.

It was a duel he didn’t like.

It was because the duel he had dreamed for a long time had dissipated pitifully and just accepted the duel half heartedly.

Tetapi sekarang berbeda.

He wanted to fight. He wanted to execute the skills he had polished for a hundred years to the predecessor of the great hero.

“Ahh, ahhhhhh!”

Hraesvelg took a stance naturally. It was a stance that was similar to Water flow.

Cuchulainn opened his eyes sharply and said.

‘Energy is returning to his body. It seems like he has just turned on his engine. So he was a pervert that enjoyed getting hit…..’

To smile like that after he got hit that much.

But of course, half of it was a joke. He had cracked that joke to ease Tae Ho’s tension.

‘Just by looking at his aura, he has enough to easily overcome a superior ranked warrior.’

Hraesvelg’s essence was strong. His level was different to Nidhogg, that trampled alone while walking.

‘Perhaps, I gave him more time for nothing.’

The reason Tae Ho didn’t attack right after the attack was because this duel wasn’t meant to take his life.

‘But it doesn’t matter.’

Cuchulainn smirked and Tae Ho nodded.

Hraesvelg’s aura was certainly strong. Just looking at his stance, he looked like a martial artist that has trained for a long time.

It was a case that one became strong by polishing himself through countless trainings. He was a skilled warrior that ordinary superior ranked warriors wouldn’t be able to beat.

But it was like Cuchulainn had said. Tae Ho didn’t feel even a slightest bit of fear.

A subspecies of Scathach’s style techniques.

It was Hraesvegl’s martial arts. He was a superior warrior that had developed himself by his own and reached a considerable level.

But Tae Ho didn’t look at him that way. He could obviously see the secrets behind the technique and know its weaknesses just by looking at it.

And the reason for that was because Hraesvegl’s martial arts was a subspecies of Scathach’s style techniques.

Hraesvelg’s spear was fast. It was sharp and also strong. But it couldn’t hit Tae Ho. Tae Ho perfectly dodged Hraesvelg’s attack as if he already knew where his spear was going to hit. He rather aimed for the moment Hraesvelg wouldn’t be able to dodge and unleashed a perfect counter attack.

It was a one sided fight. If you saw it at a glance, it looked like Hraesvelg was pouring down attacks and pushing back Tae Ho but that wasn’t actually the case.

Hraesvelg only hit the air and wasted strength. Each one of his attacks had strength that shook the ground with its after shock but it didn’t matter as they didn’t hit. There were times that his spear clashed against Tae Ho’s but there was no sound that tore the air. It was because Tae Ho swiftly pushed away Hraesvelg’s spear as if water pushed you away.

Hraesvelg increased the speed behind his attacks to increase the number of attacks but it was pointless. The faster and fiercer his attacks became, the more strength and stamina he spent.

TAK! TAK! TAK!

The shaft of Gae Bolg hit Hraesvelg’s shoulders, thighs and back of his hand. The attacks perfectly cut off the flow of Hraesvelg’s attacks so his techniques broke consecutively.

There was joy and despair mixed in Hraesvelg’s face. The duel against the great hero was giving him endless happiness but the fact that he couldn’t even touch the great hero after a hundred years of training made him feel despair.

Tae Ho calmed his breathing. He dispelled Rolo’s and Adenmaha’s transformation and sent back the fake Adenmaha but he had used too much power of a God. The situation could be turned around if he didn’t end it now.

Lightning strike.

Tae Ho, that was on the defensive, turned to the offensive and Hraesvelg’s posture broke with just that.

Tae Ho pushed back Hraesvelg mercilessly. The blade of Gae Bolg, that was said to contain the power of a curse, was really sharp. Hraesvelg got covered in wounds in an instant and ended up dropping his spear.

Rock smash.

Tae Ho unleashed the last attack on Hraesvelg’s thigh. Hraesvelg couldn’t endure it anymore and collapsed.

Hraesvelg looked up at Tae Ho. Gae Bolg was already at his neck.

“Kill me.”

Hraesvelg closed his eyes and said but Tae Ho put away his spear and shook his head. He contained the words that would work the best to the current Hraesvelg.

“You are the king of the highest branch. Your life isn’t yours alone so treasure it.”

The effects of Bragi’s rune was tremendous. Even he thought that it was a cheesy line but he said it really naturally and in a really cool way at that.

Cuchulainn let out a groan as if it was painful but it was different for Hraesvelg. He put a really surprised face and then got moved. He smiled as he didn’t only lose in skills but also in heart and said.

“I have lost. It’s your victory.”

It was a fresh smile towards the clean duel, rather than despair about defeat.

‘You are putting that arrogant posture until the end.’

Tae Ho listened to Cuchulainn’s snort and put away Gae Bolg. He extended his hand towards Hraesvelg and said.

“It was a nice duel. I have also learned a lot.”

Hraesvelg would be fighting with them so it was a good thing in the end. In addition, Tae Ho wouldn’t have been able to use that easily if Hraesvelg hadn’t used a subspecies of Scathach’s techniques.

Hraesvelg looked at Tae Ho’s hand with a dumbfounded face for a moment and then smirked again. He put a smile and grabbed his hand.

“You really do look like a hero. Suitable of being the predecessor of the great hero.”

“The predecessor……of the great hero?”

Actually, Tae Ho was also curious. How was it that Hraesvelg could use a subspecies of Scathach’s techniques? And when did he see Gae Bolg?

Hraesvelg nodded at Tae Ho’s question. He stood up while staggering a bit because of his thigh and then asked back.

"Betul. Aren’t you the predecessor of the great hero? You are using his spear and even his martial arts.”

Gae Bolg and Scathach’s style techniques.

By now, he couldn’t not now who Hraesvelg was referring to. But Tae Ho rather asked with a careful tone.

“Uh…Are you talking about the prince of light Cuchulainn?”

“Prince of light…That’s right. That person was also called that way.”

Hraesvelg spoke with a voice filled with emotions and looked at a far away place.

“It’s something that has already passed a hundred years. I have gone down to Asgard in the Great War to test my skills. I met the great hero back then and received a teaching from him.”

The memory of that time was still clear.

“My essence couldn’t defeat the great hero. It ended up in a messy defeat like right now and I couldn’t endure that situation as I faced my first defeat since I was born. I forced him to make him kill me as I have lost. But do you know what he said?”

There was no way Tae Ho could know. Hraesvelg smirked as he put an expression that he didn’t know well.

“He said the same thing as you. To treasure my life as a king. That my body doesn’t only belong to me.”

‘Indeed, those are cool words suitable to me.’

Cuchulainn, that had criticized Tae Ho when he had said it, now spoke with a satisfied face.

But Tae Ho didn’t care that much. It was because there was something more important than that.

‘Cuchulainn?’

If he had met with Hraesvelg before, shouldn’t he have told them?

In addition, it seemed like Hraesvelg deeply respected him. Perhaps, it may have become possible to turn him into an ally without making this much of a fuss.

Cuchulainn snorted at Tae Ho’s urging.

‘I don’t know, I can’t remember. Do you know how many guys challenged me? I don’t know if it would have been a beauty like Nidhogg. How can I remember an old man?’

In addition, Cuchulainn was crazy about taking revenge for Scathach and Erin. Actually, Cuchulainn couldn’t even remember the Great War properly by now.

Tae Ho sighed inwardly and activated Bragi’s rune. He contained words, that had become much cooler than before, to move Hraesvelg’s heart.

“Hraesvelg, king of birds and owner of the highest branch. The name of this spear is the spear of death Gae Bolg. This is the strongest spear of Erin that has been created by the queen of the land of darkness Scathach and gave it to Cuchulainn, that was her disciple and the the strongest warrior of Erin; the prince of light.

“Ohh..that story…..”

Hraesvelg got sincerely moved. It was partly because of Bragi’s rune but it was possible because Hraesvelg really admired Cuchulainn.

Tae Ho paused for a moment to put an expression filled with sorrow and spoke with a tone that was enough to shake Hraesvelg’s heart.

“The prince of light Cuchulainn…..The great hero has sacrificed himself in the Great War to save countless people. You could say that his end was a really heroical one. If he hadn’t been there, the Great War would have ended with the victory of the giants.”

It was a voice that seemed like he would shed tears as soon as he closed his eyes.

Hraesvelg put a really moved face but Cuchulainn’s reaction was completely different.

‘Hey, what’s wrong with you? Are you hurt somewhere?’

It was a voice that had bewilderment and embarrassment mixed in it.

Tae Ho ignored Cuchulainn’s words like he usually did and continued to speak.

“The Great hero has died like that but he chose to struggle for eternity. Can you see this spear? The great hero has left his soul inside of Gae Bolg in his last moment. It was for the sake of the next generation.”

“Ohh. Then in this moment, he’s also……?”

"Betul. The soul of the great hero resides in this spear.”

Tae Ho raised Gae Bolg high. There was eagerness in Hraesvelg’s eyes.

“The great hero has said. That he clearly remembers you. He says that he’s happy that you look the same although a hundred years have passed. He also says that your skills have increased by leaps and bounds.”

‘Hey, when did I say that huh? You are really scamming here. Is a cheat like saga not enough for you?’

But Cuchulainn’s yell didn’t reach Tae Ho this time either. Hraesvelg took a breath and trembled because he got moved.

“The great hero……!”

"Betul. He is also admiring that you really look like a king.”

“Hoho, hohoho.”

Hraesvelg laughed with an embarrassed face. It seemed like he was trying to contain it but you could clearly see that he didn’t know how to act because of how happy he was.

‘He really likes it. Hey, tell him clearly. Scathach’s style technique is the strongest martial art but that isn’t the case for a mere subspecies. But rather, it’s clear that the subspecies has a limit as it doesn’t contain an essence. It will rather be better for you to learn another martial arts.’

“The great hero says that your talent is really regretful. The teacher of the great hero is currently in Idun’s legion. He wants to introduce you to her.”

"Ohh! The teacher of the great hero!”

Hraesvelg’s eyes shone and at the same time, Cuchulainn raised his voice.

'Hei! When did I! Do you think I will leave an old man stick to our master?!’

It seemed like he would decline but for the reason to be that.

Tae Ho, that got bewildered, couldn’t ignore Cuchulainn’s words this time. He asked back unconsciously.

‘What about me then?’

‘You already have an owner! And one that is grabbing you tightly at that!’

He couldn’t decline. Because of that, Tae Ho decided to concentrate on Hraesvelg once again instead of discussing with Cuchulainn.

“But it’s impossible right now. Valhalla, where the teacher of the great hero resides, is currently being under attack from the giants.”

A voice filled with sorrow came out once again. It seemed like he had no talent in acting but he was acting perfectly right now maybe because of Bragi’s rune.

Hraesvelg fell completely for Tae Ho’s act and put a serious expression.

And Tae Ho saw that Hraesvelg was a fish he had almost caught.

“Hraesvelg, owner of the highest branch and king of birds. The great hero needs your strength. Can you accompany us?”

Hraesvelg nodded slowly at the question that was filled with sincerity. He put a smile suitable of a hero and said.

“In the first place, the conditions of the duel was that and I have lost. I have to keep my promise.”

It had already been decided since he said that he had lost.

But regardless of that, the reason Tae Ho put effort was to make Hraesvelg sincerely help Asgard.

And Tae Ho’s plan had worked really well. Hraesvelg claimed in a loud voice to be heard throughout the entire highest branch.

“The king of birds Hraesvelg tells you. From now on, the highest branch will lend its strength to Asgard!”

It was the decision of their king and the citizens of the highest branch had already seen the battle.

In their eyes, the battle between Tae Ho and Hraesvelg, was a cool duel that had ended by a tiny margin. They could only read the auras as they were really far and Tae Ho had induced it to make it look that way.

It wasn’t a completely messy defeat.

Their king had faced many enemies confidently and in the end showed a hero cleanly accepting his defeat.

Because of that, the citizens of the highest branch didn’t oppose to the decision of their king.

They claimed that they would follow their king.

It was possible as Hraesvelg was a king that got loved by everyone.

"Terima kasih."

Tae Ho requested to shake hands like he could relax a bit. Hraesvelg turned to look at his people after lightly shaking their hands and said with a low voice.

“A, also……”

“Please, tell.”

Hraesvelg cleared his throat as Tae Ho also spoke with a low voice. He checked his surroundings and spoke quickly as he saw that Vedrfolnir was flying towards them.

“Uh…..Will I be able to speak with the great hero at a later time? Not through you but directly.”

Hraesvelg flushed. His eyes were shining like a kid that couldn’t hide his shyness.

Tae Ho held back his laughter and spoke seriously.

“I will try to make a place for the two of you soon.”

‘I don’t want to, no. I don’t. A shy grandpa. Bukankah itu terlalu berlebihan? Why is it Nidhogg for you and Hraesvelg for me?’

‘Doesn’t this mean that justice exists in this world?’

Cuchulainn cursed out at Tae Ho’s answer but fortunately, it was only heard by him.

Tae Ho turned his head. Adenmaha was flying towards them while riding on Rolo and beyond them, Nidhogg was looking at their direction with a nervous face after opening the chest of her body. She was holding a keyboard and a mouse in her embrace.

“It ended up well.”

Adenmaha said and Tae Ho agreed to it. He made a hand gesture towards Nidhogg, that wanted to come to him.

Nidhogg smiled brightly at that gesture and Cuchulainn despaired once again at that beautiful and bright smile.

‘This isn’t fair!’

But it was only heard for him this time too.

Odin and Vedrfolnir approached them.

It was the moment Asgard and the highest branch made an alliance.

< Episode 41 – The highest branch (6) > Akhir

Catatan TL: Terima kasih telah membaca ~

Episode 41/Chapter 7: The highest branch (7)

TL: Tsubak

ED:

"Aku sangat suka tuan Tae Ho!"

The first thing Nidhogg did after putting down the keyboard and the mouse was run towards Tae Ho. But there was a swift hand that looked as if someone was snatching the prey. It was Adenmaha.

“I told you to differentiate the time and place, didn’t I?”

Adenmaha stopped Nidhogg from hugging Tae Ho by grabbing her clothes and said with sharp eyes. The battle had just ended and there was a high probability for them to start speaking about Asgard after Odin and Vedrfolnir arrived.

And most of all, there was a need to fix her habit that tried to hug Tae Ho wherever she wanted.

But Nidhogg just blinked at few times at Adenmaha’s scolding and then smiled brightly.

“Then at least Adenmaha!”

“At least? You really!”

“I like your whines. Hey, where did you learn….Kyak! Where are you touching?!”

Nidhogg embraced Adenmaha so she raised her voice and struggled.

And there was someone that looked that scene with warm eyes.

‘Why is it. Usually, I would be looking at them with a satisfied look but why is it that only tears come out?’

Fortunately, the only one that could hear Cuchulainn’s dispirited voice was Tae Ho. Hraesvelg, that had no way to know about Cuchulainn’s loss of strength, looked at Nidhogg with a complicated look and then turned to look at Tae Ho.

“Idun’s commander, predecessor of the great hero. Before going into details, may I speak with Nidhogg?”

Odin and Vedrfolnir were yet to arrive. Tae Ho turned to look at Odin’s side for a moment and nodded.

“It’s fine if she says so.”

"Tidak apa-apa. I wanted to speak with Hraesvelg for a long time!”

Nidhogg agreed immediately. Adenmaha gave up struggling in her embrace and dropped her shoulders. It was obvious as Nidhogg’s essence was also strong, compared to Adenmaha when she was in her Goddess appearance.

Hraesvelg let out a sigh and fixed his expression. It was an expression suitable of the king of the highest branch.

“Vedrfolnir.”

Hraesvelg said in a low voice as soon as Odin and Vedrfolnir arrived. Vedrfolnir understood his meaning just with the look in his eyes and tone and bowed.

“Yes, my king. I will prepare it.”

Vedrfolnir started to recite a chant in a low voice. Hraesvelg then spoke to Odin.

“Odin, I will first take care of this side.”

“Do it. I will wait.”

The God of magic Odin realized what magic Vedrfolnir was preparing with a glance. Because of that, he agreed to Hraesvelg’s request without even thinking about it. It was because what she was going to do now would be of help and not obstruct them the slightest.

Hraesvelg spoke to Nidhogg once again.

“Nidhogg, Vedrfolnir has the ability to read the memories of the one she touches. May we look at your memories?”

Nidhogg blinked at the polite question and then turned to look at Tae Ho and Adenmaha as if trying to get an answer.

Tae Ho nodded and Adenmaha whispered in a low voice.

“Do it if you want to, and don’t if you don’t want it.”

The right to choice was on Nidhogg.

She thought for a moment and then let Adenmaha go from her embrace. She then faced Hraesvelg with a slightly nervous expression.

“It’s fine if you read my memories. What do I have to do?”

“The only things we will be able to read will be the things that appear on the surface of your consciousness. That’s why you just have to think about Ratatoskr.”

“I understand, I will try.”

Nidhogg closed her eyes tight and started to think about Ratatoskr. Then, her eyebrows twitched and put on a depressed expression like she would cry at any moment.

This side of Nidhogg was still too unfamiliar for Vedrfolnir. She showed bewilderment for a moment and then grabbed Nidhogg’s hand.

Hraesvelg approached Vedrfolnir and grabbed her arm. It was to see Nidhogg’s memories with Vedrfolnir as the medium.

It didn’t last that long. After about twenty minutes passed, Vedrfolnir opened her eyes with an exhausted look. There was sympathy and pity in her eyes rather than bewilderment.

And that was also the same for Hraesvelg. He stroke Nidhogg’s head swiftly and said gently.

“It must have been hard on you, Nidhogg.”

“I’m fine now. I have Tae Ho master, Cuchulainn oppa, Adenmaha and Odin-nim.”

Nidhogg smiled like a fool. She leaned her head a bit towards Hraesvelg’s big hand as if she didn’t dislike it.

“Right, how good.”

Hraesvelg stroke her head a few more times and then turned towards Odin. His eyes now had bluntness instead of pity.

“Odin, I want to take care of Ratatoskr before speaking about the alliance. Can you wait for me?”

"Tentu saja."

Odin also agreed this time. There was an order to all things, and Odin also thought that they had to take care of Ratatoskr before talking about the alliance.

Hraesvelg’s original body flew up.

The place he headed to was the outskirts of the highest branch, the place where Ratatoskr was resting.

&

Hraesvelg’s movements weren’t stealthy at all. The gale generated by the stroke of his wings swept the sky and the ground and was so strong that you could realize that the king of birds was approaching even from far away.

Ratatoskr curled down and trembled. The groans and screams from Ratatoskr became louder along the sound of the wings that also increased.

Ratatoskr wanted to flee right now, but its feet didn’t move. It was because Odin had placed several seals before he departed.

It couldn’t flee even though death was approaching.

Ratatoskr started to sweat like rain and finally, the king of birds arrived.

“H, hiiik!”

Ratatoskr started to breathe roughly and curled down at the huge shadow that covered everything. It couldn’t face the white eagle that was looking down at it.

But it was impossible to ignore him forever.

"Ratatoskr."

Hraesvelg called it out. Ratatoskr grinded its teeth and then raised its head. It yelled as if cursing.

"Saya salah! I was wrong! No, it’s not my fault! It’s rather yours!”

There was fear and rage in Ratatoskr’s face. It glared at Hraesvelg and cried.

“You wanted it! You wanted Nidhogg to be an overwhelmingly evil existence! For your long enemy to be a strong existence! That’s why I did it! I just said words you wanted to hear!”

“This bastard…..!”

Vedrfolnir got enraged but it was different for Hraesvelg. He didn’t lose his composure until the end. THere wasn’t even a slightest bit of trembling in his eyes when he extended his big hand to restrain Vedrfolnir.

“Ratatoskr. There’s something you are misunderstanding.”

The calm voice that was heard from the sky made Ratatoskr shut its mouth. Ratatoskr felt a terrible fear at the voice even though it didn’t contain killing intent or rage.

Hraesvelg continued speaking.

“It’s true that I hoped for that. It’s true that I wanted my destined enemy to be a strong one and had the rights for me to defeat it. But even so, there’s something that hasn’t changed.”

The essence of its sin.

The biggest mistake Ratatoskr made.

“It’s that you have toyed with the king of the highest branch for a really long time.”

He didn’t force him to say that it was a lie.

What Ratatoskr wanted was real information about Nidhogg, not fake stories that would satisfy his vanity.

Ratatoskr had gained many things by telling stories about Nidhogg. He enjoyed the wealth and prosperity in the highest branch for a really long time.

“And one more thing.”

Displeasement appeared in Hraesvelg’s voice for the first time. And that was something obvious.

Hraesvelg also had a bit of fault as he got tricked by Ratatoskr. He couldn’t completely blame it.

But what it was different to the thing he would say now.

Hraesvelg, that wanted to resemble the warriors of the temple and the great hero, hated injustice and favored justice. You could say that it was a quality he was born with.

That’s why Hraesvelg got furious. He expressed a greater displeasure than when he got toyed with.

“Why did you harass Nidhogg?”

His voice was cold. It was like a cold fire.

Ratatoskr couldn’t even breathe properly and this time, it couldn’t even make an excuse.

“You had no proper reason to harass her. What did you gain by doing that? Aside from filling up your desire.”

He had just read a fragment of Nidhogg’s memory but it was terrible and cruel. One could thing that it was merely a childish prank but Hraesvelg didn’t think like that. It was a harass that had continued for a thousand years.

ABusing and toying the one that only looked at it earnestly.

Dia tidak bisa memaafkannya. Hraesvelg released his aura and the entire highest branch shook as if reacting to the rage of its king.

Ratatoskr let out suffocating sounds. That was the only thing it could do.

Dia akan mati.

He would really die now.

Ratatoskr was filled with anger. Just what had he done wrong? Why did it have to die like this!

“You can’t kill it!”

A voice was heard at that time. It was Nidhogg. She hurriedly grabbed Hraesvelg’s arm and pledged while bowing.

“Y, you can’t kill it. No. Save Ratatoskr. I’m begging you.”

Nidhogg was crying. It was hard to explain but Ratatoskr was a precious existence for her. It was because Ratatoskr was the only one that had visited her regardless of the situation.

Hraesvelg looked at Nidhogg with regretful eyes and Odin also said.

“I’m also opposed to killing Ratatoskr. It still has its uses.”

There was also something they had to investigate.

Hraesvelg nodded. He had already known that Nidhogg and Odin would stop him.

“I want to tear you to shreds for having toyed with me for a long time but I will leave your execution for now. I will trap you in a prison for now.”

"Tidak! Tidak! Saya tidak mau! Nidhogg! Selamatkan aku! Help!”

Ratatoskr’s despair got farther. Nidhogg breathed roughly and Hraesvelg’s big hand got placed in her head.

"Nidhogg."

Nidhogg raised her head and looked at Hraesvelg. He spoke to the one connected by fate with him in a low voice.

“That doesn’t change. Rather than thanking you for having saved its life, it would be blaming you instead. Saying that all of this happened because you got out of the roots.”

There were people that won’t change in the world. It’s nature, that harassed Nidhogg for a thousand years, was like a rotten sewer. It was impossible to make it change.

“I……know.”

Nidhogg mumbled with a depressed face. She also knew this fact. That’s why she couldn’t help but cry.

“Right, that’s enough then.”

Hraesvelg stroke her head a few more times and let out a long sigh. He faced Odin and Tae Ho once again as a king.

“The conversation became long. Let’s return now and talk about the alliance.”

He would keep the promise.

Hraesvelg’s original body flew up once again.

&

The talk about the alliance didn’t last that long compared to what they thought. It was because Hraesvelg requested to rest for a moment.

Taking back Asgard wasn’t an easy thing. Odin gladly accepted that proposal as Niflheim and Midgard also had to cooperate. He used his crows to transmit the news to the two places.

Because of that, Tae Ho relaxed at the lodging Hraesvelg decided for him. The room that had a high ceiling and had a big terrace was a really fantastic scenery but he couldn’t enjoy it properly.

‘Right, it’s time to rest by now.’

He had kept running since he left the roots.

And he finally reached the rest point. He had entered the turning point that was Asgard’s recapture.

He had spent an overwhelming amount of power of a God against the battle against Hraesvelg and the mental fatigue he had accumulated and had been ignored flowed down all at once so he felt like he would collapse at any moment.

Tae Ho lied down in the bed that was placed alone in the middle of the room. He took out Heda’s letter instead of falling asleep immediately.

Idun’s and Heda’s story.

The letter of the two people that was filled with worry towards him.

Heda believed that Tae Ho would be alive. She was earnestly craving for it and that was the same for Idun.

But now, he got able to go to rescue the two of them. There was no need to bury his worry towards them.

‘Hello once again?’

He felt like he could hear Heda’s voice and the gentle smile of Idun popped up in his head.

Nidhogg glanced at that Tae Ho from a distance. She sat at the entrance of Tae Ho’s room and mumbled with a depressed face.

“Heda is too strong. I don’t think I will be able to beat her…..”

She didn’t know if beating was the correct expression but she felt like that. A voice was heard next to her the moment she dropped her shoulders with a teary face.

“What about Adenmaha?”

“Adenmaha…..mm, I think I will be able to beat her.”

“Because she is easy to deal with?”

“Yes, she is eas…..no, no. She’s not. Not at all. I will say that she’s not!”

Nidhogg, that had been mumbling unconsciously at herself, stood up and hurriedly denied it. Namun sudah terlambat. Adenmaha, that sat next to Nidhogg and spoke with a voice to induce an answer from her, spoke with a fierce voice.

“You will? Ugh, you really!”

“It hurts! Sakit! Hurts!”

The war between dragons that has resumed once again.

Usually, Cuchulainn would have already cracked a joke by now but he was silent today. It was because he was thinking about his only master.

Tae Ho closed his eyes slowly. He then hit his chest twice and said in a low voice.

"Untuk Asgard dan sembilan wilayah."

And for Idun and Heda.

The morning after four days.

The black dragon Nidhogg and the king of birds Hraesvelg left the highest branch and headed to Midgard.

< Episode 41 – The highest branch (7) > Akhir

Catatan TL: Terima kasih telah membaca ~

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