Raiden Ei stepped out of the Plane of Euthymia. The Bifrost was deserted.
"You're finally back. It's been three months since you and Hela suddenly disappeared."
Raiden Ei turned around. Heimdall bowed slightly to her, his orange-gold eyes scanning the surroundings for Hela, without success.
"Hela, she..."
"I slew her."
Raiden Ei's casual reply meant that Hela, who had threatened Asgard's very survival, was now nothing more than a thing of the past.
Heimdall froze for a moment, then let out a deep sigh of relief.
Others might not have known, but no one understood the prophecy of Asgard's end-the so-called Ragnarok-better than Heimdall.
The stars fall from the heavens, time ceases to exist, and the scorched earth trembles as it sinks beneath the raging sea. Flames devour Asgard, leaving only deathly silence and eternal darkness.
In the fragments of prophecy his eyes could glimpse, the God King fell, and Thor unleashed the Fire Giant to stop Hela, bringing Ragnarok upon Asgard.
Hela was dead.
"At the Traveler's request, I have removed the obstacle."
Raiden Ei's next words confirmed it.
All-Father Odin had not fallen either. They seemed to have broken free of fate's shackles.
The burden on him vanished in an instant. Heimdall's shoulders relaxed, and his whole bearing grew lighter.
A rush of relief washed over him, his body no longer tense.
"The people of Asgard will forever remember everything you have done for us."
Raiden Ei nodded, not taking Heimdall's words to heart. To her, this had merely been a small favor for the Traveler.
She started to walk away, then abruptly stopped, a hint of confusion and uncertainty appearing in her eyes.
The one blocking the way had been slain. What was she supposed to do next?
Seeing this, Heimdall hurriedly took out the Serenitea Pot.