The soul's return

Bai Mo and Ortlinde emerged from the blood-soaked stone forest, where countless giants lay dead. This was the only large gathering place of giants in Northern Europe, and today it came to an end.

A fire was set, and the blood of the giants was burned away in the raging flames. Hrungnir was dead, and the giants' large gathering place was destroyed. For some time to come, the giants will find it difficult to launch a decent offensive.

On a mountain peak not far from Skadi's barrier, a powerful frost giant sat at the center of an altar, awaiting the activation of the secret technique. A flash of light streaked across the sky, and a blazing arrow fell, tearing through the frost giant's defenses and pinning him to death.

"Hrungnir... why..."

Inside the barrier, Skadi looked at the results of the battles on both sides and smiled for the first time in a long time. Bai Mo had dealt with Hrungnir and prevented Hrungnir from having any further moves, which allowed the terrifying giant to Projection his power here.

"Go prepare a feast, for the new warriors of Valhalla, and for this long-awaited victory; it's worth a drink."

Skadi gave the order, and the entire Valhalla sprang into action.

Ortlinde followed Bai Mo to a mountain peak, where Hrungnir's soul was gradually dissipating. Frost giants are different from humans; they are the embodiment of natural forces. For this creature, death might mean returning to nature and being completely annihilated.

"It failed."

The last remnants of Hrungnir's soul murmured, and Bai Mo looked at the creature and sighed. When Surtr ascended into the heavens, the entire world faced a future destined for destruction, and even an existence as powerful as Hrungnir could only helplessly accept it.

Perhaps for him, dying now or dying after Surtr falls makes no difference.

This guy's dead meat, no need to watch anymore. Bai Mo prepared to leave. Since he wasn't willing to talk before, he's even less likely to say anything now.

However, Hrungnir called out to him.

"Humans..."

"Hmm? You've thought it through now?"

"No, I still won't give that traitor any help, but, in consideration of the exhilarating battle you gave me, I'll give you some advice."

Leave here, or you will be deprived even of the peace of death. For all life here, death is merely the beginning of their torment...

As soon as he finished speaking, Hrungnir's hand fell limply to his side, his soul vanished, leaving behind only that pseudo-god declaration that shone with dazzling light.

Hearing Hrungnir's last words, Bai Mo raised an eyebrow. These words carried a hint of despair and helplessness. If Hrungnir's words were true, wouldn't it mean that even a powerful frost giant like himself felt despair at the hidden presence here?

Ortlinde pulled out the fake God's Declaration, took a deep breath, and said:

"You've worked hard, Bai Mo. We owe you a lot this time. If Father God were still here, he would surely hold a grand banquet to celebrate such a victory. Go back now, I'll ask Goddess Skadi for some elixirs for you; they taste delicious."

Ortlinde smiled as brightly as a clear lake; such a victory would have made her happy for quite some time in the past.

"Is that elixir also honey-flavored?"

"Honey flavor is clearly delicious, Bai Mo, don't you think so?"

"Yes, yes, let's clean up the battlefield first, and we also need to settle this guy down."

In the distance, a golden figure ran to Bai Mo's side; it was Hrungnir's mount, Gullfaxi. This magnificent steed did not leave but followed its previous master's last command, accompanying the ultimate victor.

Bai Mo gazed at Gullfaxi's sun-like, radiant mane and reached out to stroke its head. A gleam of wisdom shone in the magnificent horse's eyes as it lowered its head, its muscles relaxed, and its neck gracefully arched.

In equestrian sports, this action is called "submission," which signifies the horse's complete physiological and psychological submission, indicating its willingness to accept the rider's control.

"It's a fine horse."

Bai Mo couldn't help but sigh.

"Yes, this is a divine steed that even the Father God desires. Do you know anything about horse care? If you don't, I can help."

Ortlinde's eyes also lit up. The legendary steed was right before her eyes, and it was the one she had defeated in a head-on battle with her comrade. She straightened her back, a hint of pride in her eyes.

"I don't need a mount. I'm used to fighting normally. Mounting a horse would only hinder me." Bai Mo patted the horse's neck, pressing Gullfaxi's head down.

"Ortlinde, you're good at taking care of horses, aren't you?"

Ortlinde was a little confused; she couldn't quite understand what Bai Mo meant, but she nodded nonetheless. Bai Mo then led Gullfaxi to Ortlinde and said:

"In that case, I'll give this to you."

"Ah?"

For a moment, Ortlinde wondered if she had misheard; her mind went blank. Gullfaxi, hearing this, looked up at Ortlinde and let out a slightly annoyed hiss.

But soon, faced with a fist the size of Bai Mo sandbag, it shrank its neck and lowered its head in front of Ortlinde.

Seeing the magnificent steed with its golden mane billowing in the wind right in front of her, Ortlinde was so frightened that she quickly retreated, waving her hands frantically.

"No, no, no, how can this be? I'm just a Valkyrie, not even Valkyrie anymore. How can I have such a mount? I... I... Ah, I bit my tongue."

Ortlinde spoke so fast that she even bit her tongue. She covered her mouth with one hand while waving the other like a windmill.

Looking at the frightened bird, Bai Mo shook his head with amusement.

"There's nothing wrong with that. I've said it before, things should be used where they're appropriate. I'm not very good with horses, and with only the strength of 750,000 horses, I'm not suitable for participating in my battles."

That's true. Gullfaxi's greatest strength is its incredible speed, but in normal combat, it can hinder Bai Mo's movement skills, making it counterproductive.

Correspondingly, this time they were only defeated by surprise. If they were to face an enemy like Surtr next, Bai Mo couldn't guarantee that this giant, who had existed for countless years, wouldn't be unaware of Gullfaxi's abilities.

Bai Mo disliked this method of relying on external resources at crucial moments.

Seeing that Ortlinde was still shaking her head like a rattle drum, Bai Mo reached out and flicked her forehead.

"Seven hundred and fifty thousand horsepower is quite a lot of power. Moreover, this guy is intelligent and obedient, which can make up for your lack of Magnetic Field Power. Its explosive speed is suitable for launching a final attack or taking you away from the battlefield."

This is the most advantageous decision for the subsequent battle. Didn't you say you'd be my shield? Without it, you might not be able to keep up with me, Ortlinde."

Upon hearing this, Ortlinde blushed and nodded, timidly reaching out to gently stroke Gullfaxi's graceful neck.