What the heavens foretold

Atop a mountain peak, a man in a suit stands with his hands behind his back, gazing at the apocalyptic landscape of Northern Europe. A world of ice and fire—perhaps their only commonality is that neither is suitable for human habitation.

"How beautiful! Burnt fields will eventually yield bountiful crops, and devastated kingdoms will eventually achieve true glory. And for the world, only after all destruction will the one truly qualified to rule the entire world be born—God."

He stretched out his hand and made a grasping motion towards Surtr in the sky. In this shattered world, he brazenly displayed his ambition. Such a shattered world was more terrifying than a nightmare for ordinary life.

But in his eyes, this place was incredibly beautiful. These ruins and lifeless Daichi, in Landao Tianwu's eyes, seemed to already reveal the verdant earth and soaring birds.

An electronic voice interrupted Landao Tianwu's reverie, and a familiar voice came from behind him.

"Brother Tianwu, how's the situation on your end?"

"Everything went smoothly. If there's any problem, it's that there are people from our future generations here. Alas, I never expected such an unexpected event to cause the negotiations to fall through."

Upon hearing Landao Tianwu's words, Qin Hong on the other end of the communicator also let out a sigh.

"Back then, there were quite a few traitors within the organization, including Dongni and Tiandao, who nearly posed a huge threat to the organization. Fortunately, Yameng over there seems to have succeeded."

Upon hearing the name Yameng, a smile, a rare occurrence, appeared on Landao Tianwu's usually cold and hard face.

His most prized son, according to his calculations, could only truly lead the organization to realize Blue's dream by overcoming love. He believed that his son's destiny destined him to become the god of the new world.

"In that case, I, as a father, cannot afford to lose to my son."

Landao Tianwu was extremely confident, while Qin Hong said with some concern:

"Brother Tianwu, do you need my assistance? Although I'm confident you won't lose, it was precisely because I wasn't by your side that you ended up with no one to rely on..."

"There's no need for that," Landao Tianwu shook his head and said.

"The stars have given me enough insight. This matter is simple; all I need is a completely unimportant woman. Qin Hong, even the strong have weaknesses, and I don't need a direct confrontation. My wisdom alone is enough to defeat the enemy."

In the distance, Landao Tianwu looked at the Valkyrie, their eyes glazed over as if they were machines, and smiled knowingly.

Outside Skadi's barrier, a pale, icy current, under Skadi's control, flew into the distance, scattering snowflakes along its path. Each snowflake was the gaze of the ice goddess, reflecting everything along its way into her eyes.

At the same time, he was also observing Northern Europe, hoping to find Landao Tianwu's plans and the location of the Valkyrie sisters in his possession.

Since it was Odin's last possession, it must be taken seriously. If Landao Tianwu hadn't revealed this beforehand, Bai Mo would probably have set off immediately.

Perhaps this is the constraint faced by those who observe the stars; if someone else with the same ability to predict the future were to make a move, then the course of fate would deviate from its predetermined path. Ultimately, astrological predictions are just inanimate objects; what truly matters in the end is each person's choices.

The meeting ended quickly, and Ortlinde was just about to discuss the upcoming battle with Bai Mo when someone called Bai Mo aside first.

"Mr. Bai Mo, may I have a brief chat with you?"

Ophelia stood up, and Bai Mo cooperated perfectly.

"My business here will be finished soon, Ortlinde. You can go and rest for a bit. We'll discuss how to deal with that old man later."

After giving his instructions, Bai Mo followed Ophelia to her Magecraft workshop.

Brynhildr and Sigurd left together, seemingly inseparable. Sion seemed to have endless things to do, so she followed her attendant Valkyrie her room, while Skadi carefully explored the outside world.

It seemed she was all alone.

"In that case, let's go train."

The girl took a deep breath, burying her subtle loneliness, and continued training with Gullfaxi to prepare for the challenges ahead.

Inside the Magecraft workshop, Ophelia silently set up some Magecraft to conceal her senses and prevent being spied on. Seeing her cautious demeanor, Bai Mo couldn't help but think to himself:

"Is this really necessary? If Skadi truly wants to know what's going on here, do you think these Magecraft can stop a goddess?"

Upon hearing Bai Mo's words, Ophelia froze, her expression turning somewhat grim.

"Um, could you please set things up? I'll go make myself a cup of tea first."

"Given your complexion, a cup of tea will definitely make you feel better."

Bai Mo channeled his power, and a layer of white mist, like morning fog, clung to the walls of the room. Bai Mo didn't understand the use of eavesdropping Magecraft; he simply controlled the powerful force within the brickwork, completely sealing it off.

Ophelia placed some dried plums into two delicate cups.

Would you like some sugar?

"Anything is fine, I'm not picky about food."

Bai Mo looked at the sealed-off room and accepted the teacup Ophelia offered him.

"Is it really necessary to go to this extent? You don't actually have some kind of relationship with Surtr, do you?"

It's really absurd that they would conceal themselves like this when they're clearly in their own territory. After spending time together, Bai Mo has come to understand Skadi, this goddess.

She was a very gentle goddess, even a little too gentle. Although she was essentially a goddess, Bai Mo felt that as long as her bottom line wasn't crossed, she was very easy to talk to.

If it were Ishtar, facing an ally with hidden secrets, she would be severely injured even if she didn't die.

Ophelia looked at Bai Mo's somewhat puzzled expression and sighed deeply.

"That's strange of you to say. You should be able to tell what I'm thinking, right?"

"I don't usually use magnetic field to read minds. Don't you guys have any respect for other people's privacy?"

Bai Mo picked up his tea and took a sip. Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Ophelia's eyes.

"I see. Having such convenient power but not using it, you really are a strange fellow..."

"Today they think violating someone's privacy is nothing, tomorrow they'll think taking someone's property is nothing, and in the end, they'll become a madman who kills at will and acts recklessly."

I'm sorry, but I don't want to abandon my human identity so soon. So what you want to say to me, and how much you want to say, is entirely up to you.

Of course, you will have to bear the consequences yourself.

Upon hearing Bai Mo's words, Ophelia seemed puzzled, but then shook her head with a wry smile, as if confirming that what he said was true.

"He's a strange guy, but it's good for me."

Regardless, she seemed to have relaxed somewhat. After finishing her tea, she slowly began to speak:

"You guessed right, I do have a connection with Surtr, and from a Magecraft point of view, there's no doubt that we've formed a bond. Therefore, my existence is very likely Surtr's anchor point."

Therefore, I cannot tell anyone. If Skadi knew that I, the Crypter, was connected to Surtr, the final reckoning of Ragnarok, even the most merciful woman would surely kill me.