When Victoria emerged from the latest teleportation, she was grateful to not be thrust back into a war zone—again. She was, instead, surrounded by giant trees, a stiff wind at her back; the perfect moment for a breather.

As she steadied her breathing, a notification appeared in Victoria's vision. Without much thought, she opened it—and froze in surprise. She was being offered a class. The pendant had already been an incredible gift, but this? This is just icing on the cake, she thought with a faint smile.

New Class: Valkyrie of the Eternal Flame (Legendary)

Description: The Valkyries of the Eternal Flame are the chosen warriors of Freyja, embodying both the nurturing warmth of healing and the searing power of righteous defense. They stand as unyielding guardians on the battlefield, protecting allies while mending their wounds and punishing enemies with divine flame. This class thrives in the balance between preservation and destruction, wielding Freyja's blessing to shield the vulnerable and stand firm against overwhelming odds.

Effects:

Eternal Aegis:

A passive ability that reduces damage taken by 15% when protecting an ally or holding a defensive position. While active, allies within 10 feet gain a 5% damage reduction.

Flame of Renewal:

A powerful ability that channels healing energy into an ally while radiating a fiery aura that damages nearby enemies. Heals for a significant amount over 10 seconds while dealing moderate fire damage per second in a 10-foot radius.

New Skill:

Freyja's Embrace (Legendary)

She quickly flipped over to see what the skill did. Her jaw nearly hit the floor. This was amazing!

New Skill: Freyja's Embrace (Legendary)

Description: Invoke Freyja's divine protection, summoning a blazing barrier that shields allies and restores their vitality. The radiant flames absorb damage, heal those within, and scorch enemies who dare to breach its sanctity.

Effects:

Absorbs up to 20% of the user's total health in damage for 15 seconds.

Allies inside the barrier regenerate 10% of their health over the duration.

Enemies entering the barrier suffer fire damage over 5 seconds.

The class, and the skill, were superb… but Victoria couldn't help but wonder what she was actually doing in the middle of a wood. She was meant, according to Sinclair, to be seeking her path now, and unless that meant a literal path through the undergrowth, she wasn't at all sure what to do next.

Victoria leaned against one of the enormous trees, her fingers brushing the rough bark as she pondered her current situation. The towering giants swayed gently in the wind, their canopy stretching so high above that it was difficult to see the sky. The tranquility of the place was a stark contrast to the chaos she'd endured at the gates of Hel. It was almost disarming—like the calm before a storm.

She looked down at the pendant around her neck, its golden glow pulsating faintly. It hadn't stopped radiating warmth since she'd put it on, and it served as a constant reminder of Freyja's blessing. She couldn't help but wonder what her path would look like. Sinclair had mentioned his trials were primal and instinctual, while Alice's were turbulent and chaotic, mirroring the storm serpent she embodied.

"Mine will probably be fiery," she mused aloud, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Hopefully not too literal, though I am known for my occasional temper!"

As she rested, her eyes wandered across the forest floor, dotted with wildflowers and patches of moss. Something glinted faintly among the roots of a nearby tree, catching her attention. Curious, she approached, brushing aside the leaves and dirt to uncover the source of the light.

It was a small, intricately carved statuette of a winged figure, its details remarkably vivid despite its size. The figure held a shield in one hand and a flaming sword in the other, and its wings were sculpted to look as though they were aflame. The craftsmanship was breathtaking, and the figure exuded a sense of strength and serenity.

Victoria picked it up carefully, turning it over in her hands. As her fingers traced the flames on the figure's sword, a warm surge of energy coursed through her body, and a notification appeared in her vision.

New Quest: Freyja's Call

Description: Freyja has chosen you as a potential Valkyrie, a guardian of life and death. To prove your worth and earn your path, you must face a series of trials that embody her virtues: compassion, courage, and balance. Each trial will test your ability to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and fight with honor.

Goals:

Protect a sacred site under attack.

Heal those in need without sacrificing your defense.

Hold the line against an overwhelming foe.

Rewards:

Path of the Valkyrie

Experience

Freyja's Blessing

Victoria stared at the notification, her heart pounding. This was her chance to step into a role she'd never dared to imagine for herself. The weight of the statuette in her hands felt heavier now, carrying with it the responsibility she was about to shoulder.

I have so many questions. I can see now how irritating this was for Sinclair.

Straightening, she slid the statuette into her storage ring and looked ahead into the forest. Somewhere out there, her trials awaited. Taking a deep breath, she tightened her grip on the pendant and began walking, her steps steady and resolute.

Victoria pushed forward into the dense forest, the towering trees seeming to close ranks around her as she advanced. Shafts of sunlight filtered through the canopy, illuminating her path in shifting, golden patches. The serene beauty of the forest was almost enough to calm the restless thoughts spinning in her mind.

I have so many questions. The words echoed in her head, a reflection of her unease. How would she even recognize the trials when she came across them? Would they be as grueling as what she'd faced at the gates of Hel? Her grip on the pendant tightened as she shook off the doubts creeping into her thoughts. She wasn't one to back down, and this wasn't the time to start.

The forest was alive with subtle signs of movement. Leaves rustled above her, and the occasional sound of wildlife broke the silence. Yet there was an underlying sense of watchfulness, as though the trees themselves were aware of her presence. The pendant against her chest pulsed faintly, its warmth steady and reassuring.

Victoria's footsteps slowed as she entered a clearing. At its center stood a massive stone archway, half-buried in moss and ivy. Runes etched into its surface glowed faintly, their soft light pulsing in rhythm with the pendant. The sight stopped her in her tracks.

The archway radiated an ancient energy that resonated with her own, like an unspoken invitation. As she approached, the pendant grew warmer, and a notification blinked into her vision.

Freyja's Call: The First Trial

Objective: Protect the sacred grove.

Description: The grove is under threat. Defend it against those who seek to desecrate its sanctity. Use your strength and your healing abilities to ensure the grove remains untouched.

Victoria took a deep breath as the notification faded. "Okay," she said softly to herself. "I can do this."

The moment she stepped under the archway, the tranquil atmosphere of the forest shifted. The wind stilled, and the faint sound of approaching footsteps broke the silence. Emerging from the opposite edge of the clearing were a group of figures clad in dark, tattered robes. Their faces were obscured, but their intent was clear as they drew rusted weapons and began advancing on the grove.

Victoria's heart raced, but she didn't hesitate. Pulling her mace and shield out, she moved to intercept the intruders. The pendant flared brightly against her chest, filling her with warmth and resolve.

Victoria adjusted her grip on the mace, its reassuring weight doing little to calm her nerves. Her shield felt heavier than it had moments ago, and her breath came quicker as the robed figures closed in. She stepped forward, positioning herself between the grove and the intruders. Her shield raised high, she prepared for what she knew would be a brutal fight.

The first figure lunged, their rusted blade aimed at her chest. Victoria raised her shield just in time, the clang of metal on metal reverberating up her arm. The force of the blow staggered her, but she held firm, countering with a wild swing of her mace. The robed figure twisted away, the mace glancing off their shoulder instead of landing a solid hit.

A second figure joined the attack, their blade sweeping low toward her legs. She jumped back, but not fast enough—steel scraped across her thigh, tearing her pants and drawing blood. Gritting her teeth against the pain, Victoria swung her mace in an arc, catching the attacker on the side. They stumbled, but their companion pressed forward, forcing her back toward the grove.

"Come on, Victoria," she muttered through clenched teeth, bracing herself. "You've got this."

Her shield blocked another strike, but the impact jarred her shoulder, and she cried out in pain. The first attacker capitalized on her distraction, charging at her exposed side. She twisted just in time to deflect the blade with her mace, but the effort left her off balance. The robed figure's momentum carried them into her, slamming her back against the tree line.

The rough bark bit into her back as she struggled to push them away. Her shield arm trembled as she forced her assailant off her, before swinging her mace with all her strength. The weapon connected with the attacker's ribs, and they collapsed to the ground with a pained groan.

Victoria barely had time to breathe before another figure replaced them. This one wielded a jagged axe, and their strikes came fast and relentless. Her shield took the brunt of the attacks, but each blow sent shockwaves up her arm, threatening to numb her grip. One strike slipped past her defenses, slicing across her forearm. Blood seeped into her sleeve as she gritted her teeth and bashed her shield into the attacker's face. They fell back, stunned, giving her a brief moment to regroup.

Three more figures emerged from the trees, and panic flared in her chest. Her muscles burned from the effort of holding her stance, and every movement sent fresh pain coursing through her wounds. She glanced back at the grove, its glowing runes a faint beacon behind her. She couldn't let them reach it.

"Not giving up now," she muttered, gripping her mace tightly.

The new attackers advanced together, coordinating their strikes to overwhelm her. One feinted high while another swept low, forcing her to split her focus. She managed to block the high strike, but the low blow caught her in the side, and she doubled over with a gasp. Pain flared through her ribs as she swung her mace upward in desperation, catching one attacker under the chin. They crumpled to the ground, but the others pressed on.

Another blade scraped against her shield, and the force knocked her back a step. The robed figure to her left lunged, their weapon aimed for her chest. Summoning every ounce of strength she had left, Victoria stepped forward, driving her shield into their body. The attacker stumbled, and she brought her mace down on their shoulder, disarming them.

The final attacker hesitated, their movements slower and less sure. Victoria took the opportunity to strike, her mace crashing into their weapon arm. They dropped their blade with a cry, and she followed up with a shield bash that sent them sprawling.

The clearing fell silent except for her ragged breathing. Her shield arm hung limply at her side, and blood dripped from the gash on her forearm. She scanned the area, mace still raised, but no more attackers emerged. The grove's runes glowed brighter, acknowledging her efforts.

Victoria took a shaky step toward the grove, leaning heavily on her shield. A notification appeared in her vision, faint and almost secondary to the thrum of pain in her body.

Trial Complete: Protect the Sacred Grove

Objective Complete: Defend the grove against desecrators.

She let out a heavy breath and straightened, though the pain in her side made the motion difficult. Sliding her mace back into its loop, she turned her attention to the archway. The glowing runes pulsed in an almost rhythmic pattern, their light inviting her forward.

She used her Healing Touch to bring her arm back to a usable state. Man, that was rough. Golden light emanated from her fingers, knitting the torn flesh back together. The pain receded enough for her to lift her shield without wincing.

Straightening herself, she turned her attention back to the glowing archway. The runes pulsed brighter, the steady rhythm urging her forward. She walked carefully, each step deliberate as she crossed the threshold into the arch. The light enveloped her, and a notification appeared in her vision.

Continue to the Next Trial? Yes/No

Victoria took a deep breath. "Let's keep moving," she said, mentally selecting Yes.

The light flared, blinding her momentarily. The world around her dissolved, replaced by the sensation of weightlessness as she was whisked away to her next challenge.

When the light faded, Victoria found herself standing in a narrow cobblestone street. The village, if that's what it was, was in chaos. Flames licked at the rooftops of homes, casting an eerie glow across the night sky. The sharp tang of smoke filled the air, stinging her eyes and throat. Shouts and screams echoed around her, blending with the clash of steel and the heavy thud of battering rams against doors.

Freyja's Call: The Second Trial

Objective: Heal those in need, without sacrificing your defense.

Description: A village is under siege. Heal the wounded and protect the defenseless while holding off waves of raiders. Balance your strength and compassion to ensure as many lives are saved as possible.

Well shit, here we go again. This System sure does have a hard-on for combat based learning.

Her grip tightened on her mace and shield as she scanned the scene. Raiders swarmed the streets, their weapons glinting in the firelight. A woman stumbled past her, clutching a child to her chest. Blood streaked her face, and her wide eyes brimmed with terror as she fled toward a cluster of villagers huddled in the shadows.

Victoria stepped forward, raising her shield instinctively. A raider lunged at her from an alley, their blade swinging in a wide arc. She caught the strike on her shield with a deafening clang, the impact reverberating through her arm. Without hesitation, she countered with her mace, the blunt head slamming into the raider's chest. They crumpled with a choked gasp, dropping their weapon.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Another raider charged from her right, a jagged axe raised high. Victoria sidestepped, her shield deflecting the downward strike, and swung her mace into their knee. The raider collapsed with a howl, and she followed up with a quick shield bash that left them sprawled on the ground.

The shouts of battle drew her further into the village, her eyes darting between the shadows and the burning rooftops. Ahead, a sharp cry pierced the chaos—a child's voice, high and panicked.

Victoria froze for a split second, her heart pounding. The sound came again, joined by another—two children, crying out for help. She pushed forward, her feet pounding against the cobblestones as she followed the sound.

Her path led her to a modest house at the edge of the village. Smoke poured from a broken window, and the faint light of flames flickered within. The cries were louder now, desperate and terrified. Victoria approached cautiously, her shield raised as she peered around the corner.

Through the cracked glass of a side window, she spotted them—two children huddled together in a corner, clutching each other tightly. Their tear-streaked faces glistened in the firelight, their cries barely audible over the roar of flames and the chaos outside.

Her eyes moved to the front door, which shuddered violently as raiders pounded against it with heavy weapons. The wood splintered with each blow, and she knew it wouldn't hold for long.

Victoria motioned urgently to the children through the cracked window, beckoning them toward her. "Come on, over here!" she whispered harshly, trying to keep her voice steady despite the chaos outside. But the children remained frozen in fear, their wide eyes fixed on the door as the raiders' blows grew louder, the wood splintering with each impact.

The door burst open, and three raiders stormed inside, their weapons raised and eyes scanning for their prey. Victoria's stomach clenched, but instinct took over. She turned, took a few steps back, and sprinted toward the window. With a running leap, she crashed through the glass, tucking her body into a roll as she hit the ground. Her momentum carried her forward into a near-perfect somersault, but her footing slipped as she rose, leaving her crouched instead of standing.

The raiders froze, their surprise at her entrance buying her a precious moment. She didn't waste it. Gripping her mace tightly, she swung it down hard onto the foot of the nearest raider. He let out a guttural yell, stumbling back as she hurled her shield at the second, catching him squarely in the chest and forcing him to stagger.

Popping to her feet, Victoria went on the offensive. The first raider swung a crude axe at her, but she sidestepped, driving her shoulder into his midsection and forcing him into the wall. The second raider recovered and lunged at her with a jagged dagger. She twisted just in time to deflect the blow with her mace, the metal head sparking against the blade.

Grappling with the two men, she realized something strange. Despite their size, she wasn't being overpowered. Every shove, block, and strike came with a strength she hadn't felt before. It had to be the pendant's bonus to her physical abilities.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden, sharp pain as the second raider punched her square in the face. Her vision blurred for a moment, and she staggered back, clutching her nose. Doesn't help with the pain, though, she thought bitterly.

Shaking off the blow, she surged forward, focusing on her mace. She swung it in a tight arc, catching the first raider on the side of the head. He dropped with a heavy thud, his axe clattering to the ground. The second raider came at her again, but this time she was ready. She ducked under his swing, grabbed his arm, and drove her knee into his gut. As he doubled over, she brought the pommel of her mace down on the back of his head, sending him sprawling.

Panting, Victoria stood over the two unconscious men, her chest heaving with exertion. She quickly turned to the children, who were still huddled in the corner, their faces streaked with soot and tears. She knelt beside them, placing a hand on each of their arms, golden light emanating from her palms as she cast Healing Touch. The burns on their arms faded, replaced by smooth, unblemished skin.

"You're okay now," she said gently, helping them to their feet. "But we need to move. Can you follow me?"

The children nodded hesitantly, their small hands clutching at hers as she guided them to the door. She peered outside, scanning the street before leading them across to another house where she'd seen movement in the window earlier. Reaching the door, she banged on it with her fist. "Open up!" she hissed. "It's safe, but not for long!"

The door cracked open, a frightened face peering out. Before the person could say a word, Victoria pushed the children inside. "Take care of them," she said firmly before turning back to the street.

The sound of cries in the distance caught her attention. She hefted her mace and shield, her body aching but her resolve unshaken. Following the cries, she moved through the streets, her steps quick and determined as she hunted for the next group of raiders.

For the next hour, Victoria roamed the chaotic streets of the village, her shield up and mace ready as she sought out those in need. Every cry for help drove her forward, adrenaline pushing her aching body to its limits. Smoke stung her eyes, and the metallic tang of blood clung to the air as she worked tirelessly, saving villagers and fending off raiders who crossed her path.

She found an elderly man pinned beneath a collapsed cart, his leg twisted unnaturally. With a grunt, she shoved the cart aside, the strength granted by the pendant coursing through her arms. The man cried out as she placed a hand on his leg, golden light spilling from her fingers as Healing Touch did its work. "You'll be okay now," she said, helping him to his feet. "Find somewhere safe to hide."

Further down the street, she found a young woman clutching a child, the pair cornered by a cruel-faced raider. Victoria charged without hesitation, her shield slamming into the raider and sending him sprawling. She dispatched him with a heavy swing of her mace before kneeling to check on the woman and child. "You're safe now," she assured them, quickly healing the cuts on the child's arm.

Further cries for help led her to one house after another. She pulled a man from a burning building, her shield raised to block falling debris. She carried an unconscious teenager to safety, healing a gash on his forehead before setting him down in a secure location. Each time she found someone in need, she pushed herself harder, ignoring the growing pain in her body.

As she knelt over a villager, healing a deep cut on their shoulder, a notification blinked into her vision:

Quest Update: Journey to Fólkvangr

Hidden Objectives:

Trial of Compassion:

Heal or aid at least 50 individuals in need across various challenges. (Complete)

Victoria blinked at the notification, her hands still glowing as she finished healing the villager. She felt a brief flicker of pride, but the moment was short-lived. There were still people to save.

The streets grew quieter as the minutes passed. The clash of steel and the shouts of battle diminished, and the smoke began to clear. Victoria noticed fewer raiders as she moved, their numbers dwindling until none remained. Their bodies dotted the streets, mingled with the injured villagers she had fought so hard to protect.

Finally, she reached the center of the village. The fires were dying down, and the remaining villagers emerged cautiously from their hiding places. Victoria stood in the midst of the aftermath, her shield dangling loosely from her arm and her mace dragging along the ground. Blood seeped from numerous wounds across her body, staining her armor and dripping onto the cobblestones.

A sharp pain radiated from her stomach, and she looked down to see a deep stab wound just below her ribs. Her vision blurred, and her legs wobbled as she dropped to her knees, one hand pressing against the wound. Her other hand glowed faintly as she attempted to cast Healing Touch, the golden light flickering weakly.

"Come on," she whispered to herself, her voice shaking. "Not now."

She focused all her remaining strength on the healing spell, her breathing shallow as she worked desperately to close the wound. Around her, the villagers began to gather, their faces filled with awe and concern as they watched the woman who had saved so many of them fight for her own life.

Victoria fumbled with her storage ring, her blood-slicked fingers trembling as she pulled out a mana potion. Uncorking it with her teeth, she tilted her head back and chugged the glowing liquid. The sharp, almost metallic taste burned as it slid down her throat, but the effect was immediate. Warmth spread through her body, and her energy surged back to life.

With a renewed focus, she pressed her glowing hand against the stab wound in her stomach. The golden light from Healing Touch intensified, knitting muscle and tissue back together. As the pain dulled and the wound closed, Victoria let out a shaky breath. She rested her hand against her side, wincing slightly as she muttered, "That's… definitely not a feeling I thought I'd ever have to get used to."

Trial Complete: Aid the Defenseless

Objective Complete: Heal the wounded and defend the village against raiders.

Before she could fully process her relief, a voice drifted through her mind. It was soft and weary, yet it carried an undeniable warmth that wrapped around her like a comforting embrace.

"Well done, child. But your time is short. You must hurry."

Victoria's head snapped up, her heart racing as she scanned the empty streets around her. The voice had no source—no physical presence she could see. It was a woman's voice, unfamiliar yet oddly soothing, as if it belonged to someone who had carried countless burdens but still found the strength to comfort others.

She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts, but the voice lingered in her mind like the remnants of a melody. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and accessed her quest log. The glowing interface opened before her, and her eyes locked onto the newest notification:

Continue to the Next Trial? Yes/No

Victoria hesitated for only a moment before she selected Yes. The world around her dissolved into light, and she was once again yanked forward, her body weightless as she hurtled toward her next challenge.

*****

Victoria appeared in the middle of a rain-soaked open-air villa, the downpour plastering her hair to her face and running down her armor in rivulets. The sound of the cheering crowd lining the courtyard was almost drowned out by the steady drumming of rain on the stone tiles beneath her feet. She turned slowly, trying to orient herself.

In front of her stood a figure unlike any she had encountered before. It was humanoid in shape, clad in dark armor and standing upright, but its features were distinctly reptilian. Scales gleamed in the rain, and a long, sinuous tail flicked behind it. Its face was a mix of human and draconic, with sharp teeth visible in its partially open maw. A pair of horns curved elegantly from its skull, giving it an air of regal menace. Whatever this creature was—part lizard, part dragon—it was terrifying.

A notification blinked into her vision, and her stomach twisted with dread. She hesitated a moment before opening it.

Freyja's Call: The Third Trial

Objective: Defeat the Dragon Kin Champion, Xal'thar.

Description: Xal'thar, a legendary Dragon Kin warrior, stands before you. Prove your strength and determination by defeating them in single combat. Balance your defensive skills with precision strikes to emerge victorious.

Victoria's breath caught in her throat as she read the prompt. She hit Accept, but her heart pounded as she raised her shield and gripped her mace tightly. Every muscle in her body ached, and the sting of her previous injuries lingered despite her healing efforts. This was the first moment she truly regretted choosing to make her tutorial so difficult.

The Dragon Kin's golden eyes narrowed as it assessed her, tilting its head slightly before raising its massive shield and drawing a wickedly curved blade. The crowd roared louder as Xal'thar stomped forward, its tail dragging across the ground with a faint scrape.

Victoria stepped forward cautiously, bracing herself as Xal'thar's shield gleamed in the rain. They circled each other briefly, the crowd's cheers fading into the background. Without warning, Xal'thar lunged, its shield leading the charge. Victoria barely had time to react, raising her own shield to meet the blow.

The impact was like a hammer striking an anvil. Victoria stumbled back several feet, her boots skidding on the slick stone. Her arm throbbed painfully from the force of the collision, and she barely kept her grip on her shield.

"By Freyja," she muttered under her breath, regaining her footing. "What have I gotten myself into?"

Xal'thar didn't wait, pressing the attack with a relentless flurry of strikes. Its blade sang through the air, and Victoria found herself entirely on the defensive, her shield barely holding against the onslaught. Each collision sent tremors through her body, the sheer power of the Dragon Kin's blows threatening to overwhelm her.

Gritting her teeth, she pushed forward, trying to find an opening. Her mace swung in a wide arc, but Xal'thar deftly sidestepped, its tail snapping out to sweep her legs from beneath her. She hit the ground hard, the breath knocked out of her as her shield clattered against the stone.

Rain poured into her eyes as she struggled to rise, the looming figure of Xal'thar a dark silhouette against the stormy sky. She could feel the weight of the crowd's gaze, their cheers rising to a fever pitch.

Pushing herself to her feet, she raised her shield once more. "Fine," she growled, setting her stance. "Let's see how tough you really are."

Xal'thar let out a low, rumbling growl, its blade poised for another strike as it advanced.

Victoria stumbled back, struggling to steady herself as the Dragon Kin, Xal'Thar, advanced. Its golden eyes gleamed with amusement, and a low, gravelly chuckle escaped its throat.

"You're slower than I expected," it rumbled, its voice carrying a deep resonance that cut through the rain and cheers of the crowd. "Is this all the strength Freyja's chosen can muster?"

Victoria gritted her teeth, wiping rain from her face as she braced her shield again. "You talk a lot for someone hiding behind a tail and scales," she shot back, her voice strained but defiant.

Xal'thar tilted its head, its horns catching the faint light of the storm. "Oh, good. There's some fire in you after all." It began circling her, its blade tapping against its shield in a steady rhythm. "But words won't protect you. Fight, little warrior. Show me the strength that earned you that pendant."

Victoria lunged forward, swinging her mace in a calculated strike aimed at Xal'thar's midsection. The Dragon Kin twisted gracefully, its tail snapping out to knock her weapon off course. The force of the deflection sent her stumbling again.

"Predictable," Xal'thar taunted, taking a few steps back to give her space to recover. It raised its blade and gestured with its free hand. "Come on. Surely Freyja wouldn't send me someone this weak."

Victoria straightened, her breathing heavy as she narrowed her eyes. "You talk a lot for someone who hasn't won yet."

Xal'thar chuckled again, its sharp teeth flashing in a grin. "Fair enough. But I haven't even started trying. Perhaps you'll surprise me." It lowered its stance, its shield raised and blade poised for another attack. "Let's see if you can make this interesting."

With a growl, Victoria charged again, swinging her mace in a low, powerful arc. This time, she aimed for its legs, forcing Xal'thar to jump back. The creature's tail lashed out in retaliation, but she ducked beneath it, slamming her shield into its chest. The impact caused it to stumble slightly, its grin widening as it recovered.

"Better," Xal'thar admitted, rolling its shoulders. "At least you're not giving up. That's more than I can say for most who've faced me."

The rain poured harder as Victoria steadied her stance, her arm trembling from the repeated impacts. "Don't get too comfortable," she spat, her eyes locked on her opponent. "I'm just getting started."

Xal'thar let out a booming laugh, raising its blade in acknowledgment. "Good! Then give me everything you've got, little Valkyrie."

Victoria charged forward, her shield raised high as she swung her mace with all her might. The head of the weapon crashed into Xal'thar's side, the impact forcing the Dragon Kin to skid back a few steps. It let out a low growl, its eyes narrowing in focus as it retaliated with a sweeping strike of its blade.

Victoria twisted just in time, deflecting the attack with her shield. She followed up with a sharp upward swing of her mace, catching Xal'thar on the edge of its jaw. The blow was solid, and the crowd roared as the Dragon Kin staggered, shaking its head to recover.

"You've got fire," Xal'thar growled, its grin returning. "Good. But let's see if you can keep up."

The battle intensified. Their strikes came faster, the sound of metal on metal echoing through the rain-soaked villa. Victoria's shield clashed with Xal'thar's, each impact sending tremors up her arm. The air between them seemed to ripple with the force of their blows, each strike hitting harder, each movement faster.

Sweat mixed with rain as Victoria pressed her advantage. She swung her mace with precision, landing a hit on Xal'thar's shoulder. The Dragon Kin snarled, retaliating with a shield bash that sent her stumbling back a step. Undeterred, she surged forward, slamming her shield into its chest and forcing it to the defensive.

She didn't notice at first, but the faint glow of her pendant had spread, emanating outward from her body. The rain seemed to refract off the light, creating a halo-like effect as the ground beneath them trembled with each impact. The crowd grew quieter, awestruck by the spectacle as the fight escalated into something beyond mortal combat.

Victoria's focus was razor-sharp, her body moving with instinctive precision. Her mace connected with Xal'thar's shield in a resounding clash, the force so powerful it sent a shockwave rippling outward, scattering debris across the courtyard. Xal'thar growled, stepping back as the ground beneath it cracked from the sheer power of their collision.

"Impressive," Xal'thar muttered, lunging forward with a sudden burst of speed. Victoria raised her shield, but the DragonKin's strength was overwhelming. Its blade slammed against her defense, sending her sprawling across the slick stone ground. She gasped as her shield slipped from her grasp, her body skidding to a halt with Xal'thar standing over her.

Its foot pressed down on her chest, pinning her in place. The crowd was silent now, the sound of the rain the only backdrop to the tense moment. Xal'thar raised its blade, its golden eyes gleaming with an almost solemn intensity.

"Any last words, Valkyrie?" it asked, the blade poised to strike.

Victoria's chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath. A heat began building within her, starting as a small ember but quickly growing into a blazing inferno. Time seemed to slow as the rage overtook her, the pendant against her chest glowing brighter and brighter. The heat filled her limbs, and with a tremendous yell, she exploded with energy.

With a surge of strength, she shoved Xal'thar off her, the force so great that the Dragon Kin stumbled back, its eyes wide in shock. Victoria scrambled to her feet, her movements driven by pure instinct. If she could have seen herself, she would have been amazed by the massive, eagle-like wings of brilliant white light that now spread from her back.

But, she noticed none of it. Consumed by her rage, she charged forward, her bare fist connecting with Xal'thar's chest in a punch so powerful it embedded the Dragon Kin into the stone wall of the villa. The impact cracked the masonry, and Xal'thar slumped, stunned and motionless.

Panting, Victoria blinked as her rage began to subside. She saw Xal'thar's limp form and realized what she had done. Raising her hand, she channeled Healing Touch, sending a wave of golden light toward the Dragon Kin. The glow washed over it, mending its wounds.

"This was a test, not a fight to the death," she murmured to herself, her voice shaky. "You're not my enemy."

The faint glow of her wings began to fade as the rain cooled her skin, and she lowered her hand. But just as the moment of peace settled over her, a wrenching sensation twisted through her gut. She staggered, clutching her stomach as her vision blurred.

A deep, booming voice echoed in her mind, commanding and unmistakable. "Brace yourself," it said. "Midgard is activating sooner than anticipated. I must bring you back now, or you risk being trapped here."

Before she could respond, Victoria was yanked off her feet, the world dissolving into blinding light.

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