Alexia lay on the cold, unforgiving floor, barely able to catch her breath, much less move. Every muscle felt like it was made of lead, her energy completely drained from the relentless lightning attack. She closed her eyes, waiting for the inevitable as the Necromancer began to mutter another spell.

"This is it," she thought. "No more dodging, no more snarky comments... just the end."

But nothing happened.

Alexia cracked an eye open, her voice weak but dripping with sarcasm. “Running out of juice, are you? Give it a minute, it happens.”

The Necromancer let out a furious growl, frustration clear in his dark eyes.

“Yeah, just let it out, buddy,” Alexia continued with a wry smile.

The Necromancer's anger peaked, and with a sharp motion, he raised his hand. Behind him, the wrecked train car groaned and creaked, a long shard of metal peeling away from the wreckage and hovering ominously above Alexia.

“Well… this is it, then," she muttered, her body refusing to move. "See you in hell…”

But before she could finish her farewell, a voice interrupted—a booming, almost absurdly enthusiastic voice.

“HOLD ON, SEXY LADY!”

Alexia blinked in confusion as a massive figure appeared out of nowhere, sprinting toward the Necromancer like a speeding car. The ground shook under the weight of his heavy footsteps, his armor gleaming in the dim tunnel light—silver and gold, with a massive sword strapped to his back.

The giant of a man, easily over 230 centimeters tall, barreled into the Necromancer with a force that sent him flying through the air like a rag doll. The Necromancer’s body slammed into the tunnel wall with a sickening thud, leaving cracks in the stone.

Alexia blinked again, her mind struggling to keep up with the sudden turn of events.

The armored giant kneeled down beside her, his voice booming yet strangely gentle. “Worry not, sexy lady! I am here, your suffering is over.”

Alexia, still sprawled out on the floor, couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “Uhm… thanks? Why ‘sexy lady’,tho?”

The man grinned, completely unfazed. “Indeed! For one as beautiful as you, it’s only fitting!”

Before Alexia could muster a witty comeback, the tunnel began to shake violently. The impact of the Necromancer hitting the wall had destabilized the structure, and debris began to fall from the ceiling, large chunks of stone crashing to the floor around them.

“Uh, not to kill the mood, but we’re about to get buried alive!” Alexia shouted, trying and failing to push herself up.

Just then, three sleek, mechanical drones zipped into the tunnel, their engines whirring as they quickly transformed into a massive, sturdy contraption. The structure groaned as it expanded, supporting the collapsing tunnel and holding back the worst of the debris.

“Take cover!” A commanding voice rang out, cutting through the chaos.

Alexia’s eyes widened as she recognized the voice—Infinite Arsenal, the legendary tactician. He stood at the entrance to the tunnel, a futuristic machine gun in hand, the barrel already glowing as he opened fire. Bright, searing energy bolts flew from the weapon, lighting up the dim tunnel as they tore through the air toward the recovering Necromancer.

Alexia couldn’t help but grin despite her exhaustion. “Well, it’s about time you showed up!”

Infinite Arsenal’s cold gaze never left the Necromancer as he continued firing. “I wasn’t about to let you die, Pink Helmet, I meant Hornet.”

The armored giant beside her grinned, still kneeling. “Infinite Arsenal! A pleasure to fight alongside you once more! And to protect this sexy lady!”

Alexia rolled her eyes, but her heart was lighter. “Okay, big guy, maybe tone down the ‘sexy lady’ thing a notch?”

The giant let out a hearty laugh. “As you wish!”

As the drones held the tunnel in place and Infinite Arsenal’s barrage forced the Necromancer back, Alexia felt her strength slowly returning. Her healing factor was working overtime, but she still had to rest for a moment longer. With a sigh, she let her head rest back on the cold floor, a small smile playing on her lips. "I guess I’m not dying today after all…”

As the Necromancer struggled to rise, symbols of light appeared out of nowhere, glowing in the dim tunnel. The golden shapes shimmered in the air, spinning and weaving around the Necromancer as he tried to regain his footing. Then, with a sudden flash, chains of pure golden light erupted from the symbols, wrapping around his arms and legs, lifting him into the air like a puppet on strings.

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The Necromancer hissed, his dark eyes blazing as he tried to cast another spell, but before he could utter a word, another chain of light snapped over his mouth, sealing it shut. His eyes widened in fury and fear.

A voice, calm and commanding, echoed through the tunnel. “Silence, you foul creature!”

Alexia, still lying on the ground, blinked in disbelief. She craned her neck to see a figure entering the tunnel, hovering just above the ground, her movements graceful and serene.

The woman was breathtakingly beautiful, so much so that even Alexia—who was rarely at a loss for words—found herself struck silent. The newcomer wore a flowing white dress, elegant yet battle-ready, with gleaming white armored pants underneath. A golden crown rested upon her head, and her purple eyes glowed with a soft but overwhelming power, radiating warmth and elegance with every step she took.

The air around her shimmered, as if the very light itself bent to her will.

Infinite Arsenal lowered his weapon, bowing his head slightly in deference. “Your Grace,” he said with respect. Even the giant warrior who had saved Alexia moments ago stood in awe, his previously jovial demeanor replaced with reverence.

The woman floated closer to the Necromancer, her gaze cold but composed. The chains of golden light tightened as she approached, pulling the Necromancer higher into the air. He struggled against them, but it was futile—his strength paled in comparison to the power she commanded.

With a simple gesture, the woman raised her hand, and more chains sprouted from the glowing symbols, wrapping tightly around the Necromancer's torso. He thrashed and snarled beneath the binding lights, but it was no use. Her purple eyes never wavered, unbothered by his attempts to break free.

“Your vile magic has no place here!” she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of a queen. “You will harm no one else!”

The Necromancer’s eyes burned with hatred, but he couldn’t make a sound as the golden chain over his mouth glowed even brighter, sealing him in silence.

“Arsenal,” the woman called, her voice elegant yet firm. “Bring forth the cage.”

Without hesitation, Infinite Arsenal tapped a control on his wrist, and in moments, parts of a large coffin-style cage came flying in from all directions. Each piece of the cage floated in mid-air, spinning and locking into place around the Necromancer. The structure was made of gleaming black metal, reinforced with runes that glowed faintly as they snapped together.

The Necromancer’s eyes widened in panic as the final piece of the cage, the lid, hovered over him. But before it could close, the woman raised her hands once more. Golden light flowed from her fingertips, pouring over the cage like liquid sunlight. The runes on the metal glowed brighter, reacting to her power as the light seeped into every seam and corner of the prison.

“This cage will be your eternal prison,” she said, her voice a quiet yet unstoppable force. “No spell, no power, will free you from it.”

The Necromancer’s struggles intensified, his body writhing against the chains, but it was hopeless. The lid of the cage slammed shut with a loud clang, the golden light sealing it completely.

Alexia, still lying on the floor and barely able to lift her head, watched in awe. “Okay, wow,” she muttered. “That’s... one way to handle things.”

The woman, satisfied with the seal on the cage, lowered herself to the ground. Her gaze finally turned to Alexia, her expression softening. She approached with grace, each step light as if she were walking on air.

“You fought bravely, child” the woman said, her voice gentle now, like a calming breeze. “Rest now. The danger has passed.”

Alexia blinked up at her, still too stunned to come up with a witty retort. She felt the warmth of the woman’s presence wash over her, soothing the aches and pains left in her body from the battle.

The woman turned to Infinite Arsenal and the knight, her serene presence commanding their attention.

"Brave warriors," she spoke in a soft yet regal tone, "would you kindly assist the souls trapped yonder in that room?"

The knight immediately knelt before her, his head bowed in reverence. "At once, Your Grace," he said, his deep voice filled with respect.

Infinite Arsenal gave a respectful nod. "Of course, ma'am," he said with a slight smile, before both men turned to carry out her command.

Once they departed, the woman’s glowing purple eyes fell upon Alexia, her gaze softening. "Pardon mine manners, Alexia," she said, her voice as smooth as silk, "I am Freya, Ruler of Asgard, or what little remains of it. Are you feeling better?"

Alexia, still lying on the ground but starting to regain some of her strength, blinked in surprise. “Yes, I am, thank you for saving me, Your Highness. Wait... how do you know my name? Is it... can you see through my helmet?"

Freya chuckled, her laughter light and graceful. "It was my pleasure, child. And no, your helmet conceals your identity just fine. I have kept watch over you since your arrival in this realm, Alexia Sage.”

Alexia's eyes widened. "Whoa, that's... unexpected. How did you know? And why are you keeping tabs on me?"

Freya's smile remained, but there was a sadness in her eyes. "I cannot tell you, even if I wished to. In time, however, the truth will reveal itself to you." Her expression softened even further. "For now, I sense you have been struggling with your powers—particularly your super hearing. Allow me to assist you.”

Alexia was still dazed by the encounter. “Wait, no, please tell me why, Your High—"

Before Alexia could finish, her left arm began to glow with a soft golden light. Glowing Norse runes etched themselves into her skin, spiraling up from her ring finger all the way to just below her left ear. Another layer of light followed, forming intricate tattoos that seemed to hum with energy, wrapping around the runes in a mesmerizing pattern.

"What is this?" Alexia whispered, feeling a strange calm wash over her. "I feel... peaceful. The noise is gone. What did you do?"

Freya smiled kindly. “Do not worry, Alexia. This is a gift, a blessing to help you master your senses. The runes I’ve placed will allow you to control your senses at will. You need only press the tip of your ring finger to activate or deactivate it. Go ahead, try it.”

Curious, Alexia pressed the tip of her ring finger, and instantly, the overwhelming roar of the planet returned to her ears. She pressed it again, and the sound faded, leaving only silence.

“Wow, this is amazing!” Alexia exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Freya gave a serene nod. "You are most welcome. However, remember this—these runes will fade in six months' time. Use them wisely and learn to master your powers by then. You have much yet to discover.”

Alexia nodded, determination shining in her eyes. “I will, I promise.”

Freya’s eyes shimmered with quiet pride. "I trust you will, Alexia Sage. Now, rise and continue your journey with strength. Your destiny awaits.”

Freya extended her hand gracefully, a soft light swirling as a portal materialized before Alexia. The shimmering gateway led straight to the front of Alexia’s house, a rather comforting sight amidst the chaos.

"Enter, my child," Freya spoke gently, her voice filled with compassion. "Rest. I give you my word—I shall keep your truth safe."

But Alexia hesitated, her curiosity and frustration bubbling over. "Wait—no! I still have questions! What did you mean by ‘my destiny awaits’? What destiny?"

Freya chuckled softly, an amused twinkle in her eyes. "In time, you shall know. But for now, rest is what you need."

Before Alexia could protest further, Freya raised her hands elegantly. With a graceful motion, Alexia was lifted off the ground as if carried by an invisible force. Freya waved her hand again, causing Alexia to float gently toward the portal.

“Hey, what the—wait! You can’t just—”

But Freya only smiled, waving her hand once more to guide Alexia forward. As the portal began to close behind her, Freya’s eyes flicked over Alexia's attire, or rather, what remained of it.

"One more thing, dear," Freya said with a mischievous smile. "That outfit of yours… a bit too revealing for battles, don't you think?"

Alexia opened her mouth to explain what had happened to her clothes, but before she could get the words out, the portal closed with a quiet whoosh. She stood there, stunned and completely mortified. She glanced down at herself, realizing she was still in what barely qualified as an outfit after the fight.

"Oh, great..." she muttered, her face turning red. "That’s just... wonderful."

Without wasting any more time, she rushed into her house, the embarrassment fueling her speed. Once inside, she hurried to grab her home tablet, cursing under her breath. Her phone had been obliterated during the battle, along with most of her clothes, so the tablet was her only way to contact Clayton.

She quickly found Clayton’s contact and called him, her heart racing. The screen flickered as the connection established, and soon, Clayton’s familiar face appeared.

“Alexia?” he answered, confused. “What’s going on? Why are you calling me from your tablet?”

She blurted out, “Clayton, Sarah’s safe. I found her. She’s fine.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line, then Clayton’s voice took on a tone of confusion and concern. “Wait… Sarah was in danger? What are you talking about?”

Alexia’s heart sank. “You... you didn’t know?”

“No,” Clayton said, sounding completely baffled.

“But you asked me to save her?”

“I never asked you to save anyone. What’s going on, Alexia?”