Across the twin bridges, heaps of undead scurried around. Unfortunately, they were too distant for me to determine precisely how many or what kinds of enemies we would face. However, we could at least determine their numbers had been drastically reduced. The force we saw when we first arrived had been cut in half or more.

"I really hope these Aspects are going to do something about that," Leo said with a gesture toward the central platform.

"There has to be something. Thus far, every encounter has been challenging yet fair. However, making us march against an army is not challenging or fair," Jen added.

Jen was right. There is no way we'd survive if the entire enemy force attacked us. Even if they were all Level 5, their sheer numbers would overwhelm us. I ran a hand over my face, "We have some time before we need to deal with it. The final Aspect is still recovering, and we should do the same."

I sat down. Panic would help no one right now. Instead, we needed to think calmly and determine our best course of action. I needed to get their minds off the sight across the chasm, even if only for just a few minutes.

"What did Brunhilda give you guys?" I questioned. Each of my teammates presented an item for me to inspect. Leo had received a dark green helmet with gold stitching. It almost appeared to be woven from plants, yet it felt more durable than leather.

[The Canopy's Cover]

Epic Light Armor - Head

100 Armor

+25 Intelligence

+20 Vigor

+25 Regeneration

+15% Spell Damage and Healing

I tried to display the information for them but failed and handed the helmet back to Leo, opting to describe it to him instead. Next, Cass handed me a fantastic vest. It was thin leather covered by beautiful wooden scales—whatever wood they were made from felt as hard as steel.

[Scalebark Chestguard]

Epic Medium Armor - Chest

150 Armor

+25 Strength

+20 Dexterity

+15 Vigor

+10 Endurance

Finally, Jen passed me an expertly crafted bow. The Herald had given our gifts a lot of thought. Each of us had received something that would replace our lowest quality or most damaged gear. The bow was a recurve with a silver braided bowstring. The bow's limbs had been carved to resemble wings similar to the amulets that Freya's followers often wore.

[Garden's Bounty]

Epic Weapon - Bow

300 Attack

+30 Dexterity

+20 Endurance

+10 Vigor

+10 Regeneration

The group's worries had lessened slightly by the time I had finished describing their new items' properties. However, I grew frustrated as I thought about how to proceed. My primary strategy involved going blow for blow with my enemies and seeing who could take the most punishment—an unintentional consequence of my current mental state. I had lived in a paranoid state for years-always waiting for that final bullet to kill me. Now, blades and arrows bounced off me harmlessly. I felt myself leaning the opposite way of caution lately and needed to constantly remind myself that I was not invulnerable. It was a flaw that needed correction before it got me killed.

"I'm going to take a stroll. Clear my head. You guys stay here and keep brainstorming," I announced to the others. Nobody protested as I strolled away from the group. I aimlessly explored the garden beds and the alien vegetation growing in them. I was near the far side of the pyramid when I spotted her.

Brunhilda was not in her glorious battle armor. Instead, she wore a flowing green dress, and her trademark braids were absent, allowing her long golden hair to hang loosely around her shoulders. A warm, welcoming smile had replaced her typical stern expression. Her blue eyes were shining like gemstones. I immediately knew something was different with the Herald. She always had a tremendous amount of mana radiating from her, but the mana coming from her now was so thick it felt as if I was breathing syrup.

I hesitated for a moment before approaching her, "You're not Brunhilda, are you?"

"No, my dartboard Champion, I am not," Freya stated. She spoke in the Herald's voice, but it was somehow different. Her tone was caring and considerate. She seemed to weigh each word carefully before giving voice to it.

I went to kneel, but her hand immediately grabbed my arm, pulling me up and onto my feet, "No need for that, Alex. Speak to me as if I am one of your friends, please."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

My brain struggled to perform her request. I was standing before a real-life deity, and she wanted me to act casually. I did my best to push away the complicated emotions running rampant inside me. She had clearly been expecting me, "Did you make me wander away?" I asked, unsure of what exactly motivated me to go for a stroll. Could she control me? I stared at the floor, panic beginning to take hold.

She laughed softly, "No, I cannot control your actions. I saw an opportunity to speak to you alone, so I took it. However, I am afraid we must be brief. Brunhilda becomes irritable if I speak through her in this manner for too long, and meeting you here personally would be far too conspicuous."

I struggled to keep my voice from shaking, "Speak to me about what?"

"You have doubts. You have questions," the goddess declared.

"I-I do. I'm unprepared for what's coming and ignorant of my role. Why choose me, Freya?"

Her hand gently cupped my chin, and I raised my head to make eye contact, "I promise you, I had no hand in your summoning to this planet, yet the moment you arrived, I knew. You would be a Champion who would best show this world what I represent. Someone who could inspire others and rally them behind a cause."

"I'm not special," I argued.

The goddess laughed, "Are you not? You are the first ever to be named a Champion without worshipping your patron deity. You may not have faith in me yet, but I have faith in you, Alex. The irony is not lost on me," she declared with a slight chuckle.

I stiffened and began to fidget nervously at her comment. I don't know why I was surprised that Freya knew that, but hearing her speak it unnerved me greatly.

"Relax! If I had desired blind faith, I would have made a high priest my Champion. It is one of the reasons you are special," she comforted.

The goddess's tone reminded me more of an amused mother than a powerful deity. There was no anger or disappointment in her words as she spoke them, and I could sense she was being genuine.

"I'm sorry, Freya. It's not that I mistrust you. I... don't know how to feel. A month ago, I would have laughed at anyone who told me I'd be speaking with a goddess. It's a lot to take in," I told her honestly.

"Of course it is. Although, you are handling it exceptionally well. Honestly, speaking to a mortal who isn't prostrating themselves and blubbering like a fool is refreshing. Besides my Herald, I have very few individuals to converse with. Please know that I must speak the truth to you. However, I am forbidden from telling you about the Great Seals. Now, ask your questions," the goddess instructed.

I took a deep breath, already fearing the answer, "Is there any way to return to Earth?"

Her smile faded for a brief moment before returning, "No. I am sorry, truly. But, you will find a home here... if it's any consolation."

"I understand. I've known that for some time, but I wanted to be sure. Is there any way to tell my parents that I'm okay? Let them know I'm alive?"

"There may be. Unfortunately, it will not be for some time. I cannot say how long it may take, but when the time comes, I will assist you in any way I can," she replied.

Her response gave me some hope I desperately needed. I was coming to terms with never returning to Earth, but my heart broke when I thought of how worried my parents must be. I moved on to my next question to avoid that particular train of thought, "What are the gods? You seem so... normal."

Freya laughed softly, "That is a compliment to me, believe it or not. So many of my siblings and peers struggle to connect with mortals. Unfortunately, there is no answer to that question that will satisfy you. I can offer no explanation that will sate your curiosity. I have always been what I am for far longer than you can comprehend."

Her response was a reminder that I was unable to conceive how powerful and ancient the woman in front of me was. However, I don't think her cryptic answer was meant to unnerve me. On the contrary, the way she conducted herself managed to disarm me completely. It was easy to forget who I was speaking with. The goddess's presence alone comforted me—as if she exuded an aura of love and trust.

"How many Champions do you have?"

"One. Every deity is permitted to name up to two Champions and one Herald, though I haven't named many Champions since Hildy," she answered.

Despite my inner turmoil, I nearly cracked a smile at the goddess's nickname for Brunhilda, "What exactly are the Champions, and how are we chosen?" I questioned, struggling to pace myself as questions raced through my mind faster than I could speak, faster than I should have been able to think.

Freya gestured to my right arm, "To put it simply, Champions are mortals chosen by a god or goddess and gifted a portion of their divine power. As for how they're chosen, that is up to the deity who appoints them. I cannot speak for my siblings, but I base my decision on an individual's true nature and what they have the potential to become."

"Wait, can you see the future? What kind of person will I become? What's my true nature?" I asked in rapid succession, too anxious and curious to control myself.

She laughed, "We cannot see the future. Only the countless possibilities the Fateweaver spins for us. Time will tell who you become, Alex, although I will say I have high hopes. To answer your final question, you already know your true nature," the goddess replied, her mannerisms and patience reminding me of an elder indulging a curious child.

"I don't, though, goddess. I am still determining who I am and what I stand for. I feel like I'm stumbling through all this, just hoping it will all make sense at some point," I lamented.

"Why do you train and fight?" she prodded.

"Because I know the enemy is coming. I need to be powerful enough to protect the people I care about," I answered truthfully.

Freya nodded, "And yet, that is not your responsibility. You could have just as quickly abandoned all of this after you escaped from Larell. You could have continued your search for a way back to Terra or asked the Guild to be stationed in a remote village, never to worry about this again. There were hundreds of possibilities. Yet, here you are, risking your life in my dungeon in order to help a man be healed. Your Runes are that of a protector because that is what you are."

"Sam is a friend. I owe it to him. We could never have escaped without his help," I responded.

"And why did Samuel choose to aid you? Have you ever considered why you inspire such fierce loyalty from those around you?" she countered.

"I... honestly don't know. I can't describe the bond we share. They're exceptional people," I told her.

Freya placed a gentle hand on my shoulder, "You are exceptional. Consider your first days together. You were ripped from your life into a world of suffering and blood. Thrust into a world so different from your own that it seemed impossible. Despite that, your instincts guided you to help Cassilia and Leo. You offered them physical and emotional support and granted them hope. You made a promise to them and then fulfilled it. You showed Teos not only mercy but kindness and gained a familiar for it. They trust you because you have proven you can be trusted."

Every moment spent and each word exchanged with the goddess soothed my anxiety and bolstered my confidence. I found myself deeply appreciative of the deity. She had specifically come to me to offer encouragement and support when I needed it most. I suspected this was her true purpose in inviting me to her dungeon. She likely would have healed Sam if I had insisted.

"I once feared that being named a Champion was an elaborate way of turning me into a pawn. A tool to be used by beings more powerful than me. I can see now that not only is it an honor, but it likely benefits me more than you. Thank you, Freya. You have done so much for me. I will try to become someone you will be proud of," I told the goddess.

She smiled, "I am already proud. I'm afraid that's all the time we have, for now, my Champion. I will see you at the end of this dungeon. Remember to trust your instincts."

Without another word, she blinked away in a flash of light. I had so many more questions. Nevertheless, I left the encounter feeling invigorated. I began the short walk back to my team, returning to them in a much better state of mind than when I had left.

Cass eyed me suspiciously as I joined them, "What happened?"

"I just had a lovely chat with our host. She helped clarify some things, is all," I answered, attempting to sound relaxed.

Jen's eyes bulged, "The Goddess spoke to you...directly?"

"Well, through Brunhilda. She said we'd see each other again once we finish the dungeon. So maybe you'll get to meet her," I told Jen.

I denied the barrage of requests to elaborate further. Freya had wanted to speak in private, and I intended to keep our conversation between us. Eventually, the team relented, filling me in on what they had learned. They had spoken to the Aspects and the Shieldmaidens while I was gone. Neither group offered a definitive way forward, but both promised their help.

"I know what to do. We're going to march across those bridges," I declared.

"That's your grand plan? Seriously?" Cass objected.

Freya's last words were to follow my instincts, and my instincts told me to cross the bridge. She wasn't just offering advice. It was a hint. Realistically, we only had two options. Cross the bridges here, or get on the floating platform. It would either take us back to the previous pyramid or to the center.

"If that dais takes us to the central platform, it will let every undead over there witness our approach. They'd likely swarm us as we landed. You can see from here that our enemies are unorganized. We can cut through them and carve a path to that building. I'm positive the final objective is inside it," I explained.

We gathered the Aspects and Shieldmaidens. Then, with everyone ready, steadily made our way to the bridges—toward the final battle.