Chapter 527: Freya’s departure
There was determination in Vlad’s eyes as he contemplated the path before him—a path promising immense strength and boundless opportunities. Of course, it also almost certainly promised a horrible death at the claws of some alien monster, but dangers and rewards so often come hand in hand that he was prepared to face the risk.
For a moment, his mind raced with the possible perils of this journey. Then, he glanced at Freya’s hand entwined with his, and all those troubling thoughts faded away. A gentle smile arose on his face.
"How long until you have to return?" Vlad asked quietly.
Freya glanced back at him, her smile radiant, making her beautiful face glow like the rising sun. "In a month, all Vikings must gather in one place and be ready for our summoning."
Vlad nodded softly. Though a month did not seem long, he intended to make every day count. "All Vikings are in Oceanis," he mused aloud, "and they’re a part of the Xaos Force now. I will ask Overlord to take care of the logistics and gather all of them. In the meantime, we can explore this continent. I hear it has many wondrous places."
While Vlad still wished to finish conquering Oceanis swiftly, he realized that being absent for a month would not significantly alter the grand scheme of things. A brief delay in his greater plans would be a small price to pay for precious time with Freya.
Freya’s smile grew warmer as she softly nodded. Then, without warning, her body rose into the sky, borne aloft by a surge of energy that lit her eyes with excitement and power.
Vlad stared in surprise, though the shock quickly gave way to a knowing grin. Freya’s bloodline had been on the verge of evolution even before the final clash with the Leviathans. It seemed that all the Origin Force she had gained—by sealing thousands of demon souls and leading an army to seal tens of millions more—was finally enough to trigger her full ascension.
Wasting no time, Vlad let his own power surge forth, lifting him into the air. The two shot across the sky, smiles bright upon their faces. They abandoned all immediate concerns about the conquest or the summons from Valhalla and focused on nothing but each other. For the next month, the Depraved of Wrath and the Viking princess ventured across vast landscapes, forging unforgettable memories together.