Bloodlines of the Ancient Pantheons

Chapter 579: DLXXIX. The End Of The Hegemony

Without thinking twice, Dag put it in the other pocket of his pants, focusing on the three objects left in his hand, knowing that, among them, there was the emblem that would give him the title of the second strongest warrior in the world, inferior only to King Einar, who owned the first.

In his hand, there were a long rusty key, a gold ring, and the hilt of a dagger, deprived of its blade.

Carefully, he tried to study the details as soon as possible, realizing that those in his hands were the second, third, and fourth emblems, although he could not attribute to each object its own value.

"This is a problem that I will solve later, now I am exhausted" Dag thought out loud, putting all those objects in his pocket and looking up at the castle as if he had forgotten that all his comrades and allied army soldiers had witnessed his clash.

When his gaze crossed with theirs and the soldiers of the Giants Of Ymir and the Claws Of Fenrir realized that the young Master had returned to himself, venting almost all his anger, a scream of joy rose from their mouths and filled the square, overwhelming Dag, who was inebriated by it as if a wave of oxygen had entered his lungs and he had begun to breathe for the first time.

His name was acclaimed in every way by everyone present, except the two Clans Commanders and their generals, who maintained a certain composure.

Dag hinted at a half-smile, trying to make happy the warriors that until the end had cheered for him, but in the meantime, with his eyes, one of which had returned of its normal color, he looked for the gaze of his woman.

Some men from the Claws Of Fenrir moved, letting the red-haired Shieldmaiden pass by, who had retreated to avoid witnessing the scene where Hakon's body was shredded. 

Freydis looked at Dag, whose body was covered in blood and wounds, including his face, marked by fatigue.

She quickly noticed that, although his revenge had finally been accomplished, something was missing in his expression, it was as if he was seeking her approval.

Without further delay, Freydis continued to look at him with her brown eyes and smiled at him, glad that her man, from that day on, could sleep soundly, stopping thinking about how he would avenge his father's name and satisfied that she was the girlfriend of the new second strongest warrior on the planet.

As the two lovers approached walking slowly towards each other, the young Shieldmaiden couldn't help but thinking back all the moments she spent with Dag, all the events that had led both of them to be in that place, at that moment.

One by one, almost all the soldiers present touched Dag's shoulders, as if, in that way, they sought his blessing, realizing that, since the young Master had joined their army, their Commanders had finally decided to ally, thus earning the victory of the greatest of battles.

Dag's smile became real when his woman came before him and squeezed him into a warm embrace.

"It's over, Dag... your father Stein was finally avenged. Now his soul can finally live in peace in Valhalla, and it's only thanks to you. Asa would be proud of what you've been able to do" the Shieldmaiden said, resting her head on his chest and clasping her arms tightly around his abdomen.

"Is it really over? Did I really manage to beat Hakon with this level of strength? In Master Egill's memories, he seemed a much stronger and more dangerous enemy... evidently, as he got older, even the strongest of the warriors weakened" Dag thought, who did not respond to Freydis' words and looked at Kranus, who behind her was looking at him with a smile slightly painted on his face.

The hug was interrupted and the young Earth warrior stroked and kissed Freydis' head, approaching the ice mage.

"I think I have to say thank you, Commander Kranus. Your words were decisive, they made me use all the anger I had inside" Dag said, addressing him, noting that there were also Bloodfang, Kron, Atran, and the two Packmaster's generals, whose names he still ignored.

"I just brought your weapons back to you, boy. You did all the rest. The Lies Of Loki ruled Krypstorm continuously for decades, forcing the other Clans to populate only the west side of the nation, where resources are scarcer and the climate is harsher. This day will be remembered in history as the 'day when Krypstorm's army interrupted Lies of loki hegemony'. And your name will forever be written in legend. I will make my bards sing your deeds forever, Warrior of Okstorm" Kranus replied, showing all his recognition as a true man of honor.

While Kron and Atran smiled satisfied with the moment, Bloodfang didn't seem so enthusiastic, as he was not the protagonist of Klorr's liberation from the enemy rule.

The Packmaster stepped forward, coming between Dag and Kranus, interrupting their speech.

"Hakon was the most powerful warrior on this planet. His strength went far beyond those poisoned blades or tricks with which he could disappear and teleport. He was a symbol of power, representing the wickedness that had trapped Krypstorm in its grip, eclipsing all the other Clans. I will tell you the truth, I am deeply saddened to have tried to kill you inside the castle and I thank you infinitely for sparing me, Dag" the leader of the Claws Of Fenrir exclaimed surprisingly, leaving all the soldiers behind him speechless, who did not know what really happened during the fight against the Keeper.

Incredibly, in addition to those words expressing sincere gratitude, Bloodfang, holding on with both hands to the squeaky stick he was using to walk, knelt before Dag, out of respect.

Before all his warriors did the same, knowing that at that moment he did not want to be the center of attention any more than he already was, Dag grabbed his shoulder and invited him to get up, amicably.