The golden wash of the morning sun stretched over the courtyard, but the air still carried the weight of ash and blood.
Halgar, the Paladin Commander, stepped forward. His armor was battered, streaked with demon ichor, but the divine crest on his chestplate still glowed faintly—like a stubborn ember refusing to die. Behind him, the remaining Asgardian paladins stood in formation, their discipline unshaken despite the toll of the night.
He approached Thor and went to one knee, head bowed.
"My lord… the mission you set us is complete. Odin himself commanded we aid you here." His voice was deep, steady, carrying the weight of divine loyalty. "We have served as ordered."
Thor's eyes softened, if only slightly. "You have done well, Halgar. Your strength here has not gone unnoticed… nor will it go unrewarded in Valhalla."
Halgar gave a solemn nod, rising to his feet. The paladins tightened their ranks, and with a low hum, the rainbow light of the Bifröst spiraled into the courtyard, scattering the dust and blood into the air.
One by one, the warriors stepped into its radiance until only Halgar remained. He placed a fist over his heart, bowed to Thor once more, and vanished in a cascade of golden shards. The light snapped shut, leaving only the sounds of the waking world.
The Hashira approached from the far end of the courtyard—Rengoku, Gyomei, Sanemi, and the others—some bandaged, some leaning on their swords, but all still standing.
And then, like a ripple through the air, Muzan appeared. No sound preceded him—just the quiet intrusion of an apex predator into their midst. Behind him, the Upper Moons emerged one by one, their presence heavy enough to press on the lungs.
Even after all this… the battlefield still wasn't free of danger.
The trio—Kratos, Thor, and the Slayer—stood apart from both factions, the space between them and everyone else carved by mutual understanding.
Kratos turned his head toward the Slayer, his eyes narrowing—not in hostility, but in something closer to curiosity wrapped in weariness.
"You've fought beside us through blood and fire," he rumbled, voice low. "You've seen Asgard's might, and I've seen yours. Tell me—will you still remain silent?"
The Slayer's visor tilted slightly, but he said nothing. No explanation, no acknowledgment—just that same impenetrable silence that had followed him across worlds.
For a moment, Kratos' jaw tightened. But then… he simply looked away.
"Hmph. So be it." His tone was almost dismissive, but there was no anger behind it this time. The silence didn't matter—not after what they had just survived.
The morning air held still. Ash drifted lazily in the sunlight. For now, the war was over.
But every single one of them—god, demon, and slayer alike—knew this was not the end.