The next morning, as Touko Aozaki stepped out of her room, she happened to bump into Shiomi, who was also leaving his quarters, preparing to head to Valhalla.
He hadn't spent the night in Touko's room—not because she didn't want him to, but because Shiomi genuinely couldn't stay there. Judging by the way he was yawning, he probably hadn't slept well the previous night either.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Touko asked, catching up to him with concern. "Looking like that, you probably won't be able to handle the so-called Valhalla trials."
As she got closer, she noticed strawberry-like marks on the skin of his neck, visible beneath his collar. It was obvious what had happened. Touko felt a strange sensation—not exactly jealousy, but definitely not indifference either. If she were in the same situation, she wouldn't be able to leave a mark like that.
"I'm fine, really," Shiomi said awkwardly. "You don't have to bring it up. Now I don't even know how to respond."
"Heh, still the same as always," Touko replied with a knowing smile, not particularly surprised.
"Not entirely, right?" Shiomi raised an eyebrow, his tone taking on a slightly suggestive note.
"How brazen," Touko continued to smile, unbothered.
Spending time with him like old times the previous day had stirred a feeling in her that she couldn't quite describe. After all, their breakup hadn't been explicitly stated—it just faded as their lives gradually drifted apart. Overall, it was a pleasant encounter, though there was a subtle, unspoken tension.
To be more specific, after all this time, Shiomi seemed more skilled than before, making it easy for her to simply surrender to the physical pleasure.
"Speaking of which, what about the others you were with? I didn't see them leave with you," Touko asked.
"They left ahead of me," Shiomi replied, his expression growing more serious. "Skadi should be waiting for us by now. Are you coming with us? Want to see it for yourself?"
"Not welcome?" Touko asked with a teasing smile. "Even if I can't enter the legendary Valhalla, it would still be an interesting experience to at least catch a glimpse from the sidelines."
"Of course you're welcome," Shiomi said with a wave of his hand. "I just meant, you can stay here if you want. Once the Storm Border from Chaldea arrives, you can join up with them."
"While I trust Chaldea, I feel safer staying with this group," Touko stated. "I can handle a few Valkyries, but if we face Servants from the Lostbelt—or even a goddess like Skadi—I'm in trouble."
"Compared to the Magus or even the Phantasmal Species we've dealt with before, this is on a whole different level," Shiomi chuckled.
"Then come with us. It'll make me happy to see you among them when I come out of Valhalla," Shiomi said, his voice softening.
"You're such a greedy man," Touko said with a playful smile.
"I am," Shiomi admitted candidly, suddenly taking her hand.
Touko looked at him, slightly puzzled. "What's this?"
"Just a morning greeting." Shiomi caught her arm and leaned down to kiss her.
After a brief moment, they parted.
"Is this your way of responding to what happened in Antarctica?" Touko asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course," Shiomi nodded. "For you, I still hold the same place in your heart as I always did—just as you do in mine. Though we confirmed that yesterday."
"But I don't plan on getting back together with you," Touko said, allowing him to lead her forward by the hand.
"I figured as much," Shiomi replied, unfazed. "Even if it's just for now, staying within my reach—at least I can feel at ease."
"What I mean is, compared to having a current girlfriend or any other relationship, the title 'ex-girlfriend' still carries a bit more weight," Touko said, her expression brightening.
Shiomi was momentarily speechless, eventually managing to say after a long pause, "So that's the reason? Well, whatever. As long as you're happy."
The rhythmic sound of footsteps grew louder, and both of them turned to look.
Valkyrie Thrúd, who had appeared earlier, emerged from the corridor's corner.
"Guests, Goddess Scáthach-Skadi awaits at the throne. Please follow me," Thrúd said.
Although only a few minutes had passed since Shiomi and Morgan had parted ways, Skadi had already dispatched a Valkyrie to hurry them along, which left him feeling a bit helpless.
The pair quickened their pace. Just before entering the hall, Touko withdrew her hand, not wanting to cause Shiomi any inconvenience.
In reality, she knew this gesture wasn't all that necessary.
"You've finally arrived. If you're ready, let's depart," Skadi said. "The distance from here to the abandoned Valhalla is considerable. A Magecraft transfer would be faster."
"I suppose so," Shiomi replied, unfazed. "But more than that, your attire..."
Today, Skadi was dressed differently than when they had met yesterday. Gone was the elegant, sensual purple gown; she now wore full battle regalia.
Though calling it "regalia" felt strangely familiar to Shiomi, especially with his master standing nearby.
The combat outfit was clearly inspired by Scáthach's style, with differences mainly in color and details.
Particularly, the chest area featured a daring design that exposed more of her skin, highlighting Skadi's distinct personality and tastes compared to Scáthach.
"My beloved disciple finds the resemblance striking too, doesn't you?" Scáthach remarked. "It's almost like looking into a mirror."
"I didn't change into this outfit without a reason. I'll explain shortly," Skadi said, unaware that her attire was even more revealing than Scáthach's.
In her mind, such exposure was perfectly reasonable—it only served to emphasize her allure as a goddess.
"Now, gather around me," Skadi softly commanded, gesturing for the others to come closer.
Several Valkyries in white cloaks then encircled them.
After confirming everything was in order, Skadi raised her wand. The runes on it flickered, and a teleportation circle constructed from Runes appeared beneath their feet.
Compared to the more complex spell Shiomi used, this one seemed to have a higher teleportation efficiency.
The only issue was that this intricate array had to be drawn out beforehand.
With a flash of light, the scenery around them shifted, transporting them to a place that resembled a royal palace, yet felt subtly different.
A slightly dilapidated temple stood, blending seamlessly with the snow-covered mountains. Only the tightly closed doors revealed the location of the entrance.
Outside the gates, two Valkyries—clearly not mass-produced models—stood waiting.
"Ortlinde, Hildr, prepare to receive them."
Once the teleportation was complete, Thrúd, who had accompanied them, immediately stepped forward and addressed the two waiting Valkyries.
"Her Majesty Scáthach-Skadi, Valhalla is prepared. The gates can be opened at any time. We welcome Your Majesty and your guests."
"Very well," Skadi nodded in satisfaction.