---
Chapter 1 – "The Smile That Spelled Trouble"
The evening breeze moved gently over the hilltop where Strom, Wraith, and Sam usually gathered after training. Strom sat against a tree, tightening the straps on his new armor, his face showing the usual mix of boredom and mild annoyance.
Wraith was casually munching on an apple, leaning against a rock with one knee up. She looked at Strom, then at Sam—who was coming up the slope with a grin so wide it could blind the sun.
Strom (squinting at him): "Bro… whenever you come like this, it's always something insane for humanity."
Wraith (still eating apple): "I think Aunty didn't beat him today… bro, you're still on your feet."
Sam stopped in front of them, chest out, hands on hips like he was about to announce the discovery of a lifetime.
Sam: "Nah, you both are wrong… come with me, I'll show you something cool!"
Strom raised an eyebrow, already suspicious.
Strom: "Cool like the time you 'accidentally' blew up the blacksmith's roof? Or cool like the time you set Wraith's hair on fire?"
Wraith (narrowing her eyes): "Try it again and you'll regret existing, Sam."
Sam, unfazed, waved his hand like he was holding back secrets of the gods themselves.
Sam (grinning): "This is different… this is life-changing. I found a place no human has ever gone before."
Both Strom and Wraith froze, exchanging a look.
Strom: "...Where?"
Sam (whispering dramatically): "The Valkyrie Lands."
Wraith choked on her apple. Strom's jaw almost dropped before twisting into a smirk.
Wraith: "No way… no one enters Valkyrie lands. Not even knights with death wishes."
Strom: "So let me guess… you went there?"
Sam nodded proudly.
Sam: "And I'm still alive."
Wraith leaned closer, inspecting him like she was checking for missing limbs.
Wraith: "What did you do? Crawl through a bush? Pretend to be one of their pets?"
Sam puffed out his chest.
Sam: "Nope. Walked straight through the gate. Met someone too… Someone… amazing."
Strom groaned.
Strom: "Here we go again. Who is she? And how long before she tries to kill you?"
Sam paused, his grin widening even more.
Sam: "Her name is Astrid… the strongest Valkyrie there."
Wraith slowly lowered her apple.
Wraith: "…You… went into Valkyrie land… met their champion… and lived?"
Sam simply nodded with a dreamy expression.
Strom (facepalming): "Yeah… we're all going to die, aren't we?"
Sam leaned closer with excitement blazing in his eyes.
Sam: "No, no, no… you don't understand. She's… beautiful, strong, terrifying… and I think she likes me."
Wraith burst into laughter, Strom groaned louder than before, and in the distance… a faint sound of thunder echoed.
---
Chapter 2 – "The Stalking of a Valkyrie"
The three crouched behind a bush, deep in Valkyrie territory. Beyond them stood Astrid—6'2 of pure muscle and flawless technique—swinging a blade so massive it made the ground tremble.
Wraith (whispering): "If you already met her… why are we hiding like criminals?"
Sam (sheepishly): "…Because I lied. If I told the truth, you two wouldn't have come."
Strom (deadpan): "…So you tricked us into sneaking into a land that literally executes trespassers? Great."
Sam grinned nervously.
Sam: "Worth it though, right?"
Wraith peeked through the leaves, watching Astrid's crimson hair whip through the air as she delivered a bone-shaking swing.
Strom: "Bro… she's 6'2, built like a mountain, and you're… what, 5'9 on your best day? You'll shrink so hard under her stare your jaw will scrape the ground."
Sam rolled his eyes.
Strom (continuing): "And look at her arms—those biceps could probably lift you with a pinky and toss you across a village."
Wraith stifled a laugh.
Wraith: "This is either love… or a one-way trip to the afterlife."
Astrid suddenly froze mid-swing, eyes snapping toward their hiding spot.
Astrid (sharply): "Whoever's behind that bush, step out now before I slice it in half."
Strom sighed.
Strom: "Yup… we're done."
Sam stood up with his hands raised, grinning nervously.
Sam: "Hey, Astrid… long time no see?"
Astrid blinked, recognition dawning.
Astrid (flat tone): "You. The trespasser."
Wraith leaned toward Strom.
Wraith: "So… we running or fighting?"
Strom: "Neither. We're watching him dig his own grave first."
Astrid dragged her sword with one hand, sparks flying.
Astrid: "One good reason not to flatten you right here."
Sam (gulping): "…Because I brought friends?"
Astrid's gaze shifted to Strom and Wraith.
Astrid: "Great. More trespassers."
Her greatsword swung effortlessly onto her shoulder as she stepped forward.
Astrid: "Five seconds. Explain."
Sam muttered under his breath:
Sam: "…Still worth it."
Wraith smacked him upside the head.
---
Chapter 3 – "The Clash & The Crush"
Astrid swung her massive blade down, striking the ground with enough force to split stone. Sam froze, eyes wide, jaw halfway to the floor.
Sam (soft voice, hypnotized): "…She's amazing…"
Wraith (facepalming): "He's literally about to become part of the floor, and he's simping."
Astrid stepped closer, blade raised.
Astrid (cold tone): "You dare trespass in Valkyrie territory? Give me one reason not to strike you down."
Sam just stared dreamily.
Sam: "…Hi…"
Astrid blinked once, then tightened her grip.
Astrid: "Wrong answer."
She lunged forward, her strike fast and heavy. Strom instantly appeared between them, spear raised, blocking her attack with a loud CLANG.
Strom: "Whoa-whoa, let's calm down—no need to turn him into furniture."
Astrid (eyes narrowing): "Move. This doesn't concern you."
Strom: "Actually, it does. See, if he gets sliced, his mom's gonna hunt me down, and I don't need that kind of drama."
Astrid pushed harder against Strom's spear but he didn't budge.
Astrid (surprised): "…You're strong."
Strom (smirking): "You're not bad yourself. But trust me, you don't wanna fight me today. I'm having one of those days."
Wraith (in background): "Translation: he's too lazy to fight back properly."
Astrid twisted her blade, trying to catch him off guard. Strom spun his spear, diverting her strike effortlessly.
Strom: "Seriously, why does everyone try to hit me? Is it my face?"
Meanwhile, Sam was still frozen, eyes locked on Astrid like she was a painting.
Sam (whispering): "…She's perfect…"
Wraith slapped the back of his head.
Wraith: "Snap out of it, Romeo."
Astrid lowered her sword slightly, still glaring at Strom.
Astrid: "Why protect him? He trespassed. In my land, that is unforgivable."
Strom: "Yeah, but if we punished everyone for doing dumb stuff for someone they like, half the world would be gone."
Astrid tilted her head, confused by his logic.
Astrid: "…He entered Valkyrie land… for me?"
Sam raised a shaky hand.
Sam: "…Yes… ma'am."
Astrid's eyes narrowed, then she pointed her sword at his chest.
Astrid: "You have nerve… I'll give you that. Reckless, but nerve."
Strom (grinning): "See? Progress. No one's been decapitated yet—let's call that a win."
Astrid lowered her blade fully but kept it ready.
Astrid: "One wrong move, and I will knock him flat."
Sam (whispering to Strom): "…She spoke to me, bro…"
Wraith: "You're hopeless."
---
Chapter 4 – "Talk Outside the Border"
The group stood just outside Valkyrie territory, Astrid's massive blade still resting on her shoulder like it weighed nothing.
Astrid: "You want to talk? Fine. But do it outside our land. I don't care who you are—rules are rules."
She turned her sharp gaze toward Sam.
Astrid: "Especially you. One wrong step and I will knock you unconscious."
Sam (gulping): "Y-Yes ma'am…"
Wraith crossed her arms, staring at Astrid suspiciously.
Wraith: "You really wanted to slice him in half five minutes ago."
Astrid: "He trespassed. That's enough reason."
Strom (smirking): "Come on, you didn't even scratch me. You're holding back, aren't you?"
Astrid's eyes flicked toward him, something sharp but curious in her expression.
Astrid: "You blocked my strike without moving your feet. That's rare."
Strom: "What can I say? I'm used to people swinging at me."
Wraith's brow twitched.
Wraith (grumbling): "Why does it sound like flirting…?"
Sam leaned toward her and whispered.
Sam: "Wait, is she looking at him like… that?"
Wraith: "She is."
Astrid stepped closer to Strom, tilting her head.
Astrid: "You fight like someone who's carried weight heavier than your armor. How many battles have you seen?"
Strom: "Enough to make me hate mornings."
Astrid actually smirked—smirked—something no one expected.
Astrid: "Impressive."
Sam's jaw dropped.
Sam (whispering): "…She never even looked at me like that…"
Wraith (mocking): "Aww, jealous already?"
Sam: "I risked my life just stepping in her land and she's looking at him like he's some hero out of a legend!"
Wraith (smirking): "He kind of is. You? Not so much."
Sam clutched his chest dramatically.
Sam: "Betrayed by my own friends…"
Astrid ignored the side drama and kept her eyes on Strom.
Astrid: "You're not from Valkyrie lands, yet you have warrior's eyes. Why fight?"
Strom: "Because someone has to. And apparently, that someone's always me."
Astrid rested her sword tip on the ground, leaning on it slightly.
Astrid: "Hmph. Maybe you're not as reckless as your friend here." (nods at Sam) "You have focus. I respect that."
Wraith: "Ohhh boy, here it comes…"
Sam (whispering): "She's into him. She's actually into him!"
Strom (looking confused): "Wait—what's happening right now?"
Wraith: "Congratulations, you just stole his crush without even trying."
Sam: "My soul is crying, bro…"
Astrid sheathed her blade.
Astrid: "You all may leave. Next time, don't step inside our borders uninvited… especially you." (points at Sam)
Sam (pouting): "…She knows my name now though… progress…"
Wraith (facepalming): "This is painful to watch."
---
Chapter 5 – "The Test"
Three days later, Strom was repairing his armor outside the small camp. Sam sat nearby, sharpening his dagger with a face that screamed defeat.
Sam (muttering): "Three days and she hasn't even looked at me…"
Wraith: "Bro, she almost cut your head off, that was her looking at you."
Sam: "…That doesn't count…"
Suddenly, a heavy thud shook the ground. They all turned to see Astrid, her blade shining under the sun, walking with deliberate steps.
Astrid: "You. Dragon knight." (points at Strom) "Stand up."
Strom (confused): "Uh… why?"
Astrid: "I'm here to test if you're actually as good as I think."
Sam (whispering to Wraith): "As she thinks? What is going on here?"
Wraith (smirking): "Bro, she's into him. That's obvious."
Sam (dramatic whisper): "Why does he get everything?! Even my almost-girlfriend!"
Wraith (laughing): "Your 'almost-girlfriend'? You literally stalked her from bushes, Sam."
Astrid planted her blade into the ground, looking directly at Strom.
Astrid: "Draw your weapon."
Strom: "Really? Here? Right now?"
Astrid: "Unless you're afraid."
Strom (standing up, smirking): "Afraid? Lady, I've fought dragons, titans, and my own mom. You're mild at best."
Sam (to Wraith): "Did he just flirt and insult at the same time?"
Wraith: "Peak Strom behavior."
---
The Spar
Astrid lunged first, swinging her heavy blade with speed unexpected for someone her size. Strom blocked it with his spear, sparks flying.
Astrid: "You don't move like a knight… you move like someone born for war."
Strom (grinning): "Or maybe you're just too slow."
Astrid narrowed her eyes and twisted, her blade grazing Strom's shoulder guard. He countered with a low sweep, forcing her to jump back.
Astrid (smiling now): "Good… very good."
Wraith (snickering to Sam): "You hearing this? She's impressed."
Sam (clutching his chest): "My heart can't take this…"
Astrid's blade stopped inches from Strom's face, while Strom's spear tip rested against her armor. They both froze, then slowly lowered their weapons.
Astrid (grinning): "You pass."
Strom: "I wasn't taking a test…"
Astrid (smirking): "Didn't matter."
She turned to leave, but not before giving Strom a nod of respect.
Astrid: "Next time, try to actually make me sweat."
Sam (muttering): "She didn't even know my name three days ago…"
Wraith: "Bro, she's basically inviting him to flirt with her. You lost before you started."
Sam (falling to his knees): "Life is pain…"
Strom (putting away his spear): "…Did I just accidentally steal someone's crush?"
Wraith: "Yes. Yes, you did."
Chapter 6 – "The Blue Flower"
The next morning, Strom sat sharpening his spear, humming some tune only he liked. Wraith leaned against a tree, casually throwing daggers at a target, while Sam sulked in silence, muttering under his breath.
Sam (grumbling): "She didn't even look at me yesterday… I'm the one who found her first…"
Wraith: "Yeah, by stalking her from bushes like a creep."
Sam: "Shut up."
A shadow fell over them. They looked up and froze.
It was Astrid. She wore her full Valkyrie armor, polished and gleaming in the sunlight, with her massive blade strapped to her back. In her hand was… a blue flower.
Astrid (firm but calm): "Dragon Knight."
Strom (looking up, confused): "Uh… me?"
Astrid: "Yes, you."
She walked right up to him and extended the flower.
Astrid: "In Valkyrie tradition, we give blue flowers to those we… truly respect. Someone we want to fight again. And you… you're worthy."
Strom blinked, then slowly took the flower.
Strom (smirking slightly): "So this is like, a 'let's fight again soon' gift?"
Astrid (dead serious): "Yes. And… maybe more than that."
Behind them, Sam's soul visibly left his body.
Sam (whispering to Wraith): "Bro… she just… she just…!"
Wraith (grinning like a devil): "Oh, she likes him. You're officially cooked, Sam."
Sam (panicking): "No… no, no, no… I can still fix this… maybe…"
Wraith: "Bro, she brought him a flower. A blue flower. From Valkyrie land. You're not fixing anything."
Astrid turned to leave but paused, glancing over her shoulder at Strom.
Astrid: "I'll be back tomorrow… we fight again. Don't disappoint me."
And with that, she walked away, her hair catching the wind like something out of a heroic painting.
Sam fell to his knees, clutching his chest.
Sam: "Why… why not me…"
Wraith: "Because you're Sam, and he's Strom."
Strom (twirling the flower): "Man… I didn't even try this time."
Sam (looking up with tears): "Stop being cool for one minute!"
Chapter 7 – "Full Strength"
The training ground was silent except for the wind. Astrid stood there in her full battle gear, her enormous sword planted into the ground like it weighed nothing. Her eyes were locked on Strom.
Astrid: "Yesterday… I wasn't serious. Today, I am. Show me your true strength, Dragon Knight."
Strom casually spun his spear and yawned.
Strom (calmly): "Look girl… if I even try, you're already defeated."
Wraith and Sam's jaws dropped.
Sam (whispering): "He's actually flirting with death…"
Wraith: "Nope… he's flirting with her."
Astrid smiled, a small but dangerous curve on her lips.
Astrid: "Then try."
She moved—no, launched. Her speed was inhuman, her sword cutting the air with a terrifying whistle. Strom tilted his head just enough to dodge, his expression still bored.
Strom: "Fast… but you left your left side open."
He tapped her armor with the back of his spear—no damage, but enough to make Astrid pause in shock.
Astrid: "What—"
Before she could react, Strom spun his spear and gently pressed the tip against her neck—not cutting, just enough to make a point.
Strom (smirking): "See? If I actually tried, it'd be over."
Astrid froze. Her grip on her sword loosened slightly, but then she smiled. A rare, genuine smile.
Astrid: "…Incredible."
Sam fell to his knees, clutching his chest like someone just stabbed him.
Sam: "Why… why is she looking at him like that…"
Wraith (laughing): "Because she likes strong people, and you're busy crying in a bush."
Sam: "I swear, I'm gonna train harder, I'm gonna—"
Astrid sheathed her sword and walked up to Strom.
Astrid: "Tomorrow. You don't get to hold back. I want to see what is your true strength."
Strom (shrugging): "Fine… but don't regret it."
She gave a tiny smirk, then walked off, leaving Sam glaring at Strom like he wanted to commit crimes.
Sam (gritting teeth): "Bro… I hate you… so much right now."
Wraith: "Better get used to it, Sam. Your girl's gone. She's officially in Strom's fan club now."
Sam: "Stop talking or I'm moving out!"
Strom (still spinning his spear): "Relax, dude. I didn't even do anything serious."
Chapter 8 – "Giants in the Valley"
The training ground was quiet, the air heavy with anticipation. Strom stood in his new armor, spear glowing faintly blue, cape flowing behind him. Astrid cracked her knuckles and gave him a competitive grin.
Astrid: "This time, Dragon Knight, you're not walking out looking pretty."
Strom smirked, spear spinning effortlessly.
Strom: "We'll see."
Before the clash could happen—
A deep, earth-shaking roar rolled through the valley, followed by screams. Astrid's eyes widened in horror.
Astrid: "…My village."
She bolted without hesitation, sprinting toward the Valkyrie homeland. Strom, Wraith, and Sam exchanged a quick glance before taking off after her.
---
The Battlefield
Chaos. Fires burned through wooden watchtowers. Enormous giants—10 feet tall, armed with crude maces and massive hammers—rampaged through the village. Valkyrie warriors struggled, clearly unprepared for such an overwhelming assault.
Astrid drew her massive sword and roared:
Astrid: "GET OUT OF MY HOME!"
She swung with all her might, slicing into one giant's leg and sending it crashing down. But as she turned to strike again, another giant's hammer slammed into her chest, throwing her against a broken wall.
Sam sprinted forward, adrenaline pumping, barely managing to push her out of the way before the second strike landed.
Sam (panting): "Astrid! Are you—"
Astrid (angrily): "How dare you help me, human!"
Sam froze, blinking.
Sam: "…What the—? I literally just saved you!"
Meanwhile, Strom and Wraith arrived like a storm. Strom leapt into the air, spear blazing blue, and with a single spin—five giants fell at once, their armor shattered like glass. Wraith slashed through another group, her claws glowing.
Wraith: "You two done flirting?!"
Astrid staggered up, rubbing her bruised shoulder. Sam crossed his arms, glaring.
Sam: "You could at least say thank you."
Astrid groaned, cheeks faintly pink but still refusing to look at him.
Astrid: "…Fine… thank you…"
Sam (smirking): "See? That wasn't so hard—"
Astrid (interrupting, looking at Strom): "But YOUR FRIEND literally killed sixty-seven of them in the last two minutes. He is awesome!"
Sam's jaw dropped.
Sam: "…Excuse me—what?!"
Strom casually dragged his spear along the ground, sparks flying off the tip.
Strom (calmly): "That's sixty-eight."
Astrid's eyes were practically shining now.
Astrid: "You're… incredible…"
Sam's soul visibly left his body.
Sam (gritting teeth): "…This… is my villain origin story…"
Wraith almost choked laughing, even mid-fight.
Wraith: "Sam, you can't compete with a guy who took down Gorgon, Bizokar, and his own mom in one month."
Sam: "Shut up!"
Chapter 9 – "The Curse of Stone"
The battlefield grew eerily silent. The last giant turned stiff, its skin hardening into grey stone until it froze mid-swing—just like the rest. The ground trembled once more and then… nothing. Only the broken walls and faint fires remained.
Astrid stood there, sword still in her hand, breathing heavily. Her sharp Valkyrie eyes narrowed as she looked around the battlefield, scanning the frozen forms of the giants.
Astrid (growling): "They were cursed… this isn't normal."
Wraith tilted her head, wiping blood off her claws.
Wraith: "What do you mean cursed?"
Astrid walked to one of the statues, running her hand across the hardened surface. It was cold—like it had been carved, not petrified.
Astrid: "These giants are bound by an ancient Valkyrie oath… They only awaken when a foreign human steps foot in the core of our village."
Everyone turned slowly toward Sam.
Sam froze, eyes darting left and right.
Sam: "Hey—wait—don't look at me like that. I was just sightseeing!"
Astrid's grip on her sword tightened, her expression darkening.
Astrid: "…You… walked in first, didn't you?"
Sam took a nervous step back.
Sam: "…Technically—uhhh… yeah, but—"
Before he could finish, Astrid stomped forward, grabbed him by the collar with one hand, and lifted him clean off the ground.
Astrid (yelling): "YOU CAUSED THIS! My mother is injured because of YOU!"
Sam dangled in the air, legs flailing.
Sam: "H-hey! Whoa—let's talk about this—"
Astrid (snarling): "Give me ONE reason I shouldn't snap you in half!"
Wraith was on the ground crying laughing, barely able to stand.
Wraith: "Oh my god—Sam, your face! HAHAHA—she's gonna kill you!"
Strom leaned against his spear, clearly enjoying the scene.
Strom (smirking): "This is the first time I'm not stopping a fight. Carry on."
Sam: "Strom, YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE MY FRIEND!"
Astrid (shaking him): "You endangered an entire Valkyrie village! You—reckless—tiny—HUMAN!"
Sam held up his hands in surrender while still dangling.
Sam: "Okay-okay-okay! I'm sorry! I'll make it up to you, I swear!"
Astrid stared at him for a long moment, then slowly lowered him to the ground… only to poke him in the forehead hard enough to knock him on his butt.
Astrid: "If my mom doesn't recover, you're dead."
Sam sat on the ground, rubbing his forehead, muttering to himself.
Sam: "…Yeah… this relationship is going great…"
Strom and Wraith burst out laughing.
Chapter 10 – "The Awkward Thanks"
Astrid's home was quiet except for the faint humming of Sam's magic. He knelt beside Astrid's mother, Ylfa, her once-strong body weak and bruised from the battle. Sam's hands glowed with a soft golden aura as he channeled his healing spell, sweat dripping down his forehead.
Sam (muttering): "Just a little more… hold on, you'll be fine."
Astrid stood nearby, arms crossed and face stiff. She kept glaring at Sam but couldn't say anything—watching him save her mother's life. Strom and Wraith leaned against the doorway, quietly observing.
Astrid mom (weakly opening eyes): "Astrid…? Who is this kind young man?"
Sam smiled sheepishly.
Sam: "I'm… a friend. You're safe now, ma'am."
Astrid mom: "Thank you… thank you for protecting my daughter."
Astrid's eyes widened slightly, and her usual proud expression faltered.
Astrid: "…He didn't protect me, I—"
Strom (interrupting): "He literally saved your life when that giant was about to crush you."
Wraith: "Yeah, Astrid, I saw it. You were about to be Valkyrie pancake."
Astrid glared at them but turned away quickly. She clenched her fists, clearly struggling to say something. After a long pause, she stepped closer to Sam, avoiding eye contact.
Astrid (awkwardly): "…You… uh… you did well… saving my mother… and me…"
Sam looked up, shocked.
Sam (grinning): "Wait—did the mighty Astrid just say 'thank you'? Should I write this down somewhere?"
Astrid (turning red): "Shut up! Don't make me regret it!"
She shoved him lightly in the chest, but it was more like an embarrassed push than an attack. Strom and Wraith both burst out laughing.
Wraith: "Oh my god, Astrid's blushing. This is better than a front-row seat at a gladiator fight."
Strom: "Yup, mark the calendar—Astrid, the unshakable Valkyrie, just said thank you."
Astrid stomped her foot and stormed out of the room, muttering under her breath.
Astrid: "I hate all of you…"
Sam chuckled as Ylfa gently squeezed his hand.
Astrid mom: "She's… never said thank you to anyone before. You're special."
Sam's eyes widened, his face going bright red as Strom and Wraith howled in the doorway.
Chapter 11 – "The Teacher Switch"
The Valkyrie training grounds were silent except for the distant sounds of metal clashing. Astrid stood before Strom, her arms crossed, her massive sword resting on her shoulder.
Astrid: "I need you to teach me, Strom. That fight with the giants… I need to be stronger."
Strom blinked, scratching the back of his head.
Strom: "Me? Uh… Astrid, I'm not that strong."
Wraith (snickering nearby): "Says the guy who ripped through 81 giants like paper."
Strom (ignoring her): "But my bro Sam… now he's the real deal. Dude can beat me without breaking a sweat."
Astrid raised an eyebrow.
Astrid: "The mage? He hides behind spells."
Sam, who was sitting under a tree, nearly choked on his drink.
Sam: "Excuse me? Hides?!"
Strom grinned.
Strom: "Okay, how about a little demo? You want proof, Astrid? Watch closely."
---
The "Epic" Duel
They stepped into the sparring ring. Strom twirled his spear dramatically, whispering to Sam as they squared off:
Strom (whispering): "Bro, make it look real. Knock me out quick, but don't kill me."
Sam (grinning): "You owe me for this."
Astrid stood with her arms folded, skeptical.
Strom: "Ready to see why Sam's your teacher?"
Astrid: "You better not hold back."
Strom lunged, spear flashing like lightning. Sam stayed calm, chanting three quick spells— a magic shield, a burst of force, and a stunning spark.
Strom (faking shock): "What the—?!"
The force wave slammed him into the dirt, his spear spinning out of his hands. Sam casually walked up, poked Strom on the forehead, and he "fainted" dramatically.
Strom (dramatic fall): "I… I have been defeated… by the mighty Sam… tell my cape I loved it…"
Wraith (deadpan): "Oh my god… this is embarrassing."
Astrid's eyes widened slightly.
Astrid: "…Okay. I'll learn from Sam."
Sam looked like a deer caught in headlights.
Sam: "Wait, what?"
Strom (on the ground, winking): "Congrats, bro. You got a student."
Astrid stepped up, grabbing Sam by the collar.
Astrid: "You better train me to be stronger than you."
Sam (panicking): "Stronger than me?! I don't even—"
Wraith: "Oh this is gold. Sam, the teacher, and Astrid, the angry muscle student. This is going to be hilarious."
Astrid looked down at Sam, her face inches from his, dead serious.
Astrid: "Tomorrow. Training. No excuses."
She stomped away, leaving Sam frozen.
Sam (whispering to Strom): "…I hate you so much right now."
Strom (still on the ground, grinning): "You're welcome."
Ending Scene – "Campfire Regret"
The three sat around a small campfire. The orange flames flickered against their tired faces after a long, chaotic day. Astrid had already left for her camp, promising to return "at dawn for training."
Sam sat with his head buried in his hands, rocking back and forth like a man awaiting his doom.
Sam (mumbling): "I'm dead… I'm so dead… she's gonna break me in half…"
Strom (roasting a piece of bread calmly): "You'll be fine, bro. Just teach her a little magic, done."
Sam (snapping his head up): "A LITTLE MAGIC? Did you see her swing that blade?! She's gonna use me as a practice dummy if I screw up once!"
Wraith, chewing on an apple like she was watching a play, smirked.
Wraith: "Honestly, Sam, you brought this on yourself. First, you lie about knowing her, then you drag us to stalk her, then you almost get killed by her, and now you're her personal teacher. Karma's beautiful."
Sam: "I WAS TRYING TO IMPRESS HER, OKAY?!"
Strom (grinning, poking the fire with a stick): "And now you're impressed into indentured servitude. Proud of you, bro."
Sam grabbed Strom's cape.
Sam: "You're taking her, tomorrow. YOU teach her. You're the big hero, she likes you anyway!"
Strom (shrugging him off): "Nah, she chose you. You can't say no to a Valkyrie, remember?"
Sam flopped on the ground dramatically.
Sam: "This is how I die. Not from monsters, not from curses… but from a muscle mommy with anger issues…"
Wraith tossed her apple core into the fire.
Wraith: "Can't wait to watch. I'm bringing food for fight time."
Strom leaned back, smiling at the night sky.
Strom: "Yeah… tomorrow's gonna be fun."
Sam groaned louder, pulling his cloak over his face as Wraith laughed herself to tears.