“Well then, I trust you are all prepared—we have reached our destination: Yggdrasil,” Menrva interrupted, her voice ringing out at full volume.

  Just as they had been told, Yggdrasil was a colossal planet, entirely engulfed by the roots of an immense tree. The tree itself was vastly larger than the celestial body, giving the impression that the planet was merely the underworld of Yggdrasil. At the summit of the great tree, three gigantic cities shone brightly against the dark expanse of space.

  “Asgard… lies at the central upper region of the great tree,” Menrva explained, pointing toward the city embedded within Yggdrasil.

  “And how are we meant to enter? Even from here I can see it is protected by a dimensional barrier,” Tania asked as she approached Menrva.

  “According to the magnificent Athena, a man by the name of Heimdal shall receive us once we draw near to Asgard,” the Etruscan goddess replied.

  Rodrigo and the others advanced toward the colossal tree. Yggdrasil’s massive trunk bore a reddish hue, while its leaves were a deep, dark green. Asgard appeared as an enormous expanse of golden structures, though signs of destruction could be seen scattered throughout the vast city.

  “Welcome, Orniskem, to Asgard,” a distant voice echoed.

  The gods turned, watching as a radiant rainbow bridge extended from the city of Asgard to the space where Rodrigo and his companions hovered.

  “Are you Heimdal?” Menrva asked with intrigue.

  “Indeed. Pray, step upon this rainbow bridge known as Bifrost, and you shall be conveyed directly hither,” the god replied.

  “Very well—everyone, gather upon the bridge and let us enter Asgard,” Menrva instructed the group.

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  They all nodded.

  Much like a teleportation device, the moment their feet touched the Bifrost, they were instantly transported to Asgard. They emerged upon a vast golden-and-white platform perched atop a mountain. Surrounding them stood numerous golden statues of valkyries and gods. Heimdal stood before them, bearing his totema with his sword planted firmly into the ground, accompanied by a group of valkyries.

  “So you are Heimdal, then? We have come seeking passage to Greenland, and from there, to Vinland,” Menrva said as the others gazed in awe at Asgard.

  “I regret to inform you that before you may proceed, I must put you to the test,” replied the white god calmly.

  “A test? What do you mean by that?” Tania asked, intrigued.

  “It is quite simple. I must determine whether you possess the strength required to enter Vinland. Thus, you need only defeat me—and my two companions,” Heimdal stated.

  At that moment, Modi and Magni, the sons of Thor, descended from the sky. Both wore blue Viking armor lined with bear pelts.

  Modi was blond, with a massive tied ponytail and thick, pronounced mustaches. Magni, by contrast, had orange hair tied atop his head like an onion bulb, along with a dense beard. Both wielded axes and shields. They took their places beside Heimdal, whose expression remained utterly impassive.

  “A battle? We were never informed of any such thing,” Menrva snapped irritably.

  “These are the orders of Thor, who now serves as the leader of Asgard. He witnessed how weak those two goddesses were when they faced the Katteres, and he has no wish for you to become a hindrance to his mission,” Heimdal replied calmly.

  “Wait, Menrva,” Tania said, placing a hand on the Etruscan goddess’s shoulder.

  “He is right. We were easily defeated before—but this time shall not be the same,” she continued, conjuring her flame-wreathed claw.

  “Indeed. We have grown far stronger. We are no longer the frail goddesses they encountered in Jutland,” Ana added, summoning her sword Dyrnwyn.

  “Hold a moment,” Menrva interjected. “I am the leader of this expedition, and I will not allow you to fight alone. I shall handle Heimdal. You will face the two who have just arrived,” she commanded, manifesting her crackling electric spear.

  “Pray, permit us to intercede,” Susanoo said calmly. “We too shall take part in this contest.”

  Rodrigo nodded in agreement.

  “You will remain behind. Your time to fight shall come later,” Menrva replied with an eager smile.

  “Do not concern yourselves—we three shall suffice.”

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