The intelligence revealed by Skadi further astonished everyone.
Here in the Lostbelt, Odin had actually foreseen the arrival of visitors from Proper Human History—an unexpected revelation.
But upon reflection, the great god Odin possessed eyes that could pierce countless dimensions. Those eyes must surely transcend different worlds, allowing him to glimpse outcomes from other histories.
Thus, Shiomi managed to digest the truth but was forced to confront an entirely new question.
"The prophecy of the great god Odin?" Shiomi's expression grew serious. That deity was unusually concerned with humanity's future, repeatedly offering support during crises. "What exactly did that prophecy say? Could you share it with us here?"
Though it was a perfectly ordinary question, Skadi's face suddenly tensed, flushing slightly, as if hesitation and concern were stirring within her.
Realizing her lapse, she swiftly composed herself and explained with feigned nonchalance, "Nothing extraordinary. It merely says that before this world's end, a man entrusted with the 'Great God's Proclamation' will arrive. At that time, I must... guide him. That is all."
The content was straightforward, yet everyone sensed the deliberate vagueness in Skadi's retelling—as if she were concealing something, deliberately leaving parts unsaid.
Shiomi, having experienced the Scandinavian Lostbelt, instantly grew alert.
Could it be that this world's Ragnarök differed from Proper Human History? That this goddess had betrayed the Scandinavian gods at the final hour, becoming the sole deity here after the destruction of the Scandinavian world?
Such an accusation was too grave. Shiomi felt that, even out of respect for his master, he couldn't equate Skadi with the Faerie Britain fairies.
"Wh-what's with that attitude... Could it be you have some grievance against me?" Skadi frowned slightly. "If you truly have complaints, speak them here. As the bearer of the 'Gungnir,' I shall listen to your words."
"Don't mind it. My beloved disciple has simply endured too many troublesome events and has become habitually wary." Scáthach-Skadi patted Shiomi on the shoulder, her demeanor calm. "After all, judging from current intelligence, you are the sole deity remaining in this Scandinavian world, Scáthach-Skadi?"
"Given the current situation, I have no reason to deceive you," Skadi replied.
"Then what exactly do you mean by 'guidance'?" Artoria inquired. "Assigning a goddess to guide humanity can't be a simple matter."
"Indeed, it is a matter of great significance—too weighty to explain here," Skadi said, suddenly raising her voice. "If you wish to know the full truth, come to my royal capital. I shall await your arrival there, bearer of the 'Gungnir.'"
Yet Skadi showed no intention of revealing more, instead signaling her desire to return to the royal capital.
Forcibly stopping her here wouldn't be difficult, but it might completely derail their original plans for this Lostbelt. After all, prophecies involving Odin concerned Shiomi personally, and they had conveniently presented themselves. Maintaining a semblance of harmony was necessary.
Otherwise, this rare opportunity could vanish—something truly regrettable.
"Judging by your attitude, you seem unwilling to escort us there?" Morgan asked.
"Of course not. An entity capable of defeating these two Servants can reach my castle without assistance. I shall await your arrival there."
Skadi, perpetually suspended above the snowy landscape, rose again like a feather in the wind. She elegantly waved her slender wand.
In an instant, both Caenis and Saber were enveloped by Runes. Skadi gave a slight nod of greeting to Scáthach. Then, as the Runes' light shone brightly, she departed from the snowy plain, carrying Ophelia and the Servants with her.
The tense battlefield, which had been on the brink of conflict, fell silent in that moment, with only the sound of the wind rustling through the air.
"They've slipped away," Artoria sheathed her weapon. "Should we believe what they said and head to the capital of the King of the Lostbelt? After all, it's possible they deliberately lied to lure us there after seeing Tenkei's weapon."
"They were indeed lying," Morgan said suddenly.
Shiomi raised an eyebrow. "So they really were deceiving us?"
"No," Morgan replied, crossing her arms. "I mean Skadi didn't reveal the full content of Odin's prophecy. She withheld part of it. As for the rest, there was no falsehood. Including the part about killing that Saber here leading to trouble—that much is true."
"Hmm..."
Shiomi felt his worries were unfounded. After all, with a witch wife who could see through lies by his side, he truly had no need to fear being deceived by Skadi.
"So what do you suggest we do, Scáthach?" Morgan tossed the question to Scáthach.
"Why ask me? Isn't it always my beloved disciple who decides?" Scáthach replied.
"That goddess exchanged a meaningful glance with you just now. You know what that signifies, don't you?" Morgan pressed.
Scáthach smiled wryly. "That was merely a greeting from another version of myself across different histories. I'd love to have a proper chat with her too."
"Indeed. That Skadi seems far more maternal than you. Had she been the one teaching my husband, he wouldn't have suffered so much." Morgan nodded in understanding, then teased.
"That may be true, but I know full well Skadi isn't exactly a soft-hearted soul either." Scáthach gazed at Shiomi's profile. "Or perhaps my beloved disciple would prefer his master to be that sort?"
"Why did the topic suddenly shift to this?" Shiomi hadn't caught up. "Shouldn't we be deciding whether to return and rendezvous with StormBorder, or venture alone into the castle of the King of the Lostbelt?"
Artoria smiled wryly. "Because... Goddess Skadi clearly has hidden motives. Even upon seeing Scáthach, she showed little interest, instead focusing her attention on Tenkei."
"Odin's prophecy," Scáthach said. "The answer lies within the riddle itself. Once we grasp the full scope of the prophecy, the solution will reveal itself."
"That makes sense. Then perhaps we should return—"
Just as Shiomi was about to make a decision, Artoria seized his wrist.
"Did you hear that?" Scáthach looked at Artoria, clearly both had noticed.
"I heard it too—a cry for help carried on the wind, some distance from here." Morgan raised a finger, using Reinforcement Magecraft to sharpen her senses and pinpoint the direction.
"Probably someone from this Lostbelt?" Shiomi took a deep breath. "Whoever it is, we should go check."
Then, the four of them sprinted toward the source of the distress call.
...
If you'd like to support my work and unlock advanced chapters, you can follow me on p-@-treon.
[email protected]/PinkSnake (100 Chapters Ahead).
You can also follow as a free member to read a few advanced chapters.