The golden age of Asgard's foreign conquests reached an unexpected pause in its third year.
When the news of Queen Frigga's pregnancy spread through the Golden Palace like a spring breeze, Mavuika was engaged in her 3,287th sparring match with Hela on the training grounds.
Hela's Death Divine Power could already condense into a Killing Sword Formation of seventy-two black swords. Mavuika's long hair burned like Fire as she responded with fists and kicks as scorching as the Sun, and as the two fought fiercely, they nearly activated all the Protective Runes of the training grounds.
The herald's voice interrupted the evenly matched contest: "Your Highness! The Queen is with child; His Majesty requests your presence!"
Mavuika immediately stopped, the flames extinguishing instantly.
She didn't even bother to wipe the sweat from her brow, a light of mingled joy and worry flashing in her amber eyes. "Mother..."
Hela also withdrew her sword formation, her dark green divine power receding into her body like a tide.
She frowned, her expression complex. "Pregnant at a time like this? We were still planning a full-scale assault on Jotunheim..."
"None of that matters now." Mavuika turned and ran toward the palace, her long golden hair trailing behind her. "Hela, come quickly!"
When the two sisters rushed into the main hall of the Golden Palace, Odin was supporting Frigga as she sat in a specially made chair beside the throne.
The Queen's face glowed with happiness, her hand resting gently on her belly. Though she wasn't showing yet, the breath of life was as palpable as a budding flower.
"Mother!" Mavuika nearly lunged to Frigga's side, carefully taking her hand. "Is it true? How long has it been? How do you feel?"
Frigga smiled tenderly, her other hand stroking her eldest daughter's cheek. "Only two months. Everything is fine for now. Mavuika, you're going to have a brother or sister."
Hela stood a few paces away, arms crossed, her expression somewhat awkward as she muttered under her breath, "Of all times... What about our next campaign..."
Odin turned his gaze toward his younger daughter, a sharp glint in his eyes. "What are you muttering about, Hela?"
"Only Jotunheim and Muspelheim are left now!" Hela couldn't help but raise her voice.
"Father, we have already unified seven realms; now is the time to press our advantage! Just one more year... no, just six months! The Nine Realms could be truly unified!"
"And have Frigga give birth amidst the sound of war drums?" Mavuika stood up, a sharpness in her eyes rarely seen as she turned to Hela.
"To have the heir of Asgard born in an expeditionary camp? Hela, what is the purpose of our conquest? It is so our Mother and the unborn child can live peacefully in harmony, not the other way around!"
Hela was cowed by the severity of her tone, opening her mouth but finding herself momentarily speechless.
Mavuika took a deep breath and turned to Odin, kneeling on one knee. "Father, I request that all military operations be suspended! For at least a year, until Mother gives birth safely and the new life can grow peacefully under Asgard's Sun. We have plenty of time, but the health of Mother and the child is not something to risk."
The hall fell silent for a moment. Frigga wanted to say something, but Odin raised his hand to stop his wife.
The King of the Gods stepped down from his throne and approached Mavuika.
He did not help her up immediately, instead staring silently at his eldest daughter.
After a long while, he spoke slowly. "Do you know what a suspension means? The Frost Giant and Fire Giants will have a chance to breathe. They might form an alliance or find new sources of power. In the next conquest, Asgard might pay a much higher price."
"I know." Mavuika looked up, her gaze clear and firm.
"But Asgard's glory should not be built on sacrificing the well-being of family. Father, you taught us that the meaning of power is to protect. Right now, what needs protecting most is the new life within the Golden Palace."
The corners of Odin's mouth curled slightly. He reached out, pulled Mavuika up, and then turned to Hela. "What do you think, Hela?"
Hela bit her lower lip, her gaze shifting between her parents and her sister.
She Clench your fist, her Death Divine Power flickering between her fingers before finally subsiding.
She walked over to Frigga, crouched down, and pressed her ear against her Mother's belly. No movement could be felt yet, but the Queen's divine field had become exceptionally warm because of the new life.
"Although I'm very reluctant about the timing, I... I also want a younger brother or sister," Hela said in a muffled voice without looking up.
"Always being outdone by my elder sister, I've wanted one since I was little. But every time I asked Mother, she always smiled and said to wait a little longer," Hela said, looking at Mavuika.
She stood up, reluctance still on her face, but her tone had softened. "One year, just one year! After a year, Asgard must complete the unification of the Nine Realms!"
Odin laughed heartily, his laughter shaking the palace. "Good! A year from now, the two of you shall still lead the armies!"
He walked to the center of the hall and raised the Eternal Spear, gungnir, high. "Pass down the order! Asgard shall rest for one year to celebrate the arrival of a new life! But anyone who dares to see this as an act of weakness..."
Thunderous majesty flashed in the King of the Gods' eyes. "They shall all experience the true wrath of Asgard!"
The decision to suspend the conquest was like a giant stone dropped into a lake, creating ripples throughout the Nine Realms.
The Light Elves and the Dwarves sent congratulatory gifts, and the Vanir sent their best physicians. Anyone could see that this was not a sign of Asgard's decline, but rather a manifestation of its confidence and stability.
A month later, a grand victory banquet was held at the Golden Palace, both to celebrate Frigga's pregnancy and to honor the soldiers who had performed meritorious service during the three years of war.
The banquet was held in the Starry Sky Temple. The long tables were filled with delicacies and fine wines from the Nine Realms: Moon-glow Wine from the Light Elves, Lava Honey from the Dwarves, Golden Ear Bread from Vanaheim...
In the center of the banquet hall floated a massive Star Chart, in which the golden territory representing Asgard shone brilliantly.
Odin and Frigga sat in the primary seats, with Mavuika and Hela seated on either side.
When the King of the Gods rose to offer a toast, the entire hall fell silent.
"Past three years, the warriors of Asgard have expanded our borders with sword and blood. More importantly, they have laid the foundation for the new order of the Nine Realms!"
Odin's voice resounded through the hall like thunder. "And the beginning and symbol of all this are my two daughters: Mavuika and Hela!"
He pointed to his eldest daughter: "Marvica Odinson! Your flames purified the battlefield, your wisdom guided the way, and your mercy won the hearts of the conquered. The Nine Realms sing of your name as the sun goddess!"
Then he pointed to his second daughter: "Hela Odinson! Your blade was invincible, your courage inspired the armies, and your power struck fear into the hearts of our enemies! The might of the Goddess of Death has been carved into every corner of the Nine Realms!"
Odin raised his golden cup high: "Therefore, in the name of the Lord of Asgard and the King of the Gods, I announce: I grant Mavuika the authority to temporarily command the Valkyrie Legion, and I grant Hela the position of commander of the Death Guard! And I promise—when the Nine Realms are truly unified, you shall receive eternal glory commensurate with your deeds!"