Chapter 1018: Voldemort and Valkyrie (Patreon)
Content
The Hall of Valor was the palace in Norse mythology where the main god Odin received the souls of the dead.
In the legends, all the warriors who died in battle, under the guidance of Valkyries - the "choosers of the slain " - came from the mortal world to this magnificent building and became the army of the Lord God Odin, fighting side by side with God in the twilight of the gods against the evil of the world.
They fought endlessly here during the day, honing their skills until they died in battle, and were resurrected by Valkyries after sunset.
Of course, these were all stories in myths and legends, and Evan had not actually seen a Valkyrie.
But he soon saw, as the Viking warship moved forward, in the center of the abyss, a particularly huge statue standing at the center of the building.
It was a beautiful female figure, akin to an angel, with huge wings, wearing armor. The statue had a solemn expression, with hands clasped around the chest, cradling an unknown spherical object emitting magical energy—magic unfamiliar to Evan.
Like the surrounding walls, the statue was entirely dark golden, seemingly crafted from gold.
There were also many colorful murals carved on the statue, all depicting angelic women riding horses and patrolling with ghosts, or turning into swans and flying to the battlefield, resurrecting warriors and leading their souls into the exquisite building. These were the images of Valkyries in mythology.
"Valkyrie, search for the heroes in Valhalla!" said Dumbledore softly.
If there were any doubts moments ago, the painted murals on the statue were enough to clarify many issues.
This was probably not a coincidence. This building might indeed be the legendary Hall of Valor, or at least related to it.
It was really interesting. They were supposed to rescue Caresius, but they ended up in such a legendary place.
The warship continued to move forward, and the statue was hidden in the darkness again. Evan's mind quickly recalled the information related to the Hall of Valor and the Valkyries.
He didn't know much about the Norse mythology system, but what he knew so far was shocking enough.
It was said that Valkyries could bring the dead back to the mortal realm, in other words, resurrect them.
Since ancient times, spellcasters and wizards had been relentlessly pursuing immortality and using all means to conquer death.
Resurrection after death was a completely different concept but equally attractive—a way to defeat the Grim Reaper.
Although the nature of the creatures resurrected by the Valkyries using magical power was questionable, it was possible that they were simply the living dead, the undead.
But it was still enticing, wasn't it?!
Besides having no heartbeat, what was the difference between a resurrected being with intelligence, emotions, a body, and senses and a living person?!
This was especially true for certain people, such as Dumbledore. He definitely wanted to resurrect his sister, which was the pain and regret of his life.
If such an opportunity were presented to him, would he give up? Or would he continue exploring the secrets of this building for the sake of his sister, seeking the power that could bring her back to life?
But looking at the state of this building, something tragic must have happened in its history.
Considering that both Grindelwald and Voldemort had explored this place, Evan doubted that there would be anything left.
But since Grindelwald had been here, he might have discovered something, or maybe he’d come here to help Dumbledore resurrect his sister.
Everything was possible because the building's implications, involving eternal life and resurrection, were too sensitive.
"Voldemort and the statue are right there…" Harry pointed to a spot at the center of the abyss, "and Caresius..."
Everyone looked there, and Elaine became anxious, yet they could see nothing but darkness.
"Yes, indeed, the pleasant visiting time is over!" Dumbledore said suddenly, seemingly having discovered something. He raised his wand high, "Alastor, Sirius, take care of the three of them. And remember; don’t get close to those statues on the walls!”
Suddenly, a green light came from the darkness, very fast, like a sharp arrow.
But Dumbledore was already prepared. He waved the wand in his hand lightly, and the light surrounding them suddenly intensified. A silvery shield appeared out of thin air, blocking the spell. The spell hit the shield, producing a deep gong-like oddly chilling sound.
"Still no progress, Tom," said Dumbledore calmly, as if commenting on a student's performance. His voice echoed throughout the hall, stronger than the sound of the wind like waves. "To be honest, it's quite disappointing. You seem to have become even more sinister than before!"
"I have conquered death, Dumbledore!" Voldemort's voice also sounded, cold, heartless, and without warmth.
In the dark abyss, Evan seemed to see a tall, thin man wearing a black mask, pale and haggard, with a terrifying snake-like face, and dark scarlet eyes with cat-like slits for pupils staring at them.
Beside him, Harry, Elaine, Sirius, and Moody were all leaning over the ship's edge, peering into the abyss below.
Voldemort was down there and he had spotted them.
"Yes, I have no doubt about it!" Dumbledore still said calmly. "But you have also lost a lot. For something unimportant, you have sacrificed everything. I can sense the change in your aura. I can't even be sure if you're still human. It's truly a shame!"
He took a step forward, left the Viking warship gliding forward, and his body fell rapidly from the air.
As soon as he left the Viking ship, his body resumed its entity and became real.
The silvery shield kept spinning rapidly around the warship, protecting them from harm.
"There is nothing worse than death, Dumbledore!" snarled Voldemort in a cold voice. "Conquer death and you gain everything!"
One after another, curses shot up from below, and the entire dark abyss shimmered with green light.
But it was futile; Dumbledore's body twisted again and disappeared from the air.
Immediately afterwards, Evan heard a loud explosion. Dumbledore and Voldemort had engaged in a fight!
It was too far to see clearly what was going on below, and Evan was considering whether he should Apparate down.
At this moment, Harry screamed, and Evan turned around and saw Elaine, who had been tugging on his sleeve, jumping down too.
This girl was really crazy. Didn't she see Dumbledore and Voldemort fighting below?!
The reason she didn't act earlier was probably that she wasn't sure how to unlock the magic on her body. Dumbledore's actions gave her inspiration, and she didn't hesitate.
Evan reached out to grab her, but failed to catch her. He only saw Elaine's body falling rapidly, getting further and further away from him.
He knew that she was worried about Caresius in her heart, but if she continued like this, she was simply seeking death.
Without further thought, Evan also jumped from the Viking warship, and his body recovered from the light and shadow.
A red magic rune appeared at the tip of his wand, greatly increasing his descent speed, and he caught Elaine.
"Fool!" said Evan, seeing Elaine in his arms looking at him in surprise.
The next second, he Disapparated with her and disappeared from the air...