DxD: The Dragon Oppai {Chapter 177: Warrior! ] (Patreon)
Content
"So, the Norse gods believed in testing humans for their worth? That makes sense," Issei nodded, a hint of agreement in his voice. "I certainly agree that not all people are equal. Not everyone deserves a trophy or a pat on the back."
Thor responded, acknowledging the sentiment. "Yes, but a certain balance is required. It is fortunate that the Allfather, Odin, was very diligent in watching over the realms of gods and men."
Issei tilted his head, showing his curiosity. "Which one was Odin? Why do they call him Allfather?"
Thor took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "He is called the Allfather because he was considered the father of gods and men. Odin was the King of the Aesir Gods in Asgard. I'll spare you all the details, but he was a God of Wisdom and the father of Thor, the Thunder God."
Issei's interest grew, and he wanted to know more. "I have heard of Thor before. I don't know anything about him other than what I've seen in pop culture, though. He's the blonde guy with the hammer, right?"
Thor chuckled, amused by the simplification of the iconic character. "Yes, that's him."
Issei's curiosity piqued, and he leaned in, eager to learn. "So, what was he like?"
Thor's expression turned distant, and he seemed to become more serious. "Thor was... a complex god. In our mythology, he was often portrayed as a fierce and vengeful deity."
Rossweisse looked surprised by Thor's self-referential description, and Issei regarded him with uncertainty. "What do you mean by that?"
"He was known for his battles against giants, or Jotnar as we prefer to call them. Thor was a brash, sometimes hateful, and impatient god. He committed acts of violence against both guilty and innocent foes. With his mighty hammer, Mjolnir, he was nearly unstoppable and had an insatiable thirst for war. He earned the title 'Giant's Bane'," Thor explained, his tone filled with a mix of reverence and reservation.
Issei couldn't help but laugh, finding the contrast with his pop culture perception amusing. "Wow, and here I thought he was just a good guy fighting frost giants."
Thor shrugged, acknowledging the misconception. "Well, reality is often more complex than the simplified versions portrayed in popular culture. Thor did indeed carry out many terrible deeds against both humans and creatures. Some people choose to remember only the positive aspects, while others focus on the negative. He wasn't a saintly figure for the weak to idolize, nor a benevolent protector of humans. His nature was not inclined toward coddling the weak. Instead, he was an avenging force, a symbol of fear meant to keep the enemies of the Norse Gods in check."
Issei nodded, understanding the nuances that Thor presented. "That's something I can grasp. Sometimes you have to be tough or even ruthless to protect yourself and your loved ones. Sometimes, for the greater good, you have to do something terrible."
Thor smirked at Issei's response, appreciating his understanding. "You get it. You have the spirit of a true warrior, kid."
Issei seemed surprised by the remark. "You think I'm a warrior?"
Thor nodded approvingly. "I can see it in your eyes and hear it in your voice. You possess the qualities of a warrior."
With their meal finished, Issei stood up and bid farewell to Thor and Rossweisse. "Well, it was cool meeting you, Magni and Rossweisse. Ingvild and I have some things to take care of. Stay out of trouble, and good luck with your movie."
"Thanks, nice meeting you, Issei Hyoudou," Thor waved as Issei walked over to the counter and paid the bill directly.
Once outside the restaurant, Ingvild looked up at Issei, her expression concerned. "Issei-kun, why did you engage with those people?"
"They just seemed... different to me. I think that guy might be a giant," Issei whispered into her ear.
"A Jotnar giant?" Ingvild whispered back, her eyes widening.
"Yeah, that's a possibility, or maybe they're heroes. Either way, I just wanted to see if I could learn anything about them," Issei replied, his curiosity still piqued.
Ingvild blushed slightly, looking shy. "So... you really think that girl was one of the prettiest you've ever seen?"
"Yeah, she definitely was. But don't worry, Ingvild, you're right up there too," Issei chuckled, trying to ease her reaction.
Ingvild looked shocked by Issei's comment. "I am?"
Meanwhile, a short distance away, Athena, Artemis, and Amaterasu noticed Issei and Ingvild leaving the restaurant. Seeing Issei whispering to her, Athena couldn't help but observe and analyze the situation.
"It seems like he's whispering something to her. I wonder why?" Athena pondered aloud.
Artemis crossed her arms, a tinge of annoyance in her voice. "He's probably flirting with that little devil girl. It's a shame such a cute girl is caught up with someone like him."
Athena's analytical mind considered another possibility. "He wouldn't have a reason to whisper unless he was worried about someone overhearing them."
As the goddesses continued to watch, they noticed a large man and a silver-haired woman emerging from the restaurant, following Issei and Ingvild.
Curiosity piqued, they moved closer, trying to overhear the conversation between the two couples.
"Hey, Issei, that's a unique-looking motorcycle," Thor remarked, his gaze fixed on the Red Dragon features adorning Red's bike.
Issei grinned proudly, appreciating the compliment. "Thanks, it's my dad's. I actually work on motorcycles in my spare time. Mine's currently undergoing some upgrades."
Thor's eyes sparkled with interest. "Rossweisse loves motorcycles. You should take her for a ride."
Artemis turned to Athena, a mix of surprise and confusion on her face. "Who the heck is that guy?"
Athena couldn't hide her uncertainty. "I'm not entirely sure. He appears to be human, but something feels off about him."
Amaterasu, who had been observing silently, chimed in. "That's Thor... Though he does seem to have lost some weight since the last time I saw him."
Artemis's disbelief was evident. "What?! That's Thor?! What in the world is he doing down there with Issei?"
Athena sighed, realizing the potential implications. "This could be problematic."