As soon as Vlad finished his question, he imdiately noticed complicated expressions surfacing on the faces of the Viking warriors before him. An ominous feeling assaulted his heart, sending chills coursing through his veins.
Angelo, the fierce Viking leader, stared at Vlad for a prolonged mont, seemingly hesitant to speak. He opened his mouth as if preparing to dismiss the inquiry entirely, but suddenly felt his entire body stiffen with an unsettling coldness.
Vlad’s eyes, normally a deep, peaceful black with striking crimson irises, had changed entirely. They were now filled with an icy chill so intense that the air around him seed to crystallize, turning nearly tangible.
Although Vlad typically radiated calm control, at this mont, he projected a profound and nacing sense of urgency.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, the small yellow cat perched comfortably on Vlad’s shoulder—spoke calmly yet firmly, with a gentle smile masking the profound intensity in his gaze.
"Freya is a very important friend of ours," the Depravita of Gluttony stated, his voice deceptively soft yet laden with hidden threat. "If anything has happened to her, we would like to know."
Angelo’s eyes narrowed slightly, taken aback by the intensity radiating from Vlad and his feline companion. Though he was a seasoned Viking, one who had faced death countless tis without hesitation, even he found himself impressed—and slightly unsettled—by the overwhelming determination emanating from the duo.
After several tense monts, the Viking sighed deeply, reluctantly nodding in concession.
"Fine," Angelo said solemnly, "out of respect for your determination and obvious care for Freya, I will share what I know. But I must ask you both to keep this matter private."
Vlad and Jormungandr nodded imdiately, their expressions unwavering, indicating their willingness to respect his condition. Silence settled briefly before Angelo continued, choosing his words carefully.
"I do know the Viking princess Freya personally," he began gravely. "I was present in the capital when she returned from her journey abroad. Her arrival caused quite a stir among our people. When Freya originally left Valhalla, few paid her any serious attention. Viking princes and princesses are respected, but that status alone rely represents potential, not guaranteed power or strength. Yet, when Freya returned, it was entirely different."
He paused, taking a mont to breathe before continuing, "Not only had she awakened her bloodline, but she displayed a strength that surpassed all expectations. Even though she was only at the Guardian stage, she was powerful enough to defeat Sages single-handedly. Her growth was simply remarkable."
The other Viking warriors standing around Angelo nodded earnestly, each one clearly impressed with Freya’s accomplishnts. Their admiration was unmistakable as they recalled her fierce return.
"Her reputation only grew further after she entered our god’s Sacred Hunting Grounds," Angelo said thoughtfully. "Her Totems beca stronger still, reaching heights no one had anticipated. Many Vikings believed it was only a matter of ti before Freya established her own clan and ascended to the Legendary Realm."
Yet, despite the earlier enthusiasm in his voice, Angelo’s tone abruptly grew dark. His expression twisted into one of deep complexity, filled with sha, frustration, and embarrassnt.
"But everything changed dramatically about two months ago," Angelo admitted heavily. "Shortly before our departure from Valhalla, I learned of an incident. The son of a powerful earl drugged Freya and attempted to assault her."
Vlad’s pupils shrank sharply as he processed those words. His emotions visibly darkened, growing cold and nacing, causing even Angelo—a seasoned warrior—to pause anxiously before continuing quickly, attempting to soothe the Depravita’s rising fury.
"Freya was far too powerful for the drug to truly incapacitate her. She swiftly crushed the man’s skull into a pulp, instantly killing him," Angelo clarified hastily.
Hearing this, Vlad visibly relaxed, so tension dissipating from his posture. Yet he still remained attentive, sensing there was more to the story.
Angelo’s expression only grew heavier, tainted by embarrassnt and sha, mirrored in the eyes of the surrounding Vikings.
"Although Freya clearly acted in self-defense, fully justified under Viking law, the earl and several influential families imdiately began to twist the truth," Angelo said bitterly. "They falsely claid Freya had seduced and intentionally murdered the young noble, painting her as a manipulative temptress. Everyone knew these accusations were utter lies. But when powerful voices continually repeat falsehoods, the lies beco widely accepted truths."
Vlad’s eyes flashed with understanding, comprehending clearly why the Vikings felt such sha. Vikings prided themselves on honor, courage, and truthfulness. False accusations and cowardly manipulations offended everything they stood for.
Yet now, due to the sches of influential elders, an innocent woman who had simply protected herself was publicly labeled a murderer.
"What happened to her next?" Vlad asked urgently, controlling his surging emotions as best he could. His mind raced chaotically, but learning Freya’s fate was paramount above all else.
Angelo’s face flushed deeper with embarrassnt and anger as he answered, his voice carrying a tangible edge of disgust. "Typically, a person accused of murder faces capital punishnt. But once more, the influential elders intervened. Instead of executing Freya directly, they arranged sothing crueler: a public tournant. The victor would take possession of Freya as if she were a trophy or slave, free to do whatever they pleased with her."
Vlad’s expression twisted into barely suppressed rage upon hearing such disgraceful words. The concept of treating Freya, a proud Viking princess and warrior, as nothing more than an object to be claid and abused was utterly abhorrent.
Yet, despite the storm raging within him, Vlad retained his composure, imdiately seizing upon the critical details needed to help her.
"When will this tournant begin, and who exactly is allowed to participate?" he asked coldly, his voice a low, steady growl. If there was even the slightest opportunity to save Freya from such humiliation and injustice, Vlad would seize it without hesitation, regardless of the risks.
However, Angelo’s reaction indicated that the situation was far more complicated than Vlad had initially realized.
"I know what you wish to do but it will not work."
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