Fate: Zero to Hero

Chapter 204: Land of the Elves



As Mash and Kama stood in the land of the Light Elves, a sudden rumbling shook the ground beneath them. To their astonishment, a massive boat emerged from the earth, shimmering with ethereal light. The figures aboard the vessel soon became clear: Ritsuka, Yang Guifei, Sigurd, Brynhildr, and the mischievous Loki.

Ritsuka squinted against the brightness, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Did we have to go through seventeen layers of earth?" he asked, his voice laced with exasperation.

Loki grinned, leaning casually against the side of the boat. "Hey, this thing can sail on everything and anything. It's not my fault the ground decided to be dramatic."

Yang Guifei crossed her arms, eyeing the trickster god with a mix of admiration and skepticism. "So, you can be summoned as a Rider now? What's next, a floating castle made of candy?"

Ritsuka chuckled, shaking his head at Yang Guifei's jest before turning to Mash and Kama, who were still processing the bizarre situation. "So you two ended up here after the Nemo ship was blasted?"

Kama raised an eyebrow, glancing at the ornate vessel. "Is that boat really made out of nails? Because if it is, it's got to be the ugliest ship I've ever seen."

Loki waved a hand dismissively. "Don't judge a ship by its nails! It's a classic design. Besides, it's not the looks that matter; it's the journey." He winked, clearly enjoying the moment.

"Classic design or not," Mash interjected, her eyes narrowing, "we should focus on the fact that we're in the Land of the Elves. We need to be careful; they can be as unpredictable as you, Loki."

Brynhildr stepped forward, her gaze sweeping across the enchanting landscape. "This land is filled with magical energy. The Light Elves might be our allies… or they could see us as intruders."

Ritsuka nodded in agreement, feeling the weight of their situation. "We need to figure out how to navigate this realm. Our priority is to reunite with the others and ensure everyone's safety."

As they docked the vessel on the shore, the group disembarked, the soft glow of the Elven landscape surrounding them. Tall, luminescent trees loomed above, their leaves shimmering like jewels under the twilight sky.

"Let's split up," Ritsuka suggested. "Kama and Mash, you two explore the eastern path. Loki, Yang Guifei, and I will head west. Sigurd and Brynhildr, you stay alert for any signs of trouble."

Kama shot Ritsuka a sly smile. "You're just trying to keep the troublemakers away from you, aren't you?"

"Hey, it's a strategy!" Ritsuka replied, returning her grin. "Let's move. Stay in contact, and be cautious."

Beowulf's presence brought an air of seriousness to the gathering. He looked at Ritsuka and the others, his expression grave. "Well, at least we don't have to look for them anymore."

Mash nodded, relief evident in her eyes. "Yeah, it looks like we don't."

The Light Elf leader, who had been silently observing the exchange, finally spoke up. "Members of Chaldea. You have come seeking aid."

Ritsuka stepped forward, acknowledging the leader with a nod. "That's right. We also have Beowulf here, a Counter Force summon."

Beowulf crossed his arms, a proud smile creeping onto his face. "The Counter Force summons an army."

Loki's interest piqued, his eyes glinting with curiosity. "An army of Servants? Where are they?"

Beowulf made a cutting motion through the air, his expression serious. "Take down."

Ritsuka raised an eyebrow, confused. "By who?"

"By a Thunder-using hammer bastard," Beowulf replied, the weight of his words sinking in.

Loki sighed, rolling his eyes dramatically. "So, Thor. Of course, it had to be Thor. The God of Thunder never misses a chance to make an entrance."

"Thor?" Ritsuka echoed, concern etched on his face. "What's he doing here?"

Beowulf looked out towards the horizon, his gaze steely. "He has come to reclaim what he believes is his—power, glory, and the allegiance of the Elves. He sees this land as a key to his dominance."

The Light Elf leader stepped forward, his expression one of determination. "We will not submit to Thor or any other god. This land belongs to the Light Elves, and we will protect it at all costs."

Ritsuka felt the tension in the air; it was palpable. "We're here to help. If Thor is trying to rally the Elves to his side, we need to act quickly."

Yang Guifei, who had been quietly observing, chimed in. "Do you know where Thor is? If we confront him, we can prevent him from gaining more power."

The Light Elf leader hesitated but then nodded. "He is currently gathering his forces near the peak of Mount Valgarth. It is a sacred site, and if he succeeds in swaying our kin, he will be unstoppable."

"Then we'll go," Ritsuka declared, resolve hardening in his chest. "If we can reach Thor before he can rally the Elves, we might be able to stop him."

Beowulf's eyes sparkled with excitement. "A chance to take down a god? Count me in!"

Loki grinned, leaning back with a glint of mischief in his eyes. "This should be fun. Nothing like a little god-bashing to liven things up."

Mash looked to Ritsuka, her expression serious. "We need to strategize. Thor won't be alone; he'll have his allies with him."

"Agreed," Ritsuka replied, contemplating their next moves. "We should gather all our strength and plan our approach. It's time to confront Thor."

Meanwhile, Near Mount Valgarth

The air crackled with electricity as Thor stood atop Mount Valgarth, a thunderous figure with his hammer Mjolnir raised high. Around him, a gathering of Light Elves looked on, their expressions a mixture of awe and uncertainty.

"Join me, brothers and sisters!" Thor's voice boomed, reverberating through the valley. "Together, we shall reclaim the glory of the gods and bring down the false idols that threaten our legacy!"

One of the Elven leaders stepped forward, hesitating. "But Thor, our alliance with the realms has always been one of peace. We do not seek conflict."

"Peace?" Thor laughed, a deep, booming sound. "Peace is a fool's dream! The world is changing, and only those with power will survive. Join me, and we will be invincible!"

As the Elves murmured amongst themselves, uncertainty began to grow. Some were swayed by Thor's charisma, while others remained skeptical, remembering the history of gods who had betrayed them.

Back with Ritsuka and the Others

Ritsuka felt the weight of the moment, knowing the stakes had risen higher than ever. "Let's move," he commanded, determination radiating from him. "We can't let Thor's influence spread further."

As the group prepared to leave, the Light Elf leader joined them, a new resolve in his eyes. "I will lead you to Mount Valgarth. The Elves need to see that resistance is possible."

With the sun setting behind them, casting a golden hue over the landscape, Ritsuka, Mash, Kama, Beowulf, Loki, Yang Guifei, and the Light Elf leader set off toward the mountain, united against the looming threat of Thor and his ambitions.

The path ahead was fraught with danger, but they were ready to face whatever challenges lay in their way. The fate of the Light Elves—and perhaps the world—hung in the balance.

Kama leaned closer to Ritsuka, her eyes glimmering with mischief. "So, darling, look up."

Ritsuka glanced at her, confusion etched on his face. "Why would I—?"

His words faltered as he followed her gaze. Floating majestically in the sky, a giant kingdom shimmered like a mirage against the backdrop of the clouds. It was unmistakably Asgard, its grand architecture stretching high into the heavens, golden spires reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling display.

Ritsuka's jaw dropped. "Is that... Asgard? Seriously? This is just like Olympus all over again, except it's not underwater!"

Kama chuckled softly, her amusement evident. "Well, at least it's not a sunken kingdom. Besides, how many gods do you think are up there?"

"Too many," Ritsuka muttered, anxiety creeping in. "And judging by Thor's influence, they'll be just as stubborn."

The Light Elf leader cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "If Thor is trying to rally the Elves, he may have already begun influencing the citizens of Asgard as well. We need to be careful; their loyalty can sway easily."

Beowulf crossed his arms, his expression grim. "So, we not only face Thor but possibly an entire kingdom of gods and warriors who could turn on us at any moment."

Yang Guifei straightened, determination lighting her eyes. "Then we must act fast. We need to reach Asgard before he can strengthen his position there."

Ritsuka took a deep breath, rallying his thoughts. "Alright. We head to Mount Valgarth first. If we can confront Thor and break his hold on the Elves, we can avoid a bigger confrontation with Asgard."

Kama smirked, leaning against him playfully. "You're really starting to sound like a leader, darling. Just remember, I'm right here with you."

Ritsuka shot her a quick smile before turning serious again. "Let's move. We need to be prepared for anything."

As they made their way through the lush landscape toward Mount Valgarth, the tension in the air was thick with anticipation. Ritsuka couldn't shake the feeling that they were stepping into a trap, but he knew they had to push forward.

As Ritsuka and his group reached the base of Mount Valgarth, the atmosphere became charged with anticipation.

"Remember," Ritsuka reminded them, "we're going in with a plan. We'll confront Thor and try to sway the Elves back to our side if possible."

Mash nodded, her shield raised in readiness. "I'm ready for whatever comes next."

Kama smiled mischievously. "And if things get out of hand, I'm sure I can distract him long enough for you to make a daring escape."

Ritsuka chuckled, appreciating her playful nature even in the face of danger. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that."

As they began their ascent, the looming silhouette of Asgard hovered above them, a constant reminder of the challenge that lay ahead. The path to confrontation was fraught with uncertainty, but they were united in their purpose.

With every step, Ritsuka felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. They were fighting not just for themselves but for the very fate of the Elves and the balance of power in the realms. The storm was brewing, and they were ready to face it head-on.

Meanwhile, in Asgard

Thor strode into the grand hall of Asgard, his presence commanding attention. The vibrant tapestries depicting ancient battles swayed gently in the breeze from the open windows, casting a golden light across the stone floor. Kirschtaria stood at the center, arms crossed, his expression a mixture of concern and frustration.

"You should stop leaving Asgard," Kirschtaria said, his voice calm but firm.

Thor threw his head back and laughed, the sound echoing off the hall's walls. "Why should I, my friend? The world outside is filled with challenges and glory! It's what I live for!"

Kirschtaria stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "Remember, you are the Lost Belt King now. You carry the weight of this kingdom and its people. Do you want to fall like the others—Charlemagne, Karna, the Kuravas?"

Thor's laughter died down, replaced by a shadow of seriousness. "I do not fear their fates. I am Thor, God of Thunder! No enemy can stand before me!"

Kirschtaria shook his head, frustration bubbling beneath his calm demeanor. "You don't understand. Charlemagne and the others fell because they let their hubris guide them. If you keep chasing after battles and glory, you risk losing everything—your people, your kingdom."

"Do you doubt my strength?" Thor challenged, his eyes narrowing. "I will not hide away in this hall while others threaten our legacy."

Kirschtaria held up a hand, trying to diffuse the tension. "I don't doubt your strength, Thor. But power is not just about brute force; it's about strategy. We need to unite Asgard, not divide it with reckless challenges. Ritsuka and his allies are not to be underestimated."

Thor clenched his fists, a frown deepening on his brow. "So, you would have me cower behind these walls, waiting for them to come for us? I will not be a prisoner in my own kingdom!"

"That's not what I'm suggesting!" Kirschtaria exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice. "We must be smart about our approach. If we're going to confront Chaldea, we need all the Elves united behind us. You cannot lead them through fear alone. They respect you, but they also need to feel safe under your rule."

Thor sighed, the fire in his eyes dimming slightly. "You may have a point. I just… I want to protect our legacy, not hide from it."

Kirschtaria nodded, sensing a flicker of understanding in Thor's expression. "Then let's strategize together. If we can draw Ritsuka and his group into a trap where we can have the advantage, we can turn this around. But it has to be calculated—no reckless charges."

The God of Thunder mulled over Kirschtaria's words, and the tension in his posture slowly eased. "Very well. I'll listen to your plan. But I won't sit idly by while they threaten us. We'll show them the strength of Asgard, not just in battle but in unity."

Kirschtaria smiled, relieved. "That's the spirit. Together, we can ensure that Asgard stands strong against whatever comes our way."

As they began discussing their strategy, the distant sounds of the kingdom echoed through the halls—a reminder of the responsibilities that weighed heavily on both their shoulders. The fate of Asgard hung in the balance, and they needed to be prepared for the storm that was coming.

To be continued

Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.