Bloodlines of the Ancient Pantheons

Chapter 190: CXC. The Upgrades

"I just don't understand you... you always had a passion for plants and rocks, when you were younger you stayed hours watching them... but risking your life like this... I don't agree. Anyway, I think I'm going to go to sleep now, tomorrow we're going to have a long journey" Gridd replied, rising from her chair, stretching her arms upwards and yawning.

"I'll do the same, I'm sure we'll be able to continue this conversation when we meet again, Dag. I'd listen to your stories all night, but I realize it would be counterproductive" said Jens, who until then had listened intently to every detail, hanging from his lips.

"Yes, I'm sure we'll see you again soon" Dag said, heading for the stairs leading to the bedrooms.

"See you tomorrow, brother. Good night!" said Gridd, before closing the door to her room.

"Good night!" he replied, who was so tired that he could no longer keep his eyes open.

He checked that his weapons were still where he left them and then threw himself on the bed, falling asleep like a rock.

...

When the morning arrived, Dag opened his eyes, looking at the empty bed in front of him, with the blankets still positioned as Reidar had left them.

He got up and looked out the small window, noting that although it was very early in the morning, the warm Sunlight was already covering the roofs of Hevnen's houses.

With a determined and energy-laden spirit, the new Warchief, having prepared himself and collected his belongings, left the room, heading to the outside courtyard.

Around him, everything seemed to be silent: most warriors were still sleeping.

After leaving the main hall, he made his way to Aslan, who was still half asleep under the barn canopy, but as soon as he saw his master, stood up, enthusiastically.

"Hey! Good morning my friend! Are you ready to go?" said Dag, as if the horse could answer.

As he stroked him and secured the saddle on his back, Gridd went out into the yard, accompanied by Karl, Agnes, and two other people, a boy, and a girl.

"Good morning, Warchief!" exclaimed Gridd, winking at his brother, who turned to them.

"Well, you've all been on time!" he replied, implicitly referring to Karl, who was still half asleep and walked yawning.

They all began to fix their horses when Dag noticed that his sister caressed her steed, a magnificent white stallion. 

"You know, sometimes I think they're better than people. They listen to you without interrupting and keep all kinds of secrets without complaining!" said Dag, stroking Aslan's snout. 

"Well, so do I. She's my best friend. Since we first met, we have become inseparable" Gridd said, without looking away from her horse as she fastened her saddle and made her wear the reins.

"What's her name?" asked Dag, sure his sister had named her horse.

"She's Light. She's gorgeous, isn't she?" she continued proudly.

When all the horses were ready to go, someone knocked on the front door of the Fort Skjonnet yard. 

One of Gridd's two pupils went to open.

"Captain!" Reidar exclaimed, poking out from behind the door and making a slight bow toward Dag.

"Reidar! Do you feel better?" he asked, approaching his companion.

"Yes, I think during the night, the medicines Karl gave me took effect. Now I'm in great shape!" said the archer, who was wearing armor, ready to go. 

"Well! Do you have anything for me?" asked Dag again, referring to the armor commissioned to Turid the day before.

"Oh, yes! I almost forgot..." Reidar exclaimed, opening a leather bag tied behind his shoulders and pulling Dag's new armor out of it.

He grabbed it and opened it before his eyes, scrupulously observing every detail: the leather of the previous armor had been completely replaced by a similar, but more durable, completely black material.

Both the hammer of Hammers Of Thor and Asa's swallow symbols were perfectly carved in the new dark leather, with delicate gold lines inside the engravings.

To shoulders height, at the top of his chest, there were two circular metal plates.

Without understanding, Dag turned the armor, looking at the other side as well. 

Another 6 smaller metal plates were attached vertically to the spine.

"What are these?" he asked, looking up at Reidar.

"As she built the armor, I explained to Turid what you are capable of, mentioning your powers. I assure you that we can trust her, she won't tell anyone!" replied Reidar, justifying his actions to Dag. 

"I don't care, Reidar, don't worry. These metal plates... there are eight in total, two large in the front and four smaller on the back. What are they for?" replied Dag.

"I was saying... After explaining to her what your powers consist of, she has installed those metal circles on the armor, affirming that in this way, you will be able to more easily channel the electricity that your body releases, limiting its dispersion. In other words, it's a kind of upgrade, which will allow you to hit opponents with even greater strength!"

"It's brilliant! I never thought about it! Turid is truly an exceptional seamstress, Reidar, the new armor is magnificent!" continued Dag, who after placing his white shirt inside his pants, slipped the new top of the armor, which fitted to him, adhering to every curve of his torso.

He tried to move and twist his chest and arms, to assess its elastic properties: the new armor was much more flexible and lighter than the previous one, almost not feeling its weight on him. 

As he continued to touch the black fabric and metal plates on his chest, Reidar added: "It's not over yet, Captain. The belt has also undergone improvements. There it is".

Dag grabbed the brand new belt, which at first glance looked very similar to the previous one.

"Look well on the sides. The two nooses that held up your weapons, causing them to wobble and slow your movements, were replaced by two powerful magnets" Reidar continued, turning the belt into Dag's hands.