VALKYRIE SMASH

Chapter 253 Akasha.

"Akasha..."

As he repeated the word, Sam got a feeling that he had heard it somewhere. It didn't take him long to remember that it was a term derived from Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism, adopted by Western occultists in the late nineteenth century and later popularized by various works of fiction.

The most known mention of the word is when referring to the "Akashic Records", a theoretical concept of a place where everything is recorded. Every word, thought, intent, action and event whether it's past, present or future, all of it is accumulated in one place outside of human reach.

Nino's description matched what he already knew so Sam found it easier to accept what she said. Still, a part of him wanted to scoff at the idea of such a fictional concept being real.

"Are you sure Zeus didn't go mad from the Whispers?" Sam asked.

"I believe he had always been crazy." Nino replied with a shrug. "He wouldn't have done half what he did otherwise."

Wanting to become a god was enough of a reason to doubt someone's sanity. That level of obsession with power and control couldn't possibly be the work of a normal human mind.

"So Zeus wants to reach Akasha so he could obtain Truth and learn how to rule over existence..." Sam summarized. "And he needs those Keys to get there?"

"Yes." Nino answered with a nod. "Primordials are made from Aether, an element that only exists outside of time and space. Zeus believes that, by gathering enough of the ancient beings' essence, he would be able to create Keys that could open a gate to Akasha."

"I don't know what to think anymore..."
Sam could only sigh, his head starting to hurt, although he was aware that it was just his imagination. Why did he have to deal with another lunatic when he already had enough on his plate?

Akasha? Truth? He didn't care about any of that. He just wanted to find his beloved childhood friend and spend the rest of his life banging Valkyries left and right.

"Let me guess, we can't allow him to achieve his goal, right?"

Sensing the annoyance in his voice, Nino shrunk into her chair, carefully choosing the words she was going to respond with.

"He has already committed countless atrocities in his quest for the Keys." She said. "Who knows what else he might do if left alone."

"This is ridiculous..."

Sam's annoyance only continued to grow the more he thought about the matter. He already realized that he couldn't just keep his distance and ignore what the self proclaimed god is doing. Just by engaging with Atropos and her gang, Sam already had the spotlight on him and his Valkyries. He doubted that the Olympians would just ignore their presence in the future, especially after they ruined their plans here in the Nephilim world.

"So in the end we would still have to go to war with the Olympians, huh?"

"Doctor." Nino spoke, looking at him with eyes full of determination. "I will always be by your side, no matter what path you choose!"

Sam could only stare back at her, her declaration having come as a surprise. After a few seconds, he let a smile form on his face and patted her on the head.

"I will be relying on you, then." He said.

Watching the strangely warm scene in front of her, Zero Five was filled with a sense of unease that swelled until she could no longer keep her silence. Taking a step forward, she turned to face him, straightening her back and saluting as she made a declaration of her own.

"As Doctor's Personal Valkyrie, I swear to do everything within my ability and more to ensure Doctor achieves whatever goal he sets his eyes on. I will be the sword that slays your enemies, the shield that protects you from harm. And..." she went silent for a moment, her cheeks reddening a little. "I will be your partner whenever you ask. Your word is my command, Doctor."

"I... I'm glad..." Sam replied with a wry smile. "But don't overdo it, okay? I don't want you to keep getting injured like last time."

Five's stoic expression brightened and a beautiful smile bloomed on her face.

"Yes, Doctor! I will do my best to not disappoint you!"

As the ponytailed Valkyrie returned to her position, Nino turned away and clicked her tongue.

"Flirting with other women right in front of your fiance. Doctor has no shame, huh?"

"Well, if you want to become my wife eventually, you have to learn how to control your jealousy." Sam replied with a short laugh. "As I said, I'm a greedy man."

"You sure are popular among your Valkyries, aren't you, Doctor Sanderson." Mimir said while fixing him with a cold glare. "I read that great men have great lusts. Is it the same in your case?"

Confused by her question, Sam could only stare blankly for a while. He then made a very bad misjudgment, smiling at the green haired Nephilim before speaking.

"Well, if you would like, we can discuss this topic in more detail." He said. "Just the two of us, in private."

Mimir's expression remained unchanged, but he caught her left eyebrow twitching and immediately took it as a sign of him having messed up. He also felt his skin being pinched and strong aura coming from behind him, informing him that his Personal Valkyries weren't all too pleased about him setting his sights on another girl, especially one who isn't even a comrade of theirs.

"I appreciate the offer, but I have to decline." Mimir replied, bowing her head apologetically. "My tastes swing in a different direction so I'm confident I wouldn't enjoy such a private conversation."

"Oh, I see..."

Sam's eyes widened a little, having not expected to be rejected like that. It didn't feel too bad, and he was more intrigued than disappointed.

"That said-" his thoughts were interrupted as Mimir spoke again. "Her highness might be interested. Unfortunately, we would have to save her first to know her response."

Sam saw a glimmer in the Nephilim's eyes and he understood what she's trying to say without her having to elaborate. With the corners of his mouth curving up a little, he looked back at the green haired girl.

"Mimir, huh..." he said. "I think we might become really good friends from now on."