(Viper's POV)
You ever have one of those nights where you're about to make a deal with an ancient, possibly malevolent god, and then someone even scarier crashes the party? No? Just me? Figures.
So there I was, dagger in hand, about to seal a deal with an ancient god whose name I could barely pronounce but liked because it feels like Satan, when the universe decided to throw me a curveball.
Then, out of nowhere, a voice as smooth as silk and as cold as a Siberian winter whispered in my ear, "Oh darling, if I were you, I wouldn't want to do it."
Cue the internal scream. My soul did a somersault, and for a split second, I considered the merits of spontaneous combustion. But, being the resilient orphan-turned-terrorist that I am, I opted for the next best thing: whipping out my trusty Glock and aiming it at the intruder.
I saw her. Floating. Glowing. Radiating an aura that screamed 'I can kill you with a thought.' Great. Just what I needed, someone that screams 'I'm a psycho.'
You know, for someone who killed a living being, there's always that kind of aura that allows you to recognize each other, and from the aura of that woman, I had never, ever seen someone like that. I'm pretty sure she has killed millions of people out there.
"Who the hell are you?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady. Spoiler: I failed.
She smirked. "Oh little girl, if I were you, I wouldn't dare point that thing at a god. Weren't you just trying to summon one?"
Touché.
I lowered the gun. Slightly. "Answer the question."
"You can call me Hela," she purred, drifting closer. "Though I'm sure you've heard of me. Or maybe not. You mortals forget fast."
Hela. Goddess of Death. Ruler of Hel. Daughter of Loki. The one who tried to take over Asgard and got her ass handed to her by a giant fiery demon. That Hela? No wonder the aura—she is practically death.
"What do you want?" I asked, cutting to the chase. I'm not sure why she stopped me, but I'm sure that someone like her would never do something without purpose. So yeah, if it came to the worst, I would just finish the ritual and summon that Satan—though I doubt she could kill me before I finished.
She tilted her head, eyes gleaming with amusement. "I was on my way to watch the World Cup," she said nonchalantly, inspecting my ritual circle like it was a child's doodle. "But then I felt this little tantrum of yours and got curious. Honestly, I expected more from Hydra."
I was dead shocked by what she said. A god enjoying football? What a good idea. Though what's more shocking is how she seems to know everything about me. Isn't she just some Goddess of Death? I need to know the limit of her knowledge. "This is classified. You shouldn't even know—"
"Sweetheart," she interrupted, smiling just a bit, "I know what you had for breakfast. I'm a goddess, one of the strongest you'll never be able to see."
Well, crap.
I took a deep breath, trying to regain some semblance of control. "So, what now? You crash my ritual, throw around some sass, and then what? Kill me?"
She chuckled. "Kill you? No, darling. I'm here to offer you a deal."
A deal? With the Goddess of Death? This day just kept getting better and better. Still, I was very interested. It seems that I may not leave Earth today.
"I'm listening," I said cautiously.
Hela's eyes sparkled with something between mischief and menace. "I find you... intriguing. Ambitious. Reckless. Qualities I admire, and to be honest, you look entertaining. I propose a contract. Your absolute loyalty to me, and in return, I grant you power beyond your wildest dreams."
I raised an eyebrow. "Power, huh? And what exactly does that entail?" I was thinking—would she give me some ability to curse people to death?
"Immortality," she said, her voice like velvet. "As long as you're not killed, you'll never age, never wither. I can allow you to gain some strength depending on my mood and how you entertain me. And, of course, knowledge. Secrets of the universe at your fingertips—still depending on my mood."
Tempting. Very tempting. To the point I almost accepted the marriage prop—ahem, to the point I accepted the proposal. But I'm doubting; surely there would be some catch, like selling my soul, right?
"And what do you get out of this?" I asked.
"Your loyalty," she replied simply. "You see, I'm really bored recently and need some entertainment. But to be honest, there's nothing you can offer me. If I want a body, I can take it. Your soul is practically nothing to me. Still, I want your loyalty."
"I don't want someone I nurtured betraying me someday. That would be a little bit bothersome."
I looked at her with a face saying 'Are you serious?' I couldn't help but think of different Greek god stories I have read. Are gods so bored in reality?
"Alright," I said slowly. Of course I would accept gladly. "I'm willing."
Hela's smile widened. "We must seal the contract in Hel. My domain."
Of course. Nothing's ever simple.
"Fine," I agreed. Even if I doubt she may do something to me in her domain, I'm still willing to take the risk. "Take me to Hel."
"With pleasure," she blurred and disappeared for about seven seconds, making me doubt if I was hallucinating.
Before I could continue doubting, darkness enveloped me. The world spun, twisted, and then... silence.
When I opened my eyes, I was standing in a vast, desolate landscape. The sky was a swirling mass of gray and black, and the air was thick with the scent of decay. Welcome to Hel. (AN: No, it's not a mistake; it will be explained why Hel is different.)
Hela stood beside me, her form more imposing than ever. I'm sure she is above 1.90m in terms of height. "Welcome to my humble abode," she said, gesturing grandly.
"Charming," I muttered.
"This way," she instructed, leading me toward a massive, ominous-looking palace that loomed in the distance.
As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the countless souls wandering aimlessly, their faces full of despair. Lovely place.
Inside the palace, the atmosphere was no less grim. Dark corridors, flickering torches, and an overwhelming sense of doom. Homey.
We entered a grand hall, at the center of which stood a stone table adorned with ancient runes. But what attracted my attention the most was a throne floating—let's call it the Void Throne.
Hela ascended the steps to her throne and turned to face me. "Kneel."
I hesitated, pride flaring up. But a quick assessment of my situation reminded me that defiance here would be... unwise. I dropped to one knee.
"Do you, Ophelia Sarkissian, known as Viper, swear your undying loyalty to me, Hela, Goddess of Death and ruler of Hel?" Her voice was like a blade, sharp and commanding.
"I do," I said, the words tasting foreign on my tongue.
She extended her hand, and a green flame flickered to life in her palm. "Then drink."
I looked at the flame, then back at her. "Seriously?"
"Seriously," she confirmed.
Suppressing a sigh, I leaned forward and inhaled the flame. It burned down my throat, searing and cold all at once. Power surged through me, and I gasped, feeling my body change, strengthen.
"Rise," Hela commanded.
I stood, feeling... different. Stronger. More alive than I'd ever felt.
"You are now bound to me," Hela said, satisfaction in her tone. "Immortal, unless slain. And as a token of my favor..."
She waved her hand, and a vial appeared, floating toward me. I caught it. The blue-colored liquid inside looked so ominous.
"The Super Soldier Serum, like you humans call it," she explained. "I see that your Hydra is very interested in it. This is something I got a while ago from a ruined timeline. You can take it as my gift, but note, you aren't allowed to study or give it. Either you take it, or I take my thing back."
I smirked, tucking the vial away. "I bet." Unless my head is kicked by a donkey, I would definitely take it as soon as I return to Earth.
And just like that, I became the right hand of the Goddess of Death. From orphan to Hydra agent to immortal servant of a deity. Life's funny like that.
But hey, if you're going to sell your soul, might as well sell it to the highest bidder.
...
Honestly, I like this format where you can understand what's happening and get a better grasp of the situation from different points of view, but I get it, some of you obviously don't have patience and, well, you'd think of it as filler 😔 so yeah, after the next chapter, we will return to Hela's POV.
Also don't forget to support the author whether by Power Stones or Patreon, until now, you did better than I expected so let's gooooo guys and thanks, if god allow me, the chapter would start to be longer latter, now just an amateur and not completely used writing:
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