Act 1: Fire Valkyrie's New Beginning Part 1

**Act 1: Fire Valkyrie's New Beginning Part 1** is the first chapter of *The Rise of Luna Nova Valkyries*, the first story of *Little Witch Academia: Witches of Midgard*.

## Summary

*The world has changed with magic became abundant once again thanks to the efforts of 'Nine New Witches' who unlocked the Grand Triskellion and stopped the threat of Noir Missile at the same time. But little did they knew said change soon followed by an impossible revelation: The Viking myths are true, and the world Akko and her friends know all this time had survived Ragnarök. In the absence of Nine Olde Witches and Gods of Asgard, their ancient adversaries, the Jötnar, have returned and threatened to conquer Midgard, their home, and the rest of Nine Realms. Now, Akko and co. must reform the 'Nine New Witches' and join a legendary coven of witch-warriors called Valkyrie Corps. in a bid to stop the looming threat all while uncovering forgotten secrets...*

## Full Recap

Magic civilization in Midgard, the world of Men, has faced trials and tribulations throughout its history. One such trial was the decline of magic that befell the realm. It was until a coven of nine great witches blessed by the power of the cosmic tree Yggdrasil itself appeared to stop the decline and restore the power to their world. The same coven also created many miracles, helping and guiding people in many ways, and even founded Luna Nova Academy to rehabilitate witches who had lost their place in Midgard. Through it all, the coven became known as the Nine Olde Witches, establishing the legend that would live on to this day.

The Nines' greatest achievement which earned them recognition throughout Nine Worlds, however, was guiding humanity in times of Ragnarök, the great war between Gods of Asgard and their ancient adversaries Jötnar. The astonishing deed earned them the Gods' respect as much as their common enemies' ire; in a bid to rid of the Gods' new allies and ensure his forces' victory, Loki, the leader of Jötnar who was once known as the Nordic God of Mischief and Lies, subdued a legendary beast said to be the progenitor of draconic serpents that feed on the roots of Yggdrasil referred in Edda of Vör as Great Lindworm and bent it to his destructive cause.

But the endeavor ironically ensured the former God of Mischief and Lies' own downfall, as the beast instead played its part in ensuring allied forces of the Gods of Asgard and Nine Olde Witches' victory by giving its life so Loki's destined bane and nemesis, Heimdallr the Watchman of the Æsir, could strike a final blow against their common foe. To honor Great Lindworm's sacrifice, Woodward and her fellow Nine Olde Witches channeled the magic of Yggdrasil through Claiomh Solais to purify its corpse. They also used the same power to undo the catastrophic damage left behind by both the war and Surtr's great fire, restoring the Nine Realms in the process.

The cost was great; many of Gods involved were perished and worse, Yggdrasil began to wither heralding another decline of magic in centuries to come...

=ᚢᛁᛐᛍᚼᛂᛌ ᚮᚠ ᛘᛁᛑᚵᛆᚱᛑ=

Three months has passed since the restoration of Yggdrasil thanks to the efforts of nine young witches who harnessed the power of Grand Triskellion — a seed of creation capable of changing the very world itself — in conjunction of Claiomh Solais, a legendary artifact bearing the power of Seven Stars of Big Dipper. Such miracle was made possible through the heartfelt support from believing hearts in inhabitants of Midgard. The cosmic tree's revival ushered in a new era like Golden Magic Age two centuries prior; the practitioners of magic were no longer bound to amount of magic they could use, nor relying on Sorcerer's Stone as the source of power for magic. Anyone who can cast spells and use magic could do so anywhere without restrictions, thus captivating more and more people. Finally, magic was once again a viable solution that could work in conjunction with modern science and technology.

As for the Staff of Seven Stars through which the combined power of World Altering Magic and humanity's believing heart was released, it returned to the stars from where it came as its purpose in the realm of Men had been fulfilled. Its presence there, however, left a profound impact in the lives of four of involved nine as much as it did to the entire Midgard during the Ragnarök.

Out of nine witches who involved in such grand achievement, only two of them were broadcasted across the entire world long enough for everyone to remember. Thanks to the intervention from governments of both mundane and magic community however, any paparazzi or large reaction was greatly subdued. By the end of the month after the battle, no one had tried to bother the witches who stopped the hijacked missile from damaging a foreign country further. Though such collaboration proved sufficient in containing problems that rose in the light of magic's resurgence, the world was still struggling to adapt with the status quo had since greatly disturbed.

Nevertheless, the witches at Luna Nova could continue with their studies without impediment from the outside world. Within the school, the professors tried their best to limit any large disturbances. They couldn't do much about flittering gossip but, as long as it was not hurting anyone, they let it be.

Everything has returned to normal, that is, until one Saturday afternoon at Luna Nova...

It all started when Akko set out for the sports field to continue honing her broom flight skill. The Japanese witch-in-training made a significant progress since the first time she'd floated, yet her prowess in it left something to be desired given to her tendency to lose control every now and then and got injured in process. Despite this, such breakthrough further steeled her resolve to become a witch like her idol and mentor Shiny Chariot who had since assumed the identity of Ursula Callistis following her retirement from celebrity life. Akko also remembered to write for her family back home about the progress she made in Luna Nova whenever she had the chance. Although her parents were understandably horrified by the fact that their daughter and Diana chased a hijacked missile back then, they were nonetheless proud of their sole daughter for her part in saving the world. Even Wasio Kagari, Akko's aunt from her father's side, barely contained her excitement upon learning that her niece became an accomplished daredevil more than she'd ever been thus sent her some presents as a token of her appreciation; a red scarf, a pair of fingerless gloves, and a pair of custom-made leather boots, all of which being paraphernalia from her days as a biker club member. Not surprisingly, Akko enjoyed her presents and began to proudly wear them as part of her attires, even though they didn't necessarily condone the school's dress code.

After flew for at least seven laps without losing control, Akko decided to call it a day when she noticed a thick black smoke rising from the woods on the west side of the school. By the look of it, the smoke didn't seem to be produced by a campfire. Being built in an alternate dimension that closely linked to mundane dimension (the dimension where Earth located at), Luna Nova commissioned the construction of Ley Line Terminals in order for everyone to conveniently travel between them. Among such Terminals was the one the Earl of Hanbridge and his son Andrew used during their visit to Luna Nova in the previous year, the same Terminal from which delivery trucks brought in supplies and other goods from Blytonbury and vice-versa on regular basis. Akko remembered from magical history class that both dimensions also connected with some sort of supernatural passageways which less assuming to the point you won't realize you traveled between them until you found yourself on the other side. The usage of such passageways by the academy seemed not as frequent as it used to be, mostly limited to transporting certain goods which cannot be brought into Ley Lines such as bags of salts. In fact, some of them were forgotten until someone crossed over by mistake. One such incident revolved a group of mundane campers who unknowingly made a camp right at the academy's borders and got into trouble with the school's night patrols as the result. The campers were allowed to return home after clearing up their misunderstandings with the academy while the passageway from which they came subsequently secured. Curious whether such incident repeated itself, the brunette took off with her broom to investigate.

Upon arriving at the source of the fire, the Japanese witch-in-training was greeted by a gruesome sight; a chaotic battle, one that apparently involved magic judging from the presence of strong magic energy residue in the air, had taken its place there quite recently. The surrounding trees were either scorched or uprooted by incredible force. The still smoking, smoldering craters could be seen everywhere. What caught her attention most however, were incinerated remains of bizarre-looking, black and grey creatures lying on the ground.

Inspecting the least damaged carcass, the brunette couldn't help but wonder what they were and importantly, what had killed them. The donkey-sized creatures looked like damselfly a bit — its pointy wings were folded backwards unlike dragonfly's — with rectangular head that had a pair of thick quill-like antennae, two pairs of blue compound eyes and a pair of tusk-like protrusions beneath jagged maw with mandibles. Its six limbs, which frontal pair slightly shorter than the rest, ended with sharp talons. In place of the abdomen was the body of a centipede. Lastly, they bled noxious blue blood which prompted Akko to cover her nose in disgust, hoping it was not poisonous.

It's an understatement to say the creatures being bizarre as they resembled none to magical creatures she encountered so far, let alone ones featured in her Chariot Card collection. That didn't help by the presence of mechanical apparatus over their head and thorax. Which means there were two possibilities: The product of some sort of insane experiment or... aliens!

A loud crunch of scorched twigs alarmed Akko that she was not alone in the middle of such carnage. Turning around with her wand ready at hand, the Japanese witch-in-training came face-to-face with a green and brown stag-like creature with three long, robust whip-like tails. What appeared to be wooden carapaces encased his legs (his rear limbs were protected knee down unlike more reinforced forelegs), and a pair of hollowed protrusions which pointed backwards could be seen on the hip region right near the base of his tails. He also had a pair of glowing green eyes with black sclerae and a yellow four-pointed, star-like crest resembling Alcor's on his snout. Around his neck was a brown and yellow collar adorned with two pairs of small dark green diamonds, a blue disc-like piece with a dark grey line splitting both halves in addition of what seemed to be a golden button on the lower half, and a clasp which bore insignia in form of what appeared to be a sword with roots growing from the blade. Lastly, he wore a black and grey saddle with a pair of bags each on the side.

The reindeer appeared to be stunning and harmless at the first glance until Akko noticed an azure and golden glaive-like blade with glowing emerald edge on the tip of his middle tail. The blade was obviously not for show, as it had been drenched with blood of insectoid monsters around them.

The two stared at each other for a minute or two until the reindeer suddenly collapsed before Akko's eyes. She rushed to grab him and hold him up, but the reindeer slipped from her grasp and fell back to the ground. That was when Akko noticed his whole body being covered with moss instead of fur and he bled green sap-like substance, adding another mystery in the strange creature she encountered. These were the least of her concerns however, as the reindeer revealed to be severely injured from the fight.

"You're hurt!", Akko exclaimed. "I-I'll bandage your wounds and get you to Diana and the professors!" She was about to tear her tunic to make makeshift bandages before the reindeer stopped her with one of his tails and spoke to her with deep, weak voice, "No. I will die. The wound is fatal."

"NO!", Akko cried. "You can't die. Me and the others at Luna Nova can help you. You can't die right now." The brunette was too upset to care that the reindeer just spoke to her not unlike Cait-Sith and Coin-Sith she and her classmates encountered during the field trip to Doras Hill in the previous year. It hurt her to think of him dying, as they were just met and she had so many questions for him.

Looking up at the worried brunette, the reindeer soon recognized her as one of Luna Nova witches who revived Yggdrasil few months back. He then glanced at his saddle's left bag before returning his tired gaze to Akko; inside it was an important package he desperately protected from insectoid beasts he slew earlier, a wooden ornate chest. For a moment, he believed the failure of his mission would be certain. And then, the chance encounter with the aforementioned witch gave him a glimmer of hope.

Just then, Akko and the reindeer were startled by loud, indistinct howling from the woods followed by a flock of birds flying overhead, indicating that a danger was approaching. Forcing himself to get back on his hooves, the latter cursed under his breath, "There are more of them?!"

"Them what?", Akko asked uneasily.

"Farbjodar!", the reindeer exclaimed while rising his tail blade and assuming a combat stance. "They're after the package I carry right now. Ones I cut down here must be scouts deployed to locate me. It's clear The Seax made a few improvements since the last time I and my comrades fought them."

"Akko!"

The Japanese witch-in-training turned around to see her roommates, Lotte and Sucy, descending from the air with their brooms, apparently noticed the smoke outside Luna Nova grounds or have looked for her for quite some time, or both. The reindeer on the other hand, having made up his mind to place his faith in the brunette, reached out for the ornate chest inside one of his bags and shoved it to Akko while pleaded, "There is no time! You and your friends must bring this to a friend of mine in your school. Her name is Chariot du Nord, but I believed you already know her as Professor Ursula Callistis. Guard this chest with your lives until you deliver it to her. Now go!"

"No, we'll stay with you", Akko argued. "Maybe we can help."

"No! You must save yourselves!", he protested. "Save yourselves and get that chest to Professor Callistis! If they get their hands on it, everything will be lost."

Akko wanted to argue further while reaching for her back only for a realization struck her — the Shiny Rod had already returned to the stars, leaving her no adequate means to help the reindeer.

As loud howls were getting closer, the reindeer took a few steps away from Akko and pressed the button on his collar's disc-like piece with his left tail, releasing several ribbons which seemingly made of green fire that burst forth before encasing his head, neck, and torso with loud, rapid whip crack-like noise. Akko and Lotte gasped as the device did so, then stared in surprise upon seeing the ribbons shifted around his body with audible clanks, shaping into azure metal armor with golden parts not unlike ones worn by medieval knights' war horses during jousting competition complete with a helmet, metal plating across the nape and rear where the latter holds a pair of large round shields and greaves strapped on his front legs. The reindeer's transformation sequence ended with the flames receded and his armor's neon emerald meridians shone intensely.

The awestruck Akko had almost forgotten that the reindeer was in awful shape until he faltered a bit. Sensing her concern, he smiled reassuringly at her. "Don't worry about me. I said I was dying but, that doesn't mean I have no strength left to buy you three time to flee. I wished we can meet in better circumstances than this, even better if we fight side by side. Yet on the flip side, I finally got to be a real hero this time."

"W-what are you saying...?", Akko asked before they heard a series of flapping noise announcing the arrival of a threat — one of insectoid beasts that pursuing the reindeer had arrived and lunged at her from nearby bushes before either she or her roommates could react.

But the armored reindeer leaped into the monster's path at once and lashed his bladed tail. A flurry of bright green lights later, the insectoid beast fell apart into perfectly sliced pieces which harmlessly rained down the group. "The rest are going to catch up. Now run!"

"I don't understand what's going on here but, I think he's right", Sucy said with hint of uneasiness in her voice. "We have to go."

Akko hesitated, but only for a moment as she wasted no time hopping onto her broom and exclaimed, "*Tia Freyre*!" The broom momentarily jerked and twitched midair under her command until the Japanese witch-in-training managed to stabilize it, a taxing endeavor since she had to maintain her hold over the reindeer's wooden chest at the same time.

With that, Akko, Lotte, and Sucy took off and flew back to Luna Nova. As they did, the brunette took one last look at the armored reindeer who watched them leave before turning around and galloping for what would be his last battle.

=ᚢᛁᛐᛍᚼᛂᛌ ᚮᚠ ᛘᛁᛑᚵᛆᚱᛑ=

The red team somehow managed to return to Luna Nova grounds without a hitch. As they hastily made their way to Ursula's office, Akko explained to Lotte and Sucy about her encounter with the strange reindeer.

"I didn't have a chance to ask his name", Akko concluded sadly.

The three friends were now able to take a better look on the strange reindeer's wooden chest. The chest looked ordinary save for a brown banner painted on its lid. The banner bore two white vertical lines flanking a white insignia resembling simplistic image of a witch with winged pointy hat and a pair of folded large bird-like wings on her sides.

"Whatever inside that chest must be so valuable everyone wanted it", Sucy commented.

"No wonder he protected it as if his life depended on it and even asked us to do the same until we give it to Professor Ursula", Lotte added. "Still, what's the deal between this chest and Professor Ursula anyway?"

"I'm not sure. This doesn't seem to have something to do with Professor Ursula's time as Shiny Chariot", Akko replied.

"Should we check out what's inside? Probably just me but, for some reasons I find the symbol familiar", Sucy suggested.

"W-wait a minute! It might be booby-trapped", Lotte argued nervously.

Lotte's warning reminded Akko to her mishap with one of bewitched answer sheets of previous year's exam Amanda stole and troubles they went through in their attempt to return it, prompting her to take another look at the wooden chest once again. In addition of faint yet curious magic signature within, she sensed another, perhaps some form of protective enchantment (?) that lingered about the damaged latch before fading completely — one of insectoid monsters which pursued the strange reindeer must have briefly managed to wrestle the wooden chest from his grasp leading to a struggle that explained the damage. "I think it's safe to check out what's inside now", Akko concluded.

Cautiously opening the wooden chest, the Japanese witch-in-training found three identical bracelets sat inside differentiated by their respective color; red, yellow, and green. Each of them engraved with a symbol in form of a bright yellow four-pointed star encased within a matching circle.

"It's just three bracelets", Sucy commented, slightly disappointed.

Akko picked up the red bracelet to examine it closely. Suddenly, the bracelet zapped her hand with a bright green electrical discharge, causing her to drop both it and the chest with a yelp, "What was that?!"

Confused with what just transpired, Lotte and Sucy leaned to recover items their roommate just dropped. As with the red bracelet, the yellow bracelet electrocuted Lotte as soon as she touched it. The same went to the green one on the Manbavaran's hand, though she smirked instead of reflexively dropped it like Akko and Lotte with theirs. "Interesting", she remarked.

Now wary with the strange reindeer's mysterious package, Akko hastily snatched the green bracelet from Sucy's hand and put it along with the rest back into the chest while exclaimed, "W-we should get these to Professor Ursula right now! Come on!"

Akko and her two best friends were about to make haste for Ursula's office only to see the French professor herself standing in front of them with her mouth hanging open.

"H-How," gaped Ursula. "How did you get those Valkyrie Bracelets?"

"Uh...", Akko suddenly found herself at complete loss, unsure of how to explain.

"You three need to come with me, now", an unreadable expression was etched across the professor's face as she implored the three students to follow her. First the strange reindeer, then his mysterious package for Ursula, and now this. Akko gulped heavily. What in the Nine Olde Witches had their encounter dragged her and her friends into?

As soon as they were inside her office, Ursula locked its door, making sure all windows were shut tight. She couldn't risk the word about her package which now in the three friends' hands getting out, for her enemies have become much slyer.

Akko and her roommates on the other hand, were on the edge, plagued by uncertainty over their situation. Ursula sat down in the chair beside her desk and inquired them with her arms crossed, "How did you get those bracelets?"

"The talking green and brown reindeer!", Akko exclaimed. "I know this sounds crazy but, we met a strange reindeer in the woods just outside the school. He was injured and something attacked him there. I tried to help him but, he insisted us to bring this to you."

"The talking green and brown reindeer?", Ursula raised her brow as she received the wooden chest from Akko and relieved to see its contents still intact before continued, "How did he look like?"

"I'm not sure he was really a reindeer but, he looked just like one", Akko explained before adding more details. "He had glowing green eyes, three long tails where the middle one got some kind of blade strapped on its point, a yellow four-pointed star marking like Alcor's on his face, a brown and yellow collar with some kind of emblem, two small dark green dots or diamonds (?), and some blue device with which he manifested blue metal armor; and a black and grey saddle with two bags each on his side."

Akko's description on the reindeer surprised Ursula who then inquired further, "Anything else?"

"He got moss around his body as fur. Or perhaps moss-like fur? Anyways, he said both of you have known each other, professor", Akko replied. "Is it true? Then, do you know who he is? What's his name?"

"His name was German the Heart, and he, I and Chariot du Nord here used to fight side-by-side in the past."

Everyone in that room turned around to see their unexpected interloper; a large cat-sized, brown and green squirrel-like creature who sat on top of the nearby bookshelf before jumped to take a closer look on the three friends and the bespectacled professor. As with the strange reindeer, German the Heart, this creature had moss as fur that covered his body along with a pair of darker stripes across the tail save for underbelly, wooden carapaces encasing entire forelimbs and legs knee-down, and a pair of hollowed protrusions which pointed backwards where his located on the shoulder blades region; glowing green eyes with black sclerae, a yellow four-pointed star marking on the snout, and a similar brown and yellow collar with distinct emblem around his neck. In addition of the collar, a disc-like device not unlike his comrade's was strapped onto his left arm with a black arm band where his being dark green, charcoal black, and grey. Lastly, he wore a black and grey buckle belt carrying a matching pouch on his left side.

The squirrel-like creature looked like someone who had just come home from a war — his once adorable (?) appearance was marred with various scars on his body, and a chunk of his left ear had been cut off. Coupled with his jagged mouth reminiscent to fangs and very stern and grim face, Akko instantly knew that he was evidently not some cute and cuddly critter who loves to share free hugs, let alone to cross.

"It is been a while, Professor Ursula", the squirrel greeted with deep, male voice. "Or should I call you Chariot du Nord or your Japanese alias Izetta Kurenai?"

"Thane Asger? Long time no see", Ursula greeted back before introducing the three friends to him. "These are my students; Miss Kagari, Miss Yanson, and Miss Manbavaran."

"M-my name is Atsuko Kagari. Just call me Akko", Akko stated hesitantly.

"Um... Lotte Yanson", Lotte stammered.

"Asger the Swift. Thane of Sword of Laeradr", Asger introduced himself to the three friends without further ado before inspecting them meticulously — the Japanese witch-in-training in particular — and nodding, "I see. So, it was you three whom Thane German entrusted that chest with. I supposed I should be *honored* to finally meet three of young witches who restored magic back to this world and saved a country from a hijacked missile along the way."

"German the Heart... So, that was his name?", Akko nodded, finally learned the strange reindeer's identity. "Is he...?"

Though he remained stone-faced, Asger's hesitation to reply her question was evident as it took him a moment or two before he finally stated, "Thane German died in battle."

The grave news shocked everyone in the office, Akko in particular. She had been braced to hear it but, it was a blow nevertheless. Part of her blamed herself for being helpless back then.

"I managed to dispatch the attacking Farbjodar pack and force the Naglfar priest who commanded them to retreat before they could finish him off, allowing him to inform me about the precious cargo's whereabouts in his final breath. But we have no time to take chances, let alone mourning. Farbjodar's presence here can only mean that the rest of Naglfar's attack forces are not far behind", Asger explained matter-of-factly.

"Naglfar?", Lotte asked.

Ursula sighed. "A pagan cult and paramilitary coven who called itself after the namesake legendary ship made of toenails of the dead in Norse Mythology. It consisted of magic users who worship Jötnar — transcendent entities and rival race to Gods of Asgard — whom they believed should have their rightful place as rulers of entire Nine Realms. They also opposed those who uphold the legacy of Nine Olde Witches, particularly the people of ancient magical kingdom of Thapoli and Pomokai Holoholonas of Hoddmimi's Holt. But they are not the only ones who opposed such terrible adversary."

Ursula then opened the wooden chest to show the three friends its contents and continued, "This chest contains Valkyrie Armors, magically forged suits of armor that double as symbols of office belonged to Valkyrie Corps., a legendary coven of protectors and one of Thapoli's prominent long-time allies."

"Valkyrie Armors?" Lotte wondered.

"Where are the rest of them? I mean, they're just bracelets", Akko asked.

"Not just *any* bracelets. What you see here are Valkyrie Bracelets, special bracelets linked to their respective Valkyrie Armor set and through which the wearer can summon it in times of dire need. Think of it like Patron Staff with Patron Armor from Hereweald Potter series", Ursula corrected.

"Is it wise to tell those kids about those Bracelets? They're definitely no champions the High Valkyrie seek", Asger interrupted.

"I only inform them what they need to know, Thane Asger. You should be grateful that Miss Kagari and her friends here ensured these Bracelets arrived safely when Thane German failed", Ursula hissed to the scarred squirrel-like creature before continued to Akko, Lotte, and Sucy, "Along with protection against physical and magical attacks, Valkyrie Armor enhances the wearer's strength, speed, and magical capabilities to the point of her able to challenge even dragons. It can also be utilized in areas where magic cannot be used, for the Armor being empowered by the wearer's fuel spirit energy not unlike Shiny Rod."

"Whoa, that's awesome!", Akko clapped.

"But of course, that's not to say Valkyrie Armor has no limitations; one must never don the Armor for more than two minutes because it will eventually overheat and begin to burn the wearer!", Ursula dramatically slammed the chest shut. "A design flaw Valkyrie Corps.' witch-blacksmiths kept as the reminder for the wearer to utilize it wisely. Not to mention about a fail-safe feature which allows the Armor to disengage from the wearer should it got struck with overwhelming power to avoid additional damages but puts the user at risk from mortal danger in the process. Lastly, every Valkyrie Armor is enchanted through its Bracelet so it can only be worn by worthy users."

The bespectacled professor then waved her wand at the nearby empty wall, causing a portion of it to part way and reveal a small hiding place. After placing the wooden chest inside before closing it with another wave, she turned to the three friends and stated, "And as for you three, you did a great help in preventing these Bracelets from falling into Naglfar's hands. Now that you know their significance, it's imperative not to mention this to anyone. Understand?"

The three friends nodded in agreement. As they about to make their leave however, a loud banging noise came from the wall where Ursula hid the wooden chest earlier. The noise was persistent and getting louder with the wall started to give in. Eventually, to everyone's shock, the wooden chest smashed its way out of the secret compartment as if being hurled by incredible force and comically bounced off Akko's face in the process. Landing on the floor, the chest popped open with its contents flew out to the girls' hands; Akko received the red Bracelet while Lotte and Sucy got yellow and green ones respectively, leaving the bespectacled professor and scarred squirrel-like creature speechless.

"What in the world?!", Ursula cried out incredulously.

"Did you three touch those Bracelets?", Asger demanded.

"J-just for a second!", Akko exclaimed defensively. "We were curious over everyone's deal with that chest. When I touched the red Bracelet, it electrocuted me."

"So did the yellow one", Lotte added.

"And the green one", Sucy added also.

"I knew assigning him into that mission was a terrible mistake to begin with!", Asger cursed under his breath before raising his hand.

Ursula instantly knew what the scarred squirrel-like creature was about to do but, she was too late. The red Bracelet flew from Akko's hand and into Asger's grasp only for him abruptly dropped it with an agonizing scream — his palm and fingers were blistering like still-burning ember while the Bracelet emitted a searing yellowish glow like heated metal as it rolled its way back to Akko.

Acting fast, the Japanese witch-in-training rushed for a nearby jug of water and splashed its contents at the searing red Bracelet. Strangely, the liquid didn't evaporate upon contact, yet the Bracelet's glow died down as Akko cautiously reached it and exclaimed, "It's cold!"

"It's the Bracelet's worthiness enchantment! It will burn those who not deserving of even getting near it, especially if that person has wicked, selfish thoughts", Ursula explained.

"Wicked, selfish thoughts, huh?", Sucy repeated, eyeing on Asger who was clutching his scorched hand suspiciously.

"W-what about us? Does it mean we are worthy?", Lotte asked in dread.

"From the way you described what happened when you touched them, I'm afraid so. Unless if we managed to find another worthy candidates, those Bracelets are yours for the taking", Ursula replied in defeat.

As delighted as Akko was by such confirmation, she couldn't help but mixed by it; the perspective of being able to turn into some sort of magical warrior — if what Ursula told her about Valkyrie Bracelets in their possession was any indication — was truly appealing but, that didn't change the fact those Bracelets were properties of an important coven, one who fought against Naglfar no less.

Just then, the globe on Ursula'a desk started to ring, causing everyone in the vicinity to jump a little at the loud trilling. Asger's reaction was the most surprising; pulling out what appeared to be a long, segmented metallic ribbon from his pouch with his intact hand, he shaped it into a short Viking sword with glowing emerald edge in a single lash and a burst of fiery emerald magic before pointing the newly formed weapon at the globe, all in a blink of eye.

"It's okay. It's just a communication globe we Luna Nova staff use to notify one another about meetings", Ursula reassured before answering the globe.

The globe opened, revealing the image of Miranda Holbrooke, Luna Nova's current headmistress, on the screen beneath its lid. "Professor Callistis, High Valkyrie Leafmane has arrived alongside Thane Harr. Do you have the package Thane German sent to you?"

"Yes. Some stuff happened and it seemed the Bracelets have chosen their unlikely champions", Ursula explained before stepping aside to reveal Akko, Lotte, and Sucy who were holding their respective Valkyrie Bracelet.

"I see", the headmistress nodded after the initial surprise. "In any case, we're going to discuss what to do in the light of recent events that taken place within this school's premises in my office.

"She'd better turn up. It will be even better if she and High Valkyrie Leafmane know what to do in dealing the mess Thane German left behind", Asger snapped while glancing at Akko, Lotte, and Sucy irritatedly. "Thought he rarely made a mistake or two, all hell broke loose every time he did."

"Understood, Headmistress Holbrooke", Ursula nodded, ignoring disdainful tone in the scarred squirrel-like creature's line.

"Wait! What are we going to do with these Bracelets? We can't just walk around with them in our hands", Lotte asked.

"How about if we conceal them with our uniforms like this? I don't think people will notice", Akko suggested as she put on her red Bracelet on her left wrist and covered it beneath her sleeve.

"It's best that you three keep those Valkyrie Bracelets hidden in your person for now. They were forged in notion of remain close to their latest worthy heirs as means to prevent them from being either lost or taken by force", Holbrooke stated to Akko, Lotte, and Sucy matter-of-factly before ending her call.

"Alright girls, that's all for our meeting this afternoon", Ursula declared as she started to stand up. "If you have any questions, they'll have to wait until my meeting with the Headmistress and the others at her office concluded." She showed the three friends out of her office before exiting it herself after them and heading for the headmistress' office with Asger following her.

=ᚢᛁᛐᛍᚼᛂᛌ ᚮᚠ ᛘᛁᛑᚵᛆᚱᛑ=

In the Headmistress' Office, a meeting was held between Miranda Holbrooke, Ursula, Diana, Asger, a large green hawk-like creature, and the black and grey-clad witch that seemingly around Ursula's age.

The hawk-like creature, Harr the Leader, had feathers made of plant matter where ones on his underside, wings, and rear being dull green while the rest much darker. In addition of brown three-digit claws on the wings and matching chipped beak, hollowed protrusions that pointed backwards on the shoulder blade region, and wooden carapace encasing his legs knee down, he had seven gleaming green whip-like tendrils protruding beneath his tail feathers, yellow four-pointed star marking on his upper beak, glowing green eyes with black sclerae, and a brown and yellow collar with an emblem and two small dark green diamonds around his neck. He also wore what appeared to be a grey backpack with a brown and grey round buckle-like device that bore orange Sowilo (ᛋ) rune along with a Viking helmet specifically made for him.

Out of three guests in the office, the one who truly stood out from the rest was the black and grey clad witch who was meticulously reviewing documents on her hands. Nothing like her had ever been seen in Luna Nova before, yet her presence nonetheless commanded respect and even awe among its inhabitants, particularly those who familiar with Woodward, one of Nine Olde Witches, thanks to their superficial resemblance. She had soft mint-green hair along with matching brows; leafy green eyes, dark green eyelashes, and pale skin. Two green leaves-themed hairpins, each on the side of her head, adorned her long hair which reached past her upper back and connected by a long thin braid that had tiny ponytail at the middle. She wore a plain witch hat with a thick band, a hooded vest with furred interior, a black round medal with glowing green gem over the chest strap, and a pair of metallic shoulder pad with three green lines all beneath the turtleneck tunic which bottom reached past the knee, a belt with a sash and a buckle with a round white symbol with golden outline and matching arrowhead that pointed downwards at the center, and a pair of pointy boots. This woman was Alvilda Leafmane, the latest High Valkyrie of Valkyrie Corps..

After a while, Alvilda finally spoke, "I see. I believed Thane German the Heart made a wise decision in entrusting Kara, Geirskogul, and Skogul to those three during his last moments, though it was unfortunate he didn't live long enough to discover that he encountered promising new champions we seek."

"High Valkyrie Leafmane, you're not truly considering accepting them as latest inheritors of those Valkyrie Bracelets?", Harr asked.

"Those Bracelets have chosen wrong candidates! None of this would happen had I the one who delivered them instead of that fool!", Asger snapped.

"It's unwise to jump into such conclusions, Thane Asger", Ursula argued. "I may not know him as much as you or Thane Harr but, I know enough Thane German had his reasons to do what he did."

"Professor Callistis is right. To think he would go to that length just to complete his final mission... ", Harr pondered. "Desperation aside, he must've sensed something in this Miss Kagari and her friends which convinced him to trust them even though they were just met. A faith that narrowly misplaced if you ask me."

"The same reason why those Bracelets accepted them perhaps?", Diana wondered. "In any case, Thane Asger, even if you were the one who carried Kara, Geirskogul, and Skogul instead, the chances of them choosing Akko, Lotte, and Sucy are still there regardless."

"What are you talking about?", Asger demanded.

"Miss Cavendish and I have taken notes on capabilities of every student in this school knowing that this day would come", Holbrooke explained. "Not counting the one who revealed to be the heir of a certain Valkyrie Armor that disappeared during Golden Magic Age, there are six who truly qualified for becoming potential inheritors of those Valkyrie Bracelets with Miss Kagari, Miss Yanson, and Miss Manbavaran just among them."

"Knowing Akko, she will eagerly accept her calling. The problem is whether she ready to fight like her life depended on it", Ursula commented.

"I understand what you mean, Professor Callistis. A Valkyrie's life has always been a high-risk occupation hence we can't help but uncertain whether Miss Kagari is capable enough to handle it as with the quest to revive Yggdrasil. The same goes to Miss Yanson and Miss Manbavaran", Holbrooke nodded, before asking Asger, "I presumed your objection is not out of concern over their well-being considering they also barely of age. Is that right, Thane Asger?"

"Absolutely", Asger replied coldly. "Meddling kids like those three can never comprehend the importance of one's role as a protector. Even if they able to prove themselves like they did when reviving Yggdrasil and honor German the Heart's memories at the same time, I don't think I'm ever going to like them, especially Miss Kagari."

"We have a very different idea of what being a proper protector means, Thane Asger. And you have no jurisdiction in discouraging Miss Kagari and her friends from making their own decision. It's up to them whether they decide to take up their newfound roles", Alvilda stated, frowning.

Ursula had gotten the idea that Asger disliked Akko, Lotte, and Sucy the moment she introduced the three friends to him at her office moments earlier. While his fierce disapproval over the idea of them being among candidates of would-be-heirs of Kara, Geirskogul, and Skogul — three Valkyrie Bracelets that chose them — confirmed it, the fact that Asger resented her beloved student and fan, even with her role in Yggdrasil's revival, greatly disturbed the French professor. That didn't help by his disagreement with Valkyrie Corps. about the true meaning of a protector through his argument with Alvilda.

Fortunately, before the tension in the office could potentially escalate further, Harr decided to change topics, "Anyways, as much as we have limited options in determining true heirs of those Valkyrie Bracelets among six available candidates in this school, we shall figure that later considering the more pressing matter at hand."

Procuring a crystal ball from his backpack with one of his whip-like tails, Harr tapped it to project a wide, holographic three-dimensional map of Luna Nova for everyone to see. The map included its security system which consisted of barrier glyphs over the doors and some parts of the corridors for putting the entire building on lockdown if the situation called for it, traps for protecting the school's vital rooms and other chambers, and three small towers with tall, drill-like pointy roof — Sentinel Spires of Luna Nova — each situated on the north, southwest, and southeast of the main building.

"I have reviewed this school's security system based on everything Headmistress Holbrooke here kindly shared to our intel and concluded it to be remarkable thanks to latest improvements done here and there. But regrettably, it all not sufficiently effective to stave off well-equipped attack forces", Harr said as he expanded the map so everyone could focus on the western area where Akko stumbled upon German prior. "Sentinel statues that supposedly escorted our late comrade shortly after he entered this school's boundaries were overwhelmed by Farbjodar packs sent to seize Valkyrie Bracelets he carried, forcing him to fend for himself for the remainder of his trip, explaining both his injuries and why he was by himself when Miss Kagari found him in this area. To make matter worse, other statues that detected the threat were destroyed before they could reach him, most likely by the same band of Naglfar acolytes who brought those monstrosities with them. Despite Thane Asger's failure in saving our dear comrade as we know it, he nonetheless managed to force the invaders to retreat for a time being."

"Unbelievable! Those statues are superior models compared to ones Croix employed as part of New Moon Tower's security system in the previous year", Ursula muttered in disbelief, recalling on her experience with the former Modern Magic professor's sentinel statues back then.

"Were they Priest rank? Most magic users wouldn't tangle with one and live, let alone four", Diana wondered.

"There's no doubt. Which is why I believed Luna Nova needs more than it already has to mitigate potential collateral damages from future attacks", Harr concluded.

At that notion, a bright teal blue-haired witch barged into the office and cried, "You can't do that! Do you have any idea we just barely recovered financially?!"

"For heaven's sake, Professor Badcock. The headmistress is having an important meeting with our guests! Where are your manners?", the stern-looking brunette witch, Finnelan, berated behind her. They were followed by Nelson, another brunette witch whose long hair tied in large braids and teacher uniform adorned with biplane pilot gear which includes a parachute and aviator cap beneath her brimless witch hat.

"B-but... but... ", the bright teal blue-haired witch, Badcock, muttered, looking highly uncomfortable as she turned back and forth between her peers and Alvilda among everyone in the office.

"I said Luna Nova needs to further improve its security but, there's no need to worry about the cost since new additions we Sword of Laeradr shall kindly provide are free of charge... ", Harr reassured, much to Badcock's relief before he abruptly continued, " ...albeit under the condition where you allow us to build an outpost near the lake at the north of the school."

"O-Outpost?", Badcock stammered.

"Why we need to do that?", Finnelan asked apprehensively.

"Your distrust toward our guest and his generous offer is understandable considering the memory of the incident with Professor Croix is still fresh in our minds but, I'm afraid we don't have much choice this time around. Not after uneventful circumstances that befallen him and his companions during their long journey as well as a number of strange incidents which all over the news as of late, one of which took place in Sweden quite recently", Holbrooke explained somberly before browsing for her preferred news site in WitchNet via. her crystal ball and tapping it upon finding the headline she looking for, showing it to everyone through a large projected screen in the air:

**UPPSALA AUKTIONSKAMMARE RAIDED BY THE UNIDENTIFIED ARMED FORCES WHO LEFT A HAUNTING SYMBOL ON TOP OF THE BUILDING.**

Most of the news' page was taken up with the aerial photograph of a large red building partially ravaged by fire and thorny vines (?). The most unusual part of the picture however, was the purple fire on the rooftop shaped after a dart with arrowhead like tip which had circular cut at the center and leaf-shaped flights along the segmented shaft arranged in asymmetrical manner.

Chaos befell the auction of the treasures of Pre-Christian Scandinavia when it was attacked by a mysterious group of armed men with deer skull over fur hood concealing their faces. The raid has left 12 injured, 1 in critical condition. Reports have confirmed that they both used magic and successfully seized one of auctioned relics. Though their motive was unclear, their symbol was hauntingly burnt out on the building's rooftop.

"Is this for real?!", Nelson gasped.

"See that burning symbol? It's the Mark of Mistletoe, Naglfar's insignia. The cult left one behind at every place it attacked", Harr said with apparent bitterness in his voice. "I doubt any of you understand the terror it inspired... Just picture coming home and finding that mark at either the rooftop of your house or your lawn, and knowing what you're about to find inside..."

"Back when Naglfar was at its most powerful, the cult conducted a series of raids and sieges all over Thapoli and beyond to declare war against those who uphold the legacy of Nine Olde Witches — a conflict that became known as Thapoli-Naglfar War. The cult also attempted to eradicate Pomokai Holoholonas, Thane Harr and Thane Asger's kin and natives of Hoddmimi's Holt — an atrocity that forced them to join forces in order to fight back, founding a resistance movement which subsequently became their very own fighting force known as Sword of Laeradr", Alvilda explained. "Dozens, if not tens of Marks of Mistletoe defiled Hoddmimi's Holt during those dark times, resulting Naglfar's insignia became the painful reminder to their near-extinction."

"And it hasn't been seen for nearly two centuries", Ursula added quietly. "The war against Naglfar lasted for almost 100 years as the cult proved to be more than a match to the combined might of allied forces consisted of Warband of Thapoli, Sword of Laeradr, House of Cavendish, Valkyrie Corps., and Obsidian Dragons. After a long and arduous struggle, the alliance emerged victorious and forced remnants of Naglfar into hiding."

"Now it has returned. Though the loss of its Grand High Priest during the War saw the cult divided into smaller factions or rather, Temples, that fought one another for dominance for quite a while, that doesn't mean we can relax and wait for it to destroy itself. Harr's sources revealed that one particular Temple, Hall of Death Goddess, is working on subduing other Temples in order to unite them all under one banner once more in addition of raiding places that contain powerful relics with the attack at the auction house in Sweden being the most recent instance, showing that the cult is steadily recovering as we speak. It would be a matter of time before Naglfar ultimately attack our school considering Luna Nova is one of Nine Olde Witches' most prominent legacies."

"As your headmistress said, we must improve Luna Nova's defenses further in case of such scenario, more so with those Hall of Death Goddess' priests discovered the academy being well well-defended while ambushing me and my Sword of Laeradr escorts at its borders", Alvilda stated grimly.

Nelson, Finnelan, and Badcock's eyes widen in shock. They may not fully understand the affair between Headmistress Holbrooke, Ursula, Diana, and their three guests, but the news of Naglfar's resurgence and the prospect of it about to attack Luna Nova unsettled them greatly. Much of the academy was burnt to the ground by witch hunters at the height of witch hunts — 1800s — hence the reason Jennifer the Witch and her colleagues rebuilt it at its current location as per Woodward's instruction to begin with. Being constructed in the alternate dimension means the rebuilt Luna Nova doubled as sort of sanctuary for young witches as they learn the art of magic all while remained out of the reach of witch hunters who sought to persecute them throughout such dark times. For a good measure, Jennifer and her cohorts devised the school's very security system to protect it from threats.

Now that they learned its current defenses proved not enough to repel the cult who responsible for Thapoli-Naglfar War, the three teachers were understandably worried.

Everyone glanced at Finnelan in anticipation knowing that she was the most critical when it comes about changing aspects of Luna Nova even at slightest. As much as she wanted to object Harr's proposal, the strict professor knew better than risking the school's safety, being familiar about the cult from both reputation and Luna Nova's history lessons beforehand.

With a somewhat reluctant sigh, she asked, "What do we do first then?"

=ᚢᛁᛐᛍᚼᛂᛌ ᚮᚠ ᛘᛁᛑᚵᛆᚱᛑ=

"I knew I'd seen the symbol on that chest before. I stumbled upon it a few weeks ago while having some light reading."

At Luna Nova Library, Sucy came up with a huge book and dropped it onto the table, startling Akko and Lotte. Shortly after leaving Ursula's office, the three friends decided to look for more information pertaining everything they just learned from Ursula and Asger earlier. They had no luck in their search at the beginning until Sucy returned with aforementioned book from one of the library's older sections.

"This is light?", Akko raised an eyebrow, finding it unusual to see Sucy reading a book that seemingly had little to do with mushrooms and poisons.

Giving her favorite guinea pig and (admittedly) best friend an annoyed glare, Sucy skimmed through the pages until she found the one with the rendition of a familiar banner and a group of witches clad in suits of armor with wing-like ornaments on the sides of their greaves and witch hats. "See that banner? It looked just like the one on the deer's chest", she pointed at the picture. "Those enchanted Bracelets are indeed properties of Valkyrie Corps. as Professor Ursula said."

Sucy pushed the book to Akko and Lotte so they could read it closely:

***The legendary coven Valkyrie Corps. traced its history back to sometime between Post-Great Age of Magic Era and Middle Ages. Its founder, Ingrid the Witch-Blacksmith of Thapoli, utilized the newly discovered Solais Metal to forge magnificent suits of armor called Valkyrie Armors for her coven to wear while fighting to protect their people and in greater extent, entire Midgard and beyond from threats which cannot be dealt with magic alone.***

***An intriguing legend that both surrounded its foundation and explained why Ingrid both named and themed the coven after Valkyrie Spirits, the collective host of warrior-women who died honorable death and lesser goddesses from Norse Mythology who decide which fallen warriors will join Odin in Valhalla, was her fateful encounter with one of such beings. It was this particular Valkyrie Spirit who inspired Ingrid through her encouragement and own past as the Allfather's former chooser of the slain that she finally succeeded in developing first five Valkyrie Armors; Geirdriful, Kara, Geirskogul, Skogul, and Eir. The sole substantial evidence of such legend was a massive round shield filled with limitless ancient magic power kept by the coven to the day in its sanctuary Skjaldarhall, a mead hall built at the center of the plains that would become Mimirsbrunn Camp.***

"It goes on from there to talk about Valkyrie Corps.' history starting from the day Ingrid decreed it to be an independent coven in order to carry out its noble goal to protect innocent lives throughout Midgard and beyond regardless of who they are at its fullest sometime after its foundation. She worried that political conflicts and corruption in magic government, even in the coven's home nation Thapoli, would stray it from its original purpose or worse, tear it apart outright.", Sucy added once Akko and Lotte finished reading. "Since then, Valkyrie Corps. became the impartial arbiter of honor and stalwart defender of its people — *our* people."

"Anything else?", Lotte asked.

"The coven fought in various conflicts which earned it recognition from magic community in Midgard, most notably stopping an uprising at Thapoli instigated by a bunch of radical pure-blood elitists and joining the alliance against Naglfar during Thapoli-Naglfar War", Sucy replied. "Every information about Valkyrie Corps. in this book was shared for historical purpose and written by trusted associates of high-ranking members of the coven. Not as much as we hoped but, it's better than nothing."

"Impartial arbiter of honor and stalwart defender, huh? No wonder Valkyrie Corps. reminds me to Lionheart House in Hereweald Potter series. You know, Croton House that values bravery and famous for training stalwart heroes among mage-knights including The Second Coming of Knight of Hope himself?", Akko commented.

"The same Croton House that unfortunate to be perceived as senseless glory hounds by its rival Sly Serpents and received favoritism for the same reason?", Sucy guessed.

"That's unfortunately true. Speaking about Hereweald Potter series, I find its TV series adaptation worth watching for being more faithful with book series it based on. Let me show you one of its popular WitchTube videos", Akko procured her magitronic smartphone from her vest's inner pocket and began browsing for the video in question.

"Its movies are enjoyable if you put aside their plot holes and creative differences between their directors and book series' author and astute fans, you know?", Sucy argued.

After tapping few more functions so her smartphone displayed the WitchTube video she looked for so her smartphone displayed it in a floating screen for her and her friends to watch it closely via. a mini-projector beside its front camera — an extra function Constanze added when she modified it so it could access WitchNet in the same vein with crystal balls and magitronic tablets — and toning down its volume in order to not disturb other students nearby yet audible enough for the three friends to hear it, Akko tapped 'Play' button. The video started with the titular protagonist of Hereweald Potter series, a nerdy boy with a lightning bolt scar on his head, being led by a female artificer and a huge bearded man to an ornate staff embedded into a large chunk of concrete, leaving behind a pile of nearby staves that apparently proved unsuitable for him. The artificer, Tasha, gave an encouraging nod to Hereweald who then cautiously approached the staff and began to pull it with all his might. To his pleasant surprise, the concrete chunk crumbled in a flash of electric golden light as soon as the staff budge slightly.

This was just the beginning of the miracle that cemented his status as someone beyond just The Boy Who Survived; as Hereweald raised the staff aloft, a shower of red and gold sparks shot from both ends like fireworks, momentarily throwing dancing spots of light on to the walls before coalescing about him into a stag-themed, black and gold suit of armor with reddish accents, much to the awe of the huge bearded man who then kneeled before him and Tasha's curiosity. Humorously, the newly materialized suit of armor was initially too large for the boy until it magically shrunk down to properly fit his small stature.

"This is absolutely one of my favorite part of Hereweald Potter series. Glad that they did it right this time", Sucy commented.

"Agreed. One more reason Hereweald Potter being my second favorite series behind Night Fall", Lotte added.

Akko glanced at Red Valkyrie Bracelet beneath her left sleeve, then the still-playing Hereweald Potter's first suit up scene in WitchTube. Despite her uncertainty over things she would likely face and her capability to handle them all, the Japanese witch-in-training couldn't deny her excitement over the prospect of joining Valkyrie Corps.. It's not every day you were given the chance to be part of a coven of witch-warriors, one who fights to protect the innocent like Croton Academy of Wizardry and Knighthood's mage-knights in Hereweald Potter series no less.

Speaking of Valkyrie Corps., Akko couldn't help but wonder about Ursula and Diana's curious involvement in the coven's search for new bearers of Valkyrie Bracelets which chose her, Lotte, and Sucy as much as Asger and German. The former even appeared to know about it more than she let on. Could they secretly part of the legendary coven all along? The Japanese witch-in-training could only hope that she, Lotte, and Sucy receive their answers as soon as possible.

=ᚢᛁᛐᛍᚼᛂᛌ ᚮᚠ ᛘᛁᛑᚵᛆᚱᛑ=

House of Cavendish was a long line of aristocrats established by one of the Nine Old Witches, Beatrix. The family's lineage was so old that it could be traced all the way back to the dawn of the sixth century. Its rich history, coupled with expertise in Healing Magic, made this family highly respected in the magic community of Midgard.

Befitting to the family's motto, 'Affection', House of Cavendish held an important role during the time of conflicts in the past. From the Middle Ages to the last war, the family's best magic users assumed the role of healers who used their magic to heal people regardless of whether they were allies or enemies, a practice they conducted in secret because of those who disagreed with them. Even if they had to pick a side — a scenario which admittedly uncommon, but not unheard of — it's rare to see magic users of House of Cavendish resorted to use lethal force against their foes if they could help it. Diana was no stranger to the latter fact, being aware of a certain secret known to trustworthy few among members of Cavendish household.

Pulling out a small wooden box beneath her bed in the suite she shared with Hannah and Barbara, the heiress waved her wand over it to dispel its protective enchantments so she could open it safely, resulting a hidden glyph on its lid to glow momentarily. Inside it were a black thick disc-like device with emerald crystal at the center, a left mechanical eye-like earring, a book, two spools of metallic ribbon, empty potion vials, rectangular rocks each carved with an Elder Futhark rune, and two sliding knife-like wand accessories.

Diana sighed as she lifted her left sleeve, revealing a Valkyrie Bracelet on her wrist identical to ones in red team's possession albeit primarily light blue in color. House of Cavendish was among earliest known magical families that affiliated with Valkyrie Corps. through its champion Eir the Ice Sword Valkyrie. The title and armor of Eir had been passed down through generations of the family with Diana being its latest inheritor, having won the right through her noble decision in sparing Daryl, Maril and Merrill from the calamity which befell them for attempting to stop her from becoming the new head of their family in the previous year. The heiress had prepared herself to take up such role from the young age and even subsequently went on a couple of missions, learning ups and downs of one's double life as a protector in the process.

In the eyes of Valkyrie Corps., it mattered not whether one hailed from upper-class families or commoners, let alone magical or mundane bloodlines; possessing a strong desire to protect the others was essential to become a true Valkyrie. Diana understood it very well, being no stranger to the fact that some of her fellow Valkyries started off as nobodies — something which would surely apply to Akko if she decided to accept her calling. As noted by Ursula and Holbrooke during their meeting earlier and proven by her own experience however, not everyone could handle the kind of responsibility Valkyries had.

Closing her eyes, the heiress prepared herself and placed the black medal against her sternum before pressing its orb. Glowing emerald strands manifested from the medal and enveloped her, resulting Luna Nova uniform she wore to disappear or rather, assimilated by them as said strands weaved into a black and grey outfit in its place in a flash of bright green magic. Replacing her Luna Nova-issued socks and shoes were tight long stockings, leather boots, and knee caps. The rest of her materialized apparel consisted of a fur mantle over her back secured by a strap on which the medal sat, a short-sleeved coat with stitched-in shoulder pads that had two glowing lines of them worn over what appeared to be sleeveless turtleneck tunic, wide tube sleeves on her arms, and a belt with a satchel bag and a buckle that bore an insignia in form of a blue circular symbol with golden outline and matching four-pointed star within.

Diana took out everything she needed inside the box until her hands reached the knife-like wand accessories; one being grey, black, and white in color while another sapphire with two shades of blue. She took out the latter one and attached it to her wand, extending the blade within and causing its edge to glow in electric blue. A similar glow could be seen on its seven rings on each side of the wand accessory lined up in a pattern resembling Big Dipper, reminding her to Claiomh Solais.

Considering to bring the sapphire one only at first, Diana eventually decided to bring both knife-like wand accessories, having a gut feeling that someone would need another in case of worst-case scenario.

=ᚢᛁᛐᛍᚼᛂᛌ ᚮᚠ ᛘᛁᛑᚵᛆᚱᛑ=

"You're a bit late. What was keeping you?"

"I was just ensuring that I made more than sufficient preparations for every worst-case scenario, Mr. Castellanos."

Night has fallen by the time Diana descended with her magic broom in front of Southwest Sentinel Spire, one of Luna Nova's three Sentinel Spires. Sentinel Spires themselves were towers specifically built to contain namesake enchanted statues which would animate and dispatch any intruders who get too close to either their designated Spire or areas under their protection — only those with Sentinel Spire Pass, enchanted kite shield-shaped emblem linked to its designated Spire(s), who could approach one without being perceived as the threat. The statues could also be instructed to perform other tasks such as escorting important guests. Following the academy's restoration and subsequent reopening at the dawn of Golden Magic Age by Jennifer the Witch under Woodward's guidance, she commissioned the academy's very own three Sentinel Spires to protect it from threats, a purpose they carried out to the day.

The heiress was expected by Mr. Castellanos, Luna Nova's minotaur custodian who waited for her near the Spire's entrance with a wooden box on his side. Finding it unusual to see her not in her Luna Nova uniform at first, he soon understood the reason behind it upon noticing the symbol on her belt buckle that he commented, "The legend about one of Valkyries being the champion of House of Cavendish is genuine, I see."

"There are times when my family must pick a side during conflicts where the war against Naglfar being among them. But we only fight to save lives instead of destroying the enemy, something we and Valkyries share in common", Diana stated firmly.

"Well, that's true", Mr. Castellanos nodded as they entered the Spire. "I'm surprised the headmistress accepted Sword of Laeradr's offer to further improve Luna Nova's security since we're going to face Naglfar threat this year but, can that organization be trusted?"

"You don't seem to happy about it", Diana commented.

"I'm never fond of Sword of Laeradr because of controversies surrounding its founders and champions, Wrath of Thor", Mr. Castellanos explained uneasily while glancing at the box. On its lid was Sword of Laeradr's green banner that had two gray lines flanking a symbol in form of black and grey sword with dark-colored roots growing from the blade. "I bet headmistress felt the same way even if she didn't show it. Still, when you're dealing with some formidable cult such as Naglfar, you sometimes have to join forces with those you'd rather avoid, especially if your unlikely allies have more experience with our common adversary. If Sword of Laeradr's assistance proved beneficial for us all, I won't say a word against it."

"Let us hope", Diana agreed.

The interior of the Southwest Sentinel Spire was spacious with at least dozens of inert sentinel statues modeled after knights in Late Middle Ages-era European plate armor each armed with shield paired with either sword or mace encircling the room in a large swirl. Many of them had glowing cracks of varying sizes which were slowly closing. At the center of the room was a rectangular brick pedestal holding a large crystal ball that shone bright green light.

The pedestal was protected by a seemingly impregnable dome-shaped barrier of shimmering emerald magic. When the heiress and the minotaur approached it however, the barrier reacted upon the presence of Mr. Castellanos' Sentinel Spire Pass on his uniform that suddenly glow in the same color, opening a gap for the two to enter. The gap instantly closed once they were inside the barrier.

"Can't believe rogue magic users who ambushed our guests managed to inflict so much damage...", Mr. Castellanos grimaced at the sight of still-regenerating sentinel statues around them. "At least these statues managed to force them into retreating."

"That, or our enemies actually regrouped upon confirming Luna Nova to be well-defended. Either way, the sooner we get this done, the better", Diana argued before rubbing her left earring, which was actually some sort of communication device similar to mundanes' walkie-talkie. "Headmistress Holbrooke, we have passed through the control crystal's barrier."

"Good", Holbrooke nodded through the earring. "Place your hand on the control crystal and say this password firmly: Broken Cauldron."

Diana did as the headmistress instructed while Mr. Castellanos raised an eyebrow upon finding such password familiar somehow, but chose to let it slide and remain on guard. A shimmering light washed over the side of the pedestal facing the heiress afterwards. "Alright, what do I do next?"

"Follow the sequence in the scroll I gave to you, then replace the spellstone inside the pedestal with the one Thane Harr provided to Mr. Castellanos", Holbrooke continued, prompting Diana to procure the scroll in question from her belt pouch to take a look at it before glancing back at the pedestal.

"Three up... two across... ", she muttered while carefully tapping on the bricks of the pedestal's glowing side with her wand as per the scroll's instructions.

The wall parted to reveal a hidden slot containing a disc-shaped emerald spellstone with Luna Nova's insignia carved on its surface inside. As Diana carefully removed it from the pedestal, Mr. Castellanos pried the box he carried open, revealing a similar spellstone within albeit with plant motif around its edge. The minotaur then passed the new spellstone to Diana, who then inserted it into the pedestal's slot.

Both Diana and Mr. Castellanos took a few steps back as the hole on the brick pedestal shrunk instantly. With the new spellstone installed, every sentinel statue linked to it attained similar plant motif. The same spellstone also hastened the statues' restoration as they have become as good as new in matter of seconds.

"Headmistress Holbrooke, we have installed the new spellstone as instructed and it worked as it intended to be. How are the progress of Professor Nelson and Professor Callistis with their Spires?", Diana reported to the headmistress through her earring.

"Good. They have replaced theirs' spellstone without much difficulties like you did", Holbrooke nodded before warned, "However, you must stay alert. There's a chance the enemy already entered the school's boundaries at this point."

"Understood. We will meet you and the rest at your office as soon as possible", Diana nodded back before signing off.

"You know, maybe we should talk with the headmistress about this Spire's password because the current one sounds awfully like the name of a certain dingy little bar that actually a secret entrance to a street of magic shops from Hereweald Potter series", Mr. Castellanos suggested as they exited the Southwest Sentinel Spire.

"Was it?", Diana raised an eyebrow.

The heiress and the minotaur were just few steps away from the Southwest Sentinel Spire when its control crystal suddenly flashed in red and let out a loud shrill. They turned around in time to see the barrier around the pedestal became crystalline in appearance followed by sentinel statues in the room leaped down from their respective spot and marched past the alarmed duo to the outside, all while brandishing their weapons.

"What's happening?", Diana wondered.

A sudden movement caught the attention of one of the statues who then slammed his enchanted sword to the ground, conjuring a trail of barbed vines that traveled toward nearby trees. To Diana and Mr. Castellanos' astonishment, the attack scrambled a pack of Farbjodar who revealed to be hiding there. Few of them were unfortunate to be caught by vines and subsequently finished off by other sentinel statues' swords or arrows.

"They're here!", Diana exclaimed before pulling out her sapphire knife-like wand accessory from her belt pouch and wasted no time attaching it to her wand. On her hand, the combined magical instrument broke down into tiny pieces connected by threads of green light and reassembled into a pair of short swords connected at the pommel.

"Never thought I'm gonna use this", Mr. Castellanos muttered before quickly wearing a blue and white metallic gauntlet he pulled out from his utility pouch around his right arm. The minotaur then fastened the gauntlet, activating it and causing two sharp blades — each on its side — to extend followed by gray fabric and small metal plates wrapping around his fingers.

Surrounded by a number of emerging insectoid beasts who ignored the attacking sentinel statues, Diana and Mr. Castellanos stood together, backs facing each other as they assumed a fighting stance. Glancing at the minotaur's gauntlet, the heiress asked, "You know how to use that, don't you?"

"Of course. I trained with this whenever I could during my free time", Mr. Castellanos replied proudly.

When one of attacking Farbjodar spat globules of blue volatile saliva at him, the minotaur simply raised his gauntlet to block incoming assault. The projectiles detonated upon impact, though much of resulted blasts got absorbed by it to the point of barely scratched both the gauntlet and its wearer.

"My turn!", Mr. Castellanos exclaimed before slamming his energized gauntlet to the ground, sending in a trail of glowing fissures that repelled some of his attackers and scattered the rest.

"*Terya Sufie!*", Diana exclaimed, conjuring an arrow made of ice with her twinblade before notching it on her weapon as if it was a bow. Pulling it with all her might, she let the arrow loose upon one of flying Farbjodar, hitting the insectoid beast's thorax and causing its frozen form to fall to the ground below.

A jaw-dropping fight that mixed magic and martial arts ensued when one of attacking Farbjodar moved too close to the heiress' comfort from behind, prompting her to deliver devastating tornado kicks which ruptured its side mandible in reflex before finishing it off with two spinning slashes of her Water Magic-infused twinblade that cleft through its carapace and back apparatus. Noticing the approaching three Farbjodar, Diana twirled her twinblade like a propeller vane at their direction and recited, "*Urhurijit Seytana!*", generating a conical stream of cold air that slow and froze them on their tracks, allowing her to soundly finish them off by spearing her enchanted weapon through the same spot one by one, resulting the insectoid beasts to fell to the ground electrocuted by their own malfunctioning harness to the death if her mortal blow didn't kill them first.

Impressed to see how Luna Nova's top student able to easily dispatch their enemies in close-quarter combat without breaking a sweat and noticing that she aimed at insectoid beasts' weak spot, Mr. Castellanos decided to follow her example. The Farbjodar might be able to outpace Luna Nova's minotaur custodian but, they were not durable enough to withstand his brute force. Holding one of unfortunate insectoid beasts by its centipede-like abdomen, he swung it around like a flail against its packmates, knocking them off the air one by one before finishing the downed Farbjodar off by stomping at their armored thorax.

It didn't take long for the duo and sentinel statues to defeat Farbjodar pack. By the time Diana cut down the last of the attackers, her left earring suddenly rang, prompting her to answer it. "Miss Cavendish, the Southwest Sentinel Spire's alarm went off. What's going on?"

"The Naglfar acolytes have returned and dispatched their Farbjodar pack against us!", Diana explained grimly to the headmistress. "We managed to vanquish these beasts thanks to the assistance of the Spire's improved sentinels but, we must warn the others as soon as possible. I feared we will deal the acolytes themselves much sooner."

"You are absolutely right, Cavendish."

Alarmed, Diana and Mr. Castellanos looked up at the top of a nearby pine tree, and saw two ominous figures looming over them with murderous intent...

=ᚢᛁᛐᛍᚼᛂᛌ ᚮᚠ ᛘᛁᛑᚵᛆᚱᛑ=

**Author's Note: I know you've seen this story before not too long ago, and that's because you have. I originally posted the Book 1 of *Little Witch Academia: Witches of Midgard* series under the working title of *The Twin Daughters* in November 6, 2018 and subsequently renamed it to its current title as of January 24, 2019. However, I reluctantly removed it in November 19, 2019 upon realizing I have yet to completely polish down certain elements of its lore and characters. Luckily, I received some input from KatTheIndigoWolf and aztecgoth in addition of extensive research on Norse Mythology in such endeavor.**

**I hope you support me in the coming days and all comments and feedbacks are greatly appreciated!**

**Chapter Updates**:

* **Minor revisions as per TextileTown's input.**
* **Hereweald Potter (the fic's in-universe fictional character)'s monikers, "Avatar of He Who Bestows Magic" and "The Boy Who Survived False Patron's Wrath", has been changed into "The Second Coming of Knight of Hope" and "The Boy Who Survived" respectively.**
* **Minor editing to clarify that Luna Nova being located in an alternate dimension as proposed by Yoshinari and his fellow animators in the booklet that came with the first film's Blu-ray release. (Minor revision as of November 8, 2022)**
* **Revamping the properties of new spellstones Sword of Laeradr provided to Luna Nova for its Sentinel Spires where they now endow their sentinel statues the ability to perform limited nature-based magic instead of runic elements as per the author's better understanding on Rune Magic. (October 2, 2023)**