"Yes," the Two Rituals nodded. "I don't have a goal, nothing to do anyway."
Although she had felt somewhat at ease during this period, her heart remained empty. The only thing driving her now was her resolve to honor [Weaving].
"Then let's get out of here. The weather's good today—perfect for leaving the hospital."
Shen He wasn't surprised by her response. He tapped the exit button, and his figure dissolved into shimmering starlight.
When he removed his helmet and stood up, the Two Rituals, still lying on the bed, slowly sat up. He walked over and pulled the curtains aside, allowing the warm morning sunlight to spill into the room.
As he turned back, he noticed that she was gripping his helmet, tilting it left and right but unable to remove it.
Shen He chuckled at the sight and reached out to help.
But the next moment—
Crack!
The helmet shattered in her hands.
Her eyes glowed an entrancing shade of blue, but at their center, they were as deep as a black hole.
She stared blankly at the world around her. Every object—even her own body and palms—was covered in intricate, web-like fractures.
Though Shen He had explained the nature of the Mystic Eyes of Death Perception, witnessing it firsthand sent a shiver through her.
The fear in her heart was not of death itself, but the abyss that came with it.
"Are you okay?"
Shen He immediately noticed something was wrong.
He reached toward her in concern, but suddenly—
The Two Rituals grasped his hand tightly.
"No… it's not on you."
In her sight, the entire world was veiled in darkness, fragmented by death's intricate lines. Everything except Shen He.
"…I don't see death lines on you?" She whispered, confused.
Shen He gently squeezed her hands in reassurance. "Relax. You can turn this power off. And don't worry, a servant can't harm their master."
Of course, he could still be wounded or even die. But if there was any reason she couldn't perceive his death, it had to be the bond they now shared—a restriction placed upon the servant by their master.
After the initial disorientation, the Two Rituals took deep breaths and gradually regained composure. The overwhelming sensation of "death" faded from her vision.
She looked around. It was a simple room, bathed in sunlight. A young girl with delicate features and soft blonde hair stood at the bedside, her hair catching the morning glow.
"How do you feel now?" Shen He asked, waving a hand in front of her face. "Try moving around."
"Feel…?"
She stretched out her arm—Boom! The air exploded with force.
"This… doesn't feel like my body."
"That's because I've been strengthening you," Shen He explained with a grin. He extended his hand. "Then, let me officially welcome you back to the real world, [Shi]."
At this point, Shen He's circle of companions had grown to three.
Without much fanfare, he gathered Qimu Kusuo, Violet, and the Two Rituals for a small, simple celebration. Shen He took it upon himself to cook, preparing a table full of delicious food—Qimu's beloved coffee pudding, Violet's favorite strawberry cake, and of course, his own favorite: hot pot.
"Wow, isn't the best part of life just having a good meal?" Shen He sighed blissfully, staring at the lamb simmering in the broth. He turned to the Two Rituals and asked, "Just say the word—what do you want to eat? You're the star today."
"I don't like spicy food."
In front of her, the bubbling broth suddenly turned red.
"…Should've made a dual-flavor pot." Shen He sighed in exasperation. "Good thing I came prepared." He dashed into the kitchen and returned with a pot of golden chicken broth. "Ta-da! This is my masterpiece. I once won over several foodies with just my chicken soup."
He added large chunks of potatoes and carrots, letting them soften and absorb the rich broth. The thought of that melt-in-your-mouth goodness made his stomach rumble.
The Two Rituals stared at the bowl he placed before her.
She finally understood the difference between him and the boy in her memories.
She wasn't good at handling people like him.
But… she took a small sip from the spoon. It's delicious…
"Didn't you say there was something that required my power?"
Feeling uneasy about simply receiving care without contributing, she brought up the reason for her involvement.
"Yeah, we're heading to Mexico tomorrow. Just the four of us," Shen He said, chewing a piece of lamb. "Our potential enemy is an automated war machine called the Destroyer—or maybe even a 'god.'"
He spoke nonchalantly, as if it were just another mission.
"But even if we do nothing, things should still resolve on their own. That said, my real goal is to gain enough power to meddle in the affairs of Odin, the King of the Gods."
To prevent Asgard's destruction—that was Shen He's true objective.
Asgard was far beyond Earth in both strength and technology. A civilization of warriors, wielding ancient magic and advanced technology, standing as one of the most powerful forces in the universe.
Yet, that grand civilization was ultimately destroyed by its own royal conflicts. It was a tragedy Shen He had no intention of watching unfold.
If he wanted to change Asgard's future, he had to start with its troubled king—Odin.
"With that goal, you'd better focus on strengthening me."
Qimu Kusuo's voice echoed telepathically.
"You're going to be facing some powerful enemies."
"You can strengthen me first," the Two Rituals interjected, setting down her spoon. Her voice was cold, unwavering. "Even if it's a god, I'll kill it for you."
"Master…"
Violet tugged at Shen He's sleeve, her violet eyes filled with silent plea.
It was obvious—she, too, wanted to be trained.
And so, the legendary battle for their master's attention began.
Shen He laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I'll train all of you properly. But for now—let's eat first."
…
Puente Antiguo, New Mexico.
The Thor storyline was simple—Thor, a reckless prince, reignited an ancient war, leading Odin to strip him of his powers and exile him to Earth. Through hardship, he would learn what it meant to be a true hero.
This was precisely why Shen He had waited to come here.
He had no interest in meeting a Thor who was nothing but a battle-crazed fool.
When the four of them arrived in the small desert town, three days had already passed since Thor's exile.
By now, he had received devastating news from Loki—that Odin, their father, had died. Grief-stricken and consumed by guilt, Thor had accepted his exile, resigning himself to a mundane life.
And so, he sought comfort in a new love interest…
"…This is exile?"
Shen He could hardly believe his eyes.
Not far ahead, outside an RV, a burly blond man and his new girlfriend sat side by side, grilling meat.
The way they gazed into each other's eyes… the soft smiles, the gentle laughter—
It was sickeningly sweet.
The smell of dog food filled the air.