Chapter 1703: A Talk Between Ancient Titan Siblings

When I saw Soul Gear, I thought of it as an incredible creation, something convenient that could reinforce someone's soul to completely new levels. However, I never thought deeply about its history, and what it truly meant for the Titans. As Skadi spoke, I finally learned that it was a gift from their father Ymir, the Primordial Titan.

"The Soul Gear is the Legacy of our family, our father was its creator, Lord Ymir tore apart the skin and scales of Nidhogg and Jormungandr and created armor for his children's souls. Nobody else has been able to do the same ever since! It was his way to strengthen our weak souls compared to our strong bodies. With Soul Gear, we Titans become complete!"

"I understand that very well, Skadi," Surtr said. "And I know how much you loved father amongst all of his children. To you, the Soul Gear is not just equipment for our souls, but it is also a gift from Ymir, isn't it? A last gift that he left for all of us."

"Then... if you understand, stop getting in my way!" Skadi cried.

"But Skadi... You must also understand something," Surtr said with fiery eyes. "Despite how much you deny it... We are all dead. You are dead, I am dead... Everyone here is dead except Drake. There is barely less than ten Titans remaining in the world, compared to the hundreds of Dragons."

"That doesn't mean anything!" Skadi roared.

"It does..." Surtr sighed. "Skadi, please, just get over it! We're dead! All of us died... We are nothing but Souls now, and as you said, it was our bodies that were strong. Do you expect us to ever find a way to bring back the Titans? It's over. And what do you think once the last remaining ones die? Who do you think the Soul Gear will go to?"

"To nobody, it is... our father's gift, it should die with us!" she said.

"Do you truly believe this is what father would want?" Surtr crossed his arms.

"T-That's..." Skadi muttered, remaining in silence.

"Father wasn't someone that only cared about Titans, father was someone that cared about the entire world of Yggdrasil. He was their protector alongside Tiamat. Both loved every single living being, from giants, to humans, to dwarves, to elves... every living being that the world created," said Surtr.

"Father... yes, he loved everyone and everything..." Skadi sighed, as a tear fell from her eyes. "I miss him..."

"I do too," Surtr sighed. "Since his death that we've never heard his words again. Even Tiamat upon dying remained semi-conscious, and her direct children can still speak to her occasionally... but father, he never woke up."

"It's because of what those bastard Gods brought upon this world..." Skadi muttered with anger. "Father... he took the most damage of all, he sacrificed himself to protect the world he loved so much, and everyone...

"See?" Surtr said. "Do you think that man would be upset if we shared Soul Gear with the mortals he loved so dearly? Do you think he would try to kill someone because they tried to share this power to their loved ones?"

"...No," Skadi sighed, looking down.

The two Titans seemed to have finally calmed down, especially Skadi.

I never thought that Surtr, who looked like a battle-loving warrior was actually such a good brother.

"Although Soul Gear is our legacy... Our Era has long ago ended," Surtr said. "The giants, the humans, the dwarves, the elves, the beast-kin, and the majin... This is their Era now. If you want the Legacy of Father to remain alive within the hearts of mortals, you must let them use this power."

"I still don't like it..." Skadi sighed. "It just didn't feel right to me. I suppose... If Drake managed to truly make it so even non-titans could use it... That means the Soul Gear was never our unique ability to begin with. It was a gift from father... and I suppose we should gift it back to those that remain alive. Those that cans till make a change in this world."

Surtr nodded in silence, as Skadi directed her eyes at me, and walked towards me again.

She was still furious but seemed to have understood things a bit more.

"Dragon King Drake, the grudge I have against you hasn't gone anywhere, and don't forget you owe me a lot," she said. "However... as my brother said, my father wouldn't want me to act this way. He would have even cherished this moment, and congratulated you... He was that type of man. Someone that would go out of his way to sacrifice his eternal, all-powerful existence just for the life of a few mortals. Because he loved all life."

"I'm sorry..." I sighed.

"Don't be sorry," she said. "I have to admit it, you did great. I never thought someone could ever figure out a way. How did you do it?!"

"I imbued the essence of a titan soul inside a ring," I said. "I made the people wear the ring, and cultivated their souls until they reached a certain power, after that, based in their Soul Rank, they would be able to equip a certain amount of Soul Gear."

"Hah..." she looked at me with anger. "You little trickster... To think you had such a brilliant mind, despite being just a damn lizard- Ahem! Well, whatever the case. I suppose I won't withhold your Ice Titan Soul for now... And I say FOR NOW. But listen well, if you ever dare use the power of Soul Gear to hurt the innocent, or if Soul Gear ever falls into the wrong hands... Then I will come to personally chop down your soul into countless tiny pieces."

"Noted." I nodded, gulping some saliva. "Thank you... for trying to trust me, I will not disappoint you. And this time, I am being sincere."

"I can't believe you after you did that..." she sighed. "But at the same time... if you did it for your loved ones, then it is not that big of an offense. I will be watching you, Dragon King Drake. You and your family are unique in the world. Titans and Dragons into one. You are the future, I suppose. I am looking forward to this future you'll make."

"Thank you..." I said. "I will create a future that Ymir will be proud of."