After the intense war, Mars appeared much quieter compared to Earth. Rai decided to put Angel on standby for the time being. Instead, he transformed into Valkyrie—the khodam linked to Jupiter.
Given Jupiter's extremely hazardous atmosphere, Earth's conventional weapons would be useless there. Rai had no choice but to rely on Valkyrie's body to increase synchronization. Since Jupiter is visible from Earth, Valkyrie studied it through books and Vanguard's astronomical observations.
Jupiter, the giant gas planet, looms over the Solar System with a size that dwarfs Earth—its volume being approximately 1,300 times greater. Exploring this massive world requires understanding its complex atmospheric structure, divided into three primary layers:
1. The Outer Atmosphere (Troposphere and Stratosphere):
Composed mainly of molecular hydrogen (H₂) and helium (He), with swirling ammonia clouds forming signature stripes.
The iconic Great Red Spot, a colossal storm raging for centuries, dominates the landscape.
Temperatures range from -145°C to -100°C, with pressure far exceeding Earth's.
2. The Metallic Hydrogen Mantle (Middle Layer):
Due to immense pressure, hydrogen molecules compress into a metallic, liquid form, conducting electricity like a superconductor.
This layer generates Jupiter's immense magnetic field, about 20,000 times stronger than Earth's.
Temperatures soar to around 10,000°C, with gravitational forces that could crush conventional spacecraft.
3. The Core: A Molten Heart of Mystery (Inner Layer):
Likely composed of iron, silicates, and possibly ice, surrounded by a dense mixture of metallic elements.
Temperatures spike up to 24,000°C, hotter than the surface of the Sun.
Despite having only a 1% synchronization rate, Valkyrie had already acquired two essential skills: Thunder Spear and Plasma Wings. These abilities proved useful even at their current level.
Influenced by his parents' habits, Rai used Valkyrie's body to take a bath. As he adjusted to the new form, he couldn't help but notice every detail—after all, he was now using Valkyrie's elegant and powerful female body.
In the bathroom, Valkyrie's long, silvery hair cascaded down her back as Rai let the warm water flow over the muscular yet graceful form. Her toned arms and legs reflected her combat prowess, while the faint glow of plasma occasionally flickered around her shoulders.
Rai deactivated the Thunder Spear and Plasma Wings, making the body look like that of an ordinary warrior woman. As he glanced at his reflection in the mirror, Rai couldn't help but marvel at the beauty and strength of the form he now inhabited. The defined muscles and imposing presence made him feel both empowered and slightly self-conscious.
Taking a deep breath, he examined his new features more closely—brilliant silver eyes, flawless skin, and an aura of confidence that seemed innate to Valkyrie's nature.
After finishing the bath, Rai wrapped a towel around Valkyrie's body and dried the long hair, noticing how surprisingly heavy it felt when wet. He couldn't help but think, Having long hair isn't as easy as it looks.
Feeling refreshed, Rai stretched Valkyrie's limbs, testing the flexibility and strength once more before preparing for the next phase of the mission.
After finishing the bath, Valkyrie carefully placed her armor in the wardrobe. She knew that the armor would only be necessary when exploring Jupiter.
Seeing the beautiful Valkyrie made Rai want to try wearing normal clothes, hoping it might improve synchronization.
Thinking ahead, Valkyrie sneaked into her mother's room. Fortunately, there were some old clothes that fit her new form—especially sportswear. She found a blue sports bra and matching athletic shorts that suited Valkyrie's physique.
After putting them on, Valkyrie felt surprisingly comfortable. The tight, flexible fabric hugged her well-defined body, allowing for easy movement. Curious about the body's flexibility, she returned to the living room and switched on a yoga program on the screen.
Trying to practice yoga, hoping to improve the synchronization with the Valkyrie spirit
Following the instructor's movements, Valkyrie started practicing yoga. The experience felt unexpectedly calming. As she stretched and balanced, she discovered that Valkyrie's body was impressively flexible and agile, far more than her original form.
Focusing on her breathing, Valkyrie moved from one pose to another, enjoying the sensation of the body's graceful flow. Despite the unusual situation, Rai couldn't help but feel a sense of tranquility during the practice, realizing that even a powerful warrior like Valkyrie could appreciate the peace that yoga offered.
After reaching 5% synchronization, Valkyrie acquired a new skill:
Tempest Barrier
Summons a rotating shield of electric wind around her, reducing incoming physical and energy attacks.
The effort was worth it. After going through daily routines—some of which were quite embarrassing—the synchronization finally reached 5%, granting Valkyrie a new ability.
"It's time to head to Jupiter and start the adventure," Valkyrie thought.
She put on her armor once again—the special armor that she obtained when awakening the khodam. The armor naturally adapted to the conditions of the connected planet, making it suitable for Jupiter's harsh environment. Unless Vanguard's technology managed to develop clothing or armor that could withstand Jupiter, Valkyrie had no choice but to wear the khodam's armor.
"Imagine," Valkyrie mused, "the second layer of Jupiter is even hotter than the Sun's surface."
For this expedition, Valkyrie planned to explore the first layer of Jupiter, which consisted of gas and constant lightning storms. The second layer, known as The Metallic Hydrogen Mantle, had an immensely strong pressure, while the third layer was speculated to be made of liquid iron.
Despite the challenges, Valkyrie felt prepared, knowing that her new ability would provide much-needed protection during the journey.
On her way to the Vanguard base, Valkyrie suddenly ran into Kenzo and Riko.
"Whoa! Where did this beautiful girl come from?" teased Kenzo with a playful grin.
Riko chimed in, "Wow, must be a new member, huh? Didn't expect someone this gorgeous around here."
Valkyrie sighed, feeling slightly annoyed.
"I'm... actually Rai."
Hearing that, both of them froze, their eyes widening in disbelief.
"WHAT! Rai! " Kenzo shouted, shocked.
Riko instantly blushed, his face turning bright red.
"Really? So you've already gotten your second spirit?" Kenzo asked with a hint of jealousy.
"But Rai's spirit seems to be a woman again. Are you sure your heart is that of a man and not... a girl?" Riko teased.
"Bastards! You know who I am. We've been friends for a long time!" Rai retorted angrily.
"Yeah, yeah. But have you ever fallen in love with a woman?" Kenzo whispered.
"Uh... I don't think so," Riko replied.
"You guys! I have liked a woman before!" Rai shouted.
"Huh? Who?" Kenzo asked curiously.
"I'm not telling you!" Rai said, then ran off.
Kenzo then chased after him. "Hey! If you're going to the Vanguard building, we're coming too!"