Chapter 11 — The Trial of the Heart
Three days later.
There were rumors on the streets of Orario.
— "Loki's surname has gone below the possible..."
— "The Hulk has returned with a new mark on his body..."
—"He is no longer just a warrior. He's more than that..."
The rumors reached the Guild. And the gods.
It was impossible to remain silent.
⸻
The Great Gathering was organized in the Central Tower. Were present: Zeus, Odin, Hestia, Ganesha, Myth, even the silent Artemis. And, of course, Loki.
The Hulk stood in the center of the circle. Without armor. Without weapons. Only in a black shirt and with a shiny gold spiral in his chest — the mark of a Heart.
"You've touched something that's been hidden from us for millennia. — said One. — We need to know: are you a threat? Or an ally?
"I'm not looking for a war. Hulk's voice was deep. "I was made to fight. But now I choose. I am not a weapon.
"That's not an answer. Zeus stood up. "You have a power that even the gods fear. The Dungeon's heart is a mystery. It shouldn't belong to a mortal.
"It doesn't belong to me." I can hear him. But I'm not commanding. I am the bridge. Not the king.
— And yet, if you decide otherwise one day, who can stop you?
The Hulk lowered his head.
"Nobody." And this is my responsibility. That's why I came by myself.
⸻
Suddenly, a mage with a guild seal ran into the hall.
"Gentlemen! Dungeon... he's changed again.
All eyes are on him.
— There is a new entrance down on the 40th floor. Not marked. It leads to a floor where time does not flow. And where the pulse... matches the pulse of the Hulk.
Silence.
Zeus gripped his staff.
— It affects the Dungeon itself. This is no longer a coincidence. It's... a connection.
— So the Dungeon has chosen. Loki said, grinning. — And he chose the Hulk. We can either accept... or be afraid.
⸻
Some of the gods stood up.
"I vote for exile."
"And me." He's too strong.
"And me."
But Hestia stood up.
— I vote for hope. If the Darkness itself has chosen one, perhaps it is not for destruction, but for balance.
— I'm voting with Loki. He is not a slave. He's free.
— I vote for him. Artemis's silent voice sounded like an arrow ringing.
⸻
The majority voted for confidence. But the fears remained.
"You won't be under surveillance. But you will be responsible. From now on, you are the Guardian of the Heart. And the Guardian of the Depths.
The Hulk nodded.
"I won't forget." And if one day a threat comes from the very core... I'll go first.
⸻
At night, Loki approached him on the balcony.
"They're afraid of you.
"I'm afraid of myself sometimes, too. But now... less.
— Do you know what I think? Loki bowed her head. "You weren't just made for fighting. You're needed for what's coming. And something big is coming. I feel... Dungeon's heart has woken up. This means that his shadow will also wake up.
⸻
At the same time, somewhere under the 70th floor, a light flashed in the void. There was an ancient creature lying there, in chains similar to the ones worn by the Hulk as a child.
It opened its eyes.
"Hulk... you found me." Now I'll find you.