Chapter 19 — The Name of Freedom
Oreario. The Mansion Of The Loki Family.
The Hulk's footsteps echoed through the halls. He walked slowly, with a straight back, carrying a huge black sword on his back — left over from the knot.
On his shoulder hung an old Colosseum armor, cracked but no longer binding him.
There's a new seal on his chest: the mark of Loki's last name.
— We officially welcome you, Hulk. — Finn said, standing in front of the hall where all the family members were gathered.
"Welcome home." Riveria added softly.
The crowd parted. Ais stepped forward and extended her hand to him.
He looked at her and, without saying a word, shook her firmly. For the first time, as an equal.
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A feast was held in the evening. Even Bethe, who was usually mocking, wasn't sarcastic this time. He just threw a short:
"You're not just a wild machine anymore. You're one of us now.
Tione sat down next to him and tried to encourage the Hulk to talk.
—So how does it feel to throw off the chains?" You're a saint now, aren't you?
—No,— he replied calmly. "I'm still furious. But now she's mine.
Everyone was silent for a moment.
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Later, Loki entered his room, which was small and simple, but it was his first time.
—I'm glad you chose us," she said, sitting on the window.
"You are not chains. That's enough.
— Don't think that everything is allowed to you. She narrowed her eyes. "But... you know, I've been wondering what your name is." It's just that "Hulk" is like "fist".
"I do not know any other name."
"Then let's use it as a nickname. And the name…
She thought about it, then grinned.
—You'll have a Drask." It means "the one who broke it."
—Hulk Drask..." he repeated. — It fits.
Name registered: Hulk Drask.
Guild rank: Official Adventurer.
Last name: Loki.
Nickname: The Breaker of Chains.
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And that evening he sat by the window. Looking at the sky. Not on the cage.
Not like an animal.
And as a person who has finally chosen himself - who he will become.