Nova's Blade

Chapter 9

The sleek hovercraft cuts through the sky, its streamlined form gliding effortlessly above the azure ocean. It is approaching a cluster of islands, each more breathtaking than the last. One boasts verdant, tropical mountains that pierce the clouds like the fingers of a giant. Smaller islets, scattered like jewels across the sea, form a stunning backdrop for the grand mansion that dominates one of the larger islands. The hovercraft touches down near the mansion, its engines humming softly.

Nova steps out, joining the other Valkyries as they proceed through an ornate gilded gate. The mansion's massive double doors open automatically, revealing opulent interiors that hint at a world of wealth and power. Nova and Fable catch each other's eyes and fall into step beside one another, their gaze fixed forward, both aware of the challenges ahead.

"How is Saylor?" Nova inquires, her voice low.

"Excited, like any little girl would be. What about your mom and Gaia?" Fable replies, her tone cautious.

"They're trying their best to accept it," Nova admits, her eyes betraying a hint of worry.

"Like any concerned mother and sister would," Fable agrees, giving Nova a supportive squeeze on the arm.

A ghost of a smile flickers across Nova's face, but it is short-lived.

As the Valkyries stride down a hall adorned with marble flooring, the strains of a haunting classical piece fill the air. The walls are lined with golden statues of former winners of the Last Valkyrie, a grim reminder of the competition's high stakes. Nova pauses in front of one labeled 'Nokomis the Great,' which features gold-plated armor marked with battle scars. A petite woman bustles past, bumping into Nova.

"Watch it!" she snaps before hurrying away, leaving Nova with a growing sense of unease.

The women file into a living room, where Hannibal and Irma stand on a balcony, surveying them like predators. Hannibal grins lasciviously.

"Y'all look like some snacks I could just eat up!" he announces, chuckling darkly.

"Drop your phones in the slots on the walls," Irma instructs, her voice cold and distant.

Each woman complies, and chrome phones emerge from the slots in return.

"These will be your new phones," Irma says, her eyes scanning the room.

A door opens, and a group of people in gray tunics emerge. They wear metal face masks, their expressions unreadable, and stand beside a Valkyrie, each with a barcode tattooed on the back of their neck.

"These are your servers. They'll show you to your rooms," Irma informs them, her voice clipped.

"Tonight, we'll be on the late show for the interviews. Until then, make yourselves at home. After all, for thirty-one of you, this will be your last," Hannibal adds, his laughter echoing like a harbinger of doom as he and Irma depart.

Nova's server, a young woman in her early twenties, bows and leads the way. Nova follows her into an elevator, her heart heavy with apprehension. The server maintains a stoic expression, staring straight ahead.

"What's your name?" Nova asks, attempting to connect with the young woman.

The server remains silent, her eyes devoid of emotion. She guides Nova down a corridor to a door equipped with an eye scanner. It scans Nova's eyes and opens.

Nova enters her room, her eyes widening as she takes in the luxurious suite. The door opens again, and Venus strides in with her entourage, her confidence palpable.

"How did you get in?" Nova questions, her voice tense.

"Managers have access, too," Venus replies with a smirk.