The Greece Antagonist-Chapter 1014 - 94: How to Awaken Sleeping Beauty?_2

Luo En channeled his Divine Power, clearing away the obstacles blocking his path. He quickly approached the bed and softly called Brynhild’s name several times.

However, to his surprise, Brynhild remained in her deep slumber, showing no signs of waking.

Seeing this, Luo En couldn’t help but furrow his brow and turn to Crow Mulin.

"Still asleep? What’s going on?"

"Didn’t I already tell you? Brynhild’s situation is... unique. The cause of her sleep is a long story..."

A certain overly talkative crow suddenly felt a murderous aura from behind. Seeing Luo En calmly draw a sword and a metal skewer meant for barbecue, Mulin shuddered and immediately offered a concise explanation.

"The Sleeping Thorn! It’s because of the Sleeping Thorn!"

"Svefnþorn [thorn]? The one from Odin’s Treasure Vault?"

"Precisely!"

Crow Mulin nodded fervently and quickly recounted the story.

To teach Brynhild a harsh lesson, Odin not only stripped her of her divine status and imprisoned her in the castle but also pierced her finger with a Divine Artifact crafted from branches of the Sleeping Tree, causing her to fall into a prolonged slumber.

This thorn, named the [Sleeping Thorn], possessed extraordinary Magic Power—so potent that even Odin himself would feel its effects if pricked by it, let alone Brynhild, a Valkyrie.

Upon hearing this, Luo En frowned and asked:

"How long will Brynhild remain asleep?"

"That depends on you."

"Me?"

"Yes, based on Brynhild’s constitution, she should have awakened already. But Odin added a Magic Spell to the thorn—Brynhild would remain asleep eternally unless a fearless warrior crosses the barrier of flames and swords, reaches her side, and awakens her will with [True Love’s sincerity], ending her perpetual slumber."

Crow Mulin blinked his shiny black eyes and answered earnestly.

[True Love’s sincerity]? Are you kidding!

Do you think this is a fairy tale?

As Luo En silently ridiculed the situation, his expression froze.

Wait, this does sound like a fairy tale.

—A castle covered in thorns, a prick, a beautiful maiden in eternal sleep, a Magic Spell requiring [True Love] to awaken her...

Isn’t this the Grimm Fairy Tale’s [Sleeping Beauty]?

Considering the Grimms’ Nordic-German origins and how most fairy tales are derived from folklore and mythological stories, Luo En was certain that Brynhild was likely the original version of [Sleeping Beauty].

Upon realizing the truth, he slapped his forehead, feeling exasperated.

He had just finished playing through Andersen’s fairy tale [Snow Queen] in the Giant Country. Returning to the Immortal Palace, he was now thrown into the Grimm fairy tale’s [Sleeping Beauty]. His connection to fairy tales sure ran deep.

So, did he really need [True Love] to awaken Brynhild?

Luo En glanced at Crow Mulin wistfully, his gaze flickering.

"Odin called me. You two handle this; I’m out!"

Sensing the dangerous atmosphere, Crow Mulin knew the situation was unfavorable. He turned into a black stream of light, flapped his wings to break the barrier, and fled the scene.

Dead bird, lucky you escaped quickly!

Luo En glared at the fleeing Crow Mulin. Then, he looked back at the figure of the slumbering Brynhild on the bed. After hesitating for a moment, he reached out and removed her helmet.

A cascade of purple-white hair spilled over the Valkyrie’s shoulders, exuding an air of enchanting tranquility and ethereal beauty.

Luo En pressed his lips together, held his breath, and gently kissed Brynhild on the forehead like a dragonfly skimming the surface of the water.

If he remembered correctly, in fairy tales, the [True Love’s Kiss] of a prince would awaken Sleeping Beauty.

Yet, after waiting for a moment, Brynhild still did not wake.

Not sincere enough? Not stimulating enough?

Luo En pondered, then leaned down again to kiss the Valkyrie’s pale pink lips.

But Brynhild still remained asleep.

Could it be the wrong posture?

Luo En frowned and continued to try.

However, after trying seven or eight times—including a French kiss—Brynhild was still deeply asleep, showing no signs of awakening.

To hell with [True Love’s Kiss]! This is nothing like what the fairy tale said!

Feeling frustrated, Luo En’s gaze inadvertently fell on Brynhild’s left arm, where a faint bloodline seemed to stretch from the tip of her left ring finger—a small wound likely caused by the [thorn].

And the endpoint of the bloodline...

Puzzled, Luo En carefully removed Brynhild’s chain armor and lifted her outer garment to inspect her abdomen.

He saw a smooth, jade-like belly adorned with a purple-red rune mark resembling a wreath of thorn flowers.

The eerie sense of déjà vu and the symbolism within the runes caused Luo En to pause in silence before raising his middle finger toward the heavens.

"Odin, screw you!"

In truth, [Sleeping Beauty] wasn’t originally awakened by a kiss. According to the earliest known version from Italy in 1636, the story details how a King entered the castle, sexually assaulted the sleeping Beauty, sowing the [Seed of life]. Satisfied, he then rode away. The Princess woke up nine months later to find herself the mother of twins.

Similarly, in the Nordic epic [Volsung Saga], there are accounts suggesting that the warrior who reached the castle fell in love with Brynhild, leading to unspeakably intimate encounters.

After all, Nordic people are practical—they either do or are done to. Who has time for the chaste, restrained love symbolized by [True Love’s Kiss]?

The [True Love’s sincerity] Crow Mulin mentioned was self-evident.

Upon realizing the truth, Luo En found himself in a dilemma.

Rescuing someone with a kiss was a permissible compromise in emergency situations.

But engaging in deed-borne authenticity brought along different implications—more profound responsibility, affecting his future decision-making. This was why Luo En had tried to remain as restrained as possible in Nordic territories.

However, if he didn’t take this step, no burden would fall on him directly, yet Brynhild’s future would likely turn grim.

Knowing Odin’s reputation, he’d likely abandon this daughter, reducing her to nothing more than a tool for breeding and wooing Mortal Realm Divine Blood Heroes.

The tragedy recorded in [Volsung Saga] stemmed from such circumstances.

In that case, Brynhild meeting her tragic end due to Luo En’s inaction would burden his conscience severely.

Reflecting on the moment in Etheregar City, where Brynhild resolutely pierced herself to aid his final Victory, Luo En hardened his heart.

Fine, since I’m already here!

Resolving himself, Luo En hesitated no longer, took a deep breath, and carefully removed the last barrier from the sleeping maiden’s body. He began the slow, gentle process of [awakening] her.

Through the arduous and lengthy cultivation, the Seed of Life was finally scattered within the garden.

Simultaneously, the thorn-flower rune wreath on Brynhild’s belly faded away, and her purple eyes abruptly opened.

Their gazes locked, Luo En froze, a look of embarrassment on his face:

"Uh, listen, let me explain—"

Before he could finish, a delicate hand rose to cover his mouth. Brynhild’s violet eyes trembled with emotion as she looked at him, muttering dreamily:

"Lord Loki, you’ve finally come to rescue me. I knew you would come!"

Her pale fingers traced the contours of his face, carrying traces of happiness and fulfillment.

Though the thorn and spell had immobilized her bodily functions, her senses remained intact.

In other words, she was fully aware of everything that had transpired during her slumber.

But it wasn’t enough!

She wanted more!

Desire and longing flooded Brynhild’s eyes. With sudden force, she raised her slender arms, pushing her would-be savior onto the bed. Quickly swapping roles, she took initiative, consuming everything she had dreamed of with greedy fervor.