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    Valkyrie ? Chapter IX ? Oath


    Many weeks of intricate indoctrination and training were over. The young Valkyrie was deemed ready for her oath-taking. Technically she had already sworn her oath when she signed the contract. But rituals are important. This oath of loyalty would serve as a confirmation to make things official. Before that, though, a series of intricate tests were conducted to ensure the success of the Valkyrie''s transformation. These tests were designed to provoke and challenge her thoughts and interests, making her respond in favor of the Emperor at all times, no matter what.


    The young Valkyrie had to answer many provocative, painful, and sometimes paradoxical questions. The Emperor''s men were masters in the art of both physical and psychological warfare, and therefore perfectly skilled in detecting doubt and wavering. They watched intently for any signs of hesitation or weakness. However, through their meticulous observation, they determined that the young warrioress had truly embraced the Valkyrie''s code of conduct and was ready for the ceremony.


    The preparations for the oath-taking were made with utmost order and precision. The palace buzzed with anticipation as the ceremony room was adorned with vibrant colors, symbols of the Empire, and intricate designs that represented the sacred bond between the Valkyries and their Emperor. When the time for the oath approached, the young warrioress knelt in the center of the room, surrounded by her fellow Valkyries who stood as witnesses to this pivotal moment.


    The Emperor descended from his throne, his presence filling the room as he approached his future Valkyrie.


    "Eira of Kasthra," the Emperor began, referring to her old name as he put his sword on her shoulder. "Do you swear allegiance to me, Konrad the Sixth, Emperor of Thessia, bind your life to me, and commit yourself to serve me as a Valkyrie?"The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    She answered according to protocol: "Yes, my Emperor, I do."


    "Do you, Eira of Kasthra, renounce all ties to your former life, including your belongings, your civil rights, your family, and your former name?" asked the Emperor solemnly.


    The young Valkyrie''s response rang out, "Yes, my Emperor, I do."


    "Do you swear to uphold the laws and values of this Empire, without hesitation or compromise?" he asked next, his gaze locking with hers in a silent understanding of the gravity of her response.


    Without missing a beat, she replied, "Yes, my Emperor. I do."


    With a powerful voice the Emperor continued: "Do you pledge your life, your existence, your honor, and your loyalty to the Empire and its people for all time, even beyond death?"


    As the young warrioress said "Yes, my Emperor. I do." one last time, the Emperor''s part was done, and it was now time for her to make an individual promise. This promise was unique for each Valkyrie, and it had to be something that came from the bottom of her well indoctrinated heart. These very words would be taken as the standard for her service, and these very words would be the ones she would have to reference in the ritual of ascension at the end of her service in this sphere, should she ever reach it.


    "My Emperor", she began, "I shall promise that I exist only for you. My love belongs to you alone; I renounce all kind of personal freedom. My only goal is to protect you, so that you in turn can protect the Empire. I am convinced with all my heart that you will continue its glory; to expand its glory even. Hail, my Emperor, Konrad the Sixth, blessings upon you! Let me serve you and Thessia forevermore."


    With this, the pact was finally sealed—the legendary Valkyrie''s circlet was placed upon her head by the Emperor, and the essence of Eira faded away. Born was a resolute warrioress with a new name.


    "Arise, Seraphina, third of her name," he intoned, his voice resonating through the room like thunder.


    A murmur of awe rippled through the crowd as Seraphina rose to her feet, her heart swelling with pride and honor. The oath had been taken. She took a step back and found her place in the ranks of her fellow sisters, beginning to sing a song in praise of the Emperor along them. She was now immutably one of the Emperor''s elite guards—a Valkyrie, dedicated to protect and serve the Empire forever with everything she got.


    Welcome to your new world, Seraphina III.