Vergil kept his eyes on Heimdall for another moment, still holding Yamato partially drawn from its sheath. Qliphoth's energy continued accumulating around the blade, creating dark greenish filaments that stretched through the air like roots searching for something to cling to. The runes of the platform reacted to the approach of that power with increasingly rapid pulses, trying to reinforce their connection to Asgard and the pathways of Yggdrasil. It was not a physical defense. The Bifröst was trying to make itself inseparable from the realm before Vergil could cut the bond.
He looked at the Valkyries around him.
"Move away."
Brynhildr recognized the tone and immediately raised her spear.
"Everyone off the platform. Now."
Sigrun also understood that it was not an exaggerated precaution.
"Retreat to the outer walls. Take Heimdall and keep the formations together. Do not leave weapons, shields, or open wounds near the circle."
