And with that, Kratos, his sons, Gunnarr and Atreus, begin their journey to the mountain to spread Faye's ashes as it was her wish before her death. The boys look over and saw the destruction in front of them, most likely from the fight between their father and the Stranger.

Atreus: Whoa... how did this happen? Who was he?

Kratos: I do not know.

The make their way through the destruction as they walked over the end.

Atreus: What did he want with us? We're nobodies.

Gunnarr: Seems like something important if you have to fight. He got what he deserved, if you ask me. Coming unannounced and destroying our home.

Kratos: I did what had to be done.

Atreus: You could have died. Never have us alone again. All right?

Kratos: All right.

They continue walking before stepping in front of a wall.

Kratos: Up.

Gunnarr starts climbing first as Kratos follows suit with Atreus climbing onto his back. They climb against the wall as Atreus spoke.

Atreus: You've had to kill people before, haven't you? You're used to it.

Kratos: We do what we must to survive.

Atreus: Animals, I get. They're food. Draugr... they're supposed to be dead. But people... they're trying to survive too.

Gunnarr: Yes. But they are willing harm others in order to keep living. Us as well. So...it's a double edged sword, but only one group can walk away, unscathed. And we are not going to be the ones laying on the ground, dead. It is not what mother wanted.

Atreus: Yeah, but-

Kratos: Close your heart to it. On our journey, we will be attacked by all manner of creature. Close your heart to their desperation. Close your heart to their suffering. Do not allow yourself to feel for them. They will not feel for you.

Atreus: I understand.

They enter a cave and continue walking down the way. They climb up and notice a pair of bridges and mechanisms around.

Gunnarr: Woah.

Atreus: Has this been here all this time?

Gunnarr: Guess so.

They looked around before they arrive at a bridge before Atreus spoke.

Atreus: Why don't you help me up there? I can get a better look.

Kratos steps back and boosts Atreus up. Atreus walks over the bridge, looking for a way out of the cave.

Atreus: Okay... nowhere to go from here... except across this bridge. Think you can lower it from there?

Kratos heads to a rolling mechanism and pulls it down. This allows the bridge in front of Atreus to come down.

Kratos: Go.

Atreus runs across the bridge as Kratos uses the Axe to freeze the mechanism.

Atreus: Made it!

Atreus then kicks the nearby chain down so that Gunnarr and Kratos could climb up and join him. As they did, Atreus notices some buckets and barrels being held by ropes over them.

Atreus: An offering cask?

Gunnarr: Most likely, baby boy.

Atreus: Mother said Odin's disciples fill them with gifts and hangs them where thieves can't reach them.

Gunnarr: Probably yes, but I bet these same people forgot that there's Arrows and Axes around so that they can unhook the offerings. Or the fact Odin doesn't gives a damn about them.

Atreus: True. That bucket looks really old.

Kratos: Foolish...

Gunnarr: What, father?

Atreus: Worshipping the Gods?

Kratos: Like the lad said. The gods care nothing for them. Men should not pray to monsters.

Both boys feel the harshness of their father's tone. It sounded as if he went through something that lead to him not believe in Gods.

Gunnarr: ... Sounds like you had experience to feel that way, father.

Kratos: You have no idea, Gunnarr.

Kratos unhooks the bucket with his axe before reaching a wall. Gunnar climbs first as Kratos follows him with Atreus on his back.

Atreus: Father... will we see others on the road?

Kratos: Yes.

Atreus: Friendly?

Kratos: No.

Atreus: They'll try and rob us?

Kratos: Possibly. Yes.

Gunnarr: There won't be good people as we head to our journey, Baby Boy. They have ulterior motives and want something from you, or they just want to kill you.

Atreus: ... Understood.

They climb further as they head to a flat structure. Gunnarr gets up as Atreus climbs off of Kratos and runs to the edge. They look over and see their home at the bottom but surrounded by a circle of glowing yellow barrier. Kratos joins them as they look at the area.

Atreus: Look... All this time... there's been a protection stave around our entire woods.

Gunnarr: Now I see why we haven't had much problems with trolls and Draugrs before now.

Atreus: But... the stave's broken there. Did you cut those down?

They look over at an area that seems to be breaking the stave. Kratos looks at it and realizes it's the trees he cut down earlier.

Kratos: She hand-marked the trees she wished used for her pyre...

Atreus: Why'd she do that?

Gunnarr thinks of it, wondering if Faye made Kratos cut those trees so that outsiders could enter.

He shook his head, thinking that the theory sounded ridiculous. Surely, his mother wouldn't let monsters coming in and attacking her family.

Kratos looks over, wondering the same before deciding to continue the journey.

Kratos: Come. No looking-

Atreus: Woah, look.

They turns and see a nearby village far from their cabin, but they can see from where they're standing, torn, abandoned and burned.

Atreus and Kratos were surprised by this as the village looked old, but the damage looked to have been recent. Gunnarr however, stayed silent and still.

Atreus: What happened there? It looks like a storm destroyed that village.

Kratos: Something must've happened. I do not know what it might be.

Atreus: Maybe a monster or army.

Gunnarr flinched when Atreus said that. He looks over at the city as his brother and father look at him. They sees his eyes are shaking while looking at the village.

Kratos: Lad... are you alright?

Atreus: You okay, Gunn?

Gunn looks on at the city before looking at his father.

Gunnarr: ... Let's go.

Gunnarr walks off, leaving Kratos and Atreus confused. Kratos, however, felt a pit in his stomach. He feels Gunnarr knows something about the village, but would not tell them. He just hoped his oldest son had nothing to do with it, but... in his experience, he doubt it.

Atreus: Gunnarr's not one to hide something, father. I hope it's nothing bad.

Kratos: ...I as well. Come. We must go.

Deciding to drop it, they followed Gunnarr.

*later*

After passing through more Draugrs and Hel-Walkers, the three Gods make their way towards a down pillar.

Kratos: Lad, what do you know of the Hel-Walkers we encounter and why they are here?

Gunnarr: They're once people who died and became wondering Spirits in Helheim, the Realm of the Death. Also, these people are mostly thieves, killers, anyone committing sins against others and are not allowed to enter the gates of Valhalla. However, I do not know why they begin coming out here in Midgard. If I had to guess, something must have been going on in Helheim that allowed these creatures to roam around.

Atreus: Geez. So that's why they're like Draugrs but cold. They came from Helheim.

Kratos: I see why you said the Axe would not work on them.

Gunnarr: Yes. Hel is cold. Very cold. No mortal could withstand how cold it would be. That is why many refrain from entering that Realm.

Atreus: Indeed.

Kratos was intrigued by this. In his homeland, Greece, from the Pits of Tartarus, it is very hot and flames around. But this world have the opposite kind of Hell.

Soon, Kratos lifts a stone before them, allowing his boys in as he follows them. Soon, Atreus sees the mountain from afar and runs down a nearby bridge.

Atreus: There's the mountain! Let's go!

Kratos: Not yet!

Gunnarr: Baby boy, stop!

Atreus stops in the middle of the bridge and looks at his brother and father.

Atreus: It's fine!

He hops on a plank of wood but it then gives out, making him falls as holds on another plank of wood. He yells as both Gunnarr and Kratos run towards the bridge. They began to walk as the bridge was slowly breaking apart.

Atreus: Father, Gunnar! Help!

Gunnarr: We're on our way!

Atreus: Hurry! I'm slipping!

Kratos: Hang on! Stay calm.

They made it as they grab his hands and picked him up. But the bridge finally gives out as all three fell and Kratos held his boys close to him. They land hard on the floor, but they quickly sat up as Kratos and Gunnarr looked at Atreus.

Atreus: Huh... that wasn't so bad.

Both: SLOW...DOWN.

Kratos: Your haste will cost us.

Atreus: ...Sorry.

The got up as they looked around and see frozen Draugr around them as Atreus checks on them.

Atreus: Uh... more Draugr. But these aren't moving. Are they dead? I mean... more dead?

Kratos: *Pulls out his axe* Boy...

Gunnarr: *pulls out Sword* Atreus...

Atreus gets too close to the frozen Draugr before it awoke.

Atreus: Not dead! Not dead!

Soon, Kratos and Gunnarr fought the reawaking Draugrs as Atreus helps in anyway he can. Soon, more came down to attack as both father and sons take them down. Soon, Kratos took one Draugr and split it in half. While Gunnarr slashes the other, before stabbing it throw the skull and pulling it pull, breaking the head of the Draugr.

Soon, they took care of the Draugrs as they took a deep breath.

Atreus: Were we better?

Kratos: Take even more time. It does not matter if you fire only once or fight 10 monsters. Show me control.

Soon, they look at the giant stone with letters written on it.

Atreus: Look at this...

Kratos looks at it before turning to his boys, as they know the language.

Kratos: Read it.

Atreus goes up to the stone and reads the language.

Atreus: Oh. This used to be a marketplace. The Giants used to gather here to trade with the gods a long time ago. Wonder if Odin was ever here...

Gunnarr: Or Thor. It really doesn't have to be the Allfather, and I doubt Odin would want to be in this sort of environment.

Suddenly, they heard of a sound. It sounded like something hitting against the wall.

From behind the wall, to which the chip of the column is leaning, deaf blows are heard. Something incredibly strong is trying to break through the wall. The chip of the column with a rumble falls off from the wall and a large Draugr with an axe jumps out furiously towards the family trio.

Gunnarr: Oh this is a Berserker Draugr! More stronger than the normal one!

Kratos nods as he fights off this stronger opponent. Gunnarr struggled a bit but with his father and Atreus's help, they managed to beat the Berserkers. Soon, they climb up the side until they heard some strange chanting.

Atreus: Uh... do you hear that? What is it?

Kratos: We will see. Stay close.

They climb up as Gunnarr gestures them to be silent as they slowly approach. The area turned a think yellow fog as they slowly approach the chanting.

Gunnarr: *whispers* Keep your weapons up. I think I know what it is.

They nodded as they slowly approach and then a figure comes out and attacks them.

Atreus: It's a Revenant! Watch 'em!

Soon, the Revenant fired poison at them as Kratos and Gunnarr use their shields to block them as they fight. However the Revenant was too quick for them.

Gunnarr: Atreus, use your arrows! They can slow it down!

Atreus does so as it work and soon, Gunnarr and Kratos killed the Revenant.

Atreus: That was a real Revenant! Never thought I'd see one up close...

Gunnarr; Yeah, well, expect more to come in the journey, Baby Boy.

They continued on as they climb on the sides again.

Atreus: I still don't understand why that man attacked you at our house.

Kratos: I told you, boy. I know nothing more of it.

Gunnarr: For all we know, he was a guy who wanted a fight and got what he deserved. Best to not think much of it, Little Brother.

They climb down and go off until more Draugr arrive to fight. And they were easily taken down. After taking them down, they climb back up as they reach a platform.

Atreus: Look up there! I guess we need to get back up there. But how?

Kratos: Follow me.

They do so as they reach an opening but were met with more enemies. Suddenly, as they take down the Draugr, Gunnarr saw a a panel that looks in relative good condition. After taking them out, he approaches it.

Gunnarr: Baby boy, look... a Shrine.

Atreus looks over and saw his brother was right. Soon they open it as they see the content of the shrine.

Atreus: It says his name is Hrungnir. Mother told me about him... a Giant warrior, made of stone. Looks like he was in a pretty big battle... Odin's there... Thor... even the World Serpent? Aw, Thor must have smashed his head apart, see? But look. Hrungnir's body squished him. Idiot...

Gunnarr snorts as he holds his laughter. He then turns to Kratos and could tell he gave soft smirk. Atreus finished writing on his journal and soon they continued on their way to the mountain.

Soon, they found an edge and notice a bridge parted by two chains. As Kratos breaks the hooks, Atreus spoke.

Atreus: Earlier... you said people might try and rob us. I'll kill them if they try. I'm not afraid.

Kratos: If we encounter men, you will stay out of it, understand?

Atreus: But... I can fight now.

Gunnarr: Fighting is not the same as killing, Atreus. It's different than taking down Trolls, Draugr, Hel-Walkers, and Revenants. People can talk, feel, and think.

Kratos: The Lad is right. You will stay out of it, boy. Speak no more of this.

As they climb up the chain, they encountered more Hel-Walkers and Draugrs. Gunnarr and Kratos fight then while Atreus provides support. A Draugr tries to jump on Gunnarr but he caught him and ripped its skull out with the spine before using it as a weapon against another.

Soon, they took them all down as they continue on their way. Soon, Kratos pulls down a gear for a nearby bridge and the three pass through it. As they reach the door, Gunnarr smelt something off and nearly gagged.

Gunnarr: Ugh. I smell something bad. Maybe we should find another- *sees Kratos lifting the door* and Nevermind.

They entered as Atreus covered his nose as well.

Atreus: Echh... What's that smell?

Suddenly, the door behind them closed as they turned to look at it.

?: NOW!

They turned and see some men approaching them. They look skinny and frail with an... hungry look in their eyes.

Man 1: Are they Hel-Walkers?

Man 2: They're untouched! Look!

Man 3: Someone start the fires!

Man 2: Siegmund, your mas!

Man 4: So many days... Without meat.

Atreus: Meat? Wait - us?

Gunnarr: Cannibals. *draws his sword*

Kratos: Behind me.

Man 3: What if they change like the others?

Man 1: We'll have to keep them alive. Strip off their meat... a little at a time.

Gunnarr: Stay back, Baby Boy. You're not gonna like this.

Soon, Kratos and Gunnarr start fighting against the Cannibals. Gunnarr dodges a strike and stabs one man while before kicking him away and slashing another's throat.

He then sees one trying to attack his father from behind and throws his sword at the man, while Kratos pulls the sword off the body and throws his Leviathan Axe at Gunnarr who decapitates two men. They then fight the rest with Kratos using Gunnarr's Blade of Baldur while Gunnarr with the Leviathan Axe.

Both father and son toss their weapons back before more men appeared but where easily taken down. Suddenly, as Kratos chokes one of them while Gunnarr gouges the other, they heard Atreus yelling.

Atreus: Father! Brother! Help me!

They turned and see Atreus being held by the last of the Cannibals  only for Atreus to stab the Cannibal in the eye with his mother's knife, but the body landed on top of him.

Both: Atreus!

They killed the ones they were dealing and ran. They reached him and hear his rapid breathing as Gunnarr kicks the body away.

Gunnarr: Hey, hey. You okay? Atreus... come on, stand up.

He helped him up as Kratos gave a comforting grip on his shoulder. Both Kratos and Gunnarr look at the youngest of the three as Atreus stare at them and goes to cry.

Gunnarr: Hey... it's okay. You did what you have to do. I know... it's hard at first... but you have to get use to it soon.

Kratos nods as he looks at Atreus.

Kratos: Close your heart to it.

Atreus settles down as both Kratos and Gunnarr gave a sigh.

Kratos: Come then. We have a long journey ahead-

Gunnarr interrupts by stabbing a Hel-Walker with his sword through the face before pulling out his brother's knife. Soon, however, the ones they killed started rising up as they become Hel-Walkers.

Kratos: Wait here. We will handle this.

Soon, Gunnarr and Kratos fought the former Cannibals now Hel-Walkers. Gunnarr was more angrier though, as these same men tried to kill his brother and now they're here again because Helheim is not doing it's job.

Kratos: *sees it* Ease, down, Lad! We cannot have you lose your temper right now.

Soon, they took them all out. Gunnarr calms down as he ran towards Atreus and picks him up while hugging him. He then takes him back to their father as he rubs his hair.

Gunnarr: Don't focus on them, Little Brother.

Atreus: I want to leave here.

Gunnarr: We will. You stay with father while I go find a way.

Atreus: No... I'll find it.

Gunnarr: ...Okay.

He sets Atreus back down and the little boy, with the help of his father jumps over the next floor above them. However he slowly approaches the chain as he still processing what happened.

Kratos: Atreus... the chain.

Atreus: The chain, right.

Kratos: You are in your head, boy. Let it go. He would have killed you.

Atreus: I know. I had to do it. I do know that. I just...

Kratos: Then we will go home, boy.

Atreus: What?

Kratos: To give up this easily, so close to the start...

Gunnarr gave a frown at his father for saying that, lightly manipulating Atreus.

Atreus: I'm not giving up. I can do this. I just have to... you know... catch my breath. Come on up. I'm ready.

He pushes the chain down as Kratos approaches it but was stopped by Gunnarr holding his arm while staring at him.

Gunnarr: *whisper* You didn't have to say that, father. Understand that he has yet to experience killing a living being. Don't say something like that to Atreus, okay?

Kratos gave a nod with a grunt, seeing that his eldest son made a point and understood his sentiment. They climb up to join Atreus.

Kratos: Listen to me... To be effective in combat, a warrior must not feel for his enemy. The road ahead is long and unforgiving... no place for a boy. You must be a warrior.

Atreus: I understand.

Gunnarr then kneels over and looks at Atreus.

Gunnarr: I know I like to joke around and stuff, making you annoyed, but listen to me. If something is bothering you and you need to speak up, we're here to listen and lend some help. You're growing a lot and I'm proud of your skills. Mother is too. And father as well but he keeps it to himself, save from an occasional grunt.

Kratos: *Grunt*

Atreus chuckles as he nods to his brother and they continue on. Kratos couldn't help but felt some nostalgia from what Gunnarr did to cheer Atreus up, like whenever Faye would say that and he grunts back to confirm.

He sees how much they love each other and they love him too. They're just use to his stoic demeanor.

They continue on as they're journey to the mountain was just beginning.