8

Laufey's Base Camp

Odin sat in the main seat, listening to the latest battle report brought by Frey.

"Report! Your Majesty, the great God King, Laufey's base camp has been cleared, but a frost giant baby was found in his residence. Please make your decision."

"Is he Laufey's heir?" Odin inquired immediately.

"Retrieve him and bring the child to me."

After a short while, Frey arrived before the God King, cradling a young blue life in his arms.

The child was still an infant, its wrinkled skin indicating it had just been born. Should he be spared? Or should he be executed? When should the decision be made?

Odin pondered deeply, unable to come to a swift conclusion.

"Take the child away, nourish him well, and await the end of the war for a final decision. Let him be cared for in the interim."

The God King relented slightly. The sight of the baby reminded him of Thor's early days.

"My own son was once so small, with wrinkled skin and an initially unappealing appearance. After a few days, he grew plump and became quite endearing."

Thor was a clever child. Odin wondered if Frigga would handle their son well, or if Heimdall would be able to provide proper guidance. Ah... I hope everything goes smoothly for them.

The God King refocused and turned to Frey.

"Are the natural disasters in Midgard under control?"

"Your Majesty, we are still assessing, and outcomes vary across different regions. We should have a clearer picture within three days."

After contemplating for a moment, Odin issued his commands.

"Inform the generals that the Frost Giant King has fled with severe injuries and is currently at large. They are to remain vigilant."

"Direct Tyr to lead the three armies, advancing steadily, and gradually subduing the Frost Giants. Ensure minimal casualties. This will be a prolonged campaign."

"Summon Freya to gather supplies and recruit soldiers to aid the humans of Midgard in rebuilding their homes. Provide her with comprehensive reports on the natural disasters across various regions so she can make informed decisions."

"Recall Saga to oversee logistics and make overarching strategic decisions."

"With my old injuries, Tyr will henceforth be empowered to make independent decisions in matters not requiring my direct involvement."

Having issued his directives, Odin retreated to the inner chambers of Laufey's palace, entering a shallow divine sleep under the watchful eyes of his guards. It was merely a matter of rejuvenation , a process Odin was well-acquainted with and would soon manage.

Three months later, the God King awakened from his divine slumber. Though his condition had improved, frequent physical exertion was still ill-advised.

Odin reviewed accumulated battle reports from recent months and emerged from his chambers. The warfront displayed promising developments: Laufey, nursing his wounds, likely retreated to Jotunheim. The Frost Giants, leaderless, found themselves encircled on multiple fronts, steadily losing ground like a turtle ensnared in a net.

Once more, thoughts turned to his family. Was he truly growing old, indulging in such sentimental musings?

"How fares the frost giant child? Take me to him."

Odin instructed Fandral, who stood nearby.

"Your Majesty, this way please."

Odin approached, focused on the tiny life before him. Chubby and adorable, the child looked up at the God King with eyes as clear as crystals, uttering innocent babble in a dialect foreign to Odin. They spent the entire afternoon in simple play.

In the days that followed, Odin visited the child daily. It wasn't until the child learned to call him "daddy" that Odin's heart faltered.

Odin grimaced inwardly. What was to become of this child, the offspring of Laufey? The thought of harm befalling such innocence troubled him deeply.

What future awaited this child? To remain on Midgard? Unlikely to survive two days amidst mistrust. Who in Asgard would accept the responsibility of raising a frost giant child?

Perhaps entrusting Heimdall was an option, but what if neglect led to tragedy? Could Odin himself assume responsibility? How would Frigga and their son Thor react to such a decision?

The fate of this young life now rested in Odin's hands. After lengthy contemplation, he scooped up the child, mounted his steed, and rode off.

"No one need follow!"

Odin bellowed into the desolate expanse of glacier.

"Heimdall! Secretly transport me and this child to Asgard, and summon Frigga to join me. Her alone!"

A rainbow beam flashed, leaving the glacier deserted.

Within the teleportation chamber, the God King, accompanied by Queen Frigga and Heimdall, convened with three others.

The God King addressed his plea to the Queen.

"...My love, I wish to adopt this child and grant him a new identity, a new life."

"You don't have to worry, you know the throne can only pass to an Asgardian. The World Tree foretells only my offspring to inherit the mantle of guardianship. I will prematurely bestow the authority of the Eternal Spear upon Thor."

"All I desire is for this child to thrive. He is but an infant, my love!"

Frigga contemplated her husband's words deeply before responding.

"My dear, have you forgotten? I promised that my son and I shall forever stand by your side."

"I love our son, and I believe you do too."

"I'm not concerned about the throne or the authority you mention. I worry about this frost giant child. Honey, he will grow into a colossal being, ice-blue and over ten meters tall!"

Her supportive words warmed the God King's heart. As wise as Odin was, he had already anticipated this issue days prior.

"My beloved Frigga, I've taken this into account. Here's the plan: We'll conceal him within a hidden magical realm to ensure his stable growth."

"Publicly announce that you are expecting during this period. Use your magic to maintain the illusion until the appropriate moment. Then, reveal the child as our own."

"As for his identity, I'll wield the power of the Eternal Spear in conjunction with the Word Spirit to manipulate cosmic laws, altering his lineage. This endeavor will necessitate Heimdall's and your cooperation. My recent convalescence prevents me from exerting excessive divine power."

Frigga expressed concern upon learning of her husband's lingering injury.

"My dear, are you truly recovered? Perhaps it's best to seclude this child within a magical realm until you regain your strength. We can revisit this matter later."

Odin fell silent for a moment, before attempting to assuage her concerns.

"My beloved, I am indeed healed. The recent magic was wielded only by you and Heimdall. Sadly, this child cannot completely transition between races and is born frail. He shall never wield divine powers, only the arcane arts."

Heimdall, who had remained silent, finally interjected.

"Your Majesty, do you comprehend the repercussions of your actions? Are you prepared to bear the consequences of your decisions in the near future? If so, I respect your resolve!"

After careful consideration, the God King resolved to protect the child.

"Old friend, your words may hold truth, but my mind is made. Let us proceed!"

Odin brandished the Eternal Spear, flanked by his queen and guardian, and pledged solemnly.

"I, Odin, King of the Gods, upholder of Yggdrasil's will, wielder of supreme authority, shall transmute this infant before me into an Asgardian!"

The God King's oath resonated, invoking the cosmic laws. Heimdall and Frigga channeled their divine energies into the Eternal Spear. Gradually, the child underwent a transformation, emerging as a new being—a pseudo-Aesir!

"Your Majesty, bestow a divine name upon our second child. I shall cherish him as I do Thor."

"My beloved, Frigga, what say you to naming him Loki?"

"My king, I defer to your judgment!"

The two shared a moment, heedless of Heimdall's presence.

Heimdall, rendered speechless!