9

Evening descended over Asgard.

Odin rode back alone, thoughts swirling like storm clouds. The child he had encountered was nowhere to be seen.

After that fateful encounter, the war entered a phase of relative calm. Good news streamed in from every battlefront. The God-King bidding farewell to the Warner Clan as the forces of Asgard commenced their lengthy task of reconstruction.

One morning, Frey approached with a report.

"Your Majesty, the Great God-King, there is a woman outside seeking an audience. She identifies herself as the Sorcerer Supreme Yao."

The name struck Odin as peculiar, but nothing more. He instructed Frey to usher the woman into the palace.

To his surprise, it was a human! There was a strong aura of Midgardian consciousness about him, resonating with Mother Earth herself, observing the God-King.

"Leave us," Odin commanded, dismissing his attendants. He greeted the human with a slight bow. "Your Excellency, what brings you here?"

Odin's mind raced. The awakening of Midgard's consciousness had caught him off guard! Was this person here to negotiate terms, to hold him accountable...?

Yao, clad in simple linen garments with blond hair flowing, exuded an air of calm resolve as he spoke. Through him, the consciousness of Midgard' made its demands clear, straight to the point.

Odin felt a twinge of embarrassment. Magic, born of runes and later evolving into a broader practice, had been his domain of authority bestowed by Yggdrasil. What could he gain from this proposed arrangement that was already confirmed?

"If I grant you all my magic," Odin replied carefully, "I have one small request. When my son Thor appeared on Midgard, you will observe him and guide him as gratitude."

The wily old Odin was as cunning as ever. The request seemed benign enough. After all, his son had countless years ahead of him. If Thor strayed from his path, he could be recalled and guided. A strategic investment in their future!

"Agreed," the Ancient One consented, the Earth consciousness withdrew. He bowed respectfully. "My teacher."

Odin maintained his composure outwardly, though inwardly, he rejoiced. With a single maneuver, he had secured a lifelong guardian for his son. He regarded the Ancient One with affection.

"Your Excellency, Yao, we are peers. Perhaps our paths will intertwine more closely in the days to come."

The God-King's thoughts turned to Thor's future, quietly contemplating the possibilities. This human could indeed be a valuable ally, perhaps even more than just a guardian.

Thereafter, the Yao delved into the study of magic under Odin's tutelage. He progressed swiftly, proving himself worthy of the mantle chosen for him. A bond of friendship formed between the two.

For four years, Odin's war continued without significant twists or setbacks. Victory after victory secured Asgard's dominance once more.

One day, within the Golden Palace of Asgard, Frigga sat with their two children, Thor and Sif.

Sif, a few years older than Thor, sat with flushed cheeks, clearly tired from play. Her bright eyes sparkled as she listened intently to the queen's tales. Her delicate features hinted at the beauty she would grow into, her long golden hair cascading like a waterfall down to her toes—a sight Thor often admired.

Thor, ever defiant of his mothers assertion that he was merely a child, insisted on asserting his prowess.

"Magic, aesir magic originating from runes and evolving into its own system," Frigga explained gently, brushing Thor's forehead. "It is distinct from our divine power."

Thor, intrigued, posed a question. "Teacher, what exactly is magic? Isn't it like our divine power?"

Frigga sighed softly, her heart aching for her son. "Magic involves understanding runes, energy, observing the natural laws of the universe, and using gestures, language, or artifacts to manipulate those laws."

"It wasn't always about destruction. Magic practitioners focus on enhancing their spiritual and magical energies through meditation on specific runes. There are two types: white magic for protection and healing, and black magic, more potent but also more unpredictable."

Thor listened intently, while Sif, wide-eyed, absorbed every word. The complexities of magical energy versus divine power intrigued them both, albeit in different ways.

He had insisted Mom to teach him and sif magic

As the lesson continued, Sif mastered the fundamentals effortlessly, much to Thor's chagrin. The young prince struggled to grasp the basics, despite his efforts.

That night, Thor lay curled up in his bed, feeling defeated.

His father's expectations, his mother's disappointment—Ragnarok loomed on the horizon, and he felt inadequate.

He had made promises just days earlier. Protecting his family seemed an impossible task!

"Why can't I learn something so simple?" Thor wondered aloud, tears welling up.

In the darkness, loneliness enveloped him.

This four-year-old, burdened with expectations... wept.