Chapter 5

Asgard

1523 years

It's been two years since I discovered the challenges with elemental magic and successfully integrated natural power into my own. Right now I'm at least five times stronger than before. During these two years, I devoted myself to the intensive improvement of the new elements I discovered, perfecting their use. I also diligently practiced my mana control, bringing it to perfection.

During this time, I also delved into the study of runes. I have now mastered their use. I discovered a few low level cursed runes from the book of cursed runes. Runes to slow down, weaken, and cloud the mind are just a few of them. However, I have come to realize that the effectiveness of these runes depends on the strength and resilience of the person I apply them to. If that person is stronger than me or has an extremely strong mind or body, the runes may become ineffective.

A few months ago I noticed that I could no longer increase my mana capacity. Also, the more mana I have, the longer it takes me to recover from spending it. If it used to take me about two hours, now it takes almost half a day. I've tried various methods to improve the mana regeneration rate, but to no avail, so I've given up on that idea for now.

Instead, I focused on practicing with the spear. Although I don't have a great talent for cold weapons, I managed to learn only the basics during that time. I'm currently sparring with Fandral, and after a few minutes of fighting, we stopped to catch our breath and analyze our moves.

After the rest, we continued sparring. It's been a few hours since we started. Seeing that it was over, I turned and went back to my room. When I reached him, I went straight to the bathroom to take a bath. After a few minutes, I came out, towel wrapped around my waist, and stood shirtless in front of the mirror. A young man with dark blue eyes, blond hair and a well-toned body with eight-pack abs was reflected in the mirror. Intricate golden runes adorned my body, instantly increasing gravity tenfold.

Looking at the runes etched on my body, I began to slowly undo the runes on my skin, feeling instantly lighter as they disappeared. I took a black short sleeve shirt from the closet before going out onto the balcony. With a jump, I used wind magic and the illusion of flying through the air inconspicuously. After a few minutes of flight, I reached the city center, descending stealthily. I watched the bustling city below, obscured by my illusion.

As the hours passed, I explored the city with its magnificent architecture. I was currently walking the Rainbow Bridge, near the Bifrost. After a few minutes of walking I reached the entrance, where stood a man in golden armor, brandishing a long sword.

"Hello, Heimdall, how are you?" I asked as I approached him.

"Hello, Prince Aldrys, I'm fine," Heimdall replied, nodding respectfully. I enter the Bifrost and reach the end of the tunnel, looking at the bright light in front of me.

"It's been a while since I've been here," I remarked, surveying the tunnel.

"Yes, you were last here two years ago, prince," Heimdall replied as we continued our conversation into the night. When night fell, I said goodbye to Heimdall and slowly made my way back to my room.

Entering my room, I went to the end of the bookshelf and took out a book about cursed runes. Then I lay down on the bed and started reading.

While immersed in reading the book, trying to learn an unknown ancient language, I didn't notice that it was already midnight. After closing the book, I glanced through the window and realized it was midnight. I left the book on the bedside table and slowly drifted off to sleep.

The next day, I slowly opened my eyes, greeted by the sunlight streaming in. I got up and headed to the bathroom. After a few minutes, I emerged from my room and made my way towards the chambers where Thor and the others were. Arriving quickly outside their chambers, I gently opened the door and stepped inside. There, I saw Thor, Loki, and the rest of them. I approached them and greeted them warmly, and they returned the greeting.

After finishing breakfast, Fandral and I headed to the arena for some sparring, while Thor and the others went elsewhere. After several hours of training, it was already noon. I finished sparring and went back to my room to freshen up. After some time, I stepped out of my room and headed towards my father's chambers.

Reaching the door, I knocked, and a moment later, I heard my father's permission to enter. I opened the door and found my father sitting and lost in thought. I approached him, and he looked at me, asking what was the matter. I told Odin that I wanted to go to Midgard. He asked why, and I replied that I desired a little adventure. He granted me permission, which made me happy, so I left the chambers and went to pack my things.

Once I was ready, I went to my mother to inform her that I was going to Midgard. Upon reaching the Bifrost, I saw Heimdall.

"I'm going to Midgard," I told him simply, standing before the tunnel. Heimdall nodded, activated the Bifrost, and teleported me to Midgard. In an instant, I felt a force, and then found myself in the tunnel. After a few moments, I arrived in Midgard, where I saw snow all around me and smoke in the distance. Slowly, I began to walk towards the smoke.

After a few minutes of walking, I arrived at the source of the smoke. Standing atop a hill, I looked down into the valley where a camp was situated, surrounded by people dressed in leather attire. I observed the houses scattered around the campsite. Then, my gaze returned to the people gathered around the campfire, and I noticed that they were intoxicated. Watching them dance and drink around the fire, I realized they hadn't noticed the light from the Bifrost.

Approaching them slowly, I cast an illusion spell to conceal myself from their sight.