196

Journey to the Moon

The magic floating cloak, now sanctified, showed subtle changes compared to before.

Upon close inspection, it was adorned with golden lines resembling human palm prints, entirely natural.

Donning the magic floating cloak, Forseti departed from the Supreme Sanctuary and arrived at a nearby open area.

Infusing mana, the cloak immediately levitated with him.

Using the sanctified magic floating cloak for flight, Forseti noticed reduced energy consumption and increased stability during flight.

He gradually accelerated and ascended high into the sky, quickly reaching a speed of about 100 meters per second.

This speed surpassed the cloak's original capabilities but had yet to reach its new limit.

Continuing to augment his flight...

The augmentation process continued until it reached the cloak's limit, unable to improve further.

Forseti estimated he was operating at about half of his potential.

Next, he tapped into his fire power.

His entire body ignited with flames, boosting his speed significantly.

As anticipated, the sanctified cloak had made substantial leaps in all aspects, including enhanced fire resistance. Even at full flame activation, the cloak showed no signs of damage.

"Boom!"

A loud noise erupted as Forseti broke the sound barrier, causing a shockwave that stirred the trees below and whipped up strong winds.

"Ah—"

In exhilaration, Forseti soared and executed aerial maneuvers, reminiscent of catching shrimp farmers, a rhythm in his mind.

As he flew, he experimented and adapted to new flying techniques.

Previously, without the aid of the magic floating cloak, Forseti had to envelop himself in flames to maintain balance, significantly increasing energy consumption.

Now, with the cloak's assistance...

He realized he could reduce the flame output.

He gradually extinguished the flames from his shoulders first, then chest, back, hands, waist, and abdomen without compromising his flight.

Only when the flames below his knees began to fade did Forseti experience slight instability and had to adjust actively.

Ultimately, he maintained flames up to his knees. Without them, even with the magic floating cloak, he'd struggle to maintain balance and speed.

After flying for a while, Forseti landed back at the Supreme Sanctuary.

He knocked on Agamotto's door and entered.

Inside, Agamotto was instructing a boy in his early teens. Upon Forseti's entry, Agamotto patted the boy on the shoulder. "Cagliostro, you may leave now."

"Yes, teacher." The boy called Cagliostro nodded and left.

"Is he your new apprentice?" Forseti inquired.

"Yes. Interestingly enough, this child has a connection to you," Agamotto said, stroking his beard with a smile. Despite nearing forty, his actions seemed ageless.

"To me?" Forseti was surprised.

Agamotto explained, "Do you recall the pregnant woman you once rescued? Cagliostro is her child."

"So it's him. How is his progress?" Forseti asked.

"Extremely talented and diligent—perhaps the most exceptional student I've ever had," Agamotto replied.

"Forseti, has your cloak finally been sanctified?" Agamotto changed the subject.

"Yes," Forseti nodded. "I'm considering visiting the moon soon."

"Is there a pathway to Asgard on the moon?" Agamotto suddenly grinned.

"How did you know?" Forseti was taken aback.

"Guess," Agamotto replied cryptically.

Forseti refrained from further inquiry. In recent years, Agamotto had become increasingly inscrutable, leaving Forseti often unable to decipher his intentions.

Moreover, Forseti was certain Agamotto possessed longevity. Yet from their interactions, it seemed Agamotto intended to age naturally, passing away at a century's age, unlike others who sought eternal life.

Observing Agamotto transition from youth to middle age, Forseti contemplated his own existence.

Though their lifespans far exceeded humans', they were finite.

When Forseti too reached middle and old age, how would he live his remaining years? Would he embrace aging peacefully like Agamotto or seek ways to extend his life like Khonshu?

"Shilut is here, please look after him" Forseti requested, referring to the small but weighty Shilut. He estimated Shilut wouldn't survive the journey to Earth, let alone space.

Unsure if Shilut could endure space, he opted to leave it at the Supreme Sanctuary before returning to Asgard.

"Understood," Agamotto nodded. "Upon your return, preparations for the Third Sanctuary will commence."

"Have you chosen a location?"

"Maya."

...

Over the ensuing months, Forseti resumed honing his flying skills.

Eventually, he selected an equatorial island in the Pacific Ocean—optimal for launching into space.

Night fell, and the moon gradually ascended into the sky.

Forseti rested and prepared well, gazing at the moon above, collecting his thoughts.

Moon, here I come!

With a surge of excitement, the magic floating cloak carried him skyward, steadily gaining speed.

"Boom!"

Flames erupted from Forseti's calves, resembling rocket thrusters, leaving fiery trails as his speed surged, propelling him toward the moon.

Initial minutes consumed significant energy, but as he ascended and air resistance waned, progress became smoother and faster.

Hours later, Forseti was tens of thousands of kilometers from Earth.

Glancing back, he paused to admire the azure gem—Earth—embedded in the dark expanse of space.

So beautiful, no wonder countless villains seek to conquer it...

Refocusing on the moon ahead, flames at his calves, he accelerated further, unimpeded by air resistance, like a stallion running wild, his velocity increasing steadily.

The moon loomed larger in his vision.

After about two days of flight, adjusting altitude and course continuously due to the moon's movement, Forseti finally spotted his destination in the distance.

Due the absence of air resistance, prolonged flight in space had left him fatigued. Fortunately, the moon was now within reach.

Ten minutes later, Forseti touched down on the moon's surface, his speed decreasing to near-static levels as he landed.

Exhausted, he collapsed momentarily and recuperated.

Upon regaining strength, Forseti rose and surveyed the moon's gray terrain.

Where to find that pathway to asgard ?