Chapter 8: Seidr and The Quest.

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Name: Bjorn Drakonfell

Age : 9 years.

Race: Human (25% overall of Giant, Aesir, Vanir and Ursus.)

Level: Body- 0% (Rank 1)

Mage- 0% (1st Circle)

Elemental- 0.2% (Stage N/A)

Abilities: [Advanced Learning-C], [Mana Condensation-C] (+),

[Mental Fortitude-C] (+), [Pain Resistance-C] (+), [Adaptive Thoughts-A]

Talents: [Ursus Physique (awakened)] -------5% to 10% progress.

[Aesir Physique (unawakened)] -------12% awakened.

[Vanir Physique (unawakened)] -------0%

[Jotnar Physique (unawakened)] -------0%

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As Bjorn observed his status, he was pleased. His abilities had improved and the Ursus Physique also progressed a great deal.

But what pleased him more, was the fact that his Aesir physique had started awakening was very exciting for him.

Why? Because the Aesir had so many powerful gods! What if he got abilities of many gods?

Like Thor's might, Loki's trickery, Odin's magic, Heimdall's vision, Frigg's Seidr [1]…it was so exciting!

{Guide would like to inform Host that, 'Physique' grants potential to gain abilities.

It does not grant abilities to the Host. And there are certain limitations regarding abilities that have been implemented.

As the gods had 'divinities', and those are not suitable mortal hands.

For example: Frigg's Seidr. It can know the strings of fate and also weave a new string of fate into it, which can potentially change the course of future.}

Bjorn was a little disappointed at that. Seidr was the one of many things he was looking forward. It was a great talent-type ability.

It could've helped him in combat, strategy and survival.

{You needn't be so disappointed. Seidr's sub-classes are studied in Inguz.

Although they aren't as strong as the main ability, they give an edge to the individual who has researched and studied them enough.}

'Is that so? But its ability to affect future was OP ability you know? It could've helped in knowing about 'them'.' Bjorn asked the Guide.

{Does Host forget that Frigg did fight 'them' in The Great Slaughter [2]?

But it was to no avail. They simply could do nothing but fight.

And mortals do not have the capability to comprehend fate and predict the possible outcome of the changes done in present.}

Bjorn fell silent at that. Even knowing the future didn't work? But who can evade a goddess who can know every fate she wills to see? Them. They did.

'Do you mean the butterfly effect? Where a small change can lead to bigger changing uncertainties?' Bjorn asked.

{Correct.} Guide replied.

He heavily nodded.

Indeed, he wasn't a god that can take on the consequences. Simple advancement to 1st rank and circle had rendered him unconscious, how could he possibly handle if some big monster comes along?

{Host should note that, Host's advancement was an anomaly.

The Guide, as previously stated, helps in cultivation and distribution of progress.

Host's progress was distributed equally to the Magic and Body cultivation. Mind and Body advancement like that is impossible for mortals.

My intervention allowed a slight delay between the two processes.} Guide replied.

It wasn't obvious in its tone, but he could literally hear the imaginary 'glory' music.

'You know, it wasn't a good idea to let that happen in front of my parents.' He said as he inwardly rolled his eyes.

{Rest assured. The future advancements shall be safer and would have acceptable delays in-between, to pass it off as slightly abnormal.}

'Are you kidding me? My parents is one thing, but if someone else sees me advancing, then won't I be scrutinized closely?' he asked exasperatedly.

{World is wide, host. Scrutinized for something is least of your worries. There far too many excellent individuals out there.} Guide replied.

He sighed at that. Talking to guide always left him tired. The Guide always talked off in its own tangent sometimes.

{Here, something for you to think about.}

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--DING! -- QUEST --DING!--

***

The cogs are whirring,

The runes are glowing.

Shadows lurk on Jormungdar's tail,

Building Chaos' temple of hell.

For the shadows grow on hate,

Bringing disaster at Magnor's gate.

Shall the Chosen One chooses to fight,

Only then the 'home' shall survive the fateful night.

***

Conditions:

1. Comprehend the above 'spadamor'. [3]

2. Make a Choice and recognize the time and place to do it.

3. Recognize and gain your first 'Ally'.

Rewards:

Depending on the choices the Chosen makes.

Penalties:

1. If the spadamor isn't comprehended, it will result in degradation of [Adaptive Thoughts]

2. Consequences of your choices may be severe, choose wisely.

3. Difficulty of the main quest may increase if the 'Ally' hasn't been recognized or gained.

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Bjorn blankly stared at the quest notification that came out of nowhere.

For a few seconds, his mind lingered on the last line of the 'spadamor' and 3rd condition.

"Home survive the fateful night…ally… Home survive the fateful night…" he kept muttering those words again and again.

He just couldn't get those words out of his mind.

Survive the night? Was his home going to get attacked? And what ally? He didn't even have any friends!

And when was this going to happen? And what temple of hell? Fudge! That sounded ominous as hell!

Agh! By Odin's eye! He didn't know shi- anything!

{Relax, host. The time for completion of this quest is until you reach 15 years of age.

And your memories were kept for a reason. Use your memories host, and knowledge learned in this world.} Guide said, calming him a little.

'Right. Right I could do that. It'll be simple enough to solve, right?

Uh, the Magnor should be home right? And Jormungdar? Is there any place named--' as he was rushing through the spadamor, he was cut off by a knock on the door.

The door opened. It was his mother.

"Bo, are you awake?" she asked.

"Huh? Y-yes. I am. Mom what is it?" he replied.

"Oh? You look surprised, Bjorn. Its nearly evening and you still hadn't come out. Once night falls, we're going to eat dinner, so I came to check up on you." She said as she came beside his bed.

He was a little surprised at that. He looked out of the window. Indeed, the sun had almost came down.

Talking to guide and thinking about the spadamor had took his resting time. He rubbed his face with his hands.

He felt a hand on his head, ruffling his hair. He looked at his mother who appeared to be concerned.

"You okay? Are you still tired? I can get the dinner here if you want?" she said gently.

He shook his head and said, "No, its fine Mom. I'll come down. Thanks though."

"Oh? Such manners? My~ You needn't say thanks to me dear. Alright. Now freshen up and come down okay?" she smiled a little and said.

"Yes, mom. And good evening to you." He nodded and said.

His mother giggled a little and went out through the door.

'Are manners bad thing to have? I don't understand my mom sometimes. Well, let's have dinner. I can think of the spadamor later.'

He got up and stretched.

Whoa! He felt very tall.

The pain was negligible now. He could feel his arms had elongated a little bit. His torso, felt as though some armor had merged with his body.

He hopped, side-stepped, punched, kicked and jogged. Every move had a power that he never felt before.

He was overjoyed. If this is how feels to be powerful, then he would cultivate day and night!

But before that—Why was his arms so long?!

{As Ursus physique grants thicker and powerful arms, the Host would've gained the same.

But to not to disturb the body balance, the arms were elongated minimally and the thickness was adjusted, also the appearance was kept normal.} Guide explained.

'Then why don't you just make me a bear then!? Damn, if this goes on, I'll become a bear-man sooner or later!' Bjorn complained.

{Careful about the things you wish, host. Choices matter, so do wishes.} Guide said, mysteriously.

Bjorn immediately shut up. The damned word 'choice' kept bugging him again and again.

He cleaned up and went downstairs. He was going to have Boar meat tonight.

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Note:

1. Seidr—Frigg's magic of knowing every being's fate and weaving a new event in the future itself.

2. The destruction you saw in the 1st prologue shall be called 'The Great Slaughter'.

3. Spadamor means divination, in Icelandic—closely related to Nordic.

Author: Shantanu Bondre (ID: Sam0207)