章節 601: Treatment
"It seems you came up with a plan. Why don't you tell us what's on your mind?" said Odin.
"I'll speak freely," nodded Edward. "The plan is actually straightforward: train enough powerful fighters to face the upcoming universes and dimensions. In simpler terms, both of you cannot die, and not only can you not die, you must also become more powerful."
"That is not as easy as it sounds," Odin replied.
"How so?" In most of the futures he saw, this family was long dead, so he did not know much about them. Of course, that does not count the powerful variants he saw in some of the universes that fused with this timeline. Still, given the vastness of the multiverse, he could not count on these variants to provide accurate information.
Odin looked at Frigga, and she nodded.
"I was raised by witches, who believe in following the natural order of the universe," she explained. "Many of my abilities originated from that belief, and if I change my fate, I will break that natural order and lose many of my powers."
"As for me," added Odin, who briefly paused. "My body is on the verge of collapsing. It has reached the point that even the Infinity Stones cannot help me."
Edward frowned. "Can I ask whether your connection to the ideologies of these witches is unmendable?" He could not be as direct as he was with the Sorcerers back home, so he had to choose his words wisely.
"I am."
Edward frowned.
"But I'm willing to give them if it means I can say my children."
Edward sighed in relief. If the Asgardian Queen chose to remain stubborn, he doubted anything he said could change her mind/personal beliefs. Luckily, things have not reached such a state.
"Good," nodded Edward before projecting a gate of truth. The door opened to show this couple a vast library, unlike anything they'd seen before — including their own.
"One of my goals in coming to Asgard was exchanging knowledge. I believe this library holds enough information to rebuild a new magic system so you don't have to rely on what you've learned from the witches."
Edward granted her access, so Frigga's spirit entered the library directly in the section labeled [Illusion]. She instinctively took a book called [Introduction] to Illusion Magic] and flipped through it, her eyes shining in wonder and curiosity. She checked a few books before walking to a few other sections, mainly the one titled [Witchcraft] and [Divination/Clairvoyance].
"I did not expect Midgard's sorcery to evolve to such a level," Frigga commented after returning to her body.
"They are not," replied Edward, but did not elaborate. His gaze shifted on the Asgardian King: "May I examine your body?"
Odin frowned. The health status of any monarch is vital information as it could cause chaos and destabilization to a nation. He was already taking a major risk by revealing his weakened state. As he was about to object to this request, he sensed his wife squeezing his hand and sighed.
"As you wish."
"I'm warning you in advance that I will be intrusive. You should prepare." Odin just nodded. His wife was one of the most intelligent beings he knew, and since she counseled him to do this, he wouldn't regret his decisions. A magic circle appeared before the group, releasing a light that enveloped Odin. An invisible screen containing the data gathered floated before Edward.
'Wow. This man was not lying when he said his body was collapsing,' commented Morgana.
'The worst part is it's not just his physical body: his soul, energy, life force, genes, and even his Soul Flame was weak and on the verge of extinguishing,' grunted Edward.
"I told you it was useless," commented Odin, and Frigga's yes — who previously had hoped — flickered. However, Edward did not respond as he was deep in thought.
'What do you think?'
'Most of our methods — including all attempts to heal his soul or body by cloning him or other forms – won't work,' commented Morgana. 'What kind of energy is this Odinforce that the backlash is so severe?'
'At his peak, he might have been on par with an upper Demon God, maybe even a king. However, this is the price he paid for such a power,' Edward concluded.
'According to my analysis, the Odinforce might be the cause of death of most Asgardian Kings. However, the situation might not have been as severe as before.'
'You think Odin upgraded this energy to make it more potent, and that's why he's in such a terrible state?' Edward asked. 'That makes sense. It would also explain why it's named after him now despite being part of their lineage for who knows how long.'
'I think I may have a solution,' said the purple-haired elf.
"I'm listening.'
'We must perform something similar to Soul Divinity to revive his Soul Flame.'
Edward nodded. The Asgardians were not [true gods] with their own [Authority] like the ones in Fate. Instead, they were a highly evolved race born with enhanced physical capabilities, long lifespans, and natural talent for sensing and controlling energies, and some of them — like Thor, Odin, and Hela — were born with a source of power/energy inside of them.
'Something similar?'
'I assumed you don't want to reveal such information to anyone yet?'
'That's true.' As much as he wanted Odin as an ally, he would not go above and beyond to save him. 'What's next?'
'According to my calculations, his body cannot bear the process of Soul Divinity even if we wanted to.'
'Even if we take precautions to support it?' He had many ways to strengthen the body, including the most basic things like [Aura].
'Yes, and the situation might be worse. We don't know much about the Odinforce, and from some basic calculations, many of our methods might further aggravate his situation.'
'In that case, we might have to study the Odinsleep since this magic can actually delay his death,' suggested Edward.
'That would be ideal. However, this is not the end. Soul Divinity-esque operation can only prolong his life but not prevent his decline and eventual death.'
'So, what's your solution?'
'He needs to become one with the Odinforce.'
'Are you suggesting he rewrite his life code and embed the Odinforce into every part of his molecular composition?'
'Yes. He will then become the Odinforce and eliminate its negative effect on him.'
'This will also mean Asgard will forever lose access to this power, and Odin will also become a Pure Energy Lifeform — both things that might affect his decisions.'
'We're only providing him with a viable solution, and it's a choice whether he follows it,' Morgana said nonchalantly. 'Plus, he can still recreate a new force — especially since this one is so dangerous. As for children? He's old, and I doubt he wants anymore.'
'Well, he will be immortal if he succeeds, so he might have other ideas. However, you're correct.'
Edward's eyes finally gained his focus.
"So?" asked Frigga, who had regained hope after seeing how long he was thinking about the situation.
"I have a solution." He saw her eyes lit, but Odin was calm. "But, as you can imagine, it's terribly complicated."
"Explain it to us then."
Edward did so, starting with the Soul Flame. Despite these people's strengths and accomplishments, this field was not their expertise, so he had to start with the basics. After more than an hour, they understood this treatment's gist and its danger.
Odin sighed deeply. This was indeed complicated, involving many risks and efforts on his part — including revealing some of Asgard's greatest secrets. He could not make a decision lightly.
章節 602: New Trainee
"This is not something I can agree on the spot," Odin explained.
"That's understandable, and you can take your time, but be mindful of a reasonable timeline," Edward nodded.
"What else do you suggest we do to prepare?" Frigga asked.
"My plan is very simple and straightforward: become powerful. So, you do whatever is necessary to increase Asgard's military prowess, train Thor to truly develop his potential, and increase your allies," Edward explained. "However, I do suggest you let me train the second prince."
"Loki?"
"Yes, he's a talented sorcerer, and I can mold him into a true powerhouse." Edward did not ask to train Thor since the latter was the next heir to the throne, and Odin might be suspicious that he was trying to brainwash the next Asgardian King. However, Loki — who was secretly trained all his life – to be Thor's advisor was another subject. Of course, there is a chance that Odin also did not want anyone interfering with his son's training.
"It might be a good idea for him to have a change of scenery," Frigga commented, but Odin did not share his thoughts on the matter.
"Lastly," Edward added. "Is there any way to turn Hela into our side?" The room immediately quieted down. Frigga had nothing to say since Hela was her stepdaughter and was gone not long after she married Odin.
"I'm afraid this is not possible," replied the Allfather. "She had an unquenchable thirst for power and only cared about the throne."
"But she also has a deep hidden pride and respect for strength and power," Edward explained. "So, we can tempt her. We lure her with the promise of freedom and the throne as long as she can defeat Thor. However, if she loses, she must serve him without complaints or a devious mind. We used a magical contract to ensure everyone abides by the rules."
Odin's eyes lit up. If this plan works, his son will have his brother as a tactical adviser and his sister as a mighty general. Then, he will no longer have to worry about Asgard's future.
"As tempting as this sounds, you saw what she did to him."
"You also know that Thor has the potential to be victorious," countered Edward. "He's guaranteed to win with the right training and preparations."
"Preparation?"
"I have access to very advanced Illusion Magic that could perfectly recreate all her strength and abilities. He can train to prepare for the fight against her."
Odin's brow furrowed. He had to admit that he was tempted, not just due to the prospect of his son having such a capable companion, but with the idea that this might be the only way for his family to be united — to be whole or complete again.
"But what if he loses?"
"I'll be blunt, Allfather. If he loses after all those advantages, giving her the throne might not be a bad idea, given what's coming to the world."
Odin resisted the urge to denounce these words. His daughter might be a terrible ruler during a time of peace. But in an era of chaos, war, and uncertainty, her ruthlessness and cutthroat views are perfect to rule Asgard.
"This is a lot to process, so let's stop here for today," Odin declared. "I believe you wanted access to our library?"
"Of course."
"There should be no issue."
Edward left shortly afterward, thinking that Odin had indeed gotten old, and this manifested in his indecisive nature, which people might see as wisdom and maturity.
"What do you think?" he asked his wife.
"I don't see any problem with his plan," Frigga replied.
"Aren't you worried about leaking the power of the Odinforce?"
"You should have noticed that the fact he could create such a complex plan to heal you indicated that his scan resulted in a basic understanding of the Odinforce," Frigga explained. "How many people in the vast cosmos do you think can do such a thing?"
"Not a lot," Odin replied. The Odinforce is his masterpiece, life's work, and his greatest achievement in sorcery and technology. So, he was not bragging when he said that not many people can understand it, let alone replicate it.
"I say we do it," Frigga continued. "And if you're worried about the Odinforce, you only need to upgrade it after returning to your peak. This should not be a problem with your experience and knowledge from his library, right?"
"I'm glad you have such confidence in me, but I don't know."
"Is there a reason for your hesitation?"
"I saw my young self in him," Odin explained. "Ambitious, ruthless, powerful, and unrestrained desires. I don't know if it's a good idea to trust him."
"I understand how you feel, but I also see your other positive characteristics from him: your wisdom, desire for innovation, and protective nature," Frigga stated in her opinion. "More importantly, I agree with something he said: we need that kind of person for the upcoming chaos."
"Are you calling me old and senile?"
"Maybe." She chuckled, revealing her charming and elegant nature.
"What about the children?"
"We already have a working model for Thor. As for Loki, I'll ask his opinion."
"Very well. I'll talk to Hela."
…
After entering the library, Edward used a device that scanned and recorded every book before Morgana understood them and instilled them in his mind. The Asgardian's magic followed the same rules as Kamar Taj's sorcerer, except they integrated technology and magic together. No, to Asgardians, technology and magic are one and the same.
Their technology tree is based on machines or objects capable of tapping into different energies of the universe for different effects or aspects of life. It was after a Sorcerer civilization developed magic technology.
'Why are the Asgardians considered Gods when, by all definitions that I know, they do not meet the criteria,' Edward thought as he walked out of the library. The thing did not contain any of Asgard's top secrets, so he did not need to stay for long.
'I wonder what qualifications that made them gods?' The Asgardians were not considered gods because the Scandinavians worshiped them as such when Odin visited once. In the Omnipotence City that appeared in Thor 4, they were recognized by other pantheons as gods.
…
Frigga's chamber:
"Mother, why do you want to see me?" Loki asked while walking and locking arms with her.
"Your father and I have something to ask your opinion?"
"Father?"
"Yes, we were wondering if you were interested in going to Midgard for sorcery training?"
"Midgard?" Loki frowned. He was trying to find an excuse to get close to that sorcerer and steal his source of power, and now, success literally fell on his lap, but he could not help but be suspicious.
"Is this some kind of punishment? Is father exiling me? Did I do something wrong?"
"No, no, honey. This is just a suggestion. You don't have to go if you don't want to," Frigga swiftly explained before stopping and facing him.
"What about Thor? Is he going to Midgard, too?"
"Your brother will face his own challenge and training."
"Training? Did something happen?" The Trickster God was not stupid and caught onto something. Frigga sighed, "Something did happen, but nothing to concern you."
"Mother, you're worrying me."
"Don't worry about it."
Loki knew his mother long enough to know when she would be soft with him and when her decision was final, and unfortunately, this was the latter.
"As you wish?"
"So, what is your decision? Or do you need some time to think about it?"
"I have no issue with going to Midgard," Loki replied after a brief contemplation.
"That's good." Frigga could tell when her son was scheming something, which, more often than not, was nefarious. But this time, she could only secretly say to herself: 'Honey, you're going to suffer.'
—-
Thank you, everyone, for all your patience and support. I'm feeling a lot better now.
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