The Royal Library of Vanaheim was… unexpected.
Given the Vanir's love for nature, I half-expected something more mystical—maybe massive trees with glowing runes for bookshelves or floating tomes orbiting like enchanted fireflies.
Something elf-like from the stories.
Instead, it was just an ordinary… well, extraordinary library. Towering bookshelves stretched toward the high ceiling, filled with ancient books that exuded the scent of parchment and faint floral aromas.
A subtle layer of magic thrummed in the air—probably protective spells or wards against idiots who might accidentally set fire to millennia of knowledge.
The Vanir didn't mess around when it came to magic.
But their weakness was just as obvious. They were as advanced as medieval Earth. They only had magic.
I walked in, running my fingers along the spines of books as I took in my surroundings. I grabbed one and started reading.
By reading, I mean scrolling through the pages while Raphael dumped every bit of information straight into my brain.
The more I read, the more I realized—
'Vanir magic is mostly illusions and elemental control, while Aesir magic leans toward enhancements and enchantments. Considering how much the Aesir love to brawl, that makes perfect sense. But even though both systems are extensive and impressive, they still fall short compared to Kamar-Taj magic, which focuses heavily on space-time and soul-based techniques.'
[That is to be expected, Master. The greatest difference between an Aesir mage and a Kamar-Taj sorcerer lies in how they access magic. Aesir and Vanir build up their own energy and learn spells to wield it, whereas Kamar-Taj sorcerers borrow power from external sources. At first glance, this makes their magic extremely potent, but it comes with a price. Aesir and Vanir magic, however, is entirely their own, with no hidden costs.]
'Now that you mention it, that makes sense. Even Doctor Strange had to pay for his magic with a perforated stomach. And I'm pretty sure all Kamar-Taj sorcerers pay with their souls once they die… Aesir and Vanir magic is much safer in that regard. Still, could we replicate Kamar-Taj magic using our own systems?'
[Most of it can be copied, Master. However, there are complications with spells that specifically draw energy from dimensional entities like Cyttorak or the Vishanti. We can mimic the form, but our energy source would be different, making the spell weaker or functionally distinct.]
'I see. So energy is the limiting factor… Well, once we create quantum energy breeders and figure out how to convert normal energy into mystical energy, that won't be an issue. It might not be the same, but we could cook up something just as potent."'
'Speaking of dimensions, could we just create our own? If I had a personal dimension filled with my energy, I could act as a cosmic entity and provide free power to the Aesir.'
[Creating a stable dimension is about as difficult as developing a quantum energy breeder, but if we obtain the Space Stone, it will become significantly easier. But I can use trial and error method with the divinity of creation until then.]
'Hmm… So I just have to wait until Dad paves the way for me to collect all the Infinity Stones except the Soul Stone. Then, you can study them in detail. Maybe I should give him a little push…or, let's just let it be, try with creation divinity until then, if we are successful before, good. otherwise, we will have the infinity stone eventually anyway, no rush'
Just as I was deep in thought, a familiar voice pulled me back.
"So, Magnar, why do you like magic so much? Don't you think all this reading is boring?"
Freyja's voice was soft, but there was an undertone of uncertainty. She hesitated before adding, "I mean, I love reading magic books, but Frey and almost everyone else our age hate it…"
Her voice trailed off, fingers tracing the edge of her book, one hand absentmindedly twirling a strand of her golden hair. There was a dim look in her eyes—like she felt left out.
She's just like Hermione… but cuter.
[Fanboy]
'.....'
"Why wouldn't I like magic? It's fascinating," I said, leaning back. "And as for the others, maybe they're just too stupid to appreciate it. Even Hela is the same. But don't mind them. If anything, this just means you and I have something in common."
Freyja blinked, then smiled softly. "Yeah… I suppose we do." She absently ran her fingers over a glowing rune. "Still, I can't help but wonder… You're so talented that just by growing up, you'll become one of the strong ones. And your father is Odin himself. Isn't that enough?"
I crossed my arms. "Enough? Freyja, have you ever heard of a prince who was satisfied with just being 'strong enough'? No kingdom ever flourished because its ruler thought, 'Eh, I'm good enough.' Besides, my dad is Odin, sure, but one day I'll have to stand on my own.
I don't plan on living in his shadow forever.
I want people to know Odin as Magnar's father, not the other way around."
Freyja seemed taken aback. Then, slowly, she nodded. "I see… You don't just want to be strong—you want to be the strongest."
[Heh. You really do sound like a main character sometimes, Master.]
"Shut up, Raph."
[You're blushing, Master~]
Freyja giggled.
Wait—did I say that out loud?
Before I could clarify, a loud thud interrupted us.
"Ugh, this is unbearable!"
Hela stormed into the library like a one-woman army, arms crossed and exasperated. "How long are you two going to sit here staring at books?! Do you even realize how much fun you're missing out on?!"
I sighed. "What fun are you talking about? You find that drunken nonsense fun?"
Hela grinned. "Of course not. Those warriors are way too scared to fight me when they're sober. Drunk? I get to beat them up." She cracked her knuckles, glancing between me and Freyja. "So? You done being nerds yet?"
Freyja huffed. "Just because you don't like reading doesn't mean it's boring. Magic is just as important as fighting."
Hela rolled her eyes. "Magic is just an accessory to real strength. A sword in your hand is worth more than a hundred spells in your head. In battle, you don't have time to chant fancy words."
I smirked. "Says the one who almost got blasted by a simple wind spell the last time she challenged me."
Hela's expression soured. "That doesn't count! I wasn't expecting you bastard to actually use magic. It was a cheap shot!"
"Language, Hela." I retorted.
"Humph," Hela snorted
Freyja giggled. "So magic is only 'cheap' when it works against you?"
Hela crossed her arms. "Whatever. Are you two coming or not? I found a few warriors still standing, and I need someone to spar with. Preferably someone who doesn't crumble after two punches."
I shook my head. "I'll pass. Unlike you, I actually enjoy books. And no, Hela, punching me won't change my mind."
Hela groaned dramatically. "Freyja? Please tell me you're not going to sit here all night reading with my boring brother."
Freyja hesitated, glancing between her book and Hela. "Well…"
I smirked. "Go ahead if you want. But don't come crying to me when Hela drags you into an all-out brawl."
Freyja's eyes widened. "She wouldn't do that… would she?"
I just smiled knowingly.
Hela had the audacity to look innocent. "Me? Drag people into fights? I would never."
Freyja sighed. "Fine… I'll come. But only for a little while!"
Hela smirked. "That's the spirit. Let's go!"
Before leaving, she grabbed Freyja's wrist and yanked her out of her chair. Freyja let out a startled yelp, barely managing to close her book before she was dragged out like a hostage.
I leaned back, watching them go.
[You sure you don't want to join them, Master?]
"Tempting, but no. You take over and read as many books as you can before they come back. We're cleaning this entire library tonight."
[Your wish is my command, Master~]
And everything went dark as Raph took control.