"Using runes for divination is a complex task, often involving tools like rune sticks and rune stones," Queen Frigga explained as she presented a smooth black river stone engraved with intricate runes. Solomon's task was to deconstruct these compound runes onto parchment. This was an advanced application of rune magic, and though Solomon was already proficient enough to write everyday conversations in runes, tackling these more intricate patterns proved challenging.
The combinations of runes were infinite, and the meanings of the rune stones varied. Frigga encouraged Solomon to decipher the symbols, but it wasn't easy.
The spell Tongues could only interpret the surface meanings of words, and when Solomon attempted to use it, the transformed, compound rune clusters only yielded a jumbled mess—akin to incomprehensible code in a magical system.
This study consumed a significant portion of Solomon's time.
In contrast, his performance in potion-making lessons had been exemplary. He successfully created every potion Frigga assigned, even those he had never encountered before. After hearing a description of the potion's purpose and properties, he was adept at identifying the necessary ingredients—and if certain materials were unavailable, he always managed to find effective substitutes. Frigga had even cheered over his talent in alchemy. But when it came to divination, his apparent proficiency seemed to have been left behind in the alchemy classroom.
"Not everyone excels in divination," Frigga reassured him. "The Eye of Agamotto provides a straightforward method of peering into fate. For someone accustomed to such clarity, dealing with the ambiguity of rune divination can naturally pose difficulties. Rune divination is never as precise as more direct methods, so it's perfectly normal to struggle. Don't worry—you have a good understanding of gemstones. You could try engraving runes onto gemstones to aid your studies."
As a spellcaster, Solomon had worked with various gemstones before. One of his most commonly used inks—low-quality ruby ink—cost enough to buy a small calf, while the highest-quality ruby ink could buy a full-grown work animal (around $8,000 USD). And this was just a consumable item. With Solomon's rate of writing, even the highest-quality ink would only last him three days at most.
(As a side note: Solomon has always wanted to purchase a mule as a battle companion—not just because mules are cost-effective, but because their large size makes them great for blocking attacks.)
Mages made money quickly but spent it just as fast. Frigga was well aware of this fact. To prevent Solomon from resorting to hawking his potions on the streets to the common folk, she generously offered to cover all his gemstone expenses during his studies in Asgard.
As a token of gratitude, Solomon proposed assisting Asgardian goldsmiths in crafting a golden accessory for Frigga. The piece would be infused with his unique magical techniques.
Frigga was delighted by the suggestion and sent Solomon off to practice swordsmanship, handing him the sword she had previously gifted him. "It's time for your martial training," she said. "If you perform well in the training grounds, I'll send for Fulla, who oversees the jewelry boxes. She can teach you about Asgardian artistry as well."
"I'm not speaking as the All-Father now, but as a father," Odin said, turning to pat his son Thor on the shoulder. "You're ready—it's time for you to take the throne. Celebrate your victories with your warriors. Feast, drink, and revel in the joy of triumph. You're a king, and you must at least appear to enjoy yourself. Only then can your companions enjoy the spoils they've earned."
"Oh, and one more thing," Odin added. "Make sure to invite our guest. Keep him by your side. Midgard is a vassal of Asgard, and you must approach your relationship with it carefully. I don't care what history you share with him—when you ascend to the throne, you must reevaluate that relationship."
Thor nodded, signaling that he understood.
He spotted Solomon emerging from the palace gardens, sword in one hand and a stack of rune-inscribed parchment in the other. Thor decided to make a gesture of goodwill—he figured that after spending so much time cooped up in the greenhouse, Solomon would be eager to move around.
Odin approved of Thor's decision. As the future king of Asgard, Thor needed to demonstrate his status to foreign rulers and princes. A friendly duel would be a perfect way to assert his authority without souring relations. Still, Odin wasn't entirely sure whether Thor's motivations were so calculated, or if he simply wanted to spar—or perhaps just to glean information about Jane Foster from Solomon.
Whatever the case, Thor's growth was evident, and Odin decided not to push him too hard.
"You must love this sword by now," Thor said, slinging an arm around Solomon's shoulders. Solomon tried to shrug him off, but his hands were full with the parchment and sword, leaving him unable to push the big oaf away—unless he wanted to stab him with the sword.
From the training grounds, Sif frowned as she watched Thor buddy up to Solomon. She couldn't hear their conversation, but her concern over Jane Foster loomed large in her mind.
The reality, however, was far more absurd than she could have imagined. Thor wasn't bringing up Jane at all. Instead, he was promising Solomon that if he trained with him, Solomon could develop muscles as impressive as his own.
Let's assess this objectively.
Solomon was seventeen years old, with a tall and lean physique that rivaled the Asgardian witches he often trained with. His years of rigorous physical training at Kamar-Taj, combined with Athena's spear lessons and swordsmanship drills, had left him with a well-toned body. His mixed Middle Eastern features and strong build often turned heads wherever he went.
Whenever he wasn't wearing his signature Sanctified Shroud, his defined muscles were visible through his shirts, attracting plenty of attention—particularly from older women eager to "help" him.
This wasn't a hypothetical scenario. He had indeed encountered several such women, some even wearing wedding rings. To this day, Solomon remained wary of Wall Street, which he found to be a jungle of predatory cougars.
Despite all this, Solomon's body was still that of a human. Compared to Thor's Asgardian royal bloodline, Solomon's physique fell short. His diet also played a role—unlike Asgardians, Solomon didn't share their fervor for high-salt, high-fat foods. Thus, in terms of height and muscle mass, Thor undoubtedly had the edge.
The only way Solomon could hope to match Thor's build would be to consume an Asgardian diet to the point of developing high blood pressure and cholesterol. And if Solomon stayed in Asgard long-term, he would indeed need to train every day to burn off the excessive calories.
As a child, Solomon had been slightly chubby—a fact that only made him more vigilant about maintaining his current form. Even with his magically enhanced body, the risk of gaining weight loomed large.
Sif watched as Thor cheerfully took the parchment from Solomon, handing it off to a nearby soldier. Then, slinging an arm back around Solomon, Thor dragged him toward the heart of the training grounds.
Sif, gripping her spear tightly, knocked down her current opponent with a swift strike. Slowly, she began following them.
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [[email protected]/Mutter]
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]