"Son, your talent in magic is the greatest I have ever seen. Even the basic spells you've learned have already surpassed my own capabilities. If you keep learning, you'll soon be far stronger than I am," my mother said happily, patting my head. She seemed really excited about my talent in magic.
And truth be told, I was taught five basic spells by my mom—three illusions, one fireball, and one thunder spell for attacking. Just after understanding how mystical energies worked, Raphael went into full motion, utilizing it like crazy.
[Master, complete analysis of mystical energy has been finalized. Proper optimization has been done, and the efficiency of mystical energy control has increased by 300%.]
'So it's finally done. Good. Now start researching the conversion of common energy into mystical energy. Then, we can look into Asgard's technology later and create magi-technology. Also, something new just popped into my mind—what if we create a new form of energy and base Asgard's tech entirely on it? That way, no one can copy our technology.'
[Yes, Master. Starting research on conversion of common energy into mystical energy, studying both energies in more detail, attempting the formation of a new form of energy. Proceeding with micro hit-and-trial simulations. Remaining time cannot be calculated since this may or may not achieve results. And Master, although this method ensures that our tech cannot be easily copied, it also creates a risk—if we lose the energy source, all of our technology becomes redundant. We need to ensure that does not happen.]
'Yeah, you're right, Raph. We also have to ensure that no one else can steal the energy sources from us.'
[Yes, Master. Do you want to start anything else?]
'Nope, not now. We're going to Vanaheim tomorrow. How do you think that world would be? I've heard that compared to Asgard's grandeur, Vanaheim is much more nature-oriented. Is it because they're broke?'
[Could be, Master. They did lose the war to the Aesir, after all…]
'Well, let's not badmouth them. After all, I'm also half Vanir, and I absolutely love my mother.'
[Yes, Master. Goodnight. Rest for now, since you have to leave early tomorrow.]
'Yeah, yeah. Not like I need to sleep anymore, but whatever you say, Raph.'
And I went to sleep.
You know what's the best part about long-lived species?
For someone lazy like me, it's a dream. If you say, "I'll do something later," you can actually do it later. Because for them, "later" can mean decades. There's no rush at all.
I'm not saying this is a good thing. From a civilization's point of view, it's stagnation. But from an individual's perspective, they live much better lives than humans…
Though, maybe this slow growth rate is why elves as a race often end up as slaves to humans. Could that happen to us Asgardians too...?
…Anyway, let's not think about that.
Actually, we have elves here too. I really want to go to Alfheim. I wonder how the light elves look. Maybe I should take some of them as my maids? After all, I am the crown prince of Asgard…
Wait, have we conquered Alfheim yet???
I really need to start reading current affairs.
[Master... just stop overthinking and go to sleep.]
'.....Sorry about that, Raph. Just put me in sleep mode... Thanks.'
And I had a good sleep. Now, time to go to Vanaheim—the world ruled by my maternal uncle.
"Mom, how are we going to Vanaheim?" I asked curiously. Maybe we would go through the Bifrost or a spaceship? It would be my first time in either.
"We will take the Bifrost, dear. This will be your first time using it, so hold my hand tightly, okay?" My mother said, smiling sweetly.
Her smile made my impression of the Vanir rise another notch.
But what really excited me was the Bifrost itself. This divine piece of magic—technology?—allowed travel at speeds beyond light. Both a weapon and a transport, it was the ultimate tool of Asgard. It could be said that half of Asgard's conquests were thanks to the Bifrost.
Capable of ultra-long-distance attacks and deployments, the Bifrost was something unique to Asgard. If Raphael could perfect it further, it could become a true planetary annihilation weapon—able to strike and instantly take out any planet in the universe with ease.
"Yes, Mom. How long will it take to reach Vanaheim using the Bifrost?" I asked curiously.
"Hmm, a few seconds, I guess? No one ever measured it since it's so quick..." Mom said thoughtfully.
'Raph, measure it when we travel.'
[On it, Master.]
Soon, we reached the end of the Rainbow Bridge, preparing to leave with the Bifrost. Even Father had made time to see us off.
"Take care. And remember, you are the Queen of Asgard, not just Njord's sister. You must maintain Asgard's majesty. And you too, Magnar," Father said solemnly, as always.
Mom simply nodded seriously, and I followed her.
"Heimdall, open the Bifrost."
Yep, Heimdall was still the gatekeeper, and… wow, dude's over a millennia old. I always thought he was Thor's age, but nope.
Heimdall placed his sword—the key to the Bifrost—into the lock, activating it.
As the Bifrost shot out like a ray of light into the universe, my mother held my hand as we were sucked into it.
…How do I describe this feeling?
Not great. It felt like riding a bus on a really bumpy road at over 100 km/h. I almost puked, but Raph stepped in, stabilizing me in milliseconds.
We arrived in Vanaheim in exactly 7 seconds, according to Raphael.
The first thing I saw?
A castle. A castle that was partially in ruins.
Compared to Asgard… well, let's not compare. I don't want to complain about the Vanir. They're good people.
We entered the castle, where we were greeted by an old-looking guy whose beard was covered in barnacles. He also had a slightly fishy smell and… well, not the best looks.
This was Njord, King of the Vanir.
And no, I refuse to accept that this guy is my mom's brother. Just look at him. And then look at Mom. Nope. Impossible.
He greeted Mom and even hugged her lightly. I turned my attention to the other people in the room.
And then, I saw her.
The most beautiful girl I had ever seen.
It was as if my entire purpose of birth was for this moment. I had seen goddesses back on Asgard, but this girl—who was maybe just a little older than me—was the cutest and most beautiful being in existence.
'Raph, what the hell is happening? I am not a pedophile… Why can't I take my eyes off her???'
[Master… It's the passive effects of divinity. Most probable guess? The divinity of love. But it shouldn't be this severe. Maybe… you have developed a crush?]
'The hell you talking about? She's eight or something.'
[Master, in case you forgot, you're five.]
'I'm over 25.'
[Only in soul. Now stop acting weird and introduce yourself. I activated thought acceleration to prevent you from embarrassing yourself.]
'Alright, thanks, Raph.'
I approached the girl.
"Hello there. I am Magnar Odinson, the eldest prince of Asgard. What's your name, beautiful?"
[You're hopeless. You were supposed to greet your uncle first. And why are you flirting?!]
'IT'S HER DAMNED DIVINITY!!!'
She blushed. "Hello, I am Freyja, Princess of Vanaheim."
…Even her name was beautiful, and that blush.....
sigh...I guess I'm doomed...