Sigurd's face was set in a deep frown. He was missing a crucial piece of information, a vital point hovering just beyond his memory's grasp.
Odin noticed his brother's expression—the first time he had ever seen Sigurd look so pained and troubled. Sigurd met his gaze and nodded slightly, signaling he was okay, but his mind was racing.
Did someone erase my memory? Or is this a part of the story I never knew? He was now certain something had been tampered with. Could it be one of those ancient beings with nothing better to do than meddle with their own creations?
He didn't dwell on it for long, suspecting the influence of a power like the All-Above Gods.
Suddenly, the scenery before his eyes shifted. He was no longer in the hall but seated opposite an old man who radiated an aura of immense, timeless power.
"How are you finding your life in this Marvel world, Sigurd? After fifty years, does it feel like home?" the old man asked, his voice calm and knowing.
Sigurd looked at the figure before him. "I cannot say. Although I know snippets of this world's future, I have no memory of my past life to compare it to. How can I judge?"
The old man observed him keenly. "You've noticed that. I thought you would be content with foreknowledge of the future. I didn't anticipate you mourning a past you cannot recall."
He leaned forward slightly. "Not even the gods above can alter the fundamental rules of reincarnation. Memories of a past life cannot be retrieved after death. Your knowledge of this world, however, was a gift from me."
Sigurd was stunned. He had assumed his transmigration was like something from the novels he vaguely remembered, a random accident. It seemed instead that a powerful being had intentionally implanted a specific set of knowledge into a new soul, crafting a tool for a purpose. The thought was humbling, and a little frightening. Yet, he felt a surge of gratitude for this second chance at life, a life that would be long and full of purpose. He thought of his Asgardian family and felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
The old man waited patiently for him to process this revelation.
"Sigurd, you were initially chosen for a specific task, but that mission has been… postponed for an indeterminate time. Consider this period a gift a chance to live and grow. Still, I am interested to see how you navigate this world with your unique perspective."
"There is also a gift for you, but it will become available in the future. Think of it as compensation. If our arrangement is finalized, you will have a chance to prove your mettle. So, prepare yourself."
Sigurd was confused. "A gift? So, I am here because of a mission? What must I do?"
The old man's gaze grew distant, as if recalling a distant event. "You may have a role to play in the coming millennia, but for now, live as you see fit. I placed you here to observe how a soul with foresight develops in a universe where raw power is the ultimate currency."
Sigurd still didn't understand why a being of such magnitude would need him. Even if no explanation was offered, he knew he had little choice but to accept.
"Do not trouble yourself with excessive thought. I wished to meet you at your birth, but I was… otherwise occupied. I chose today because it marks the true beginning of a new Asgard."
"Live your life, Sigurd. What matters to me is the choices you make. We will meet again in a thousand years. Until then, focus on mastering runic magic."
Before Sigurd could form a question, the scenery shifted once more. He was back in the hall, the meeting continuing as if no time had passed.
As he suspected, no one seemed to have noticed his absence. However, three individuals were looking at him with subtle curiosity: his brother Odin, the ever-perceptive Heimdall, and surprisingly, Frigga, the woman Odin was to marry. They had likely felt a faint, inexplicable fluctuation in the energy around him, though the power of the All-Above God would have been far beyond their comprehension.
Sigurd simply nodded to them, but his mind was fixated on the cosmic meeting. The "gift" the old man mentioned would activate later. It likely wasn't a "system" like in stories; as a beginner Sky-Father, his power would grow naturally with increase in cosmic energy. This gift was probably tied to the halted mission or a future event.
The mention of a "deal" suggested he would eventually have to undertake a task for the being, hence the 1,000-year timeline. He wondered if it involved some cosmic anomaly, though such a being could surely handle that alone. The final instruction was the clearest: focus on runic magic. The power he had awakened was far more significant than he had realized.
The urge to begin his runic studies immediately was overwhelming, but he suppressed his excitement.
In the hall, the discussion had progressed to the formalities of the marriage and the creation of a shared hall for the fallen warriors of both clans—Valhalla.
Sigurd listened, confirming that history was unfolding as he knew it: the Valkyries would be formed under the leadership of Brynhildr, Eir, and Sigrún. The timeline was holding.
He observed the assembled demigods and goddesses of Asgard and Vanaheim, the formidable warriors who would shape the future.
Finally, as everyone awaited the final decision, Bor stood.
"The marriage of Odin, son of Bor, and Frigga, daughter of Freyr, will be held in six months," he declared. "By agreement, the Vanir will retain sovereignty over Vanaheim, but in times of war, all warriors of both clans will fight as one."
"Furthermore, Asgard will establish an army of female warriors, the Valkyrior led by Brynhildr, Eir, and Sigrún. They will operate under Odin's command, tasked with eliminating the enemies of our united realms. Additional armies will be recruited from both clans to stabilize the Nine Realms."
"And with the help of the Dwarves and our gods, we shall create Valhalla, a hall for the spirits of all warriors who fall in service to this alliance."
As the decision was met with approval, the assembly moved to the banquet hall to celebrate. Even Njörd, with his distinct pride, was present. But Sigurd's mind was elsewhere, already focused on the intricate paths of runic magic, his true journey now beginning.