[Map Teleport Point set. You may now teleport to: Asgard]
Daniel locked the Asgard anchor from the Golden Palace. Instant travel between Earth and the realm of the gods was now his.
He strolled past the three snoring, wine-soaked "hounds" of Asgard, plate piled high with roast meats, casually scanning the banquet hall. Familiar names glowed above the guests—straight out of Norse legend, though their power was far more… reasonable. Advanced aliens with fancy tech and tough bodies, not actual gods. Only a handful, like Thor or Loki, came with flashy special effects.
Near the far pillar, Lady Sif was speaking with a serene, regal woman who clearly wasn't background decoration.
[NPC: Frigga]
[Title: All-Mother]
[Affinity: 20]
[Class: Melee Mage]
No wonder Loki liked stabbing things up close.
Frigga's golden eyes flicked toward Daniel. A moment later she and Sif approached.
"You're Daniel, yes?" Her voice was warm honey. "Thor speaks highly of his Midgardian friend. Thank you for aiding my son."
"Just happy to help," Daniel said, shrugging.
Frigga studied him a second longer, smile deepening. "There's a faint magical signature around you—newly awakened, yet pure. A young sorcerer?"
"Guilty," Daniel admitted, giving her a thumbs-up. "Total rookie. I literally only know Lesser Illumination so far. Haven't even unlocked the essential mage staples like One-Handed Sword, Two-Handed Sword, or Whirlwind yet. Pretty embarrassing."
Sif blinked slowly.
Frigga just chuckled—she herself wielded both spell and blade with equal grace.
"Your journey has only begun," the All-Mother said kindly. "If you'd like, I can share some foundational knowledge, as thanks for looking after Thor."
[Frigga offers to teach magic-related skills and theory. Accept? Y/N]
Jackpot.
"I'd be honored," Daniel said, already pulling out a chair. "Sitting is easier on the legs. Care for a lamb leg while we talk?"
Frigga declined the meat with a polite smile.
Under the All-Mother's patient tutoring, Daniel quickly grasped the world's magic system.
Magic, she explained, was applied energy. Most beings had zero internal mana—like a character with no blue bar trying to cast Fireball. Desperate mages borrowed power from Dimensional Archdemons. Interest rates varied by demon. Some were reasonable banks; others were the kind of lenders who break knees and collect souls.
Frigga tilted her head. "Do you follow?"
Daniel nodded enthusiastically. "Crystal clear. So basically, I should aim to become the Archdemon—have others pay me interest instead."
Sif facepalmed.
Frigga's smile twitched. "…Close enough."
She continued more seriously. "Natural vessels like you are extraordinarily rare, even across the Nine Realms. Your path will be safer and longer than most."
Flattering, but Daniel would take it.
Frigga taught him basic manipulation techniques—nothing advanced, since her personal system wouldn't suit him. "Find your own school," she advised. "These are only the bricks. You must design the house."
"Got it. Thank you, All-Mother."
A new entry appeared on his skill list: [Basic Magical Manipulation - Lv.1]
Frigga rose gracefully. "My door is always open if you have questions."
As she and Sif walked away, Daniel shook his head in wonder—how did this wise, elegant woman end up with those two chaotic disasters for sons?
"Daniel! There you are!"
Speaking of disasters.
Thor stomped over, looking like a kicked puppy. "Your plan failed completely. Loki still refuses to apologize."
"Seriously?" Daniel raised an eyebrow. "Did you… actually talk to him?"
Thor frowned. "Was I supposed to say words?"
Daniel silently mourned Loki's suffering for one full second.
"Never mind," he said, thrusting a glistening lamb leg toward the thunder god. "Food first. Try this—it's incredible."
Thor eyed the meat, throat bobbing dramatically. But brotherhood prevailed. "How can I eat while Loki is—"
Daniel shoved the leg straight into Thor's open mouth mid-sentence.
Thor's eyes widened in betrayal. He tried to protest, but the only sound was muffled chewing. Tears—of sorrow or sheer deliciousness—rolled down his cheeks.
Daniel stared.
The man had unhinged his jaw like a snake to fit the entire leg in one go.
Truly, the God of Thunder.