[Map anchor placed , you can now teleport to: Asgard]
With a soft chime, the notification appeared before Darren's eyes. The Royal Palace shimmered around him as the system confirmed his success. The Asgard map was now active. He could freely travel between Earth and this realm of gods whenever he pleased.
Not bad. Free first-class cosmic travel, courtesy of divine hospitality.
Ignoring the three unconscious Asgardian hounds still snoring under a banquet table, Darren strolled through the grand hall, holding a plate piled high with roasted meat, fruit, and bread.
He glanced around at the guests, his system interface quietly displaying their info tags. To his surprise, many of the names looked familiar , lifted straight out of old Norse mythology.
Only, the "gods" here weren't as omnipotent as legend claimed. They weren't divine in the truest sense, just… superior beings , aliens, really , gifted with advanced technology and naturally enhanced bodies.
Most Asgardians were just tougher, faster, and prettier than humans. But those like Thor and Loki , beings with innate magical "special effects" , were a rare breed.
As Darren was idly scanning the crowd, his attention snagged on a figure across the hall.
A woman of regal bearing stood chatting with Sif. Her every movement radiated calm authority. There was a gentleness to her face, but her eyes , those eyes carried the quiet wisdom of someone who had seen gods rise and fall.
[NPC: Frigga]
[Title: The Queen of Asgard]
[Favorability: 20]
[Profile: Thor's mother, Loki's adoptive mother and magic mentor. Close-quarters battle mage.]
Darren blinked. So that's where Loki got his taste for brawling up close. Family influence, huh.
As if sensing his gaze, Frigga looked his way. She murmured something to Sif, then gracefully crossed the room, her silken gown trailing like mist.
"Darren," she said warmly, voice calm yet commanding. "So you're the mortal my son met on Midgard. I've heard of you. Thank you for helping him."
"Oh, nothing big," Darren said, waving a hand like he hadn't toppled half a dozen gods along the way.
Frigga's eyes lingered on him , not in suspicion, but in quiet study. Then, a knowing smile curved her lips.
"I sense a faint magical resonance around you," she said softly. "It's weak, but distinct. You've recently touched the path of the arcane, haven't you? A young mage, perhaps?"
"Sharp as ever, Your Majesty." Darren grinned, giving her a thumbs-up. "You're right , I'm a newbie mage. Only learned one spell so far: Light. Still working my way up to classics like One-Handed Sword, Two-Handed Sword, and Whirlwind Slash."
Sif blinked slowly. "...Are you sure those are mage skills?"
Frigga didn't even flinch. She smiled serenely, as though this made perfect sense. After all, she herself was a battle mage who could skewer a frost giant with a smile.
"Every path begins with small steps," she said kindly. "You need not rush."
Then she added, "If you'd like, I could share some of my magical experience with you , as a token of gratitude for aiding my son."
[NPC Frigga wishes to teach you magical skills and knowledge. Accept?]
Darren's eyes lit up. "Well, I couldn't possibly impose, but, you know what, standing while talking to a lady feels rude. Why don't we sit and chat? Lamb leg?"
"I'll pass, thank you."
And so, under the golden light of Asgard's feast, the Queen of Heaven gave her first lecture , and Darren, the self-proclaimed rookie mage, listened intently while gnawing a drumstick.
Frigga spoke with calm clarity.
"Magic," she said, "is the art of manipulating energy. But only a rare few possess the potential for it , most living beings simply lack the energy within themselves."
"In other words," Darren muttered, "no mana bar."
Frigga tilted her head. "...That's one way to put it."
He grinned. "Makes sense. No blue bar, no spells."
She continued, unfazed. "Some seek shortcuts , borrowing energy from higher dimensions, making pacts with beings of vast power. But the ones they bargain with… are not generous gods. They're dimensional entities , demons, old gods, beings beyond comprehension. And every favor they grant comes at a price."
Darren nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, loans."
Frigga blinked. "...Pardon?"
"Yeah," Darren explained, "like borrowing money from shady loan sharks. Some give decent rates, others are pure high-interest nightmares. And once you owe them, they will collect , probably with interest, and maybe your soul as collateral."
Sif covered her face with one hand.
Frigga was silent for a moment, then smiled faintly. "Your understanding… is surprisingly practical."
"You mean accurate," Darren said proudly.
"Perhaps," she admitted. "But I meant to say , someone like you, born with your own magical essence, is exceedingly rare in the Nine Realms. You should cherish it. Your potential is greater than most who've walked this path."
The compliment caught him off guard. He scratched his cheek, looking almost bashful for once.
Frigga then began teaching him the basics , proper channeling, focus control, aura shaping. She didn't reveal advanced spells, but her guidance was invaluable nonetheless.
As she explained, her voice was soft but firm, the kind that carried centuries of knowledge.
"You must find your own way," she said. "My methods may not suit you. These are only foundations. The true path of magic must be carved by your own hands."
Darren nodded earnestly. "Got it. No shortcuts, no copycats. Build my own system."
"Exactly."
When they finished, his system pinged again , a new passive skill unlocked: [Basic Magic Control].
"Thank you, Your Majesty," he said sincerely. "Your lesson means a lot."
Frigga smiled. "Should you ever face questions on your journey, my door is open."
"Appreciate that," Darren replied.
He watched as the Queen and Sif drifted away, leaving him to his thoughts.
He couldn't help it , he was genuinely puzzled. How had someone so poised, so wise, so perfectly put together, managed to raise Thor and Loki , two walking disasters?
The gods must have a sense of humor.
...
"Darren! There you are!"
The booming voice arrived before its owner did.
Thor stormed over, looking exasperated.
"I tried what you told me," he said, frustrated. "It didn't work. Loki still refuses to admit his mistakes!"
Darren frowned. "Really? That's odd. What exactly did you say to him?"
"Say?" Thor blinked. "Was I supposed to say something?"
Darren just stared at him.
So he'd electrocuted his brother without even telling him why.
"...You know what," Darren said dryly, "forget it. Let's eat first. Have a lamb leg. It'll help with the stress."
Thor eyed the offered leg warily. "Loki's in a dungeon. My heart is heavy. How can I eat, "
Before he could finish, Darren shoved the entire roasted leg into his mouth.
Thor's eyes went wide. He tried to speak, to scold, to protest, but all that came out was a muffled mrrph!
Tears welled in his eyes, either from emotion or the sheer size of the meat.
Darren watched in silence for a long moment.
Then nodded approvingly. "Huh. First time I've seen a man open his mouth that wide on instinct."