Chapter Two: Rune Magic

Thor underestimated the cold of Jotunheim, as well as the power of the Frost Giants. In the end, it was only with Odin’s rescue that the group managed to return safely to Asgard. But Laufey had long harbored betrayal in his heart; seizing upon the incident, he tore up the peace agreement on the spot.

...

“Because of your ignorance and arrogance, all Nine Realms will be plunged into war!"

“I now strip you of your power. In the name of my forefathers, and all those who came before, I, Odin, All-Father, command your exile!”

“Whosoever holds this hammer, if they be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.”

...

Artanis was in the library, leafing through the magical tomes of Asgard. Rune magic was knowledge Odin had obtained from Yggdrasil, belonging to the Infinite Path—like the Eternal Path, it could not be mastered by orthodox Starborn, though it was of great reference value.

It had been a long time since Artanis last perused these books; the previous occasion had been a year ago, by the New Divine Calendar. Asgard’s flow of time, like that of Ulna, was that of the divine realms, so Asgard was also known as the Celestial Palace. As the ambassador of the Starborn Empire, Artanis typically attended gatherings here once a year, spending most of his remaining time in Midgard.

Asgard, much like Ulna, enhanced the cultivation of particular laws, yet Artanis was not Asgardian, and so generally did not choose to remain in Asgard for long periods.

The Asgardians placed little value on magic; their strength came from Yggdrasil. As long as they attained self-realization, even those ignorant of magic would naturally wield immense magical power.

This led to Asgard’s magical research being superficial; the books were obscure and difficult to comprehend, and moreover, the palace’s tomes could not be taken out, nor could runic script be reproduced. Artanis could only study them during his visits.

As for Yggdrasil, in Artanis’s view, it was the sacred relic left in this universe by the God of Infinity, supporting the fabric of the cosmos. The Nine Realms were the anchor points of Yggdrasil in the physical universe, and Asgard’s protection of these worlds was in truth the safeguarding of the World Tree itself.

Speaking of which, Odin had left the Space Stone in Midgard three years prior, chiefly because the spatial laws of Midgard were in disarray at the time. The mighty force of a nine-star alignment had torn open numerous jump points near Midgard, and to seal them, Odin had left the Space Stone there. Now, so much time had passed that it was nearly time to reclaim it.

...

“What a fine mood you’re in, Ambassador,” Loki strolled in, his steps light.

“Good afternoon, Lord Loki. What brings you to me?” Artanis closed his book, vigilant. Although Frigga had said Loki had resolved his inner turmoil, the God of Mischief’s nature would never truly change.

“I just sent off my poor brother and heard from Mother that you were here. I was curious to come and see.” Loki grinned, suddenly leaning in to glance at the closed tome. “Runic magic? What, are you trying to learn these little tricks too?”

Artanis’s expression grew serious. “All knowledge is precious, without high or low. Why belittle yourself, Lord Loki? The Asgardians are innately strong; their lack of magical development has its reasons.”

“Yes, Asgardians are mighty by nature—so only those who are not Asgardian would bother with such little tricks. I should have realized.” Loki’s face shifted to impassivity as he regarded Artanis.

Artanis frowned. “Prince Loki, there’s no need to test me. The Starborn Empire and Asgard have always enjoyed a strong alliance; we do not interfere in our allies’ internal affairs. As for matters of the heart, surely you know best what is true or false?”

“I just can’t swallow this. To think that big oaf of a brother gets the power of Thor without having to learn a thing, while no matter how hard I study, it’s useless.” Loki’s tone was laced with mockery.

“But he is still your beloved brother, is he not?” Artanis understood now—this contrary god was once more at odds with his brother.

“Who would love him? That reckless, arrogant, self-important brute,” Loki’s eyes flashed with anger. “He never has to do anything to gain everything, while I have nothing.”

“Yet you possess everything as well. I believe the Queen has explained it all to you. If you were truly angry, you wouldn’t be here now.” Artanis sighed, helpless. Though younger than these brothers, he’d seen much of humanity’s joys and sorrows in Midgard and could somewhat fathom their complicated bond. He also realized Loki’s true purpose for coming. “Here, this is the Khaydarin Crystal you wanted.”

Loki laughed suddenly. “Ah, as expected of Artanis—you guessed it right away.” The illusion vanished, and Loki’s true form entered from outside.

“Your illusions have become truly masterful. I only sensed it because my room’s alarm was triggered,” Artanis said, shaking his head as he handed over the crystal.

“Since the Queen left, I’ve been pondering why you would keep me in Asgard. Considering the play you orchestrated, I soon understood.” Nodding to Loki, Artanis returned the book to the shelf.

...

“How dull. Talking with someone who cultivates the Way of the Mind is the most tedious thing.” Loki tossed the small crystal in his hand, making Artanis wince.

“So you’d still rather deal with Thor, wouldn’t you?” Artanis remarked quietly. Loki’s grin widened, but he tucked the crystal away.

“Even if I know everything, I’ll still ‘educate’ that muscle-bound idiot of a brother properly.” Loki left the library, smiling. With the Khaydarin Crystal, his plan now had far more flexibility.

After Loki departed, Artanis gathered his things and returned to his quarters to devote himself to training. Asgard differed greatly from Midgard; with such a disparity in the flow of time, he wished he could spend every second cultivating, uncertain how much longer he’d remain in the divine realm.

Loki, with the Khaydarin Crystal, approached Odin’s bedside. Odin had already visited the treasury and was now in deep slumber, while Queen Frigga kept vigil at his side.

“Well? No luck, I suppose?” Frigga looked at her younger son, a smile on her lips. Loki rolled his eyes, said nothing, and handed her the crystal. “Here, the Khaydarin Crystal.”

Frigga took it, cast several spells upon it, and handed it back to Loki, worry etched across her face. “Are you really going to do this? It’s far too dangerous—what if something goes wrong?”

Loki only smiled with confidence. “Of course. I will prove that I am the key.”

“Then be careful. I believe you will succeed.” Frigga gave Loki a magical charm. Though she had soothed his heart, Loki’s competitive spirit still drove him to test himself against Thor.