23
Chapter: Rainbow Bridge
The appraisal of the gemstone necklace as level 4 surprised Forseti immensely.
Looking at the dazzling necklace, El's face lit up with joy, then she seemed to realize something. "Hey, where did you get the money?"
"Remember what I told you earlier about a certain formula?" Forseti replied.
El shook her head.
"The one with the green chips. It's a hair restorer formula, and I made some money from it," Forseti explained.
In truth, he had considered telling El about the hair restorer from the beginning but held off, fearing unnecessary trouble if his uncle found out.
El was momentarily stunned, then exclaimed, "You sold the hair restorer that's been circulating recently?"
"For sure!" Forseti affirmed.
El fell silent, staring at Forseti in disbelief.
"The formula is from the Greenhilde Pharmacopoeia. It's time for me to go, El," Forseti said, giving his cousin a hug immediately.
El's eyes welled up briefly, and she bit her lip.
Forseti chuckled, "It's not like I won't be back. Don't cry; you're over a thousand years old."
Women were always sensitive about age. Although over a thousand years was still young for Asgardians, El would always be a little unhappy whenever Forseti emphasized or teased her about it.
This time, however, El remained composed. "Take care of yourself."
"Don't worry."
"I'll walk you to the Rainbow Bridge," El insisted.
"It's just a trip to Vanaheim; there's no need for such formality. I'll manage on my own," Forseti declined swiftly, mindful of the warhammer he had to hide from El and his uncle.
"I must hurry; Lord Uller won't wait for me," Forseti added before turning away and waving over his shoulder.
Before long, he reached a crossroads where Skorch had been waiting with Verrigan's Fist in hand.
"What took you so long?" Skorch handed him the warhammer.
"Blame having a sister," Forseti quipped cheerfully as they made their way out of Asgard.
Apologizing, Forseti shouldered the warhammer and walked with Skorch toward the Rainbow Bridge.
"Skorch, what do you think it's like to travel on the Rainbow Bridge?" Forseti asked.
"Randolph said that when the Rainbow Bridge opens, people pass through a rainbow passage and arrive at their destination swiftly," Skorch replied.
"I recall your brother Randolph was with the Berserkers?" Forseti inquired.
Skorch nodded. "Yes, I also took his Berserk Cane."
"How did it feel?"
Skorch reflected, "Well... I felt a surge of power throughout my body, but I couldn't control myself, and my mind wasn't clear. I always felt like destroying something."
"Speaking of which, I accidentally broke my dad's stone sculptures he'd been working on for a month."
"Oops," Forseti sympathized.
To step onto the Rainbow Bridge, one must first pass through a gate. Without permission, one cannot cross.
A group of about a dozen people had gathered before the gate, led by a serious-looking young man with black hair who approached Forseti. "Healer Forseti Garrison?"
"Yes," Forseti confirmed.
"I'm Cole, the squad captain. You'll be accompanying us to Camp 3 in Vanaheim," Cole informed him.
"Understood."
Forseti and the group waited together until another individual arrived shortly afterward, accompanied by the staff.
Once everyone was present, the gate opened, revealing a long rainbow-like bridge ahead.
The Rainbow Bridge was not only magnificent but also majestic, spanning the Sea of Marmora, Asgard's main body of water, from the gate to the edge of the realm.
Beyond the Rainbow Bridge lay the starry expanse of the vast universe, twinkling with brilliance.
Forseti's eyes widened at the sight, secretly amazed.
"Let's go!" Captain Cole commanded.
Forseti patted Skorch on the shoulder and followed the group. "I'm off."
The dozen or so individuals proceeded along the Rainbow Bridge and soon arrived at the Teleportation Hall of the Rainbow Bridge.
The Rainbow Bridge defined its direction as true north, making it Asgard's northernmost structure, bordering the realm.
The Teleportation Hall gleamed with rune carvings adorning its walls.
Standing in the center was a giant man clad in a snow-white animal skin coat and horned helmet, dark-skinned and stoic, resembling an ancient mountain range.
He was Uller, one of Asgard's mightiest gods, the god of winter and hunting, and the guardian of Asgard's northern gate since the reign of the last god-king, Bor, Cul and Odin's father.
"Lord Uller," Captain Cole saluted respectfully, bowing. "We've been tasked with heading to Camp 3 in Warnerheim."
"Yeah," Uller nodded casually, his beard twitching. "Prepare yourselves. I'll open the Rainbow Bridge. Those unfamiliar with it should hold onto their companions; that's my advice."
Except for Forseti, everyone else seemed unfazed, indicating they had crossed the Rainbow Bridge before.
Forseti hesitated briefly, then turned to a tall young man nearby. "Could I trouble you?"
"Of course," the tall young man replied, extending his hand.
Forseti grasped it firmly.
Uller inserted the guardian sword into the slot at the center of the Teleportation Hall, causing electric sparks to dance around and illuminate the entire hall.
The blinding light momentarily engulfed Forseti's vision.
When he looked around again, he found himself in a colorful passage with nothing but the shifting stars of the universe visible outside.
Startled to find himself seemingly walking on air, Forseti lost his balance momentarily, but the tall young man steadied him.
The teleportation process was brief, lasting only a few seconds.
Once Forseti regained his footing, the rainbow passage around him vanished, replaced by a dense forest teeming with vibrant foliage and occasional towering trees—typical of Vanaheim's environment.
In a clearing within the jungle stood Camp 3, where soldiers patrolled and kept watch.
"Welcome to Vanaheim eim," the tall young man greeted Forseti. "When you step on the Rainbow Bridge, just stand still as if nothing happened."
Forseti exhaled, releasing his grip. "Thank you. I'm Forseti."
"I'm Ander. You're the healer, right?" Ander asked.
"Yes."
Ander smiled warmly. "Then I'll be counting on you from now on."
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