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Frigga

Of course, at this point, Frigga was still young and had not yet become Odin's second wife, let alone mothered Thor.

Forseti was a bit surprised but maintained his composure, smiling and greeting, "Lady Frigga."

"Hello, Forseti." Frigga returned the smile. "Eir often speaks highly of you. I hear you're participating in the hunting festival. I'm sure you'll hunt some impressive prey."

Forseti replied graciously, "Thank you."

Eir chimed in, "Frigga and I are preparing dinner together tonight, Forseti. You must give us your feedback on the meal."

During dinner preparations, Forseti felt awkward offering help and ended up waiting quietly.

It was clear that Eir and Frigga shared a close bond, akin to sisters, and conversed easily on various topics.

For Forseti, this was reassuring. While others may not realize it, he knew that despite being currently only the adopted daughter of Duke Norn and not yet a prominent figure in Asgard, Frigga would eventually become Odin's wife and the mother of Thor and Loki.

Throughout the meal, Forseti mostly ate in silence while Eir and Frigga continued chatting.

"Eir, which side do you think will win the hunting festival?" Eir asked after a while.

Frigga shook her head thoughtfully. "Only the Norn's Spirit in the Time Cave could predict that. But my hope is with Hela."

"Why is that?" Eir inquired.

Frigga paused, considering her words. "Hela has a certain allure."

"Like her father?" Eir teased.

Frigga smiled enigmatically and said nothing more on the subject.

Observing this exchange, Forseti momentarily reflected on the longstanding relationship between Frigga and Odin...

Ah, I can't help but feel sorry for Odin's current wife.

After Frigga departed, Forseti and Eir chatted for a while longer before calling it a night.

"Sister, is Duke Norn strict?" Forseti asked eventually.

"Yes, there are many rules here, much like studying," Eir sighed. "But it has its benefits. Under the guidance of our teachers, I've made faster progress in magic and learned a great deal."

Forseti nodded. "By the way, have you been to the Time Cave?"

"I have, and I received a prophecy," Eir responded, blushing slightly.

Forseti was intrigued. "What kind of prophecy?"

Eir hesitated briefly. "I can't say."

Forseti was even more curious but decided not to press further. Eir quickly changed the subject. "Forseti, would you like to visit the Time Cave?"

"Absolutely," Forseti replied eagerly. "I've heard the Time Cave is linked to destiny and has foreseen many prophecies, including Ragnarok."

"I'll take you there tomorrow at noon," Eir promised.

The next day at noon...

The Time Cave was located at the city's heart, which was why it was known as the "City of Destiny." Besides Asgard, the City of Destiny was arguably the main settlement of the Asgardians.

Under Eir's guidance, Forseti arrived at Nornheim's most mysterious location—the abode of the Norn Spirit—the Time Cave.

The Time Cave appeared outwardly ordinary—a cavern of considerable size, devoid of any extraordinary features.

Forseti was surprised to find minimal security; only two guards stood watch at the entrance, showing no inclination to question their entry.

After a brief exchange with the guards, Eir led Forseti inside.

Inside, the cave resembled a palace hall with walls of translucent jade and massive snow-white pillars supporting a gem-studded dome that shimmered with a luminous glow.

At the hall's center lay a crystal-clear pool—unassuming yet holding profound significance.

"Behold, the 'Waters of True Sight,' where the Norn Spirit resides," Eir explained, gesturing towards the pool. "Disappointed?"

Lost in thought, Forseti crouched down for a closer look.

There was sand at the pool's bottom...

"Careful!" Eir exclaimed, pulling him back hastily.

Forseti looked puzzled. "What's wrong?"

"This is the 'Waters of True Sight,' one of the universe's most perilous bodies of water!" Eir explained.

"Any creature except our teacher, Karnilla, and Frigga, if they touch the 'Waters of True Sight,' their life force is drained by the Norn Spirit."

"If you were to fall in accidentally, even if you managed to climb out, you'd likely turn to ash."

"How dreadful," Forseti stepped back quickly, sensing the danger.

Eir continued, "To receive a prophecy, one must sacrifice life force to the Norn Spirit. Typically, the more life force offered, the more significant the prophecy received."

"During the last hunting festival, Balder presented a dragon he'd hunted to the Norn Spirit. The dragon rapidly aged in the Waters of True Sight, reduced to bones and gravel. It's said Balder received a highly important prophecy thereafter."

"What was the prophecy about?" Forseti inquired.

Eir shook her head. "I don't know. But I have a feeling... it wasn't good news."

Having seen all there was to see in the Time Cave, the two exited.

Walking back, Forseti wore a pensive expression, deep in thought.

"Sister?"

"Yes?"

Forseti asked suddenly, "Do you know of any sands possessing time-altering powers in this realm?"

Eir considered for a moment. "None that I'm aware of. If pressed, perhaps the sand at the bottom of the 'Waters of True Sight' possesses such properties, but no one has ever retrieved sand from it, so who's to say?"

...

Later that evening...

[106% Replacement for Sun Grass]

"I've found it!" Forseti exclaimed, marveling at the results of his Sanchi identification.

Eir's herb collection proved fruitful, and he'd finally discovered a viable substitute for Sun Grass, with a high degree of effectiveness.

However, he refrained from immediately crafting an Agility Potion. The substitute herb was rare, and Eir possessed only a few specimens. Despite their close relationship, he felt it prudent to seek her permission before using them.

Eir returned late that evening, and Forseti broached the subject. Upon receiving her approval, he set about crafting the Agility Potion the following day, ultimately succeeding in creating a vial of the potion.

He placed it on the Holy Artifact for identification.

[Completion: Perfect]

Forseti felt a swell of pride. After all, achieving a perfect rating for a fourth-level potion on the Holy Artifact wasn't a simple feat, especially without access to extraordinary materials.

Hopefully, this potion wouldn't disappoint...

Two days later, the official start of the hunting festival arrived.

Forseti arrived at the designated square, where dozens of seasoned hunters had gathered. Most appeared robust and skilled, imposing figures at first glance.

In contrast, the shorter Forseti felt somewhat out of place.

Fortunately, years of training had endowed him with a sturdier frame, despite his lack of height. He used to be rather lanky.

"You made it, Forseti." Hermond stood alongside Hela, waving him over.

Forseti jogged to their side. "Your Highness."