101

Cul

"Alright." Without hesitation, Forseti followed Hermond towards the dragon.

"Roar..." The red dragon clearly remembered Forseti and became somewhat agitated, startling a playful flying cat nearby.

Observing the massive red dragon before him, Forseti pondered briefly before taking out a dagger and a crystal bottle, preparing to collect some blood.

I wonder if the blood of a young dragon will suffice. If not, perhaps the blood of an adult dragon could be substituted.

The dragon's skin was incredibly tough; on Earth, most firearms would struggle to penetrate it. Forseti's dagger, standard issue from Camp Vanaheim, required considerable effort to pierce the dragon's hide.

Blood flowed freely as Forseti filled one crystal bottle with dragon's blood, then three more.

"Why so much dragon's blood?" Hermond inquired.

"Dragon's blood has medicinal uses; don't forget, I'm a Alchemist." Forseti shook a crystal bottle filled with the crimson fluid.

Under the noon sun, the dragon's blood gleamed like liquid fire, its clarity and hue reminiscent of flowing flames.

Even if it's not a perfect substitute for young dragon's blood, it should suffice to some extent. Forseti pondered.

As he prepared to leave, Hermond suggested, "You might consider taking a piece of dragon skin. It makes excellent leather armor, ideal for protection against intruders and can even deter wild beasts."

Forseti hesitated momentarily.

While the giant dragon's impending sacrifice to the Norn spirits loomed, the creature was now dying. Others were already collecting scales as souvenirs; obtaining a swath of dragon skin seemed fitting.

Seeing Forseti's uncertainty, Hermond smiled. "You're the star of this hunting festival. What harm in taking a bit of dragon skin? Besides, you can aid in its recovery."

That makes sense.

Quietly nodding, Forseti wasted no time; he deftly sliced a large piece of dragon skin.

Sweat poured down his brow.

"Ow-Ow--"

The dragon let out a pained cry; had it not been nearly incapacitated, Forseti might have met a much darker fate.

After what felt like an eternity, Forseti held the sizable piece of dragon skin, wiping his brow in relief.

But the dragon, glaring angrily, panted heavily, its eyes fixed on Forseti with unrelenting hostility.

Quickly stowing the skin, Forseti used his divine power to begin healing the dragon's wound.

However, given the dragon's immense size, his efforts yielded only minor improvement after exhausting much of his sacred mana.

As new skin began to form, Forseti ceased his healing efforts.

"Roar..." The dragon still glowered at him, well aware of the group's intentions and the Norn spirit's ritual.

Fearing another outburst, Forseti retreated after treating the wound, finding a secluded spot to examine the dragon's blood.

Placing a bottle on the Talent Mixture recipe, the analysis was instantaneous.

[Substitute for young dragon's blood: 45%]

Forseti frowned at the result.

45% substitution rate.

He had hoped for over 50%, but 50% seemed an overestimate. The disparity between adult and young dragon's blood was indeed significant.

The formula required a large quantity of dragon's blood; a single bottle's quality greatly influenced the medicine's efficacy. He would need to locate young dragon's blood.

Forseti had anticipated the Talent Mixture elevating his abilities to match the Three Warriors'. If it only enhanced stature, it would prove a bitter draught indeed.

---

**Asgard Palace**

Cul, the current Asgardian God-King, conversed with Ullr within the palace.

"Gust's actions during the hunting festival?" Kuur frowned.

Uller nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. It was witnessed; Gus injured another hunter with his warhammer."

"Gus, though impulsive, isn't usually reckless. Did this person provoke him?" Kuur inquired.

"Yes. The injured hunter, Rowe Garrison, wielded a warhammer and specialized in light magic, known for spells that provoke others," Ullr replied.

"His strength?" Cul pressed.

Reflecting, Ullr answered, "I've observed him closely; he's quite resourceful. If not for mana depletion, I doubt Gus could best him."

Cul drummed his fingers thoughtfully, murmuring, "Perhaps he could be the next Heavenly Hammer..."

Uller hesitated.

After a moment, he ventured, "Your Majesty, regarding Skadi and Gus's punishment..."

At this, Cul's expression darkened, waving him off. "We'll adhere to protocol."

"Yes."

As Uller withdrew, Cul rose from his throne, pacing the vast hall before fixing his gaze on a mural.

Asgardians prized frescoes, adorning palace walls with exquisite artworks.

In the mural before Cul, he, Odin, and the former God-King Bor featured prominently, portrayed as brothers, father, and son in jovial camaraderie.

Yet, studying Odin's visage, Cul unconsciously clenched his fist...

---

**Norn Forest, Hunting Meeting Point**

Having captured the giant dragon and witnessed Gus's transgression, the outcome was foregone. Hela allowed the hunters a day's respite at their meeting point.

"As the hunting festival nears its close," Hela addressed the gathered hunters, "we'll undertake one final hunt before returning triumphantly to Destiny City with our spoils."

---