109

Odin's Three Prophecies

"Sacrifice." The Spirit of Norn remained silent.

Odin closed his eyes and gestured with his hand.

"Sacrifice the dragon," Frigga instructed the valiant warrior in charge of the dragon.

The warrior nodded, and with many others, they slowly pushed the massive dragon into the Waters of True Sight.

"Roar-roar!" The dragon clearly sensed the danger of the pool and struggled fiercely.

"Wow—"

As the dragon entered the pool, it created waves.

"Ow!"

Upon entering the pool, the dragon's roar turned into a mournful cry, its eyes filled with terror.

Immediately after, under the gaze of Forseti and others, the once vibrant red dragon rapidly aged. Its once bright scales dulled, tough dragon skin slackened, and powerful muscles withered...

In less than half a minute, the prime dragon transformed into a feeble old creature, weakly lamenting, "Ow..."

Shortly thereafter, the aged dragon quietly perished in the pool's waters, its flesh and blood melting away to reveal a white skeleton.

The skeleton gradually desiccated and yellowed, while the chains began to dissolve.

Eventually, the skeleton and chains melted and disintegrated, most vanishing entirely, with only a few fragments turning to gravel that scattered across the pool's bottom...

All was calm. In a brief moment, only scattered gravel remained of the once majestic red dragon.

Watching this unfold, Forseti felt a faint sweat forming on his brow.

After a pause following the dragon's demise, the Spirit of Norn spoke once more, her expression astonishing as she uttered a single word bluntly: "You."

Odin hesitated for a moment, then smiled incredulously.

However, the Spirit of Norn continued, "But you cannot slay your former king of gods, else you shall be the last king."

Odin furrowed his brow, blurting out, "Why?"

"I am but the fate's messenger,

I know not why," the Spirit of Norn replied cryptically.

Odin fell silent.

The Spirit of Norn added, "There are other unexpected gains, the other two prophecies concerning you."

Odin awaited eagerly.

The Spirit of Norn continued slowly, "The second prophecy concerning you is, 'The possession of the gem will bring death to your offspring.'"

"The gem?" Odin frowned again but refrained from further questions.

"The third prophecy concerning you is, 'When you end another's exile, your own exile shall also end.'"

At these words, Odin's brows furrowed even deeper.

"Thus spoke fate." With that, the Spirit of Norn faded from Odin's world and the perception of others, returning to slumber within the pool.

Jorde couldn't help but ask, "Odin, what prophecy did you receive?"

Odin's expression clouded momentarily before he smiled and replied, "The Spirit of Norn foretold that Asgard's future will be brighter."

Many present appeared skeptical, but none dared press further since Odin showed no inclination to elaborate.

The sacrificial ceremony concluded, dispersing the crowd.

"Forseti!"

Unexpectedly, as they exited the Cave of Time, a clear, feminine voice called out.

Forseti and Hermond walked together, both turning in unison at the sound to see a charming blonde woman approaching, surprisedly remarking, "It's truly you! What brings you here?"

The woman was Amora, the one who had once wagered a kiss with Forseti.

Having studied magic in Nornheim for years, she seldom visited Asgard, a fact that Forseti didn't contest. They hadn't seen each other in over a decade.

Forseti felt somewhat awkward but replied politely, "Long time no see, Amora. Of course, I'm here for the hunting festival."

"You're participating in the hunting festival?" Amora blinked, clearly skeptical of his abilities.

Forseti remained silent.

Amora, a stunning blonde, though their past history and the bet soured any positive feelings Forseti might have had towards her.

Hermond interjected, "Don't underestimate him. He's crucial to the festival's success."

Amora scrutinized him for a moment before saying, "Are you Hermond? The fastest man in Asgard?"

Recognized, Hermond couldn't help but feel a hint of pride, replying with a smile, "That's correct."

"I heard you're faster than Pegasus, is that true?" Amora asked, clearly impressed.

"Absolutely."

Amora and Hermond engaged in lively conversation, thoroughly enjoying each other's company.

Despite being over a century old and considered elderly, Hermond was evidently inexperienced in matters of romantic entanglement, lacking in life experience. Confronted with a beautiful woman like Amora, he found himself increasingly adrift.

Amora seemed to relish teasing men. Just as Hermond appeared smitten, she suddenly turned to Forseti, her tone suggestive, "Forseti, do you still wish to claim that kiss?"

Hermond's smile faltered briefly, momentarily taken aback.

Forseti also smiled awkwardly, "No, the bet didn't count."

Amora pouted, feigning disappointment, "Are you sure? You might change your mind in the future; it wouldn't be your first kiss..."

"No, thank you."

Hermond blinked rapidly, as if using his speed to blink, clearly befuddled.

"Very well." Amora appeared genuinely disappointed, casting a lingering glance before hurriedly excusing herself upon hearing a stern voice behind her, "Amora! Have you forgotten Lady Karnilla's teachings?"

Amora visibly flinched at the older woman's reprimand, waving a quick goodbye to Forseti and Hermond before departing in haste.

The atmosphere took a moment to settle back to normal after she left.

Hermond asked curiously and somewhat ruefully, "Forseti... What's the story between you two? Seems like there's quite a history."

"It's nothing, just a foolish bet," Forseti shook his head, adding, "I'd advise you not to get too close to her; she's killed before."

"Who did she kill?"

Forseti offered no response.

Back at home, Forseti continued his studies in the pharmacy.

Mastering the Talent Mixture was particularly challenging. Despite years of dedicated practice, some techniques still demanded further refinement.

Later that evening, Eir returned home.

As they dined together, Forseti broached the topic, "Eir, I attended the Norn Spirit's sacrifice ceremony today and found myself puzzled."

"What's on your mind?"

Forseti asked, "The Waters of True Sight can swiftly dissolve even giant dragons. How then can Frigga touch it with her bare hands?"

Eir shook her head, "I'm not entirely sure. Within the Nine Realms, only three individuals can safely handle the Waters of True Sight; no one else comprehends it."

Forseti pondered, "So, no one else can touch the Waters of True Sight under any circumstances?"