110

Disguise: Flash Gold Town Infantry

"No," Eir asserted firmly.

Forseti furrowed his brow, deep in thought.

The ingredient needed for the Talent Mixture was the Sands of Time, which, from his current knowledge, could possibly be substituted with the sand found at the bottom of the Waters of True Sight.

However, acquiring this sand was no simple task.

The most straightforward approach would be to purchase it openly, despite the unlikelihood of Nornheim selling it. Forseti saw little hope in this avenue.

If buying was not an option, he would have to procure it himself, which posed its own challenges.

Forseti had witnessed firsthand the power of the Norn Spirit—the rapid dissolution of a dragon as mighty as any, melted away in moments. The Waters of True Sight were rightly known as the most perilous waters in the Nine Realms.

Not only could flesh not touch its depths, but even tools were dissolved upon contact.

The chains binding the dragon were thick and sturdy, yet they too disintegrated upon immersion. Even the wooden platform beneath the dragon vanished upon touching the water.

However, tools were not entirely out of the question. Forseti believed that with a giant spoon, he could extract some sand before the spoon dissolved completely.

Yet, such a spoon would need to be several meters long to reach the pool's bottom, made of Asgardian bronze several centimeters thick to withstand the water's corrosive properties. The cost alone would be exorbitant, not to mention the impossibility of concealing its purpose from the local blacksmith.

After careful consideration, it seemed there was only one viable option left.

Divine Shield.

With the protection of the Divine Shield, Forseti would be immune to the erosive effects of the Waters of True Sight. However, he possessed only a single fragment of the shield, affording him mere seconds of invulnerability.

One second would suffice—entering the water, scooping the sand, and exiting—all in rapid succession. Even with the enhanced speed of an Asgardian, it was a near-impossible feat. Forseti knew he couldn't do it alone.

After much deliberation, a sudden inspiration struck Forseti.

The Potion of Swiftness! How could he have overlooked it?

And the Potion of Agility.

Combined, these two potions would provide the necessary boosts—increased reaction time and speed.

"What's on your mind?" Eir asked, observing Forseti's excited expression as he slapped his forehead.

"It's nothing," Forseti replied, calming himself as he began to formulate a plan...

The next day,

In a secluded corner of Destiny City, Forseti glanced around before activating his disguise.

**Disguise: Flash Gold Town Infantry**

This disguise had been acquired over a decade ago and was finally proving its worth today.

Summoning the incantation in his mind, Forseti shimmered with light, transforming into the appearance of a Flash Gold Town infantryman. Not only did his appearance change, but his attire as well—he now resembled a warrior from afar.

Stepping out from the shadows, instead of heading straight to the Cave of Time, he made his way to Frigga's residence.

If buying the sand was a possibility, he preferred to explore that option first, beginning with Frigga.

Compared to the aloof Duke Norn and the enigmatic Karnilla, Frigga was known for her approachability. Forseti hoped she might be more amenable to his request.

Forseti's decision to visit incognito stemmed from a concern that Frigga might refuse him outright. Should she discover his true identity and decline his request, he would be unable to proceed with retrieving the sand from the Cave of Time.

"Who goes there?" questioned two guards stationed at the courtyard entrance.

As the adopted daughter of the Duke, Frigga held a position of nobility and had guards of her own, albeit not as numerous as those of the royal princess.

Forseti smiled with an air of elegance, "I am Illidan, a hunter from Vanaheim, seeking an audience with Lady Frigga on a matter of importance."

"Illidan? That's an unusual name..." one guard murmured.

The other guard inquired, "What brings you here?"

Forseti explained calmly, "I have a mage companion named Gu Er who has a keen interest in the sand from the bottom of the Waters of True Sight. He asked me to inquire whether Lady Frigga might be willing to sell some."

"You should take this matter to the Duke," one guard suggested.

Forseti chuckled awkwardly, "I did attempt that, but the Duke is indisposed due to illness. I was advised to approach either Lady Frigga or Lady Karnilla."

Indeed, Duke Norn's illness was genuine, and the guards found Forseti's story plausible. Being of Vanaheim descent also earned him a degree of respect among foreign guests, minimizing any suspicion.

The guards exchanged a glance, and one said, "Wait here. I'll inform Lady Frigga."

"Thank you."

After a brief wait, Frigga emerged from the courtyard, retaining her dignified and graceful demeanor as she conversed politely with the guards.

"That's him, Lady Frigga," one guard pointed out.

Frigga nodded, offering a welcoming smile, "Greetings, Mr. Illidan."

Forseti returned the greeting, "Hello."

Frigga continued with a slight smile, "I understand from my guards that you wish to purchase sand from the bottom of the Waters of True Sight?"

Forseti nodded earnestly, "Yes, a mage friend of mine is very eager to acquire some. He has repeatedly asked me to procure a small quantity for him. I wonder if it would be possible."

"I regret to inform you that I cannot sell you the Sands of Time," Frigga replied with a shake of her head, "Not even my mother has that authority... The Cave of Time belongs solely to the Spirit of Norn; only she can grant such permissions."

"I apologize for troubling you," Forseti said, preparing to take his leave.

It seemed he would have to take matters into his own hands...

The disguise would last no more than a day, so after leaving Frigga, Forseti proceeded directly to the Cave of Time.

Perhaps due to its perilous nature, the guards at the Cave of Time were minimal, with only a few stationed there.

On a previous visit, Forseti had engaged the guards in casual conversation, and they had allowed him entry.

Boldly approaching now, he appealed to the guards in the guise of an eager tourist.

"...Having lived in Vanaheim for five centuries, the one thing I've longed to see most is the Cave of Time in Destiny City... Alas, this hunting festival has yielded no worthwhile prey. If I can't even glimpse the Cave of Time, I'll regret it for the rest of my days!"

During his time in Vanaheim, Forseti had become acquainted with their dialect and mannerisms, projecting an air of authenticity.

"My good guardsman, Vanaheim and Asgard share a common ancestry and language... I merely wish to behold the interior of the Cave of Time. Surely you wouldn't deny such a small request to a fellow Asgardian."

One guard cautioned, "The Waters of True Sight are exceedingly dangerous. If you were to fall in, there would be no rescuing you."

Forseti held up a reassuring finger, "I'll only take a quick peek, I promise not to fall in."

Impatient, one guard replied, "If you do fall in, it's none of our concern."

Forseti grinned, "Absolutely not, I assure you."

"Don't take too long; come out when you're done."