149

Cultivation of Divine Power

"There are many strange beings in the universe. They possess various abilities; some can manipulate elements, others can regenerate from severe injuries, and some can influence their surroundings with their thoughts..."

"Broadly speaking, divine power is a type of supernatural power, but it is undoubtedly a potent and unique kind of power," Odin said slowly. "Divine power is also one of the reasons why we are gods."

"Forseti, do you know the most important characteristic of divine power?"

Forseti thought for a while: "Intercommunication with other forms of power?"

"Actually, the most important feature of divine power is... well, you're right," Odin paused before continuing.

"Unlike ordinary abilities, divine power is interconnected with physical strength, magic, spiritual power, and even wisdom. Possessing immensely powerful and skilled divine power means being omniscient and omnipotent," Odin paused again. "That is the true meaning of being a 'god.'"

"Of course, as far as I know, no one has reached this level. Even a third-order divine power is still far from it."

Hearing this, Forseti couldn't help but ask: "Lord Odin, is there any divine power above the third order in the universe?"

"I don't know," Odin shook his head. "The division of divine power is based on the experience of predecessors. The most powerful divine powers from ancient times to the present, including the awakening of divine power, experience three major strength breakthroughs. This is the origin of the third-order divine power."

"No one has experienced the fourth breakthrough yet, so naturally, no one knows if there is a 'fourth-order divine power.'"

"But..." Odin's tone suddenly lengthened, "the god-kings of Asgard and their officially recognized heirs can obtain the power of Asgard, and their actual power is far superior to that of the same rank. For example, my brother could be considered a fourth-order divine power."

Forseti had already seen the power of second- and third-order divine powers. Even under the dual advantages of environment and holy light, he still suffered a defeat against the Earth Demon.

Presumably, the difference between fourth-order and third-order divine powers is similar to that between second-order and first-order.

With this in mind, Forseti wondered how Odin, with a third-order divine power of flame, won the throne from his fourth-order divine power brother.

"Forseti, you are proficient in light magic, right? It seems to be a specific derivative of the light?" Odin asked.

"Holy Light, Holy Light Magic," Forseti corrected.

Odin nodded. "Ah, Holy Light Magic. Therefore, I suggest you focus on transforming divine power and magic first. As long as you can freely transform divine power and magic, your magic will become unprecedentedly powerful and abundant."

"Of course, your physique and fighting skills are also good, and you can also practice transforming divine power into physical strength. However, it is often difficult for first-order divine powers to balance both, so it's better to focus on one path."

Forseti blinked.

In other words, the career choice between a God Warrior and a God Mage?

Choosing one of the two, whether the Paladin is a warrior or a mage, seems debatable...

Odin then discussed the details of both directions with Forseti. Although he used his own sky power as an example, it still provided Forseti with valuable insights into divine power.

"...Elemental power also has an important feature: it can be easily enhanced with external objects," Odin explained.

"External objects?" Forseti thought of Zatanos' hellfire.

"For example... the sun," Odin smiled. "Almost every flame god has tried to gain enhancment from the stars. Of course, not everyone gains much from it."

"After all, personal effort is essential, but fate also plays a role..."

Time passed, and at the end, Odin said, "One more thing: the divine power of fire allows you to fly. You have seen Zatanos, but you must discover this for yourself."

After listening to Odin's guidance, Forseti thanked him and left, contemplating his newfound knowledge.

Before, when he heard others mention flame gods going to the sun, he felt indifferent. Now, it seemed necessary to visit the sun for training.

After all, within the universe, most powerful flame forces are concentrated on the sun. Besides the sun, he couldn't think of a better training method.

He couldn't exactly borrow fire from Zatanos.

On his way, Forseti unexpectedly met Hela.

Hela stood on a collapsed building, silently looking down at the ruins of Vanir King City, her long black hair fluttering in the wind.

"Your Highness."

Hela seemed to have noticed him long ago and beckoned, "Come up."

Forseti looked around but couldn't find a way to reach the building, scratching his head.

This reminded him of what Odin had just said.

Fire supernatural beings can fly... It seemed he needed to study flying.

Seeing his embarrassment, Hela smiled, then jumped down and summoned Mjölnir to her side.

They walked side by side, and Hela, after a long silence, asked, "Forseti, if one day Asgard is also reduced to ruins, what will you do?"

"In my opinion, Asgard is not a place but the people. Every country is the same. Buildings and cities may fall, but the people are what matter most," Forseti replied.

Hela asked, "And if the people are like the Vanir today?"

Forseti answered, "Then, naturally, we rebuild the city from the ruins."

Hela said nothing.

After a while, the night wind blew, making Forseti a bit more courageous.

"Your Highness, are you... wearing a dress?" Forseti asked nervously.

"Yes," Hela replied calmly.

Forseti thought about it but decided not to pursue the topic further.

They parted ways, and Forseti returned to his residence to rest.

The night passed.

The next day, Forseti ate as usual, organized his subordinates for their daily drills, and then prepared to explore his flame powers, especially learning how to fly.

"Captain Forseti," Brunock approached him. "I challenge you."

Forseti was used to this and grabbed his weapon. "Let's see how many moves you can withstand today."

Brunock held a shield in one hand and a sword in the other, looking nervous but determined. He had improved significantly, no longer appearing as amateurish as before.