277

Arcane Substitution

"Why are you suddenly asking about this?" Frigga's surprise was evident as she rested her arms on Odin's broad, hairy chest.

Odin replied casually, "Oh, just curious, that's all. Hmm."

"In my heart, you're unquestionably a hero," Frigga responded after a moment's pause, smiling warmly.

Odin returned her smile.

After a brief silence, he suddenly remarked, "Frigga, you once mentioned that you find the idea of parenthood joyous, didn't you?"

"Yes," Frigga nodded.

"Very well, let us strive diligently to make you a mother within the next thousand years, hehe..."

Odin's words were not without reason.

In the universe, the birth of higher beings is a challenge of its own. For someone like Odin, the arrival of an heir is often seen as a twist of fate and a marker of historical process. Individual efforts might not suffice; even with relentless determination and tireless effort.

Surely, there would be more to come, not least of which might be more than just stormy weather.

...

With the conclusion of the Muspelheim war, most Asgardian warriors returned to Asgard to rest, while a handful remained in Muspelheim to establish governance and enforce order.

Forseti wished to assist the horse-faced Thor in finding a new home, but first, he and most of the warriors returned to Asgard to enjoy a few days of respite.

Upon returning to Asgard, Forseti visited Eir's residence.

"Buzz!" Shilut scampered over joyfully upon seeing him.

Since then, Shilut had been residing with Eir, who cared for and adored him deeply.

Forseti gently patted Shilut's head, taking out a pouch of gems and handing it to him. "These are Muspelheim's gems, specially for you."

"Buzz!" Shilut sat down with the pouch, counting them like a child with toys before selecting one to nibble on.

Over the years, Forseti had come to realize that Shilut's lifespan was likely exceedingly long, surpassing even that of the Aesir. It could potentially rival the ancient elders of the cosmos. After all, Shilut's lineage traced back to the cosmic elders of universe runner.

Perhaps when Forseti himself succumbed to old age, Shilut would still be in infancy. Feeding on gems might accelerate his growth, but it was an expensive diet. Initially manageable, as Shilut's appetite grew, it became increasingly burdensome for Forseti.

Wondering when this diminutive creature might stand as tall as himself, Forseti affectionately stroked Shilut's rounded head once more.

"What would you like for dinner?" Eir, delighted by his return, interrupted her work to inquire.

"Something light, considering Muspelheim's rather... intense flavors," Forseti chuckled.

Eir promptly set about preparing the meal, while Forseti headed to the apothecary, sifting through herbs in search of a substitute for "dried bananas."

As a disciple of the former Norn Duchess, Eir's return from Nornheim had transformed her into Asgard's foremost herbalist within Lyfia.

Numerous celebrities and powerful entities from across the universe sought Eir's medicinal expertise, making her herb stores second only to the royal family's.

Given such ample resources, one might assume finding a suitable alternative would be straightforward.

Yet, to Forseti's surprise, despite scouring the apothecary's stock, he failed to discover an adequate replacement for "air-dried bananas"—not even those marginally suitable.

This left him pondering deeply.

"Dinner's ready, Forseti!" Eir's voice called from outside.

"Alright, sister." Forseti reluctantly set aside his search and rose to dine.

During the meal, he and Eir engaged in lengthy conversation, recounting his adventures in Muspelheim and the tales of the Korbins star.

"Are the Flame Giants truly as massive as mountains?" Eir inquired curiously.

"For sure, and they can scale down in size too. At their smallest, they're probably only as tall as this roof," Forseti replied.

After dinner, while clearing the dishes, his gaze idly wandered to the kitchen and abruptly fixed upon something.

There lay an eggplant on the cutting board, a common Asgardian variety.

On a whim, Forseti picked up the Asgardian eggplant and placed it on the holy script.

[121% substitute for air-dried bananas]

Forseti was utterly astounded.

That an Asgardian eggplant could serve as a substitute for dried bananas, and with such a high compatibility, baffled him.

Nevertheless, with the ingredients finally gathered—Asgardian eggplant being relatively common—he could readily procure it within Asgard.

In the days that followed, Forseti ventured to Svartálfheim to gather several purple lotus flowers. Upon his return, he commenced the formulation of Tyrande's Youth.

Tyrande's Youth ranked as a fifth-level potion, challenging to concoct. With Eir's assistance, however, three doses were swiftly prepared.

[Completion: Excellent]

[Item Level: Level 5]

As indicated by the holy script, the outcome was exceptionally satisfactory.

Tyrande's Youth appeared as a light-blue, refreshing liquid, sparkling akin to the waters of a moonwell.

"Where did you come across the recipe for this potion?" Eir inquired.

"Uh... it was among Surtur's treasures. Naturally, it's my spoils now," Forseti responded.

"Surtur?" Eir puzzled, "Isn't he immortal, an embodiment of flames? It seems odd he'd possess such a concoction."

"Perhaps he acquired it elsewhere. When I found the recipe, it was amidst a cache of ashes in a broken chest," Forseti shrugged.

"Eir, this is for you." Forseti swiftly changed the subject, presenting what appeared to be the most exquisite vial, while exaggeratedly flattering, "My sister, the herbal goddess of Lyfia, may your renown rival the crystal crowns of Asgard."

Eir blushed slightly at the praise, embarrassed yet pleased, accepting Tyrande's Youth.

"How does it feel?" Forseti inquired.

After some thought, Eir responded, "Well... it's rather ordinary, like drinking a glass of water."

True to the holy script, Tyrande's Youth had nothing extraordinary about it.

"Who else do you intend to give it to?" Eir eyed the remaining two vials.

"For now, let's keep it a secret," Forseti evaded the question.

Apart from the one he had used, the other vial was destined for Hela.

Their bond had grown closer over time, yet without official acknowledgment, and with Hela being Asgard's princess, divulging such intentions now would undoubtedly stir repercussions.

Contemplating this, Forseti wondered if Hela's departure from Asgard might, in fact, be advantageous, freeing them both from constraints.