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Chapter: The Sun God

"Your Majesty," Hermond saluted Odin.

Odin sighed deeply, "I deeply regret the unfortunate disappearance of Ullr in the war... Ullr has long been Asgard's god of hunting, overseeing the hunting festivals. As his son, you are undoubtedly the best candidate to succeed him."

After a moment of silence, Odin continued with a solemn tone, "From now on, Heimdall Ullrson, you shall be Asgard's new god of hunting, responsible for overseeing the hunting festivals."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Heimdall replied, taking off his helmet and holding it to his chest.

Odin then took a new helmet and placed it on Heimdall's head.

This helmet was a traditional horned helmet. In Asgardian culture, such helmets were symbols of solemnity. Odin's crown itself was fashioned similarly, emphasizing their cultural significance.

The appointment of Heimdall as the god of hunting surprised no one. As Ullr's son, it was both an inheritance and a recognition of his capabilities. No one was more suited to this role than he, especially with his all-seeing ability essential for overseeing the vast hunting grounds.

"Hermond," Odin called out again.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Heimdall stepped forward.

Odin smiled faintly, "You are Asgard's fastest runner, the god of speed. This title rightfully belongs to you."

"...Hermond Tillson, from this day forth, you are Asgard's god of speed. As my emissary, you shall carry Asgard's grace throughout the universe."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Odin placed the helmet on Heimdall's head.

Although the atmosphere was solemn, whispers broke out among the crowd as Heimdall returned to his place.

"Who will be next..."

"What will the third priesthood be?"

When Odin announced the third priesthood, he hesitated for a moment before turning to Forseti: "Forseti."

Forseti was taken aback. He hadn't expected to be chosen.

Heimdall nudged him, prompting him to step forward and respond, "Your Majesty."

Odin addressed Forseti, "Forseti Garrison, thousands of years ago, you fought as a healer at the age of twenty-five. People called you the 'Lantern Bearer,' holding a candle that illuminated the way..."

Wait. Lantern Bearer? Shouldn't this be the Lightbringer?

Forseti felt a twinge of unease. If he truly became the Lightbringer, wouldn't that drastically change his image?

"You possess unique holy light magic that can dispel darkness, heal injuries, and combat evil. When you harness the fiery power of fire, you banish cold... Your light and warmth rival the sun itself," Odin proclaimed.

"For nearly 10,000 years, Asgard has lacked a sun god until today."

A sun god!

"It's the sun god!" There was astonishment at this announcement.

The sun holds profound symbolism for almost all races, and Asgard is no exception.

For nearly 10,000 years, Asgard had not appointed a sun god.

Although Forseti was renowned and distinguished, most regarded the position of the God of Fire as equivalent to that of Balder, the God of Light, at best.

No one anticipated Odin's direct declaration of the sun god's position. Forseti was similarly perplexed.

Odin continued, "Forseti Garrison, from this moment forward, you are Asgard's sun god, embodying light, heat, life, and justice."

While the gods of hunting and speed had specific duties, the sun god's role was largely honorary. Clearly, this appointment was intended as a gesture.

After some thought, Forseti sensed Odin's intent to stabilize Hela by appointing him, fearing he might prove unreliable in critical moments.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." While the title of Sun God held little real power, Forseti wasn't particularly concerned. Moreover, the title was indeed prestigious, leaving no reason to refuse.

With that, he removed his helmet.

Odin approached and fitted a new golden helmet with twin horns forming a circle atop Forseti's head.

In a word, the appearance was... unappealing.

Forseti was accustomed to such horned helmets. Though unsightly, Asgardians rarely wore them. Then again, which race didn't harbor peculiar customs?

With the helmet donned, Forseti officially assumed his new identity as the sun god.

After the ceremony, as everyone departed, Tyr, the god of war, sought out Forseti, "Forseti, you and I will journey to Midgard tomorrow. There are remnants of frost giants that require our attention."

"Very well," Forseti replied.

He immediately departed with Hela.

As they walked, they conversed. Suddenly, Hela grinned and remarked, "Sun God, prepare a barbecue for me."

"Of course, Goddess of Death. But you must first slay a Landvety goat," Forseti replied, lifting Hela and soaring toward the Landvede forest.

After capturing a plump sheep, they returned to Forseti's estate to prepare the barbecue.

Both possessed ideal abilities for grilling.

In addition to Forseti's skills, Hela conjured utensils effortlessly. Baking trays and grills appeared at her fingertips.

Consequently, the barbecue progressed smoothly and easily. Although night had fallen, they had already finished eating, sitting together against the Thunder Tree in Forseti's yard.

The Thunder Tree continuously crackled with small arcs, providing a massage-like sensation.

"Forseti, if you could live anywhere outside Asgard, where would you choose?" Hela inquired.

"Midgard," Forseti promptly replied. Besides Asgard, Earth alone made him feel a sense of belonging.

"Why?" Hela couldn't resist asking. "You seem to harbor a strong fondness for Midgard."

"Well... the people there resemble us greatly and possess considerable intelligence," Forseti explained.

This wasn't mere flattery. Although most intelligent races were human, the disparities in details were substantial. Earthlings and Asgardians resembled each other completely, a rarity.

Furthermore, while Earthlings' physical prowess ranked among the weakest in the Nine Realms, their intellect rivaled that of the Aesir.

In essence, Earth's inhabitants held a distinctive and special status among Asgardians.

"And you, my dear highness?"

"I don't know..." Hela sighed, sinking into Forseti's embrace.

Forseti responded in kind, yet his hand inadvertently brushed against an indelicate area, prompting him to retract it reflexively.

Hela noticed the gesture and couldn't help but smile. She turned her head and whispered in his ear, "We are lovers, my knight."

Forseti also reacted, returning his hand to its original position...

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