301

High-Level Dragon

Outside the teleportation hall, nearly 100 elite warriors approached, including a team of Valkyries led by none other than Valkyrie herself.

"It's been a while," Valkyrie greeted Forseti as she approached.

Since Hela's departure from Asgard, Forseti had spent most of his time on the moon, occasionally returning home or accompanying Eir, but he hadn't seen many people lately.

"Where are you headed?" Forseti asked casually.

"We're off to Vanaheim to capture a dragon," Valkyrie replied.

"Only one dragon?" Forseti glanced at their sizable group, slightly surprised.

Heimdall explained, "It's a high-level dragon with shape-shifting abilities. Not an easy opponent."

High-level dragons were divine beings among their kind, exceptionally rare, and vastly more powerful than ordinary dragons. Handling one was no small feat.

"Good luck to you all," Forseti wished Valkyrie and her team.

Heimdall then activated the Rainbow Bridge, transporting the hundred soldiers to Vanaheim. Forseti stepped out of the hall.

Before he could take a few steps, four more figures hurried toward him. The leader was a burly, blond young man, unmistakably Thor.

"Come on, this afternoon I plan to hang the serpent's head at the Golden Palace gate!" Thor exclaimed as he rushed past Forseti toward the teleportation hall.

Still without his hammer, Thor wielded a massive immortal steel battle-axe named "Iron Bear."

Behind Thor were three younger individuals: Loki, his younger brother with a gentle demeanor and black hair, and two others—the future Warriors Three of Asgard.

Logically, Forseti shouldn't have remembered the trio much; after all, he was an elder warrior and a deity of Asgard, while they were still inexperienced youths. Even in the films, the Warriors Three were relatively minor characters, often overlooked by most audiences.

However, Forseti had a distinct impression of them.

Hogan required no introduction. As the Prince of the Vanir Gods, he carried a certain renown. Forseti had rescued him personally from trolls, cementing their acquaintance.

Fandral was Bart's son, and Bart had been an old friend of Forseti.

Vorstag, the stoutest among the Warriors Three, though unrelated to Forseti, enjoyed considerable fame in Asgard.

Vorstag's renown stemmed from a simple fact: he had married early and fathered many children. By the time he and his wife were barely 300 years old, they had five children—an extraordinary feat in Asgard, where fertility rates were notoriously low.

Thor was too preoccupied to notice Forseti, rushing into the teleportation hall with his companions in tow.

For a moment, Forseti watched them silently.

Inside the teleportation hall, Thor scanned the area and quickly inquired, "Heimdall, have they departed?"

"What's the matter, Thor?" Heimdall responded.

Thor pressed, "Teleport us to Vanaheim. The dragon—its head will hang at the Golden Palace gate, by my hand!"

Heimdall shook his head firmly, "No, not without His Majesty's orders. It's too perilous for you."

"Why?" Thor frowned.

Heimdall explained calmly, "This is no ordinary task. The creature causing havoc in Vanaheim is a high-level dragon, exceedingly powerful. It's too dangerous."

"There's no glory without risk," Thor insisted. "Trust me, I can handle it."

"Prince Thor, you're not just a warrior, but also Asgard's future king among gods," Heimdall countered, unmoved.

Thor was about to argue when Loki interjected, tugging at his arm, "Let it go, Thor."

"Loki, I have to go. I promised Sif the perfect dragon scales," Thor protested.

Loki reasoned, "You only need a scale once the dragon is slain."

"No, that would be dishonest," Thor shook his head resolutely.

"You never said you had to defeat the high-level dragon alone. Besides, it's nearly impossible. Even if you go, you'll likely slay it with the group," Loki reasoned further.

Thor fell silent, his brow furrowed. After a pause, he turned back to Heimdall, "Heimdall, we're friends, right?"

Heimdall smiled, but suddenly his expression shifted. His gaze fixated into the distance, leaving Thor waiting in silence.

"What is it?" Thor inquired.

Heimdall refocused, "It's nothing. I just saw Sif heading toward Haldo."

Thor's countenance changed instantly, mirroring the expression he bore when witnessing Captain America wield Mjölnir.

"Thor, let's return," Vorstag advised.

Thor's expression wavered briefly. He hesitated, then turned away without another word.

---

Exiting the Rainbow Bridge, Forseti proceeded to Andel's dwelling.

Andel had already started a family, and with fewer wars in Asgard after Laufey's invasion of Earth, life had grown considerably tranquil for him.

However, Andel's sentiments appeared unchanged. He believed strongly in the healing arts as a means to safeguard himself and his family, as evidenced by his meticulous care of the herb garden when Forseti arrived.

"Andel, your herb garden seems even more abundant," Forseti commented as he assisted with trimming.

"I've been considering becoming a healer, seeking a quieter life," Andel shared.

Forseti regarded him thoughtfully, "So, are you still interested in learning my healing spells?"

Andel was taken aback by the offer.

Forseti continued, "If you're keen, I can teach you. There's a condition, however."

"Why the sudden change? You weren't interested in teaching me before," Andel inquired.

"I can now channel Holy Light more swiftly, and I have an assistant. Perhaps in 20 years or less, I could impart to you the affinity for Holy Light and its healing magic," Forseti explained.

"And the condition?" Andel pondered.

"Join my knighthood, the Silver Hand." Forseti elaborated on the knighthood's mission and requirements, similar to what he had discussed with Bill.

Pausing, he concluded, "...So, what do you say, Andel? Will you become the Silver Hand's first Holy Knight in history?"

Andel had always harbored aspirations to learn healing magic. To fulfill this dream, he was even willing to serve under Forseti for five centuries.

Given the current peace in Asgard and the reasonable terms offered by Forseti, Andel made his decision after a brief contemplation. He nodded, "Yes, I'll join."