Finally, No More Mana-Deficient Magician

So fast?

Odin is being so generous?

Aaron thought about it for a moment and quickly understood Odin's reasoning.

Ever since the coronation ceremony, trouble after trouble had emerged, creating instability in Asgard. To calm the people, Odin was pushing him forward as a distraction.

But was Odin really going to use Odin's Blessing again despite his old age?

If he did, would Aaron be able to further enhance his physical abilities or magical energy? Even better, would Odin teach him more advanced magic?

Aaron doubted it. Given Odin's current condition, he might not even be able to endure the process.

By the original timeline, Odin was only supposed to live for a few more years.

Wait!

Loki is probably sneaking into the vault right now.

The old man is going to collapse from shock and blood pressure.

The Eye of Odin is about to begin.

Forget it, no point in overthinking it.

Aaron shook his head and decided not to concern himself with all that nonsense.

All he needed was to get his reward.

As for the title of God of Magic?

It didn't really matter.

Outwardly, Aaron remained composed. After exchanging a few words with the others, he followed them to the Golden Hall for the official ceremony.

According to custom, every significant event in Asgard called for a grand celebration with the people.

Especially the birth of the God of Magic—this was a historic moment.

On the way, Sif and the others overheard an announcement about it.

With Asgard's level of technology, the entire realm likely knew by now that Aaron was being named the God of Magic.

As they traveled to the Golden Hall, crowds gathered along the roads, curiously watching the legendary magician.

Aaron had kept a low profile in recent times, rarely attending social events. Before, he was just an ordinary citizen, but in a short span, he had risen to prominence—a true symbol of how a commoner could ascend to greatness.

Now, he was about to become a god.

Naturally, there was plenty to talk about.

Aaron suspected that if he were alone, the crowds would probably swarm him.

"Aaron, you're even more famous than we are now," Fandral teased. "I heard you're the dream lover of all the women in Asgard."

"Jealous, Fandral?" Aaron replied flatly.

"Jealous? Me? No chance," Fandral quickly shook his head.

"Fandral, don't forget that you still owe Aaron your life—not to mention a favor," Volstagg laughed.

"Shut up! If you don't know what to say, don't say anything!"

Fandral kicked Volstagg, but the latter dodged nimbly.

"Still that fast despite being so fat? Impressive," Aaron remarked.

As the two continued bickering, Sif leaned closer to Aaron and whispered, "Aaron, we've been discussing something for a while now... We suspect someone has betrayed Asgard."

Aaron glanced at her, though he already knew the answer.

It wasn't difficult to figure out.

With Sif and the others' intelligence, they should have pieced it together if they just stopped and thought for a moment.

But they had no solid proof—only suspicion.

"It's Loki," Sif said through gritted teeth.

"We believe he let the Frost Giants in to disrupt Thor's coronation."

"And Thor's reckless attack on Jotunheim? Loki must have played a role in that too."

"Now, his scheme has succeeded."

"We should bring Thor back!"

"Since you're about to become the God of Magic, you might be able to persuade the King to change his decision!"

Aaron shook his head. "Don't you understand? The All-Father is testing Thor. He won't revoke the exile until Thor proves himself worthy."

"Testing?"

Sif and the others exchanged confused looks.

They had never considered that Thor's exile could be a test.

Aaron sighed inwardly.

Just a moment ago, he had praised their intelligence—he was taking it back.

He had practically spelled it out for them, and they still didn't get it.

But then again, they relied more on brute force than strategy.

To them, Thor had done nothing wrong.

Besides, he had been about to become king. Why would Odin choose now of all times to put him through a trial?

In their eyes, the previous battles against rebel forces had already been training.

But those had just been polishing his reputation.

If Odin truly wanted to temper Thor, he would have sent him against a real challenge—like Surtr, the King of Muspelheim.

Seeing their doubts, Aaron chose not to explain further.

They arrived at the Golden Hall in silence.

However, when they arrived, they were met with bad news.

Odin had fallen into the Odin Sleep!

"Damn it!"

"The All-Father fell asleep at this moment? Who will rule Asgard now?"

Sif and the others looked at each other in alarm, hurrying their steps.

When they entered the hall, they saw someone sitting on the throne.

Someone they had just been talking about.

Loki.

At that moment, Loki held Gungnir in his left hand and the Casket of Ancient Winters in his right. He was basking in the feeling of sitting on the throne, lost in thought.

He had just learned the truth about himself.

That he was the son of Laufey.

That Odin had taken him not out of mercy, but as a tool to maintain peace between Asgard and Jotunheim.

Even though Loki had suspected as much, the confirmation still filled him with rage.

During his confrontation with Odin, the All-Father had collapsed from stress and entered the Odin Sleep.

And now, almost by accident, Loki had ascended to the throne he had always coveted.

Life was full of surprises.

When Loki saw Aaron enter, his expression tensed slightly.

After all, Aaron had killed his real father.

And Laufey had murdered Aaron's parents.

By all logic, they should be enemies.

However, Loki quickly dismissed the thought.

Both he and Aaron were victims.

Besides, he still saw himself as an Asgardian—not a Frost Giant.

And now that he was king, he needed strong allies.

Aaron, a legendary magician, was exactly the kind of ally he needed—powerful, but not a threat to his rule.

Aaron, meanwhile, watched Loki with a meaningful expression.

If Loki broke their deal, Aaron wouldn't hesitate to find another way.

With his mastery of materialization magic, he could easily forge an identical replica of the Casket of Ancient Winters.

At the right moment, he could ensure the real Casket was "lost" in a foreign land—eliminating any future threats.

But it seemed that backup plan wouldn't be necessary.

"You came just in time," Loki announced. "The All-Father has entered the Odin Sleep. He must rest and heal."

"Until he awakens, I will rule Asgard."

"Because of this, we cannot hold a grand ceremony for our new God of Magic."

"Odin's Blessing must also be postponed indefinitely."

Loki then smiled.

"But I will not disappoint Asgard's heroes."

"As compensation, I—King Loki—present you with the Casket of Ancient Winters."

Loki stepped down from the throne and solemnly handed the casket to Aaron.

At the same time, he exchanged a look with Aaron—one only the two of them understood.

Aaron nodded.

The moment he touched the Casket, an overwhelming surge of energy rushed through him.

His depleted mana instantly recovered.

A grin spread across his face.

Finally.

No more conserving magic.

No more holding back.

Aaron could now cast spells without limits.