41 - Shadows of Envy

Arriving at the Magic Academy, Aaron suddenly felt an indescribable emotion.

This was the starting point of his efforts to change his destiny. When he first came, he had only wanted to survive on the grand stage of the future.

But he had never imagined that his decision to learn magic would lead him down another path.

Within a few days, he had transformed from a newcomer who had just completed warrior training into an Asgardian war hero and magic genius.

It had to be said that sometimes fate was so unpredictable.

But this result was good.

Aaron was glad that he had given up the warrior examination and become a magic apprentice instead.

If it had not been for that change, he might still be an elite guard stationed at the Golden Palace at this moment, waiting for the arrival of Ragnarok alongside many others destined to fall.

As Aaron stood at the door, many magic apprentices passing by had already gathered around him.

They had already recognized Aaron's identity.

"By the gods, I'm not seeing things. That's the magic genius Aaron everyone's been talking about recently!"

"It's said that just a few days after entering the Magic Academy, he worked with Prince Thor to conquer the Vanaheim rebels and gained great honor!"

"I'm so jealous of his talent. I heard he's also a powerful and brave warrior. He's practically an all-rounder."

"Hehe, Aaron doesn't have a woman yet. I wonder if I could win him over with my charm. Even if I can't become a powerful mage or a glorious warrior, it would be amazing to be the wife of a hero. I could give birth to a heroic son… Gods, I can't handle this!"

"Go to sleep! Do you think you could be Aaron's wife? Look in the mirror! I'm the one with a slight chance."

"Don't dream. You'd need to be at Sif's level to even think about it. A hero's wife is destined to be no ordinary person."

"Not necessarily…"

"What are you all doing? Why aren't you hurrying to study? Do you think you're magic geniuses?"

While the female apprentices were chattering around Aaron, a commanding female voice came from a distance.

It was none other than Irene.

When the female apprentices saw Irene, they scattered like mice spotting a cat, heading to their classrooms obediently.

The familiar scene made Aaron burst into laughter after coming back to his senses.

It seemed that no matter where one was, teachers were the natural enemies of students.

"Aaron, you're here."

After shooing away the female apprentices, Irene approached Aaron and looked at him with complex emotions.

Aaron had completely surpassed her. As his teacher, Irene was immensely proud.

From her guidance, a record-breaking magical prodigy had emerged.

A formidable figure who had gone from a magic apprentice to a war hero in just one week!

As she had expected, Aaron had used magic to change the Asgardians' view of mages.

Though this change was not yet complete, there was finally hope.

She believed that with Aaron's talent, the status of mages would significantly improve before long!

"Hello, Teacher Irene."

Aaron greeted her. Irene held a special place for him.

Perhaps any magic teacher could have triggered his extraordinary abilities, but the reality was that Irene had been his first teacher, not someone else.

Irene smiled upon hearing his words, then suddenly remembered her purpose and pulled Aaron inside.

"Aaron, you came just in time. It seems Thor has told you that the Queen is ready to accept you as a disciple. She's waiting for you now. Come with me."

When Aaron and Irene reached Frigga, the atmosphere in a classroom at the Magic Academy was somewhat heavy.

In the vast classroom, there were only two people: a woman and a young man.

The woman wore a gorgeous dress and had long golden hair. She was Odin's wife, Frigga, Queen of Asgard.

Beneath her dignified and serene appearance, she was a powerful sorceress.

Beside her stood Loki.

At that moment, Loki had been brooding for some time over Frigga's decision to accept Aaron as her apprentice.

He had a sinking feeling that Aaron's magical prowess would soon surpass his own!

After all, Aaron's talent was so extraordinary that it was beyond anyone's reach.

"Mother, why do you want to accept Aaron as your disciple? Couldn't you let him seek guidance from other teachers?" Loki said with slight dissatisfaction.

"Aaron is different. He is a magical prodigy. Besides needing a good teacher to instruct him, he also needs someone to guide him to use his talents wisely to help you and your brother protect Asgard and maintain peace in the Nine Realms," Frigga said calmly.

"But… why does it have to be you? You've never accepted anyone else as a disciple before," Loki pressed, unhappy with her answer.

He was not only worried that Aaron would completely surpass him in magic but also felt uneasy that Aaron would take away the unique teachings he received from Frigga.

Loki was envious of Aaron's talent, jealous of the attention and recognition Aaron had garnered—recognition he had never received—and resentful of Aaron becoming Frigga's second disciple.

Before this, he had been Frigga's only disciple!

Seeing Loki's mood, Frigga responded patiently, "Loki, in addition to being a magical genius, Aaron has made great contributions. As a ruler, one must demonstrate appropriate recognition."

"My responsibility to teach him is part of that recognition."

"You and Thor are born to be kings, so you must learn to distinguish between rewards and punishments and know how to make good use of others."

"Aaron has made significant contributions, so we must reward him and not dismiss him lightly. Even if it were not Aaron this time but someone else, the result would be the same."

"Aaron's magical talent is unprecedented. We need to guide him well so that he can become your most capable ally."

"I believe, with your intelligence, you should easily understand this."

Loki nodded. How could he not understand Frigga's intentions?

But… born to be a king?

He used to believe it, but now he was not so sure, or at least only half-convinced.

Odin's preference for Thor was barely concealed.

Thor had received far more than he had.

In terms of strength and weapons, Thor was more than a step ahead of him.

Judging from Odin's attitude, the future king of Asgard would only be Thor.

Unless he could prove to Odin that he had greater potential to be king than Thor.

Thinking of this, Loki could not help but ask in a low voice, "Mother… am I truly born to be a king?"

Frigga answered without hesitation, "Yes, you were born to be a king!"

But not the king of Asgard…

Seeing Loki's expression, Frigga wanted to tell him the truth, but Odin had said it was not yet time.

So, she could only continue to conceal it.

When the time came, Loki would understand their efforts.

After receiving Frigga's affirmative answer, Loki felt some relief, and his desire to prove himself grew even stronger.

He wanted to show everyone that he, Loki, was more suited to be king than Thor!

Even without Thor, he could lead the Asgardians to peace!

A brief silence hung in the air.

Not long after, Irene's voice came from outside the door.

"Your Majesty, Aaron has arrived."

Then, the man who stirred Loki's envy and jealousy walked in.

He even smiled at him and said, "Hello, Loki."

"Hello, Aaron!" Loki responded with a forced smile, but inside, he was nearly losing his mind. He saw the other as one of his strongest competitors, yet the other did not even consider him a rival!

This immense sense of disparity made Loki feel even more depressed and humiliated.

But considering their respective positions, Loki's smile became a bit more genuine.

Hmph, so what if you're a magical prodigy? So what if you become the greatest mage in the Nine Realms?

I am the son of Odin and the future king of Asgard, while you are just an ordinary mage who must submit to me.

No matter how strong you become, you'll still have to obey my orders in the end!

Hahaha…

Aaron naturally did not know what Loki was thinking, but he was merely surprised by Loki's "sincere" smile.

In his impression, since learning magic, Loki had never genuinely shown him kindness and always tried to undermine him, intentionally or not.

Yet today, it was as if Loki had taken the wrong medicine. Could he have lost his wits?

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