"His magical ability is above yours?"
Upon hearing this, Odin's interest was piqued. It was the first time he had heard Frigga speak so highly of someone's abilities—especially someone so young.
Frigga nodded with conviction. "There are some nuances in my statement. It's not just that he's as good as me—it's that I am far inferior to him. Aaron is the most talented and promising magician I've ever encountered."
Odin remained silent for a moment, processing this information. "You think he will be one of the greatest magicians of the Nine Realms?"
"Absolutely," Frigga affirmed. "I believe Aaron will be a legendary magician in the future."
She smiled, her tone filled with pride. "And Aaron and Thor are very close. He's a hardworking young man, diligent in both his warrior training and his pursuit of magic. He's not only an excellent apprentice but also a dedicated and optimistic student."
Frigga's praise continued, and her words carried a weight of sincerity. "Aaron is the son of Manning, a hero from the past, and he's already demonstrating incredible potential."
Odin listened intently, and the more he heard, the more intrigued he became. He had known of Manning's heroics, but it was astonishing to hear of his son's greatness, especially in the magical arts.
"Aaron has such terrifying magical power?" Odin asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
"I can't even begin to describe it," Frigga admitted, though her eyes sparkled with awe. "Irene called him a 'magical monster,' and I believe it's an apt description."
She paused before continuing, "In just an hour, he learned the mind barrier spell and was able to resist Amora's charm. He can master any magic taught to him in no time."
Odin's eyes widened slightly. "And he is also skilled in swordsmanship?"
"Indeed," Frigga replied. "Even Fandral admits defeat to him in swordplay. He's a rare combination—both a talented fighter and a brilliant magician."
Odin leaned back in his throne, his thoughts turning. "It seems Thor has made a very good friend."
Frigga nodded. "Yes. While Thor already has the support of Sif and the three warriors of Asgard, it's clear that a powerful magician like Aaron could make Thor's claim to the throne even stronger. With Aaron's abilities, Asgard's future would be more secure."
Odin agreed, but there was an undercurrent of concern. Thor was strong, but he lacked the magical expertise needed to lead the Nine Realms effectively. Odin knew that bravery and strength alone would not make a king. Wisdom, magic, and a balanced approach were necessary for a ruler to be truly effective.
"Loki is gifted in magic, but his heart is not entirely with Asgard," Odin thought aloud. "Aaron, on the other hand, seems to be more loyal and dependable."
Frigga hesitated before speaking again. "Irene suggested something when she first reported on Aaron's progress. She believes it would be beneficial to take him as a disciple."
Odin raised an eyebrow. "You want to teach him magic?"
Frigga nodded. "Yes, and at the same time, I want to observe him more closely. I've also noticed that Loki's interest in magic has been rekindled because of Aaron. He came to me just now, asking for my help with magic again, something I haven't seen him do in ages."
She sighed, her expression thoughtful. "For Thor's sake, and Loki's, it seems wise to take Aaron under my wing. He would be a powerful ally."
Odin pondered her suggestion carefully. "But Loki is of the Frost Titan bloodline, and Aaron is... different. How will they interact?"
Frigga frowned, unsure. "I don't know. But I do know Loki and Aaron are unaware of each other's true identities."
Odin's face softened as he considered it. He trusted that neither Loki nor Aaron would let their differences tear them apart. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Let's focus on Vanaheim's rebellion first. Once it's dealt with, we'll see how Thor and Aaron's bond grows. Perhaps it will solidify their friendship even further."
Frigga understood immediately. "You want Thor to use this opportunity to win people's loyalty. The younger generation is particularly susceptible to these gestures."
But unbeknownst to both Odin and Frigga, Aaron was not the type to be easily swayed. Although he and Thor shared a close friendship, Aaron had his own goals and ambitions. He had long since recognized Loki's true identity and understood the complexities of his lineage. Despite his deep respect for Thor, Aaron was not someone who could be manipulated for political gain.
Meanwhile, on the other side...
Aaron was deep in preparation for his upcoming confrontation with Amora. This time, he would ensure that he was fully equipped to deal with any threats she posed. His previous encounter had been more of a test, where he had barely managed to resist Amora's charm. But this time, he would be prepared.
He focused intently on improving his mental barrier. He knew that to stand a chance against Amora's overwhelming magic, he would need to make his defense stronger, especially to avoid any "rollovers" in battle.
As he worked, he felt a surge of energy.
[You have performed phantom magic seriously once, and you have gained a little bit of proficiency. Phantom Magic Proficiency +4]
The magic coursed through him, and Aaron knew that with each passing day, he was growing more powerful. He had already made impressive strides in illusion magic, and now, with his mind focused, he was ready to face whatever Amora threw his way.
The path ahead was clear: mastery of both magic and swordsmanship, and perhaps, an even greater challenge—an internal struggle against those who sought to control him.