"Aaron, you're here. I've heard the name of a magical genius before," Frigga said with a warm smile.
"Irene told me about you on your very first day at the academy. At the time, I thought she was exaggerating. But now, I see that I was wrong. Your abilities are even more extraordinary than she described."
Frigga stepped forward, her gaze carefully studying Aaron—the young Asgardian prodigy who had already exceeded all expectations.
She was not one to withhold praise. Under the twin halos of "son of a hero" and "magic prodigy," she had come to admire Aaron greatly.
"The praise is too generous," Aaron replied humbly. "Compared to Thor and Loki, I still have a long way to go."
Frigga was pleased with his answer.
Despite the honor and power he had gained—despite his abilities surpassing even the greatest warriors—Aaron remained grounded. He was neither arrogant nor reckless. His talent was undeniable, but what set him apart was his emotional intelligence.
He was, without a doubt, the son of a true hero.
"Don't be so modest, Aaron," Frigga said. "Your achievements speak for themselves."
She paused for a moment before adding, "Even Odin has praised you countless times. He said that Manning raised an exceptional son, one destined for even greater glory. He believes that, in the future, you will stand among Asgard's legendary heroes."
Aaron remained silent, listening carefully.
Frigga's next words, however, sent shockwaves through the room.
"Odin has even said that once you master Asgardian magic and make further contributions, he will consider granting you a divine blessing. If that day comes, you will become Asgard's new God of Magic!"
The room fell into stunned silence.
Everyone had expected Frigga and Odin to acknowledge Aaron's achievements. They even assumed he might receive a generous reward.
But no one—absolutely no one—had expected this.
The title of a god.
It was not a mere honorary title, but a true divine designation.
Throughout Asgard's long history, only a handful of individuals had ever been granted godhood. After centuries of war, their numbers had dwindled even further.
Now, the number of true gods in Asgard could be counted on one hand.
Despite being referred to as gods by mortals, most Asgardians were not deities in the truest sense. Only members of the royal family and Odin's most trusted warriors held such titles.
Thor, the God of Thunder.
Heimdall, the Guardian God.
And now…
Aaron was promised the title of God of Magic.
This was no ordinary honor.
This was a title equal to that of Thor.
Because the last God of Magic… was Odin himself.
The implications were staggering.
Did this mean Odin already believed Aaron's magical talent would surpass his own? That he would one day replace him as Asgard's most powerful sorcerer?
It was an almost absurd thought.
Loki's smile froze.
Irene, on the other hand, was beaming.
Her suspicions had been correct—Aaron was truly destined to be the greatest magician in history.
The King of Asgard himself had recognized his potential.
His future was set in stone.
Even Aaron himself was momentarily speechless.
Odin seriously promised me the title of God of Magic?
It was ridiculous.
Did Odin really trust him as much as he trusted Heimdall? Did he truly believe Aaron's loyalty to Asgard was unwavering?
Oh… right.
Aaron suddenly remembered his official status.
He was the son of a war hero, one of Thor's closest friends.
From Odin's perspective, it made sense.
Perhaps he saw Aaron as another devoted companion of Thor, much like the Warriors Three and Lady Sif.
If Hela had never appeared, the Warriors Three would have likely become Asgard's leading generals, protecting the Nine Realms under Thor's reign.
Aaron, in turn, would have taken his place as the God of Magic, standing at Thor's side.
Thinking about it this way, everything suddenly seemed logical.
Aaron had lived in Asgard for over a thousand years. If there were any concerns about his loyalty, Odin would have discovered them long ago.
And with his newfound abilities and impeccable lineage, it was only natural for Odin to want him on his side.
Besides…
It was just a promise—for now.
Whether he would truly receive Odin's blessing and ascend to godhood depended on the future. He had to finish learning Asgard's magic, make further contributions, and prove himself worthy.
Aaron quickly gathered his thoughts and thanked Frigga.
"I will do my best to live up to the All-Father's expectations," he said.
Frigga smiled approvingly.
"Aaron, work hard. Both Odin and I look forward to seeing your growth. Thor and Loki will also need your magical assistance."
Aaron responded immediately, "You have my word, my queen."
Frigga and Odin's intentions were crystal clear.
They were recruiting him.
They were subtly guiding him toward his supposed destiny—to stand beside Thor and serve as his right-hand magician.
Aaron even suspected that even if he failed to achieve more in the future, as long as he remained loyal to Thor, Odin would still grant him the title of God of Magic.
And by stating this promise in front of Loki and Irene, Odin had ensured that even if he were no longer around, Thor would remember it.
When Thor eventually became king, he would honor Odin's words and make Aaron the new God of Magic.
It was a masterful strategy.
Winning loyalty with a single promise.
Aaron had always planned to align himself with Thor, but not in the way Odin envisioned.
He didn't truly consider Thor a brother-in-arms, but he also didn't dislike him. Thor had a good heart and was fiercely loyal to his friends. Unlike Odin, he didn't see himself as above others.
If helping Thor served Aaron's own interests, he wouldn't mind supporting him.
But if Odin expected absolute devotion…
That was out of the question.
In fact, Aaron was hesitant to get too close to Thor.
Because Thor's luck was absolutely terrible.
Everyone who got close to him met tragic ends.
The Warriors Three? All dead.
Loki? Sacrificed himself.
Frigga? Murdered.
Odin? Perished.
Asgard? Destroyed.
His people? Nearly wiped out.
His girlfriend Jane? Died of cancer.
Getting too close to Thor was practically a death sentence.
Even though Aaron had his own powerful abilities to rely on, the Marvel universe was vast and unpredictable. No one could guarantee survival until the very end.
So while he would help Thor, he would always prioritize his own survival.
If that meant disappointing Frigga and Odin's expectations… so be it.
Aaron didn't feel guilty about that.
Self-preservation wasn't selfish—it was necessary.
The title of God of Magic wasn't worth sacrificing his freedom, or his life.
Frigga, unaware of Aaron's true thoughts, was completely satisfied with his response.
"Aaron," she said warmly, "since you are now my student, I will allow you to choose the first spell you wish to learn. What will it be?"
Aaron didn't hesitate.
"My queen, I wish to learn invisibility magic."