Chapter 604: Harsh Training (I)

Edward explained the plan to Odin and Frigga, and with their acceptance, he started. The first step was to refine a potion to deal with Odin's faith poison. The poison was already too deep, so it was impossible to remove it completely, so Edward went for the option of gathering most of it in one spot before removing that body part.

He did not waste time as he started his work. Odin granted him access to Asgardian resources since he needed to modify the potion formula to fit this world's needs, and he did not want to use his own. After a week, the potion was brewed, and Odin drank it. His right arm turned dark purple before Edward amputated it.

The next step was to upgrade the Odin Sleep Chamber. This process granted access to this highly advanced Asgardian technology, which should greatly benefit him and the Empire. After his success, the chamber could sustain Odin's body as he revived his soul flame.

Edward enchanted the room with the sleep chamber for the procedure. He even linked the enchantments to the Soul Stone to provide enough energy for the procedure.

"As you know, the last step of this treatment is for you to change your genetic code to become a pure-energy lifeform," Edward explained. "Before starting that step, I've left a Virtual Reality headset for you to practice or simulate the process. Use it wisely."

He was very interested in Odin's final transformation. For many reasons, he abandoned the path of turning into a half-energy and half-flesh life form but still created spells to turn him into energy creatures if necessary. As such, he was interested in the data from Odin's transformation.

"Once again, I cannot thank you for everything you've done for me, my family, and Asgard," Odin said with the utmost sincerity. He had already tried the updated sleeping chamber and the revival of his soul and could already feel the effect. Although he did not know whether this would work, he had hope — and this was more than he could say since Edward arrived in his realm.

"It's fine. Everything is for the future."

"Yes, for the future."

"Where are you up to next?"

"Nidavellir. I wish to meet the dwarves. Then, I will return to take the prince to Earth."

"I wish you the best in your journey, and I will apologize in advance for whatever my son does."

Edward nodded before leaving. He had spent approximately a month in Asgard but only two weeks with the dwarves. He met their king, Eitri, drank with them and shared smithing and enchanting skills. Edward realized these dwarves were the real deal as their accomplishments were not below him in some categories, primarily single artifact creations.

While the dwarves were not on par with him with complex systems — like Netheril — they surpassed him in making single weapons like swords, spears, or other magical tools. So, he ensured they had a good relationship to better corporate in the future and maybe even exchange knowledge. However, for now, he worked on establishing a good relationship.

...

After returning to Earth with Loki, he showed him his room.

"What's this?" asked the Asgardian Prince.

"Your room and the wi-fi password?"

"You expect me to sleep in such a cramped place?"

Edward looked at him. "Did you come to learn or experience a luxurious vacation?"

"I just think it's unfair. Look how much effort Asgard put into receiving you and compare it to your treatment of me."

"What can I say? We, Midgard Sorcerers, live a more monastic and minimalist lifestyle. Plus, why are you complaining? I know for a fact you've lived in the worst circumstances during some of your expeditions with Thor and the Warrior Three."

"Those were different."

"Unfortunately for you, you can take it or leave it," Edward said before leaving, and Loki snorted coldly to display his dissatisfaction. Edward summoned him early in the morning for their first training session. He ignored the trickster god's unhappiness and immediately got to the point.

"Do you know about your identity?"

"Identity? What do you mean?"

"You're not Odin and Frigga's biological child. You were an abandoned Frost Giant that Odin rescued."

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Loki asked, truly wondering whether this man was crazy. But Edward pointed at him, his skin turned blue, and his body released a cold mist.

"Impossible! What did you do to me?"

"I'm sure your mother and father said something to you before you left."

Loki's body paused as he remembered: his father apologized to him before saying he loved him. His mother told him to accept Edward's teaching with an open heart and be a little more forgiven.

"No, no, no — this can't be happening."

"It's the truth."

"Hahaha," Loki laughed with a mocking and deranged atmosphere. "So many things now make sense. The favoritism, the alienation, and his disdain for me." The pain in his voice was palpable, and it was soon replaced by anger and hatred.

"The worst part is that the coward didn't even have the courage to tell me himself."

"Do you think your father never loved you?"

"Isn't that obvious? He saw me as nothing but a diplomatic move to pacify the frost giants. I never had a chance at the throne, but he made it look like I did." Loki's eyes were red, and he spoke with gritted teeth.

"I agree with you that this was indeed a terrible decision on your father's part, but to say he did not love you? Now, this is where you're wrong."

"If this is how he shows his love — I don't want it."

"Your mother knew the truth and can be said to be complicit in hiding this lie. Do you think she did not love you?"

"Don't talk about my mother!" Loki roared as he conjured two daggers to attack. The daggers disintegrated before reaching Edward, and chains materialized from the ground to bind Loki, hindering his magic and movement.

"I know this is a hard truth to confront, but this is a necessary part of your training."

"How is this training?"

"Body, mind, and soul are the three main parts needed for a sorcerer to truly reach the pinnacle of their skills. As a Frost Giant -"

"I'm an Asgardian."

"Your body and soul have no problem, but your mind...Well, describing it as fragile and corrupt is an understatement."

Loki looked at him furiously.

"Let's get back on topic. Do you think your mother loves you?" Loki did not answer. "Don't make me put a truth spell on you. I promise you don't want to experience what it feels like to reveal your deepest secrets or embarrassing moments."

Loki still did not say anything, so Edward raised his hand.

"Fine, I'll say."

"I'm listening."

"I...I don't know if she loves me after covering up such a lie."

"Think about all your time together — all the good and bad times. Do you think they were not genuine?" Loki did not answer, not out of some sort of rebellion, but because he truly did not know the answer.

"I will show you your future if I never show up and disturb the timeline. Tell me how you feel after seeing it."

Edward pointed at Loki's forehead and had his spirit experience some of the events of Earth 616. Loki looked dazed after experiencing everything, including his death and everyone that he knew and loved.

"This is not true, right? Tell me none of this will happen."

"Our timeline has diverged from its original course, but that doesn't mean none of these things will happen. Some events are considered nexus of time and are simply inevitable."

"What-"

"Don't worry about those. How do you feel now after living another life?"