American Comics: Heaven's Reward

Eileen never expected anyone to grasp magic so quickly.

Mastering the fundamentals required years of disciplined training, especially for beginners. Even among the most gifted, forming actual combat power with magic took an incredibly long time.

After all, not everyone was a genius.

And in Asgard, the path of a warrior always shone brighter. Magicians, no matter how skilled, often had to balance their studies with physical training. The prestige of battle, the honor of standing among warriors—it was a temptation even for those drawn to magic.

She vividly remembered her own first lesson. Hours had passed before she managed to perceive the faintest trace of magical energy.

How long had it taken Aaron?

Ten minutes.

A rare sight indeed—a true magic prodigy.

And not just any prodigy, but one who had willingly chosen the path of magic over becoming a warrior.

Eileen's eyes gleamed with excitement.

Perhaps… with a true magician rising among them, Asgard's perception of magic could change.

If a single person could prove the power of pure magical mastery, it might inspire others to follow. Magicians could earn the respect they deserved, no longer seen as secondary to warriors.

Unconsciously, Eileen found herself focusing on Aaron more than before.

"Quiet!" she commanded suddenly, her voice echoing through the training hall. "Aaron has officially become a magician. Do not disturb him as he navigates the vast ocean of magic."

The other apprentices fell silent, their gazes shifting toward Aaron with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief.

They had all struggled, yet here he was—completely absorbed in meditation, untouched by frustration or doubt.

Minutes passed. Then an hour.

Finally, Aaron opened his eyes.

At that moment, his Meditation Skill had already reached LV4 (1000/10,000).

His proficiency gains had increased to +4 per session, meaning further progress would take more time. But the biggest breakthrough?

His Energy Strength had risen from 2 to 3.

A noticeable improvement.

One hour of meditation had yielded greater results than centuries of warrior training.

The realization struck him like lightning.

If just one hour of focused meditation could grant such results… what would years of effort bring?

Aaron clenched his fists, excitement surging through him. He needed more. He needed new magic.

Only then could he truly measure his strength against the skills he had spent centuries honing.

Before awakening his memories and discovering magic, Aaron had dedicated himself to mastering combat. He had trained relentlessly, refining his fighting techniques, spear skills, and swordsmanship.

Hundreds of years of effort had only elevated him to Level 3 in those disciplines.

He had become stronger than an average Asgardian warrior—perhaps even on par with elite soldiers. But even then, he was nowhere near the level of the Three Warriors of Asgard.

Yet now…

One hour of meditation had given him progress far beyond centuries of training.

His Gold Finger ability was beyond anything he had ever imagined.

If only he had awakened it sooner… If only he had discovered its potential earlier… Who knew how strong he could have become in 1,000 years?

Still, it wasn't too late.

He had time.

And now, he had the power to make every second count.

As Aaron opened his eyes, he found himself surrounded by curious faces, their eyes filled with expectation.

Someone leaned in closer—too close. Instinctively, Aaron raised his hands into a combat stance, his reflexes honed from years of warrior training.

Before he could react further, he recognized the face before him.

"…Teacher?"

Eileen, having leaned in too eagerly, blinked in surprise before straightening up with an awkward smile.

"Next time, don't get so close so suddenly," Aaron sighed, lowering his guard. "I almost reacted on instinct."

"Understood," she chuckled, brushing off the moment. "But tell me—how does it feel? The power of magic, is it as fascinating as you expected?"

Aaron's lips curled into a grin. "It's incredible."

The surrounding apprentices whispered amongst themselves, their envy barely concealed.

Aaron, however, was focused on one thing.

"Teacher," he said firmly, "can you teach me new magic? I can't wait to learn more."

Eileen hesitated.

Normally, a magician needed time before moving on to spellcasting. Even those who had successfully sensed magic energy had to build up reserves before attempting their first spell.

But Aaron was not normal.

He had already surpassed all expectations.

After a moment, she made her decision.

"Yes," she nodded. "But magic learning isn't something that happens overnight."

Aaron listened intently.

"Even though you now possess magic energy, it is still limited. Your reserves may not even be enough to cast a single spell yet," she warned.

"I don't want you to be discouraged if you fail at first."

She met his gaze seriously.

"With your talent, I have no doubt that you will become a magician as powerful as Prince Loki."

Aaron nodded, taking her words to heart.

Seeing his determination, Eileen smiled and began the next lesson.

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