American Comics: Heaven's Reward

As Aaron arrived at the Academy of Magic, a wave of indescribable emotion washed over him.

This was where his journey had truly begun—the place where he had chosen to change his destiny. When he first arrived, his only goal had been survival in Asgard's grand theater of war.

Yet, in just a matter of days, he had transformed from a mere trainee into a war hero and a prodigy of magic.

Fate, it seemed, had a peculiar sense of humor.

But Aaron had no regrets.

He was grateful for his decision to abandon the warrior trials and pursue magic instead. Had he not made that choice, he might still be standing guard outside the Golden Hall, just another nameless soldier awaiting the doom of Ragnarök.

As he stood at the academy's entrance, lost in thought, a sudden commotion snapped him back to reality.

A crowd of magic apprentices had gathered around him, whispering in awe.

"Is that really Aaron? The magical prodigy everyone's talking about?"

"I heard he joined Prince Thor in the Vanaheim campaign and achieved legendary status!"

"Not only is he a gifted magician, but he's also an exceptional warrior. He's the total package!"

Among the murmurs, a few female apprentices gushed excitedly.

"He doesn't have a woman yet, right? Maybe I have a chance… Just imagine—being the wife of a hero!"

"Please, look at yourself in the mirror before dreaming. It'll be someone like Lady Sif, not you."

Just as their chatter escalated, a stern voice cut through the air.

"What are you all doing? Get back to your studies! Do you think you're magical geniuses?"

The crowd scattered instantly.

Aaron chuckled. No matter where one went, teachers were always the natural enemies of students.

Turning to the source of the voice, he found Irene approaching him.

"Aaron, you've arrived," she said, her gaze filled with complicated emotions.

She had once been his teacher, yet now, Aaron had surpassed her in ways she never imagined. Still, she took immense pride in his achievements. He was living proof that a magician could change Asgard's perception of magic.

"Hello, Teacher Irene," Aaron greeted her warmly.

Irene smiled but quickly remembered why she had come.

"Come with me. The Queen is waiting for you."

Inside the Academy

Meanwhile, in a quiet classroom, an awkward tension hung between two figures.

Frigga, Queen of Asgard and a powerful sorceress, sat with an air of composed authority. Across from her, Loki brooded, his arms crossed.

The news of Aaron's apprenticeship had left him deeply unsettled.

"Mother," Loki finally spoke, frustration lacing his tone, "why did you accept Aaron as your student? You've never taken another disciple before."

Frigga regarded her son with patience.

"Aaron is different," she said. "He possesses a rare talent, one that must be nurtured. With proper guidance, he will become a powerful ally to both you and Thor—someone who can help protect Asgard and the Nine Realms."

Loki's lips curled in displeasure.

"But why does it have to be you? You always told me that I was your only student!"

Frigga sighed. She understood Loki's feelings all too well.

"Loki, a good ruler must recognize talent and reward merit. Aaron's contributions cannot be ignored. If we simply cast him aside, it would be an injustice—not just to him, but to Asgard itself."

Loki's fingers clenched into fists beneath the table.

"Born to be a king?"

Once, he had believed that. But lately, he wasn't so sure.

Odin's favoritism toward Thor was painfully obvious. Thor received more—more power, more recognition, more everything.

Deep down, Loki knew the truth.

If things continued as they were, Asgard's next king would be Thor.

Unless…

Unless he could prove to Odin that he was the better choice.

His voice dropped to a whisper.

"Mother… am I truly meant to be a king?"

Frigga answered without hesitation.

"Yes, Loki. You were born to rule."

But not Asgard.

She longed to tell him the truth, but Odin had forbidden it.

"Not yet," he had said.

And so, she remained silent.

Loki, unaware of the deeper meaning behind her words, felt a renewed determination rise within him.

If the throne was meant for Thor, he would simply have to change fate.

He would prove that he was the rightful king of Asgard.

Aaron Arrives

The tense silence was broken by a voice outside the door.

"Your Majesty, Aaron is here," Irene announced.

A moment later, Aaron stepped into the room, offering Loki a friendly smile.

"Hello, Loki."

Loki forced a smile in return, though his insides twisted with frustration.

He saw Aaron as a rival, yet Aaron barely seemed to acknowledge him as competition.

"He doesn't even see me as a threat…"

Loki gritted his teeth, keeping his outward expression composed.

"Fine. Let him bask in his so-called greatness. In the end, no matter how strong he becomes, he will always be beneath me."

Aaron, oblivious to Loki's inner turmoil, tilted his head in mild confusion.

"Why is Loki smiling at me like that? Did he hit his head or something?"