Chapter 10: Kneel Peasants! -III
[Noted.]
I roll my eyes inwardly. Ælir, always ready to ruin a perfectly good daydream with cold data.
I pat Sleipnir's neck one last time before stepping back. He snorts, his breath shimmering faintly, then goes back to munching his star-lotus flowers without a care.
I watch him for a moment longer, a tiny itch crawling at the back of my mind.
"Man… I want a horse like this too," I mutter, half to myself. "No, scratch that — I want one better."
Ælir flickers in my mind immediately.
[Objective: create an improved variant of Sleipnir. Possibility: theoretically feasible. Conditions required: complete biological DNA mapping, magical DNA blueprint extraction, metaphysical resonance structure analysis, and rune circuit configuration.]
"Sounds fancy," I say, squinting at Sleipnir. "But I'm guessing it's not as simple as picking up hair strands and hoping for the best."
[Correct. Current available analysis methods: direct observation and manual data gathering via close-range contact. Estimated time required at current efficiency: approximately 2,700 years.]
"...Two thousand seven hundred years?!"
[Confirmed. Due to Sleipnir's complex hybrid origin — part divine essence, part giant lineage, fused with numerous cosmic energy signatures — structure analysis is significantly slowed.]
I run a hand through my hair, exhaling slowly. "And if I had an advanced enough lab or spell system?"
[Estimated time reduction to approximately 300–500 years, depending on tool precision and environmental stability.]
I stare at Sleipnir again. He flicks an ear as if he can hear me plotting, then snorts and keeps chewing.
"Right… so, until I set up an advanced magi-tech lab or develop a new analysis spell, I can only come here and observe manually," I sigh.
[Correct. Suggestion: gradual data collection during future visits. Priority: maintain safety and avoid detection by Odin or other high-level overseers.]
I tap my chin thoughtfully. "Well, I guess I'll just have to be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day… and apparently, neither is a super horse.
Another reason to build a new comprehensive magic system."
[Noted.]
I shake my head, still chuckling to myself, then start strolling deeper into the sanctuary, letting my gaze drift across open fields and shimmering lakes.
Then, I spot them.
Geri and Freki.
Odin's wolves.
They lounge on a high rocky ledge, towering above the glade like living storm clouds. Their fur is darker up close — shadow-black streaked with silver runes that glow faintly even under the sun. Each breath comes out as a low rumble, like distant thunder rolling across a battlefield.
When Geri turns his massive head to look straight at me, a chill races down my spine. His eyes burn with a cold, feral intelligence. Freki rises slowly beside him, hackles bristling as if ready to leap down and tear apart anything that moves too close.
I pause where I stand.
"Yeah… let's not push our luck today," I mutter under my breath.
[Correct decision. Geri and Freki exhibit combat strength comparable to High Generals. Current hostility level: passive-aggressive. Engagement not recommended without Odin's presence.]
'Thanks, Ælir. I was definitely about to ask for head pats.'
[Noted.]
I keep my distance, just admiring them from afar. Even at rest, they radiate an overwhelming, violent majesty — each twitch of a claw or flick of an ear reminds me they're not pets. They're apex predators, bred for war and the hunt, not for belly rubs.
Moving along, I pass a crystal-clear pond where moonlight eels twist and leap, scales flashing like silver ribbons in water.
[Designation: Moonlight Eels. Combat capability: Einherjar Captain class. Excellent for stealth, aquatic skirmishes, and rune conduction sabotage. Non-aggressive unless provoked.]
Nearby, the stone-scaled bear slumbers against a ridge, each rumbling snore shaking dust from nearby rocks.
[Designation: Worldbreaker Bear. Equivalent to Einherjar Commanders in raw force. Superior siege and defensive applications. Territorial temperament. Approach not advised without containment rune support.]
Above, Solar Hawks swoop and wheel in tight formations, sunlight catching on their golden feathers. Sparks rain down with each sharp turn, as if they slice the sky itself.
[Designation: Solar Hawks. Combat effectiveness: Elite Warriors. Suited for high-speed aerial strikes and long-range harass tactics. Highly disciplined flock coordination.]
A little further, a Thunder Elk emerges from behind a grove, its antlers crackling with chained lightning. It stands proudly, head held high, arcs of energy flickering down its sides.
[Designation: Thunder Elk. Strong anti-infantry and anti-formation capabilities. Mobility exceptional for fast flanking and shock tactics. Territorial and high-strung; sudden movements may provoke charge behavior.]
As I continue walking, Ælir's data runs in the background like an endless strategy manual, dissecting each beast's potential battlefield value.
You must be wondering about the combat effectiveness that Ælir spoke about. Here, in Asgard, that's how we classify the power hierarchy.
Asgard's military structure is strict. At the very top are the High Generals — direct subordinates to Odin and Frigga, beings of almost mythical might. I think Heimdall fits here… maybe. Haven't met him yet.
Below them, Einherjar Commanders lead massive legion forces or special forces that handle realm defence operations. Possibly, Sif and the warriors three are here.
Then come the Elite Warriors — warriors like Valkyries, Royal Guards, rune duelists and field spell-saints, capable of turning entire skirmishes alone.
Next, Einherjar Captains, the strong veteran warriors who command squads on the ground and handle frontline leadership.
Beneath them, the standard Einherjar soldiers — well-trained, disciplined, and battle-hardened, forming the backbone of Asgard's military might. Even though they are almost at the bottom of the hierarchy, each of them has the capabilities of Earth's super soldier.
Finally, the initiates and young warriors — eager, reckless, and always itching to prove themselves. Like Tyr earlier.
In total, it's like this;
High Generals> Commanders> Elites> Captains> Einherjar> Initiates
I glance back at Geri and Freki one last time. Even among the High Generals, these two stand at the top. It makes sense they only obey Odin — anyone else would probably get torn in half for trying to give orders.
...
I continue strolling deeper into the sanctuary, letting my mind drift and my senses roam freely. The air here is cleaner, almost heavy with raw magic and old forest scents.
Then, I feel it.
A sudden shift. The birds nearby scatter all at once, leaving the clearing eerily silent. The hairs on my arms prickle.
I stop, eyes narrowing.
In the far corner of a mossy grove, something stirs.
A low, bone-deep growl echoes. From behind a thick wall of starflower bushes, a shape emerges — larger than any elk or drake I've seen so far.
It steps into the open, each clawed foot sinking into the earth with quiet menace. Its skin resembles twisted onyx, veins of purple mana pulsing beneath. Its head is narrow and sleek, almost reptilian, but with elongated ears and six glowing eyes stacked vertically. Black, tattered tendrils whip from its back like living whips, each one tipped with jagged barbs.
Ælir chimes in immediately.
[Designation: Mind-Taker Beast. Origin: Svartalfheim. Last recorded use: Dark Elf War under Borr's reign. Capabilities: Elite-level combat strength. Specialisation: parasitic mind control after defeating its opponent. Hosts become fully subjugated war puppets. Recommended to avoid direct melee contact. Approach classified as high-risk.]
"Mind-Taker, huh?" I mutter.
{Mind-Taker Beast's Image}
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A/N: Guys, I'm currently creating a power system based on runes that focus on body enhancement that aligns with Asgard lore.
You know how Æsiris viking warrior-ish and not scholar/researcher type, so it's a little bit difficult to make a power system that portrays their power, warrior value and backwardness and how Mc will change the system.
So, it may take a while, stay with me, ok? Thanks.