Bertinus stepped off the Bifrost, every inch of his new body alive with energy. The city of Asgard rose before him ;a sprawling kingdom of shimmering towers, golden streets, and flowing rivers of light.
As he walked forward, Asgardians turned to stare. Warriors paused in their sparring, servants halted with baskets in hand. Their eyes widened at the sight of him, some in awe, others in confusion.
"Is that… Thor?" someone whispered.
Bertinus swallowed hard. He wasn't Thor, not truly. But each step he took felt like it carried a thousand years of strength and duty.
A pair of golden-armored guards approached, their spears crossed in front of him.
"Lord Thor," one of them said hesitantly. "The All-Father wishes to see you immediately. He waits in the Great Hall."
Bertinus nodded, though his heart hammered like a drum in his chest. Odin. The king of the gods.
The guards led him through wide avenues lined with marble statues and fountains that shimmered like starlight. Everything smelled of clean metal and ancient flowers. Birds with silver feathers flew overhead, calling out in songs he didn't understand.
When they reached the Great Hall, Bertinus paused, staring up at the massive doors carved with scenes of battles and victories from countless ages. The guards pushed the doors open, revealing a vast chamber that seemed to glow from within.
At the far end, Odin sat on his throne. His single eye, sharp and stormy, locked onto Bertinus the moment he entered.
"Bertinus," Odin's voice boomed, shaking the floor. "Step forward."
Bertinus moved slowly, feeling like a small child despite his towering new form.
"You are not my son," Odin said, his tone cold but curious. "Yet you carry his weapon. You walk in his skin. How do you explain this?"
Bertinus opened his mouth, but for a moment, no sound came out. Then he found his voice, low and trembling. "I don't know how I got here. I was just… an ordinary man. But now, I stand here, and I want to protect this realm, even if I'm not worthy."
Odin's gaze softened ;just barely. He rose from his throne, each step echoing like thunder. When he reached Bertinus, he placed a heavy hand on his shoulder.
"Worthiness is not simply inherited. It is earned, forged through trial and pain," Odin said. "Your journey has only begun. And Asgard is not without enemies."
He turned, gesturing toward a massive window that looked out over the realm. In the distance, dark clouds gathered, swirling in unnatural patterns.
"The Frost Giants stir once more," Odin continued. "They plan to breach Asgard's walls and bring endless winter upon us."
Bertinus felt a chill crawl down his spine.
"If you truly wish to be Thor… if you wish to protect this realm… you will lead our warriors against them," Odin declared.
Bertinus swallowed hard, glancing down at Mjolnir. It pulsed softly, as if urging him forward.
"I will," Bertinus said, his voice steadier this time. "I'll fight for Asgard. I'll prove I deserve this power."
Odin's eye gleamed, and for the first time, a hint of pride shone through his stern expression.
"Then prepare, Bertinus," he said. "Tonight, you rest. Tomorrow, you ride for the first battle of your new life."
Bertinus turned to leave the hall, his mind a swirl of fear and excitement. Outside, the golden sky began to darken into deep blues and violets. Stars blinked to life above the shimmering towers.
As he walked through the palace corridors, warriors nodded to him, some in respect, others with skeptical glances. Bertinus knew he hadn't earned their trust yet — he would have to show them his spirit was stronger than any storm.
When he reached his chamber, he sat on the edge of the massive bed, staring at Mjolnir resting on the floor beside him.
"I don't know if I'm ready," he whispered into the quiet room. "But I won't run."
Outside, a cold wind howled against the windows. Bertinus felt its bite and closed his eyes, gripping the hammer tightly.
Tomorrow, the real war would begin.