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Asgard, outside the palace
Loki and Thor followed the guard toward the training camp for Asgardian children.
Thor had no idea what it would be like, but he was definitely excited to practice his skills and maybe finally awaken his powers.
He glanced back and saw his brother riding a horse right behind him.
Thor slowed down a little to talk to Loki.
"Cheer up, Loki, it can't be that bad," said Thor.
Loki rolled his eyes and replied,
"How did Mother allow something like this? I don't want to learn to fight. I wanted to keep learning magic," said Loki.
"I think you've learned enough magic, but don't worry, brother. I'm sure one day you'll be a great sorcerer," said Thor.
Loki looked surprised. His brother Thor liked to tease him, but sometimes he seemed strangely protective and caring.
"Thanks…" Loki muttered awkwardly.
The guard ahead called their attention.
"Come on, your majesties. We're not far; keep up the pace."
"Yes…" both replied, urging their horses forward.
They were riding through the forests of Asgard, already leaving the city behind and entering the mountains.
Thor, growing bored from hours on horseback, decided to ask the guard some questions.
"The camp we're going to… tell us about it," said Thor.
The guard looked at Thor and then at Loki behind him, realizing it might be a good idea to entertain the children.
"Don't worry, your highness. It's not a dangerous place… I think," said the guard.
"You think?" Thor asked.
"Yes… I'm sure, I mean probably. But from what I know, your highness, it's a special camp where talented children of Asgard go to learn battle techniques," said the guard.
"I see…"
After some time, Thor and Loki finally arrived at the camp.
The camp was on a plain near the mountains.
In a clearing surrounded by trees, it wasn't very large, but it was more than enough.
The camp was surrounded by a wooden wall with a few watchtowers, where guards kept vigilant eyes on any approaching threat.
There were also small houses that looked like tents.
A large wooden gate stood at the entrance.
The guard approached the gate.
Above it, a walkway had two guards.
As they approached, the guard shouted,
"Stop right there and tell us who you are and what you're here for."
The escorting guard responded,
"I was sent by His Majesty Odin to bring these two… they should have a reservation here, just like the others."
The camp guards exchanged glances, and one went to check the register.
Sure enough, there was a reservation for two children expected to arrive at the camp—they were Odin's own sons.
After a short while, the guards said,
"Indeed, two children under Heimdall's orders have been sent… but we'll need your identification," said the camp guard.
"Alright… you two stay here," said the guard who had brought Thor and Loki.
"Alright…" Thor replied.
He approached the gate. The gate opened, and he handed over his identification. The guards checked it and confirmed it matched the register.
"Everything is in order. My apologies for my manners, Officer Erik, but it's just for the camp's safety."
"Don't worry, I understand. No need to apologize for that."
Erik turned and called Thor.
"Come here, your majesties," said Erik.
Thor and Loki exchanged glances and approached the gate.
As they neared, one of the camp guards said,
"It's an honor to meet Odin's sons… You must be Thor. And indeed, as people say, your hair is really very blond, your highness," said the guard, looking at Thor.
"Thank you… I guess," said Thor.
"You must be Loki, and it's an honor as well to meet Odin's wisest son," said the guard.
Thor heard this and couldn't help but frown.
"Hey… since when did he become the wisest son?"
Loki smiled, feeling a little better.
"That would be me, indeed… So, can we go in? I'm bored enough," said Loki.
"Of course, your highness. Come in, make yourselves comfortable. Your instructor will arrive soon and take you to your squad. For now, you'll stay in Residence 7," said the guard.
The guard who brought Thor and Loki entered as well. His mission, besides bringing them, was to protect them. He was told to keep his distance and let them manage on their own, intervening only if necessary.
Thor and Loki went inside first, followed closely by their protector, Erik.
Inside the camp, everything was well-organized. There were several smaller houses divided into two sections.
In one area, there were larger houses—Thor assumed they were for guards, adults, cooks, and instructors.
Inside the camp, there were open spaces where children were training. There was an area for archery, swords, hammers, and duels.
The guard led Thor and Loki to a cabin—number 7.
"You two will live here. You can explore the place and get used to it. Your instructor will arrive soon. For now, he's training your companions," said the guard.
"Companions? What do you mean?" asked Loki.
"I didn't say, but the camp separates you into teams. You can call for help if you have any questions or need anything," said the guard as he left the cabin.
Thor and Loki exchanged glances. They were rivals, but in situations like this, they usually united.
They entered and examined the cabin where they would spend a good amount of time.
Inside, there was everything they needed: four beds, a bathroom, all kinds of weapons scattered around, and two unmade beds.
"I assume these beds already have owners… I'll take this one," said Loki, pointing to the bed in the far corner, away from the door.
Thor asked curiously,
"Why that one, brother?"
"Well, I want that one. If anything comes in, it will kill the ones at the entrance first," said Loki.
"Feeling scared, brother?" asked Thor.
"Of course not…" Loki said, though he was.
"I see… then I'll take this one," said Thor, pointing to a bed that didn't seem to belong to anyone.
Thor and Loki explored the cabin. Thor immediately went to the weapons to see which he would use—a large axe caught his attention—while Loki arranged his space.
They were both absorbed when someone shouted,
"Who are you two? What are you doing here?" yelled a red-haired, chubby boy with long hair.
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