The following year, after finishing his training with Kratos, Zelos would immediately hurry home, eager for the lessons that awaited him with Faye. Unlike Kratos, who taught through sparring and discipline, Faye's instruction focused on magic—particularly protective arts. She guided Zelos through the foundations of shield magic, methods to counter curses, ways to disperse hostile enchantments, and the use of elemental spells that were tied to the Vanir tradition.
At first, Zelos could not help but feel a little disappointed. He remembered that Vanir magic itself was derived from Jotnar magic, and he worried that what he was learning was nothing more than a diluted form of something greater. Out of respect, however, he kept his thoughts hidden. He listened quietly, never wanting to offend his mother.
Yet, as the lessons continued, he began to notice small details. What Faye was teaching was not only Vanir magic—there were subtle traces of Giant magic woven into the theory, differences so faint they could almost be ignored. To most, they would be indistinguishable, but with the sharp clarity given to him by the Essence, Zelos saw them for what they were.
Every lesson with Faye became a starting point for his own experiments. When she demonstrated barrier magic, Zelos refined it further. What began as a simple protective dome evolved into something stronger, resembling the shimmering shields of Stephen Strange or the layered defenses he remembered from Frieren. In time, Zelos developed a barrier so dense that he estimated even a full-force strike from Kratos would shatter against it before reaching him.
Using this as his foundation, he pursued a greater idea: a spell that mirrored the Infinity technique of Gojo Satoru, one that would make it impossible for any attack to touch him because the space between him and the attacker would stretch into infinity. The first version succeeded, but it demanded immense focus. He had to consciously maintain it at all times, draining his concentration.
The second version was improved to draw energy not only from his reserves but also from the environment around him. Finally, after countless refinements, Zelos created a form of the barrier that was invisible to the eye, subtle to the senses, and fueled both by himself and the world around him. It concealed its own existence, ensuring that no one would even notice when it was active.
He applied the same mindset to every subject Faye introduced. Anti-curse techniques, for example, became more than defensive spells. Zelos expanded them into versatile counter-magic, able to unravel nearly any hostile force directed against him. Faye, observant as always, noticed something unusual during these sessions. The flow of magic in the forest seemed to thin whenever Zelos practiced too deeply. Though he corrected the flaw later, it was the first sign of how vast his potential truly was.
"You are a fast learner," Faye told him one evening, after he revealed the Infinity barrier to her. Her usually calm tone held genuine surprise. "It is not even an exaggeration to call you more talented than Freya herself."
Zelos gave a humble smile. "Surely you jest, Mother. I know I am still far from that." Inwardly, though, he recalled an anime from his past life—I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability. That protagonist's endless pursuit of magical mastery mirrored what Zelos now wanted for himself.
"It is not an exaggeration," Faye replied, though her voice carried more concern than pride. "If you continue on this path, you will not only create spells that break boundaries but could even wield the power to shape reality itself." Her words carried the weight of foresight, for she understood what Odin would do if he ever discovered such a possibility.
"Do not worry, Mother," Zelos answered with quiet confidence. "Every spell I create is locked within the black sea of thoughts inside my mind. They are guarded by the monster that lives there. If anyone tries to intrude and read my memories, they will only drown in my thoughts instead." He spoke of the dream he once had—the endless ocean, the abyss—and explained how he had crafted a dual layer of consciousness, one mind observing the other, ensuring the safeguard always held.
Beyond defensive magic, Faye also introduced him to the art of summoning. Zelos took quickly to it, creating flocks of spectral eagles and owls, each capable of sharing its vision with him. They became his eyes across Midgard, much like Odin's ravens. Owls, in particular, served as natural predators, able to hunt the ravens directly. To protect them, Zelos imbued them with his concealment spell, the same one he had used to remain unseen while flying.
With these familiars released into the wild, Zelos gained freedom unlike ever before. He could explore far beyond the forest's protection without leaving his home, hunt trolls for their essences, and even locate dwarves to study their craft. Each day, his reach expanded, and with it, his preparations for the future.
----------
While Zelos spent his free time wandering through the forest, both Faye and Kratos remained at the cabin. It was one of the rare afternoons when Kratos stayed instead of vanishing into the woods. The sun was still high, and the light filtered softly through the wooden walls. Kratos sat in silence, his eyes fixed on Faye as she gently tended to young Atreus.
"How is Zelos doing in training?" Faye asked, breaking the quiet between them.
Kratos answered without hesitation. "He grows stronger every day. It will not be long before he surpasses me." There was no embellishment in his tone, only truth.
Faye's lips curved into a faint smile. "He is also advancing in magic. In that path, too, he may be destined to surpass both of us. Perhaps even more quickly than we expect."
Kratos grunted in reply, the sound heavy but not dismissive.
"It is fortunate that discipline tempers his strength," Faye continued. "That is perhaps his most defining trait—the one thing he has embraced fully."
Another grunt came from Kratos, though softer this time. He remembered the way Zelos had cast the Infinite Barrier to protect Atreus without hesitation. Zelos had even offered to do the same for him, though Kratos refused. It was not pride alone—it was that Kratos wanted his son to learn that true strength was not only about protecting others but also enduring without protection.
'You must be better than me, Zelos,' Kratos thought to himself, though his expression revealed nothing.
Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Zelos stood surrounded by the quiet rustle of leaves. Through the eyes of the spectral eagles he had summoned, he surveyed the wide expanse of Midgard. Each eagle carried his sight to different corners of the realm. Through one, he saw two dwarves working separately in distant places, their crafts glinting with the skill of their kin. Through another, his vision settled upon a strange and fated sight: the place where Mimir was imprisoned.
The eagle circled, its keen gaze fixed on the figure bound to the tree. Mimir lifted his head slowly, his expression calm yet curious, his one good eye following the bird's path. Though Zelos remained hidden far away, he felt a subtle shiver at the thought—Mimir had noticed.