In the fighting arena, two figures moved at speeds indistinguishable to the naked eye. They clashed with swords, and their movements only accelerated as if they were beginning to truly enjoy the fight.
Odin observed his younger brother, who fought with a passion that made everything else seem secondary. He recognized this trait, a habit inherited from both their father and mother.
"Brother, your rhythm is becoming predictable. Try something new, or you will lose," Odin teased, making the intense duel seem like child's play.
Sigurd heard the mocking words but didn't react outwardly. Instead, he used his sword to flick a spear up from the ground. He hurled the spear at Odin with full force while simultaneously leaping toward him with his sword.
Before he could close the distance, a powerful force rebounded him, but he stabilized his footing quickly.
"Brother, it's not fair! I'm not allowed to use my superpower, but you are manipulating your strength to the peak of a main god's level. How am I supposed to withstand that without divine power?"
Odin looked at his brother and couldn't help but find the complaint amusing.
"Don't rely on power alone. If we are in a war and our superpowers are neutralized, what will you do? You must be prepared for every possibility."
Sigurd knew his brother was right; there were many magicians and artifacts in the world that could restrain powers. This training was essential for the future. Still, he felt a small part of this was payback for his earlier joke about marrying Odin off in front of their parents.
Sigurd's movements didn't cease. Even as his mind processed these thoughts, his body continued its assault, aiming to utilize his immense natural physical strength. Despite this, he still couldn't defeat Odin, who had suppressed his own power to a level Sigurd should, in theory, be able to match.
"Brother, let's stop for today. You know I'm not your opponent yet, and I still need to digest everything I'm learning."
For the past ten years, Sigurd's daily routine had involved fighting Odin to gain a deeper understanding of his own power.
He looked at his body, which now stood over sixty feet tall when fully expanded. He knew height was a basic indicator, but his strength was increasing daily.
"My strength is growing, but the magical runes are still tough. I've only just begun; it will take a long time to understand them deeply.
"Although my strength is at the beginning of the Skyfather level, if I go all out, I could still challenge someone stronger. But my brother is in a league of his own."
Sigurd had a feeling it might take a thousand years to truly rival Odin, and even then, his brother would also be growing stronger with age.
"In ten years, I've gained a basic understanding of my superpowers. My space power is definitely related to the runes, but I've only mastered basic applications. I need time to comprehend its full potential.
I think if I could study a Space Stone, it would greatly accelerate my understanding of spatial laws and runes.
My combat durability is a trait of the God of War; my strength increases the more I fight. The regeneration is a valuable asset, and sparring with Odin and the warriors of Asgard for a decade has significantly boosted my power.
Body manipulation is directly tied to the cosmic energy within me. As the energy increases, so does my potential size. The most valuable thing right now is that my base physical form, even without active superpowers, can withstand peak main god-level attacks. I need to focus on developing this, as it will be crucial for the future."
Thinking of Thor, who was once banished by Odin and rendered vulnerable to human weapons, Sigurd saw a valuable lesson. Even if he never expected to need this training, it was wise to prepare for the unknown.
Sigurd remained fully dedicated to his training. This routine continued for another twenty-five years until he received his first major news from the outside world: Odin had given the Vanir an ultimatum to join Asgard or face war.
Sigurd was surprised. His brother seemed the least likely to instigate a conflict, but he recalled from the comics a time when Odin waged war to unite the Nine Realms under his domain.
As he pondered the coming war, Sigurd entered the throne hall. Odin stood at the center, with their parents seated; no one else was permitted inside.
Bor spoke, his voice heavy with concern. "Odin, what is your plan with this warning to the Vanir? You know Njörd is my brother, and the Vanir are our sister race."
Sigurd was surprised; he had assumed the ultimatum came from his father, but it seemed Odin was the architect.
"Do you have a reason for this war?" Bor continued. "If you do, please explain. Otherwise, I cannot risk our people for an unnecessary quest."
Odin looked at his father, then his gaze turned to Sigurd.
"Father, I have my reasons, even if I cannot fully explain them now. You can be assured that, according to my vision, we may not need to shed blood. For this to succeed, I will take my brother with me. As for Uncle Njörd, you can speak with him."
Bor looked at both of his sons before speaking. "Try to avoid bloodshed. Although your uncle and I fought for the throne in the past, we now have greater concerns."
Bestla, who had been silent until now, added, "Don't make things difficult for them."
Hearing his parents' concern for the Vanir, Sigurd sensed there was more to the story, but neither he nor Odin pressed further.
Odin turned and signaled for Sigurd to follow him, clearly wanting to speak in private.
Sigurd followed his brother in silence, knowing Odin had something important to say.
Once they entered Odin's palace, Odin began. "What I am about to tell you is crucial for our future, so you must not speak of it to anyone, not even Mother, until we have secured a stable future for Asgard."
Sigurd nodded. "Brother, you don't have to say it. I know what should remain confidential."
Odin heard this but shook his head gravely. "A few weeks ago, while meditating near Yggdrasil to balance my energy, I had a vision. It wasn't entirely clear, but I saw war engulfing all the Nine Realms, with Asgard at the center of the conflict."
Sigurd listened. The news was grave, but it did not surprise him, a reaction Odin seemed to have expected.
"Brother," Sigurd said, his voice firm. "What do you want to do? I will follow you."