Loki Irminsul
The starry night was coming to an end. The telltale signs of dawn could be seen as the sky gradually began welcoming the dawn. The glimmer of light slowly approached over the horizon as it slowly bathes the town of Lynnwood in a golden splendor. Some of the rays of light made it into an average looking home on the fringe of town just a few miles shy of the defense wards.
The light seemed to creep through the window and eventually fell upon the face of a sleeping young man. His eyes started fluttering, and a sound escaped his lips.
“Errrhhhh” he groaned as he slowly got up and took a deep breath, “Today’s the day I guess,” he whispered to no one in particular.
The young man then proceeded to get out of bed, and tidy himself up, doing all his basic morning necessities. Having finished his morning routine he began heading downstairs, and into the kitchen where found himself facing his grandfather who turned around as the young man entered the room.
“Haha morning Loki,” He bellowed in a voice that was sure to rouse up Loki’s younger brother Theodore if he wasn’t already awake. “Ready for your first day at Onyx Academy!”
‘Yeah, Theo’s awake for sure now.’ Thought Loki as he gave his grandfather an annoyed glance and headed towards the kitchen table, ready to eat his last meal at home for the coming months.
Odin Irminsul to be described bluntly was a mountain of a man. He towered over lesser men at a height of 210cm and had an aura to him that simply shouted Alpha male. His laughing ultramarine blue eyes left nothing unseen. He stood there in the kitchen shirtless literally steaming, apparently having just returned from his morning workout. His golden hair came down to his massive shoulders giving him the Fabio-ish look that made women swoon and fall for him at a glance. For someone over 100 years old, he looked like he was still in his mid to late '30s.
Comparatively, Loki actually looked quite different. He was tall and lean standing at 188cm, a decent height for someone who had only recently turned 18. He was devilishly handsome with his soft copper skin tone, which seemed to enhance his sharp cheekbones and thin chin, giving him an appearance that seemed as though he were always scheming, or plotting something exciting. His jet black hair was decorated with natural small bright red streaks that appeared to shift, and twist even while his hair remained still. His eyes contained a color that was rarely if ever seen. Bright golden irises that practically twinkled magically in the light, and quite possibly even in the dark. With looks like this, it wasn’t surprising that Loki always seemed to be the center of attention even if he didn’t enjoy it.
“As prepared as I think I’ll ever be going to one of the four greatest academies on the planet.” He stated in a bored tone.
“Though I doubt I’ll ever understand how you managed to get me a spot there without them ever organizing a meeting with me, or receiving any information on my capabilities. That place is supposed to raise the cream of the crop, how the hell did they just accept some nobody without receiving a shred info on said person?” Probed Loki as he took a seat, and snatched some toast off his grandfather's plate.
Odin once again started laughing in his thunderous voice then said “While you might be a nobody that doesn’t mean I myself happen to be one. All it took was a few favors, and a couple Vox calls, and I was able to get you a spot at one of the most prestigious academies in the world, you better be grateful.” Odin continued to laugh vigorously.
It was at times like this that Loki wishes he had a remote to lower the volume on his grandfather. The day had barely begun, and he could already feel the early warning of a headache incoming.
“I already knew you were an influential old man but this is simply outrageous. Those background checks aren’t just for investigating the strength and talents of the students but also a safety precaution. Makes me almost worried about what could happen with security that lax.” Loki countered as he finished munching down on his toast, his hand now extending out for the glass of milk.
Odin finally stopped laughing and stared at Loki with a smug expression and declared. “Are you telling me Loki, son of my son that you’re worried about a couple of high society kids and the possibility of some danger? I swear I thought I raised you to be more of a man than that.” Odin said as he purposely tried to get a reaction out of his grandson.
“Of course not Old man, I was simply worried about my fellow students. Even someone as amazing as me wouldn’t be able to save all of them if something terrible did happen.” Loki said his words practically dripping sarcasm as he made a sour face as though insulted by his grandfather’s words. “With a monster such as yourself as my instructor, I doubt I'd find many that could be my equal around my age, even at such a grandiose academy,” Loki stated in a slightly arrogant tone.
This time after Loki finished speaking Odin’s face turned serious, and in a stern voice rebuked. “Yes I have made sure that you are at a competent level in your cultivation, but since you have continuously put off telling me you’re actual Arête these past 4 years I can’t help but tell you not to underestimate your future classmates, as well as your upperclassmen. Some of best of the best this side of the hemisphere will be attending there, so just make sure you’re prepared.”
Deciding he'd heard enough Loki stood up as he finished downing his milk, quickly making a beeline straight towards the armory. “Better prepare yourself, I think I hear Theo coming, and I’m sure he’s not too happy with you interrupting his sleep this early in the morning.” Said Loki as he stood up, and headed to the armory door. “GRANDPA!!! DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS?!!” Theo’s voice resonated from the stairs, as well as the loud and grumpy footsteps the followed it.
Loki was smiling as he entered the armory that was thankfully soundproof. “Serves you right old man.” Sniggered Loki as he headed towards the section that contained his prized possession, a magnificent short sword.
As he walked towards it he also passed an assortment of incredible weapons. This included his grandfather's prized spear with its dark red pole, topped with a sleek black blade that released a dense savage aura. His brother’s weapon of choice happened to be a huge navy blue hammer that displayed intricate carvings of what looked like lightning and clouds on its surface. These were both exceptionally impressive weapons that any warrior would be proud to wield, but Loki only had eyes for his Shortsword.
There on a display stand that Loki himself had crafted it stood. It was a little under 46 centimeters in total length, with a grip of about 9 centimeters, and 37 centimeters of a blade. The grip itself was made of a soft white resilient material that never seems to need cleaning, but that didn’t stop Loki from doing so. This was accompanied by a simple looking ebony handguard that didn’t interfere with the user's hold on the grip. After being mesmerized by the handguard, and grip his attention shifted to what was without a doubt the most bewitching blade he had ever laid his eyes upon.
It was serrated on one side and inconceivably, sharp on the other. It was like 2 sides of a coin. The immaculate and efficient blade that simply went for the execution of its foe, and the serrated beast that indulged in the agony in could induce on its prey. The blade had a silvery white color to it, but it didn’t feel like an ordinary metal so Loki suspected it could be made of some unknown material. This could, in fact, be true considering his grandfather brought it back after a two-month excursion to some undisclosed location he never bothered telling his grandchildren about.
Loki began reminiscing about the experience. Odin had told Loki it was an ancient artifact that had extraordinary capabilities, to which Loki responded: “How would you know that it’s such an amazing item?” Odin, of course, replied in a typical headache-inducing fashion “HAHA that’s because no one knows its origin, and we have no idea what it’s made of!!” If that’s not amazing I don’t know what is!” Remembering that day Loki couldn’t help but be thankful he didn’t hurl it back at his grandfather’s face and tell him he didn’t want his possibly but more than likely useless junk. Luckily while in his room after having calmed down Loki decided to circulate his mana throughout the artifact which at in this point in time was a simple white cube with black glossy veins. He was shocked to find that his weak attempt actually got a reaction from the cube. It slowly started stretching, extending and flattening out as it quickly took the shape of a short sword. He was so exhilarated he went to his grandfather immediately and told him what had occurred.
This truly dumbfounded Odin since both his colleagues and him had been incapable of getting a single reaction out of the cube no matter what they did to it. Including trying to damage it. The only reason he got to keep this artifact was that no one else wanted a useless lump, and Odin wanting to give Loki a gift that was useless besides being virtually indestructible as a joke, chose to keep it. Little did he realize that his little gift was most likely the greatest one Loki would ever receive for the rest of his life.
“Well, Kiddo what did I say. An amazing treasure from me to you must be destiny HAHAHA! Aren’t I the greatest grandfather in existence?!” Odin laughed as he took this opportunity to gloat at Loki which he normally wasn’t able to do.
“Yes thank you old man for this remarkable gift though if you persist on laughing at me like that you might end up finding that all of your right socks will have vanished into thin air by tomorrow.” Insinuated Loki with a disturbing smile on his face. The one that Odin knows signifies that if he pushes his buttons any further he will witness just how similar his grandson and his namesake were. “Please don’t Loki ha.. ha I was simply excited for you, no need to do that to me,” said Odin as he began shuddering thinking a past experience. “I still haven’t found all my pants since last time, and the ones I have found look like they were mauled.” The sight of a few beads of sweat on Odin's forehead was enough to calm down Loki's rising irritation.
Taking advantage of Loki's calmer state of mind Odin decided to change the subject and inform him about the ritual of bonding the sword to himself. “Well, now that you’ve seemed to relax how about I show you how to create a soulbond between you, and your sword so that others will be incapable of wielding it.”
“You can do that?” responded Loki intrigued at how it worked.
“Of course though you’ll feel a tiny bit of pain.” Said Odin in a cautious manner.
“Exactly how much pain are we talking about here old man?” Loki’s excited face fell into deadpan expression.
“Well enough that you’ll probably pass out the moment it begins, but hey if you do it you won’t ever have to worry about losing your sword since you’ll be able to sense it no matter where it is as long as it not being blocked by some special method,” Odin replied in a hurried voice as though hoping Loki wouldn’t have caught the first part of what he mentioned.
“Pass out eh… Old man, did you pass out when you bonded with your spear?” Probed Loki an arrogant shimmer in his radiant golden eyes. Odin wasn’t sure where this was going but he answered truthfully.
“Of course I did and there’s nothing to be ashamed about! Everyone around your age does it’s only natural since their wisdom stat still hasn’t had a chance to develop, you still need around 60 wisdom to remain conscious and even then it's a stretch.” Odin reassured thinking that his grandson could be worried about the bonding. “Is that so?” Loki said with a smile more wicked in nature than the last one.
“So how about we make a bet old man?” smiled Loki
The moment those words left Loki’s mouth Odin shivered. “Bet about what? You know I don't make bets with you, ya little devil, I’ve yet to ever win one, and they always carry such tremendous penalties to the loser who I would like to point out always ends up being me.” spat Odin wanting no part of it.
“Not even if I promise to not pull any pranks for an entire year, and do I dare say it…. Call you grandpa.” snickered Loki
‘Fuck, there he is again whispering his diabolical temptation’s into my ears’ Odin hissed in his mind “Don’t bother wasting your breath brat your temptations will never work on me again, I’ve learned now not to deal with the devil.” Declared, his voice resounding throughout their home.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
“Darn. Really? I was just about to add revealing my Arête as part of the deal.” Loki said in a sad yet unquestionably fake voice.
Odin sighed knowing he had been hooked, and there was nothing he could do about it. “I’m accepting this not for my own gain but because by knowing your Arête I can properly help you develop around it. It's been more than a year since you got it and I don’t understand why you have yet to tell me. It's not like I’ll be disappointed in you if it turned out to be weak. In fact, I doubt it is considering it seems to have given you a very strange cultivation method.” Odin said as his facial expression turned soft as the love he held for his grandson could be seen in his eyes.
“Old man I’m sorry I have yet to tell you but I promise you it isn’t weak, so please calm yourself and get rid of this sappy mood you're making.” Reassured Loki starting to feel a bit embarrassed.
“So now that you’ve accepted my high-stakes deal I’ll tell you what want out of this since it can’t be a bet if I'm the only one putting myself at risked.” Smiled Loki having returned back to his regular mood.
Odin not being one to stay sappy for long quickly bounce back and complained: “There you go again making me accept without letting what happens when I lose.” “So what does the devil want this time? My eternal soul?” said Odin in a mocking tone.
“Hell no, I can barely handle your deafening voice for so long before I get a headache. All I ask for is a storage bag of at least 4x4m and, a sheath for the sword.” Loki stated in a relaxed manner as though the former of his request is just as easily attainable as the latter.
Odin’s face went slack as he heard his grandson’s request. The sheath wouldn’t be an issue for Odin to get, hell he could probably get a C+ rank sheath if he looked with some effort, but a 4x4m spacial bag was at least a B- rank item but was worth as much as a regular A- rank item because of its rarity. “What could you possibly want to do with such a large bag Loki? Carry rocks to distant lands?” In a tone that betrayed his joking words.
“Nope, I simply don’t want to deal with trying to get one myself in the future when I could get access to one right now.” Loki said eyes laughing as he looked at the shocked expression on his grandfather's face. He actually, in fact, did need it for a valid reason. He planned on becoming a solo dungeon Diver in the future so having a storage bag that could carry all his necessities, and loot would be ideal.
“I don't think I could get you one though Kiddo, even though I don't mind spending the gold on it for you I simply don’t believe anyone within a 1000km of us would sell one or put it up to auction,” Odin told Loki as he slowly shook his head, as though upset he wouldn’t be able to get the storage bag for his grandson.
“Well, that's unfortunate I guess.” Loki mumbled but then sprang right back up “ But wait Old man don’t you have a storage ring of 8x8m?” Loki exclaimed his eyes practically sparkling in the light.
“How how did you know that!!” Odin stammered really starting to freak out. Besides his colleagues and a few close friends, no one was aware he had such a coveted item. Thoughts raced through his head, and then it struck him. “Theo! That little rascal, I forgot I told him about it when I first got it. But that was years ago Theo shouldn't remember that, how did you get the information from him?” Babbled Odin
“Old man, of course, my loving younger brother would tell his big bro about it, plus who else would he tell at that age. Even though I wasn’t sure what he was talking about at that time my memory as you know happens to be quite good. Loki said his smile now at its widest.
“I’ve been played like a fiddle once again.” sighed Odin “Let’s just get back to the bonding now before I lose any more of my dignity.” To which Loki responded with “You had dignity? Hahaha, your jokes are to funny old man.”
Odin ignored him, and continued. “So when bonding with your weapon you’ll be sharing a small piece of your soul with it, which is why wisdom is so important since it helps you resist the strain it'll put on you.” “So take hold of your sword, and create your vow."
After a few minutes of piecing together a vow, Loki chanted. "I Loki Irminsul vow that from this moment onwards my blade, and I will become one, the mighty will fall before our feet, whether it be through violence or cunning, death or humiliation those that face us will regret having crossed our path.
As Loki completed the vow he could feel a merciless migraine turning his brain to slush as the short sword began to pull and a stretch a piece of his soul into itself. The connection having been established was soon followed by satisfied purr that seemed to emerge from the blade of his sword, as though satisfied with its new partner. Loki after having his brain feel like a liquid goop fell to the floor but was quickly caught by his grandfather before making contact with it.
“Told you, you would pass out.” whispered Odin in a voice that still somewhat loud “But for once it seems I'm the winner in the end.” Odin began laughing all traces of trying to speak soft gone, and relishing the thought of a year of no pranks and being called grandpa by the little devil. But that all changed in the next moment as Loki in a very pained voice sneered “To bad old man I'm still awake, though I feel as if someone decided to take a sledgehammer to my head to test its durability. Better luck next time haha.” He then proceeded to pass out immediately.
Odin was flabbergasted as to how in Yggdrasil's roots did his grandson not pass out during the bonding, or directly after it was completed. “Guess you're tougher than even I was at your age kiddo.” An extremely proud look having filled his face. ‘Seems I'll be needing a new storage ring.’ Thought Odin, though not worried anymore because he knew his grandson would make good use of his old one.
After having stopped reminiscing about the event 3 years ago, Loki returned to admiring his sword before grabbing the sheath and inserting it in. The sword growled as though sensing a change of the everyday norm of ripping through practice dummy’s to a future of violence and blood that it had long since awaited. “It’s time to go Ragnarök.” Whispered Loki lovingly to his sword which responded with a lovely deep purr.
The scheduled time was approaching, and Loki was waiting near the chosen teleporter with his brother Theo, and Odin. Theo Loki’s younger brother was the younger spitting image of their grandfather Odin. It was something that Odin loved bragging about to all his friends. Although only 17 if you ignore the fact that he didn’t have a beard yet, and that he was only 195 inches they were practically twins.
“Take care, big bro.” Said, Theo, as he gave Loki a bear hug making it look more like it Loki was the younger brother in this situation. “I’ll meet up with you next year, and then we’ll be able to wreak some havoc at the academy,” Theo said, the beginning of tears in the corners of his eyes even as he tried to suppress them. “Don’t worry you, giant of a baby, I’ll be back for the holiday’s, and I’ll tell you all the cool things I did at the academy.” Reassured Loki feeling a pang in his heart. This will be the longest he will have ever been separated from his younger brother.
“Remember don’t pick up any bad habits, especially from a certain loud old man,” said Loki in a serious tone. “Hey! Could you at least not make me the butt of your jokes on your last day before the academy, it's extremely disrespectful.” Spoke up Odin, trying to defend himself.
“Sure old man, as long as you learn to control the volume of your words one day maybe I’ll be able to stop, but till that day it’s impossible” Smirked Loki enjoying the last few minutes of taunting his grandfather, who then gave Loki a serious look.
“There's only a couple of minutes left so let me tell you a few things in private,” said Odin as he signaled Loki to get closer.
“First thing, don’t cause too much havoc, I realize how much you enjoy your pranks but realize that some people there will be a lot more powerful than you, especially your upperclassmen.”
“Second try to avoid catching the principles attention, she enjoys pushing those she finds interest to the limits to stimulate growth, even if it might end up with them breaking. There's more but get to that bridge if she does take an interest in you.
“Third after examining your sword Ragnarök these past few years, I must warn you that it's an extremely potent weapon that could even be classified as around S rank or higher. It also contains some semblance of sentience as I'm sure you’ve noticed when it growled at me whenever I touched it. This puts you in a dangerous position if others were to find out about it because even if they can’t wield it, all they would need to do is kill you, and wait a few years for the bond to fade away.
“Lastly please do try to make some friends. I know you still can’t find it in yourself to trust others but this experience might be just what you need to help treat your trauma.”
After Odin finished Loki proceeded to quickly give his opinions on the words of advice his grandfather had given him.
“Oh don't worry yourself to death old man, I can guarantee you my name won’t be the one causing to much trouble. As for your friend the principle she only shows attention to interesting people right? Well, I’ve just got to be boring, and dull she won't bother me then.
"Lastly trusting their longtime friends is exactly how my parents ended up dead, and I do happen to enjoy living so unless some miracle happens to change my mind I think I’ll stick with just trusting Theo and you." As Loki finished his own points, he headed towards the teleporter that was beginning to light up as it gathered mana for the transfer.
Odin shook his head in a dispirited manner “I hope you’ll find others you can trust Loki. Family is important but so are the other types of relationships.” Said Odin in a for once soft voice.
Loki didn’t even bother turning around. His thin but solid frame ready to take on whatever might come his way. He simply jumped into the circle then said “Take care of yourself Old man, and you as well Theo. I’ll see you both in a few months.”There was then a large crack and a flashed, and the young man Loki Irminsul was gone, ready to tread on the path of his destiny.
Name: Loki Irminsul
Current Condition
Arete:
Morph/Inheritor of Yggdrasil
Cultivation Method:
Shifting Seasons
Spells
Martial Moves
Affinities
Titles
Bonded Item
Skills:
Ragnarok
Level:0
Current Health:100%
Gewixlen Forms:Null, Blurr
Rejuvenating Spring
Minor teleport D
Viper Strike-C+
Fire Rank D-
Inheritor of Yggdrasil
Absorb Weapon
Species:Human
Current Stamina:98%
Adaptable
Raging Summer
Minor Fireball C+
Haste-A+
Lightning Rank B+
Prankster
Blood Feast
(Locked)
Sex:Male
Current Mana:100%
Yggdrasil's Blessing
Descending Autumn
Static
A-
Shadow Blend-B+
Darkness Rank D+
Mind Feast
(Locked)
Cultivation:
Mortal Realm LvL 7
Current Regen % /m:
Hp/0.15 Sp/0.088 Mp/0.165
Yggdrasils Pen
Absolute Winter
Shadow Decoy
C-
Unarmed Combat
C+
Chaos Rank B-
ShapeShift
(Locked)
Buffs/Debuffs:None
Creature Morph: Wolf, Owl, Snake
Space Rank D
State of Mind:Normal
Detail Morph
Base Stats
STR: 110
AGI: 260
END: 88
LCK:Hidden
WIL: 94
WIS: 88
VIT: 150
INT: 165
PER: 143