Destroying the armies of the Kamitarr, we proceeded to raid their cities, forcing them into surrender. For this, I didn't need to take any action—our army was more than enough—but the process still took quite some time.
It took a total of nine months to fully establish rule over X-Trea. I made sure to crush every uprising along the way, though we didn't exploit them too much.
Administration at this level was a chore—something I had no interest in dealing with. So, I left it to Raphael to ensure the planet was fully under Aesir control, eliminating any chance of rebellion. As expected, she handled it flawlessly.
It seems I can trust Raphael to handle the process of completely subduing every planet we conquer. Anyway, they're not like Asgard—I don't need to care for them.
"Heimdall! Bring us back!" I shouted.
The Bifrost descended, pulling us up, and after exactly 4.7 seconds, I finally arrived back home—Asgard.
"Finally! Home!" I stretched my arms, letting out a yawn. There's just a comfort in your home that you can't find anywhere else.
Being the one commanding an army was thrilling at first, but the aftermath of war? That was just boring.
Still, now that I was back, there would surely be grand banquets, and best of all—I could finally drink.
"Son, your strategy in this war was impressive. You have displayed your wisdom to Asgard, but this battle didn't showcase your strength at all."
Father patted my shoulder as he spoke.
"Remember, strength is the foundation of our rule. Without strength, no matter how intelligent we are, we can never rule for long. In the next war, you will personally take the lead in annihilating the enemy forces. But let's leave that discussion for later—for now, you have done well. So enjoy the banquet."
The God King himself had congratulated me, though his words also carried advice.
So, in the next war, I'd have to showcase my strength.
I went back to my room, had some maids help me bathe and relax, and then got dressed before heading to visit my mother.
She was in the garden within her palace quarters. Conveniently, Freyja was also there.
"Good to see you, Mother… and Freyja. I've missed you." I spoke with emotion.
Mother approached me, gently patting my head while checking for scars—even though that wasn't possible with my healing capabilities.
Still, a mother is a mother, I suppose. Some things never change.
After talking with her for a while, I winked at Freyja before heading back to my room.
And soon enough, Freyja was there.
There are just some things you don't feel comfortable doing in front of your mother…
I stepped toward Freyja, pulling her into a hug before capturing her lips in a long kiss.
"Did you miss me?" she asked, snuggling into my embrace.
"I did… this is the longest we've been apart since we met, right?"
Even though I already knew the answer, maybe it was moments like these that made men appreciate the beauty of peace, outside of the thrill of war.
"So, how was your first time leading an army?"
"You know, the usual. The battle itself was fun. The aftermath? That took the soul out of me. And I missed home too—you wouldn't believe how relaxed I felt after stepping back onto Asgard." I said, giving her a head pat.
"Oh? So what did your father say after your victory?" she asked curiously.
After all, I had spent some time alone speaking with him after coming back, which was rare, hence her curiosity.
"Nothing much. This war was too easy—I didn't need to do anything. My strategy secured victory before I could even lift a finger.
So while he praised my tactics, he also told me that I need to showcase my strength in the next war. Since Asgard's rule is built on strength, if we appear weak, no amount of strategy will prevent rebellion."
Maybe he had a point.
Instead of using Bifrost to destroy them outright, I should've used an incineration ray or another spell—something to show off.
Well, no problem. This was my first time. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is learning from them and making sure they never happen again.
"Hmm… don't worry, I'm sure you'll handle it just fine." Freyja smiled.
"Though… I also think it would be better if you performed some fancy spells to showcase your power. At least the visuals should be there.
But don't go putting yourself in danger. Your safety is much more important to me."
Her sincerity was clear.
"Yeah, I'll make sure to put on the biggest show they've ever seen." I chuckled.
"I'll rain down destruction just to make sure they know not to mess with me. And as for putting myself in danger?" I smirked.
"With such a beautiful girl waiting for me at home, how could I even think of doing that? Besides… no one can put me in danger if I'm the strongest."
"Anyway, let's go to the banquet together," I invited.
"Oh my! Are you asking me on a date?" Freyja teased exaggeratedly.
"Yes, milady. Now, if you would please." I extended my hand.
--At the Banquet--
Everything was going great. I was with my fiancée, enjoying life… when suddenly, a grumpy-looking man stepped in front of me.
"Prince Magnar! I heard you hid behind your soldiers while they did all the work. As the heir of Asgard, how could you do such a disgraceful thing?!"
Yeah, this guy was Tyr, a General of Asgard—also known as the God of War.
And, of course, this dumbass thought that by opposing me at every turn, he could become the next God King.
"Tyr… I could explain it all to you, but talking to idiots gives me a headache, and I'm no masochist." I replied with clear annoyance.
"You have nothing to say except admitting your cowardice, Prince Magnar?" Tyr sneered.
The fuck was this?
Does this guy think he's in a Chinese cultivation novel?!
Because for one, I can say with absolute certainty that he's courting death right now.
Well… I was looking for a way to bolster my reputation anyway. And here comes a stepping stone.
I glanced toward my father.
He looked back at me.
No words were exchanged, but I understood.
He approved.
I grinned.
"Are you looking for a fight, Tyr?"