After a full night's rest, when the "morning light" of Asgard—unique, mixed with starlight and a certain crisp energy—filtered through the stained glass windows and cast colorful shadows on the guest room floor, Artoria finally felt like she had come back to life. The fatigue in her body had largely dissipated, her magic had recovered to about seventy percent, and her mind had regained its clarity. Only occasionally, flashes of the edge of the broken Bifrost, Thor's desperate cries, and the dark shadow of Loki falling would cross her mind, bringing a slight sense of suffocation. She shook her head, temporarily pushing these images deep into her heart.
Breakfast was delivered by the Attendant Official, simple yet exquisite Asgardian food that contained gentle energy, helpful for further recovery. Minerva had completed her self-check and recharging, keeping a quiet guard nearby, her silver hair shimmering with a soft glow in the morning light.
After finishing her meal, Artoria decided to follow Odin's permission and head to the Golden Palace's Knowledge Treasury. She was full of curiosity about Asgard's Knowledge Treasury and had a vague feeling that before leaving here, she might be able to find some clues about this deeper level of the Universe from those ancient records.
The Attendant Official had long been waiting outside, respectfully leading them through quieter, more heavily guarded corridors to a heavy stone door deep in the Golden Palace that seemed inconspicuous but was guarded by two rune guards with intense auras. There was no decoration on the stone door, only a fist-sized, slowly rotating dark blue crystal embedded in the center, inside which stars seemed to be born and die.
The Attendant Official stepped forward and pressed a token engraved with special runes onto the crystal. The crystal flashed, resonating with the token, and the heavy stone door slid inward silently, revealing a deep passage behind it.
"Parts of the Knowledge Treasury have been opened for the two of you. The specific scope has been marked on the crystal map. Please follow the guidance and do not enter unopened areas to avoid triggering the protective magic arrays. After reading, you may shake the bronze bell by the door, and someone will come to guide you." After the Attendant Official finished giving instructions, he bowed and stepped aside.
Artoria and Minerva exchanged a look and stepped into the stone door. The door closed silently behind them, cutting off everything from the outside World.
Behind the door was not the scene of tall bookshelves she had imagined, but a wide, upward-sloping spiral corridor. The walls on both sides of the corridor were not stone, but a type of translucent crystal emitting a milky white glow. Inside the crystals, countless tiny characters and images flashing with various colors flowed, transformed, and reorganized like living things, as if automatically recording, calculating, and archiving endless knowledge. The air was cool, filled with the scent of old paper, cold fragrance, and an indescribable, tranquil atmosphere left behind by "information" itself.
The corridor seemed endless, extending upward. They walked for about a quarter of an hour before the space suddenly opened up, revealing an extremely vast, circular hall with a dome so high it couldn't be seen clearly. In the center of the hall, a huge, three-dimensional crystal rotating slowly like a miniature Nebula floated, emitting a soft light that illuminated the entire space. With this "Nebula Core" as the center, countless complex, three-dimensional "bookshelves" or "knowledge streams" made of light radiated outward in all directions, disappearing into the surrounding void. Some "bookshelves" were neatly arranged with physical books, scrolls, and stone tablets, while others were pure energy light curtains, flowing with dynamic images and runes, and some even sealed strange mineral or plant samples or glowing artifacts.
This was the core of Asgard's wisdom, the Golden Palace's Knowledge Treasury. Its scale and form far exceeded Artoria's imagination.
"Scanning environment... High-density information storage and complex dimensional folding technology application detected. Core crystal is the master control hub; surrounding light structures are classification indexes and quick access channels. The open area accounts for approximately 0.3% of the total volume and has been marked." Blue light flowed in Minerva's eyes as she analyzed rapidly.
Artoria's gaze was drawn to a light curtain index not far away labeled "Basic Runes and Energy Theory." With a thought, the beam of light extended as if it had life, unfolding a soft light screen in front of her. It listed countless ancient titles and brief introductions, from the most basic strokes and meanings of runes to the principles of constructing complex, multi-layered rune arrays, and even comparative studies of energy characteristics in different Worlds—everything was there.
"Let's start here," Artoria said to Minerva, pointing to an entry on "Basic Energy Resonance and Transformation."
The text and images on the light screen instantly enlarged and became clear, turning into a stream of information that shone directly into her consciousness. It wasn't forced infusion, but a highly efficient, guided reading and understanding. At the same time, the light index extended a small branch, pointing to a physical bookshelf somewhere in the hall; the corresponding ancient tome floated up automatically and drifted in front of Artoria, making it convenient for her to check and compare at any time.
Artoria became immersed. Asgard's knowledge system and the occultism she had encountered at Kamar-Taj, as well as the scientific theories from Tony's side, had both commonalities and unique perspectives. They focused more on "runes"—highly condensed "symbols" or "contracts" that resonated with the basic rules of the Universe—to guide and utilize energy, emphasizing the combination of "divinity" and "rules." Many concepts regarding high-dimensional space, energy tides, and the World Tree system gave her a more macroscopic understanding of the current Marvel Universe.
Minerva also quietly walked to another light curtain marked "Material Construction and Alchemy," quickly browsing, recording, and analyzing. For her, this knowledge was valuable material for understanding the basis of Asgardian technology and optimizing her own body and equipment.
Time passed quietly in the ocean of knowledge. Artoria absorbed it thirstily, sometimes deep in thought, sometimes tracing complex rune structures in the air with her fingers, feeling the energy rhythm contained within them. She discovered that the magic power in her body, which originated from the "Saber" template, as well as the analytical perspective of the "Herrscher of Truth," could actually resonate wonderfully with these rune theories. She seemed to be able to "understand" the deeper energy logic behind the runes and even vaguely felt that if combined properly, she might be able to simulate certain Asgardian magic effects with lower consumption.
Just as she was trying to understand an intermediate composite rune array about "Starlight Gathering and Purification," a gentle, wise female voice with a smile sounded not far from her side:
"It seems our Knowledge Treasury has brought you quite a bit of pleasure, Ms. Traveler."
Artoria was startled out of her deep thought and turned to look. She saw Her Majesty the Queen Frigga had arrived in the Knowledge Treasury at some point. She had changed out of her simple white dress into a dark purple robe embroidered with silver star patterns. Her golden hair was loosely pinned up, and she wore a gentle smile on her face. Her eyes were clear and full of wisdom, and the previous fatigue and worry seemed to have faded quite a bit. She brought no attendants, alone, as if she were just taking a walk in her spare time.
"Her Majesty the Queen." Artoria hurriedly put down the light screen and bowed slightly. Minerva also silently came to her side.
"No need for formalities." Frigga stepped forward, her eyes sweeping over the content of the light screen Artoria had just been studying, a flash of appreciation in her eyes. "Directly reading and trying to understand the'Starlight Purification Array'? That's impressive. Many young Asgardian mages, when their grasp of basic runes is not solid, dare not easily touch this array. Its energy circuit is quite delicate, and the requirements for mental control are also very high."
"Just slightly interested, trying to understand its principles," Artoria replied modestly. "Asgard's rune system is profound and vast. It is quite different from the... energy usage methods I have encountered before, but it seems to have commonalities."
"Oh? Have you encountered other magic or energy systems before?" Frigga seemed interested. She sat down on a comfortable seat condensed from light nearby, signaling Artoria to sit as well.
Artoria sat down, deliberated for a moment, and said: "On Earth, I once visited a sanctuary called Kamar-Taj. The masters there use a different system of spells, focusing more on incantations, gestures, artifacts, and dimensional power. In addition, my own... some talents also make me more sensitive to the flow and structure of energy."
She did not mention "Honkai" or "Herrscher," using only vague "talents" and "sensitivity."
Frigga nodded in understanding without prying, instead smiling: "Kamar-Taj... the realm of the Ancient One. She is a Guardian worthy of respect. Her path is different from Asgard's, but the goal is similar. The Universe is vast, and the ways of using energy are like the stars, each with its own trajectory, but all ultimately point to the understanding and application of 'truth'."
She raised her hand, her fingertips lightly tapping in the air. A bit of silver-white magic power, emitting a light as tranquil as moonlight, condensed at her fingertips. Then, as her fingers moved, she outlined a few simple and elegant runes in the air. These runes were not static but trembled slightly like living things, resonating with a certain energy in the surrounding space, emitting an aura of purification, peace, and protection.
"Look, this is a basic application of Asgardian moonlight runes, 'Tranquil Protection'." Frigga explained softly, "Its core is not about how much magic power is injected, but the resonance of the rune structure itself with the concepts of 'night', 'tranquility', and 'healing', as well as the corresponding 'intent' in the caster's mind."
She outlined another slightly more complex combination: "And this one is'Starlight Guidance', commonly used for positioning or transmitting information in the void. It requires precisely simulating the energy fluctuation frequency of specific stars..."
Frigga seemed to be in high spirits, showing Artoria several basic and intermediate Asgardian magic runes in the most intuitive and clear way, and explaining the energy circuit design, key points of mental resonance, and possible variations. Her explanation was profound yet simple, not only telling "how to do it" but also "why to do it," full of wisdom and a deep understanding of the essence of magic.
Artoria listened intently, combining it with her previous reading and insights, and many doubts were cleared up. She could feel that Frigga was not just showing Asgardian magic, but rather conducting a form of guidance and exchange, hoping to gain a deeper understanding of Artoria's "perspective" and "way of understanding" through this interaction.
When Frigga talked about a "Solidification Rune" used to temporarily reinforce material structures with runes, giving them super toughness in a short time, Artoria's heart stirred. She thought of Minerva, thought of the damage to Minerva's body in the previous battle. Although the power of the Herrscher of Truth could perfectly repair it, the consumption was huge. If... she could master this solidification rune, could she provide extra temporary protection for Minerva when she fought? Or, combine it with her own understanding of material structures to optimize it?
She couldn't help but speak up, putting forward her own ideas, and combined with the theories about material-to-energy conversion she had seen in the Knowledge Treasury earlier, proposed some possible directions for optimization.
Frigga listened, the surprise in her eyes growing stronger. She didn't expect Artoria to not only understand quickly but also be able to draw inferences and even propose optimization ideas based on different energy cognitive systems. Those ideas were a bit whimsical and even slightly rough, but their core revealed a unique, sharp insight that went straight to the essence.
"Very interesting idea," Frigga praised. "Combining solidification runes with the energy field of the material itself, rather than forcibly covering it... This requires extremely subtle energy manipulation and a deep understanding of the essence of matter. You seem to have... a special insight into the conversion and combination of 'matter' and 'energy'?"
Artoria's heart tightened, knowing that her "Herrscher of Truth" perspective might have been revealed inadvertently. She answered cautiously: "Perhaps it is because of my travel experiences that I have seen many different forms of matter and manifestations of energy, so when I think, I subconsciously consider it from a more fundamental level."
Frigga looked at her deeply, did not pursue the question, but smiled: "A very good habit. magic, or the application of any power, should not be confined to fixed forms. Only by understanding the essence can one be flexible in application, or even... create new possibilities."
She changed the subject, her tone carrying a hint of concern: "After Thor woke up, he has been taciturn, locking himself in his room. I went to see him, he... is in great pain. Not only because of Loki, but also because... he feels he destroyed the Bifrost, cut off the connection of the Nine Realms, and is a sinner of Asgard."
Artoria was silent. She could imagine how Thor felt right now.
"I told him he saved countless lives and made a difficult choice that a King should make. But he doesn't seem to be able to listen." Frigga sighed softly, "He has always valued you and considers you a wise friend. If it is convenient for you... perhaps you can go see him. You don't need to say any grand truths, just... as a friend, talk to him, or, say nothing at all."
This was the second time Frigga had politely requested it. Artoria could feel the worry in this mother's heart.
"I will, Her Majesty the Queen." Artoria nodded in agreement, "When I feel it is appropriate."
"Thank you." Frigga said sincerely. She exchanged a few more insights with Artoria about energy stability and mental cultivation before rising to take her leave.
"The knowledge here is always open to friends," Frigga said finally, "If there is anything you particularly want to know, or if you encounter a bottleneck, you can ask someone to find me at any time. May the starlight guide your path of seeking knowledge."
After seeing Frigga off, the Knowledge Treasury returned to tranquility. But Artoria no longer had the mood to continue in-depth research. Thor's situation, Frigga's worry, Loki's fall, the broken Bifrost... scenes intertwined in her mind.
"Minerva," she whispered, "Let's go back. There are some things... that need to be thought about."
Minerva nodded, silently putting away the recorded data.
The two left the Knowledge Treasury and returned along the way they came. The eternal starlight was still bright, shining on this Divine Realm that had just experienced trauma. Artoria knew that wandering in the ocean of knowledge was only a temporary escape. The real problem was how to help a proud Thor walk out of the abyss of self-blame, and, in this Divine Realm, how these two "Travelers" should define their next path.
But at least, after the exchange with Frigga, her understanding of Asgard, magic, and this World had deepened another level. This gain might, one day in the future, play an unexpected role.
------------------------------
I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! If the fanfiction has you hooked and you can't wait to see what happens next, you can unlock 30 or more chapters in advance over on my patreon: patreon.com/FTLGenBen
Also every bit of support means the world to me so if you're loving the ride, don't forget to drop a Power Stone, Thanks.