Marvel Magic Case Files

Chapter 325: The Magic of Spending Money (Second Update)

"Using runes for divination is a very difficult thing. The most common tools are divination sticks and runes." Queen Frigga showed Salomon a smooth black pebble covered with runes. Salomon's task was to decipher these complex runes on parchment. This was a profound application of runes, and even though he could already write everyday conversations in runes, he seemed to stumble a bit at the beginning of his learning.

The combinations of runes were endless, and the pebbles each represented a different meaning. Queen Frigga attempted to have Salomon decipher these symbols.

While one may be fluent in language, one cannot decipher the hidden meanings within the runes; this magic can only be read literally. However, when Salomon casts the spell, these three groups of runes, transformed and combined, express yet another meaning, akin to gibberish within a certain magical system.

This learning took Salomon a considerable amount of time.

In his previous Potions classes, he had performed far better than he was now. He could make any kind of potion, and even for potions he had never encountered before, he could find the corresponding ingredients after hearing the description and uses—and if a certain ingredient was unavailable, he could find a substitute. Queen Frigga even cheered for his talent in Potions. However, in the Divination class, his talent seemed to have been lost in the Potions class.

"Not everyone can succeed in divination," Queen Frigga advised. "The Eye of Agamotto is a direct way of peering into destiny, and you, accustomed to using that artifact, will inevitably encounter obstacles when faced with rather vague runic divination. Runic divination is not, and is not, a very accurate method of divination; it's perfectly normal to encounter obstacles in your learning process. Don't worry, your research in gems is quite good; you can learn by engraving runes onto gems."

As a spellcaster, Salomon has handled many gems. The price of his most commonly used ink—the lowest quality ruby ​​ink—is enough to buy a calf, while the highest quality ruby ​​ink can buy an adult working animal [approximately 8000 RMB]. And this is a consumable; given Salomon's writing frequency, a bottle of such ink will only last for three days at most.

[On a side note: Salomon has always wanted to buy a mule as a fighting partner. Not only because mules are cheap, but also because their large size can help them block attacks.]

Spellcasters make money quickly, but they also spend it just as fast, a fact well known to Queen Frigga. To prevent Salomon from peddling his potions to the common people in the streets, Queen Frigga generously provided him with all the gems and materials he needed during his studies in Asgard. In return, Salomon proposed that he assist the goldsmiths of Asgard in crafting a golden necklace for Queen Frigga, imbued with his unique magic.

The Queen was overjoyed. She escorted Salomon out of the greenhouse and handed him the longsword. "It's time for your martial arts training," she said. "If you perform well in the training grounds, I will send Fura (the goddess of fertility, who oversees the jewelry box) to find you. She will also teach you about the art of Asgard."

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"I am not speaking as the Father of the Gods, but as a father." The Father of the Gods turned around and patted his clueless son on the shoulder. "You are ready. It is time to ascend the throne. Celebrate your victory with your warriors, drink and eat, and revel in the joy of the celebration. You are the king; you must at least show that you are enjoying yourself so that your companions can also enjoy what they have won."

“Oh, right,” said the Allfather, “remember our guest; keep him close at hand. Midgard is a subject of Asgard, and you must treat him with care. I don’t care what you and he have been through in the past, but the moment you ascend the throne, you must re-examine this relationship.”

Thor nodded, indicating he was listening. He saw Salomon, longsword tucked under his arm, saunter out of the Asgardian backyard, carrying a stack of parchment covered in runes. Thor decided to make things work out with Salomon—he figured Salomon, having sat in the greenhouse for so long, was probably itching for some exercise.

The Allfather approved of his decision. As the future King of Asgard and the Allfather, Thor needed to demonstrate his status to the kings and princes of other kingdoms, and a peaceful demonstration of his authority was the most appropriate way to do so. But Odin wasn't sure if Thor was thinking that much about it, or if he simply wanted a fight, or if he just wanted to get information about Jane Foster from Salomon.

Regardless, Thor's progress was clearly visible, and the Allfather decided to stop being so demanding of him.

"You must like this longsword now." Thor casually hooked his arm around Salomon's neck. The sorcerer tried to break free but was powerless, as his hands were already occupied by the parchment and the longsword. The only way to push this brute away would be to stab him with the sword.

Sif frowned when she saw Thor and Salomon flirting. She didn't know what Thor and Salomon were talking about, and her biggest worry was about the Midgard woman. However, the reality was far more absurd than she had imagined. Thor didn't dare to make a request; he simply promised Salomon that if he trained with him, Salomon could have the same muscles as him.

Let's look at this matter from an objective perspective.

Salomon was already seventeen years old, tall and imposing, almost as tall as the witch. And as he grew older, coupled with the rigorous physical training within Kamar-Taj, the swordsmanship training required by the Sorcerer Supreme, and Athena's spear training, the near-adult Salomon was muscular and well-developed. Combined with his mixed Middle Eastern features, he attracted a lot of attention wherever he went—whenever he entered certain places without wearing the Shroud of the Dead, his muscle definition would be faintly visible through his shirt, and he would then encounter several older women trying to persuade him to stop trying.

This isn't unheard of; several of them were even openly wearing their wedding rings. Salomon could only conclude that Wall Street truly is a ruthless and predatory place.

However, Salomon's body is still that of an Earthling, and there is still a difference between him and Thor, who has the blood of the Asgardian royal family. In addition, due to dietary habits, Salomon is not as enthusiastic about high-salt and high-fat foods as the Asgardians. Therefore, Thor is superior in height and muscle mass.

Unless Salomon recklessly risks high blood pressure and high cholesterol to become obese, he will never achieve Thor's muscular physique. However, if Salomon stays in Asgard year-round, he will have to train every day to digest the calories from the terrible food in the palace—he was a "slightly chubby" child, and even a body strengthened by positive energy carries the risk of gaining weight.

Sif watched as Thor smiled as he took the parchment from Salomon, handed it to a soldier, and then continued pulling Salomon deeper into the training grounds. She knocked her opponent down with her spear and followed slowly.

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(End of this chapter)