Fortress, Reward, and Counsel

Frigga POV:

Stepping through the void black mist portal, I find myself in front of Lady Death's glorious castle. No, castle is an understatement, this is a fortress, THE fortress of Lady Death herself. The fortress is obsidian black, with a giant white skull atop the gates. All around there are lamps or torches or light sources flickering in black, white, and purple colors. The surrounding walls, and spike filled towers have this imposing feel to them, yet they do not lose their elegance at all.

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At the castle gates in front of me, I see a pair of shadow knights, standing tall. One of them, looking directly at me states. *In a gruff and slightly muffled voice* "This is Lady Death's castle, what is your business here? You who has yet to meet the mistress' loving embrace."

Surprised, not by the inquiry, but by the ending statement it made, I respond in kind. "I am here to offer Lady Death a number of sacrifices, I believe she will find most satisfying."

At the mention of satisfying sacrifices, the shadow knight's flickering purple flamed eyes were extinguished for but a second, as they alighted once more, this time to a much greater intensity. It opened its mouth to speak, yet instead of its previous gruff and slightly muffled voice, a different far more feminine and alluring, yet recognizable voice came out.

"Why hello dear, have you come to visit our little Aldrif, and with presents no less. My~ it is proving to be a great investment to actually pay attention and interact with Spectre and his universe already~ Do come in, we can discuss things further in person."

"I thank you, for your attention, and willingness to meet Lady Death. I will be seeing you in but a moment." I finish, as the shadow knight returns to normal, and they both open the castle gates when I proceed to walk in.

Behind me I can hear the gates being closed once more, as I get deeper into the castle with only the sounds of flickering flames, and my footsteps, as well as obsidian walls, and more shadow knights to guide my way and keep me company.

'I do not know what is more surprising. Me thinking this palace would be all torn down, with a stench of rot emanating from everywhere or this palace being the cleanest and most fragrant one I have had the honor of walking through. Especially the smell, it is as if whatever I like the most is what it will smell like.'

Finishing my thoughts, I make it to another double doors, like the front gates, and see Lady Death, sitting on her throne, in all of her sublime glory.

Lady Death makes a small smile in my direction and speaks. "Hello darling, now how about you share with me the real reason for coming to see me." She finished with a smirk.

"It is a pleasure to see you again Lady Death, I come seeking to sacrifice Those Who Sit Above in Shadow to you, as I believe Lord Spectre is otherwise engaged in teaching some ants, who dared trespass his territory the consequences of their actions.

Thus, left with wanting to prolong their suffering, and being unable or rather unwilling to bother Lord Spectre with my indecision. I was left with no other choice than to seek your counsel, and hopefully make an offering of their immortal souls to you as repayment for my audacity in bothering you." I finished with a slight bow in respect to the Abstract of Death, the guardian of my firstborn, and patron of my future second borne as well.

Even as I bowed, I could see the glimmer that momentarily shrouded her eyes on the mentioning of sacrificed immortal souls. With a slightly haunting grin, she replied.

"Oh, worry not my child, you did the right thing coming to me. I can indeed have them restrained, tortured, and kept from interfering in the mortal realms. Hmm, I however do not see what you could be rewarded with for those 5 truly immortal souls."

Surprised I was getting rewarded for the sacrifice, I started to think of ways to make the most of it, and although I could make many wishes, it would be deemed useless, because other than reviving someone which should not be needed anytime soon, or knowledge, I could not think of anything else that Lady Death could grant me.

Then it hit me, like seeing Odin sow his seed in many a woman among the incredible amount of timelines I was shown. In quite a few of said timeliness Thor became known as the Rune King, the highest form of magic that blocks any other.

'Would Lady Death grant me rune magic knowledge? After all, with the connection I have to Spectre Ouroboros and therefore his Mirror Dimension, I have access to ALL forms of energy and natural powers, this should include Rune Magic. I just lack the knowledge to make full use of it. Though with Lady Death offering a reward and five immortal souls being used in exchange, especially them being above even rune magic, it should be possible.'

"Lady Death may I be presumptuous and ask for as much knowledge as I can withhold concerning rune magic, and a way to help my husband Odin gain them as well?"

Lady Death bestowed me a grin so wide, that for a moment I thought her head would split in half before she answered. "Indeed, I can, darling. I always thought to myself that it was ridiculous that Odin is considered the god of wisdom, and magic in your pantheon, when clearly, he is a brute, who was blessed by a well, he allows no one other than his son to go near.

Especially regarding you dear. You are wiser than him, even after being blessed by that paltry well. You also possess more innate magic power and talent, both of which have reached and are constantly surpassing their previous peak, with Spectre's blessing and I am sure that you have started to notice.

After all, regardless of who blessed you, Nothingness magic is one of THE hardest branches of magic and manipulation in general. That you were able to do in hours, what would take Odin lifetimes counted in his millions of years of existence even with the well's blessing, already speaks volumes of your true magical talent and the limit breaking effects of Spectre's blessing.

I would not be surprised at all if after meeting you again, he decided to make you his main Champion, at least for a while. Returning to the topic at hand for all 5 immortal souls, I can grant you all your current limit is, and seal the rest for when you reach the talent required to access it.

Do not be surprised when you surpass the strongest Rune King Thor by A LOT, after all you will become the True Prime Goddess of Magic and Wisdom of your pantheon after this.

For the decency of originally not seeking anything other than these soul's sacrifice and pain, you will learn of a way to make Odin suffer as much as he can, while earning an even weaker version of Rune King Thor's power, for free."

Immensely taken off guard by Lady Death's high opinion of me, I immediately bowed and thanked her for her great praise and generosity.

Lady Death raised her hand asking me to stop and continued. "I sense something is going to happen soon, do make your way back. When you meet the guard at the entrance to this room tell him I ordered you to visit the Infinity Well, inform the well of our exchange saying The Mistress sent me, then jump in. Upon leaving the waters you should have all the knowledge you seek. May you enjoy terrorizing your husband."

She said, then paused and continued. "I was going to counsel you in how to take care of them, but with me being in a hurry and you about to receive your reward I will take care of it myself." She waved her hand and 5 glowing orbs appeared in her hands, she then said. "I am done collecting the souls, now just go and receive the reward." She finished with yet another smirk.

"Thank you once again my Lady, I shall take my leave now."

And so, I made my way to the Infinity Well.