Thor reached for it instinctively—but the moment his fingers brushed the handle, it didn't budge.
His eyes widened. He gripped harder, straining every muscle in his body… but Mjolnir refused to move.
"What?!" He gasped. "What trickery is this?!"
Seph crossed his arms. "The first enchantment makes sure only the worthy can wield it. The second? It makes it twice as hard for those who still have much to learn."
Thor gritted his teeth, pulling harder, his veins bulging with effort. But Mjolnir might as well have been glued to the ground.
Odin, who had been observing silently, finally stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the hammer.
A long silence stretched before the Allfather let out a deep, satisfied sigh.
"…I should have done this long ago," Odin admitted, his voice carrying the weight of a ruler who had overlooked an important lesson.
Seph glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "No worries, old man. I just did what you would have eventually."
Odin stroked his beard, his single eye gleaming with approval. "Perhaps this is a lesson Thor needed… and one I was too hesitant to teach."
He turned to his son, watching as Thor continued to struggle, frustration evident on his face. But beneath that frustration, there was realization.
Seph smirked. "Don't worry, Thunder Boy. You'll figure it out. Eventually."
Thor let out a frustrated growl, still pulling with all his might.
The hammer didn't budge.
Thor still grunted in frustration, his hands gripping Mjolnir with all his strength, but the hammer refused to budge.
Seph's enchantment held firm.
From the sidelines, Sif and the Warriors Three observed in awe.
Fandral stroked his mustache, shaking his head with admiration.
"In all my years, I have never seen anyone best Thor so thoroughly in combat," He said, his voice tinged with respect. "And then to teach him a lesson on top of it?"
He let out a chuckle. "Now that is something remarkable."
Volstagg, still chewing on a piece of roasted meat from earlier, nodded vigorously. "Aye! Not only is he mighty, but he also thinks ahead. A rare trait among warriors."
Hogun, ever the silent one, simply gave a firm nod, his dark eyes filled with newfound respect for Seph.
Sif, however, was more focused than the rest. Her piercing gaze remained fixed on Seph, not just in admiration but something more.
"He is unlike any warrior I have ever met," She murmured to herself, though loud enough for the others to hear. "Strength, wisdom, discipline… and a heart that does not seek glory, only purpose."
Fandral smirked. "Sif, are you admiring our guest a little too much?"
Sif scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest, but a small, rare blush dusted her cheeks.
"A true warrior appreciates another," She replied, though her voice lacked its usual confidence.
Seph, who had sharp senses, had already picked up on the signs. He knew interest when he saw it. But he chose to ignore it, keeping his expression neutral.
If Hela caught even the faintest wind of this, Sif wouldn't live to see the next sunrise.
So instead of acknowledging it, Seph merely stretched his arms and spoke casually, "Thor, you can keep trying… or you can start training properly and earn back what's yours."
Thor groaned, still trying to lift Mjolnir. "I will figure this out, you overpowered bastard."
Seph just smirked. "Good luck with that."
As the group laughed, Sif's eyes lingered on him for just a moment longer.
----
The Grand Hall of Asgard was filled with nobles, warriors, and citizens who had gathered at Odin's request. Long golden tables stretched across the hall, adorned with extravagant feasts and the finest Asgardian mead.
The air was filled with anticipation, as many assumed the Allfather had planned some grand entertainment for their guest, Seph.
Yet, when Odin turned to his companion, he was met with an amused smirk.
"I appreciate the hospitality, Odin," Seph said, leaning lazily against his chair. "But I have something far more entertaining in mind."
Odin raised an eyebrow. "More entertaining than Asgard's grandest feast?"
Seph chuckled, waving his hand in the air.
The space before them rippled like water, and suddenly, a massive screen materialized out of thin air. It hung in the air like a floating window, glowing with ethereal energy.
The entire hall fell silent.
Even Odin, accustomed to all kinds of magic, widened his one good eye.
Then, at that very moment, Hela strode into the hall. Her long black dress swayed with her movements, and her piercing green eyes locked onto Seph with suspicion.
"What are you doing now?" She asked, crossing her arms. "You've been far too amused lately. That's dangerous."
Seph grinned, his deep voice carrying a teasing edge. "Oh, just giving our dear Thor and Loki some much-needed life lessons."
Hela glanced at the screen and then back at Seph. "What kind of life lessons?"
Seph smirked. "It's a surprise."
Hela narrowed her eyes. Surprises from Seph were never ordinary.
The screen flickered to life, and glowing golden text appeared in the air:
[Thor's Highlight Moments]
A murmur spread through the hall.
Thor, who had just arrived with Loki, stared at the screen in confusion. "What… what is this?"
Seph stretched his arms, cracking his knuckles. "Just sit back and watch."
The first image on the screen appeared.
[Thor, clad in his gleaming Asgardian armor, strutted into Jotunheim as if he were a king already claiming his dominion. His crimson cape billowed behind him, and Mjolnir spun in his grip with an almost lazy confidence, like a child showing off a new toy. His smirk was wide, his steps deliberate, each one echoing with the arrogance of someone who believed himself untouchable.
Behind him, Sif and the Warriors Three followed, their expressions ranging from wary to outright concerned.
But Thor?
Thor was undeterred. He swung his hammer over his shoulder and laughed—a bold, reckless laugh that bounced off the icy walls of Laufey's domain.
"I had expected more," Thor declared, tilting his head as he examined the gathering Frost Giants like a disappointed customer at a market. "Is this truly the might of Jotunheim? Hm. I must say, I thought you'd be taller."
The Frost Giants bristled, their red eyes narrowing at the insult, yet Thor pressed on, undeterred by the tension crackling in the air. He spun Mjolnir in his hand and stomped forward, each step dripping with cocky defiance.
"Come now," He continued, feigning disappointment. "Surely there is at least one among you with enough courage to entertain me? Or have your warriors grown soft in their icy beds?"]
Gasps rang out through the grand hall of Asgard as the memory played before them.
Odin's face darkened like a storm ready to break. "Thor… is this true?"
Seated before his father's throne, Thor visibly gulped, shrinking ever so slightly in his chair. His fingers fidgeted with the edge of his cape, but he quickly caught himself, straightening up as if sheer posture could erase his mistakes.
"I—um—" He cleared his throat, eyes darting to Loki for some unspoken lifeline, but none came. "Well… they were insulting Asgard first, so I simply… returned the favor."
He forced a grin, but it was far less confident than the one he had worn in Jotunheim.
The silence in the hall was suffocating. Odin's gaze bore into him like an axe ready to fall.
For the first time, Thor wasn't sure if even Mjolnir could save him now.
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
🚨 Want to read chapters before anyone else? Head over to Patreon for early access and exclusive perks!
📖 If you're enjoying the stories and want to help keep them coming, your support means everything. Join us and stay ahead!
👉 Patreon: patreon.com/Myth_Valley
☕ Or support directly: buymeacoffee.com/myth_valley
Let's keep the adventure alive! 🔥📚✨