Strongest Warlock - Wizard World Irregular

"Isn\'t that dangerous?" Ethan inquired. "What if someone found you? What can stop them from becoming a God?"

The Giant felt touched at the sight of the genuine concern on the young man\'s face. It reminded him of the good old days when he and the Salmon he raised would bicker with each other just to pass their boredom.

"Fret not, Ethan. I am in a very safe place," Mimir replied with confidence. "I am Protected by three powerful beings, namely the Old Bandit of Lont, the Half-Elf who is known as the God Slayer, and another Half-Elf, who is the Necromancer of Heaven.

"So, worry not about my safety. Unless someone can get past these three individuals, no one in the multiverse can find me."

Seeing Mimir\'s reassuring expression, Ethan reluctantly nodded his head.

"How do I form a pact with you?" Ethan inquired.

"It\'s rather simple," Mimir answered. "All you need to do is bind your soul to me."

"… Does that mean that if I die, my soul will belong to you?"

"No. This is just a way for you to gain my powers. But, there is a side effect if you form a pact with me."

Ethan felt a little anxious about the side effects of the pact, but he still waited for Mimir to tell him what he needed to know.

"On the first day of the New Moon, you will be forced to take on the form of one of the creatures that you can shapeshift to," Mimir explained.

"This forced transformation lasts for an entire day, and you will return to your normal form the moment the clock hits midnight. The bad news is that the animal form that you will transform into is totally random.

"The good news is that you will be able to talk to others using telepathy in your animal forms. Also, don\'t worry. If you happen to turn into a Salmon while you are asleep, you will not die because of lack of water.

"Your Salmon form does not swim only in the water but in the air as well. However, you cannot swim above three meters in the air—that is your limit. Your animal forms are also protected from miasma and similar environments that would otherwise be harmful to people, animals, and monsters.

"Just make sure to tell your lovers about this side effect so that they can care for you during those times. Also, don\'t hesitate to inform Professor Rinehart and Professor Barret about this side effect. They know how to keep secrets, and they are always on your side."

Ethan nodded his head in understanding after hearing Mimir\'s words.

Although transforming into an animal for an entire day seemed troublesome, it was a small price to pay to gain Wisdom and a new set of powers that would help him become stronger.

"I will ask you one more time," Mimir stated. "Do you still wish to make a pact with me?"

"I do," Ethan replied in a heartbeat.

"Well, then. Keep your eyes open and accept my pact," Mimir ordered. "Look into my eyes."

The young man did as he was told and stared at the Giant\'s blue eyes, which reflected his image.

A moment later, a beam of light shot out from Mimir\'s eyes, passing through Ethan\'s own eyes.

The Giant, who held the wisdom of the world, engraved his mark on the young man\'s soul.

During this ceremony, Ethan\'s right eye briefly changed its color into gold as Mimir secretly bestowed upon him a Divine Treasure, which would gradually adapt to his body.

At the time Ethan unlocked the Fourth Level of his Origin Magic, the Divine Eye that Mimir passed unto him would show its might.

But until then, it would still need to adapt to Ethan\'s body to make sure that there would be no complications in the future.

The eye belonged to a God, who thirsted for knowledge in the past.

It was the price he paid for the wisdom he gained, allowing him to see the tragedy that would come to pass.

And through these revelations, he laid down the seeds to make his comeback at last.

But Ethan need not know these things, for that story had long ended. What happened in the past was long over, and it need not burden those who would pave the path of tomorrow.

Of course, Mimir had no intention of telling Ethan that he was now in possession of a Divine Gift, which many beings would want to possess no matter what.

For great power corrupts people, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

After the Pact was completed, Ethan once again felt drowsy as a flood of information entered his mind.

But he forced himself to stay awake as he looked at Mimir, who was smiling at him.

"Go, my little Salmon," Mimir said with affection. "I pray that your journey against the current of time and space will bear fruit. You have suffered thousands of years of loneliness."

A ray of light wrapped around Ethan, making him feel as if he was being protected by someone who was very dear to him.

And just as his eyes slowly closed, Mimir\'s words reached his ears.

"May the dreams you hold dearest,

Be those which come true.

And the Kindness you spread,

Keep returning to you."

"Laughter to outweigh each care,

In your heart a song,

And gladness waiting everywhere

All your whole life long."

"May the winds of fortune sail you,

May you sail a gentle sea.

And the next time that I will meet you,

I promise that the drink will be on me."

Ethan tried to force his eyes open one more time, wanting to look at the Giant\'s severed head.

But after hearing Mimir\'s words of promise, his heart felt at ease with his care.

Knowing that there would be a reunion between him and this gentle giant that he knew, a promise between two lifelong friends, would someday… begin anew.