In the vast deep Universe, a Nebula-like substance condensed into a crystal.
On a massive foundation, a cerulean ocean flowed towards the edge, forming a spectacular waterfall-like phenomenon.
In the center of the ocean, grand halls and statues stood majestically, and a vibrant Bifrost Bridge spanned the entire realm.
Asgard!
Leader of the Nine Realms alliance. It is also a renowned power in the Universe.
Asgard, as a continent floating independently in the depths of the Universe, does not belong to any star system.
There is no revolution, no rotation. Logically, there should be no distinction between seasons and day and night. But the combination of magic and technology transformed this continent, giving it a unique cycle of seasons and a method for day and night alternation.
On the Bifrost Bridge, the figures of the Ancient One and Lucas slowly emerged, walking towards the golden gleaming Royal Palace of Valaskjalf in the center of Asgard.
At this moment, within the palace, Asgardians were dressed in magnificent battle attire, their shoulders draped in star-studded cloaks. They stood silently, their gazes fixed forward, as if waiting.
In the deepest part of the palace, Odin sat high on the King's throne.
Thump... Thump...
A series of footsteps sounded from outside the palace.
Lucas and the Ancient One, dressed in plain white robes that clashed with the palace's aesthetic, walked into the hall. This drew sidelong glances from the gods.
These were the esteemed guests they had all been waiting for?
Their auras were contained, not outwardly displayed, making it impossible to judge their strength.
Seeing the Ancient One and Lucas arrive as scheduled, Odin nodded, gesturing for them to take their seats.
Under normal circumstances, Odin would not have given such a grand reception to Kamar-Taj's Sorcerer Supreme. But today was different, he was about to return to Valhalla.
It would take time for Thor to become a true king and fully awaken the Odinforce. During this interim period, the assistance of Kamar-Taj became extremely important.
Moreover...
As Odin's gaze swept over Lucas, his heart skipped a beat.
'I sense danger from this young man.'
This was highly unusual.
At this time, although Odin's body could no longer sustain prolonged combat, his divine power had reached its peak. With his combat strength, he should not have perceived danger from a mere sorcerer.
"The Ancient One greets Asgardian King Odin."
Upon entering the hall, before taking her seat, the Ancient One performed a sorcerer's bow towards Odin.
Lucas followed suit.
"Lucas greets Asgardian King Odin."
Odin returned their bows individually.
"Odin Borson greets Sorcerer Supreme and Lucas."
Soon after the Ancient One and Lucas were seated, cheers erupted from outside the hall.
Accompanied by the cheers of Asgardians, a burly figure, clad in armor, wielding Mjolnir, and draped in a vibrant red cape, walked in.
It was none other than Odin's son, Thor Odinson.
"Ohhhhh!"
As Thor walked through, cheers rose and fell.
From time to time, Thor struck various poses, responding to the applause and cheers.
It wasn't until Thor entered the palace and approached Odin that the applause and cheers slowly subsided.
Thor knelt on one knee towards Odin. He set down Mjolnir and removed his helmet, revealing a head of thick, shining golden hair like a young lion's mane. Looking up, he flashed a warm smile.
Thor tilted his head slightly, exchanging glances with the people in the hall.
When his gaze swept over the Ancient One and Lucas, he paused slightly. Immediately, he put on a bright, sunny smile, as if he had known the Ancient One and Lucas for a long time.
Clang!
Odin rose, leaning on Gungnir, and lightly stomped the ground with it.
The sound echoed, and instantly, both inside and outside the hall fell silent.
Odin's calm voice rang out, tinged with reminiscence. "Thor Odinson. My heir, my firstborn. The mighty Mjolnir has long been entrusted to you. This hammer, forged from the core of a dying star, is unparalleled in power. It is a weapon for destruction, yet it can also be a tool for creation, befitting a king."
"From the beginning of time, I have protected Asgard and the innocent lives of the Nine Realms."
"But this day has come. Do you swear to protect the Nine Realms?"
Hearing Odin's words, the expressions of those in the hall varied.
Lucas noticed a flicker of unnaturalness on Loki's face. Clearly, Loki harbored resentment towards Thor's coronation.
Lucas conveyed a signal to the Ancient One with his eyes.
The Ancient One returned a look that meant to observe the situation and not meddle.
"I swear."
Below the hall, Thor's face was calm, his voice resolute.
"Do you swear to uphold peace?"
"I swear."
"Do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambition and do only what is beneficial for the realm?" Odin's tone grew heavier.
The last question seemed directed at Thor, yet his gaze also appeared to look at Loki.
Loki slightly averted his head, while Thor raised his hand and declared loudly, "I swear!"
"Then, today. I, Odin Borson, Allfather, declare you..."
Sizzle... Sizzle...
Just then, the sound of the ground freezing over came from afar.
At the most crucial moment, Frost Giants invaded, attempting to steal the casket of ancient winters, interrupting Thor's coronation ceremony.
With the ceremony interrupted, Lucas and the Ancient One temporarily stayed in Asgard.
Guards led the Ancient One and Lucas to a side hall, then stood guard far outside the door.
Seeing that no one was around, Lucas couldn't help but complain to the Ancient One, "Master, I'm so bored."
Odin and the Asgardians did not neglect the Ancient One and Lucas. Their accommodations were luxurious and comfortable, and the food was exquisite and delicious.
Outside the hall door, guards were available at their beck and call. Those who passed by were also extremely enthusiastic.
But Lucas knew no one here.
Most importantly, he couldn't freely release his mental power, nor could he casually open portals.
He was a little unsure what to do.
The Ancient One just smiled, continuing to eat her fruits, ignoring Lucas's grumbling.
"Ancient One, do you know what's going to happen?"
Seeing the Ancient One not respond, Lucas asked another question.
The Ancient One shook her head. "I don't know what will happen, but I have a feeling that this matter won't go smoothly."
Lucas looked at the Ancient One in confusion.
A feeling? What kind of reasoning is that?
Sensing Lucas's confusion, the Ancient One explained, "A mystic arts practitioner's feelings are usually very accurate."
After finishing the fruits on her plate, the Ancient One washed her hands.
"I'm done talking to you. I'm going to chat with Queen Frigga."
Lucas's face darkened.
You actually have acquaintances in Asgard.
Doesn't that mean you're leaving me here alone?
No, I want to go out and explore too.
After tidying up, Lucas stood up and also walked outside. He planned to wander around, buy some Asgardian specialties, and pack them to take back.
As for the money?
Of course, it would be charged to the Ancient One's account.
Would the dignified Sorcerer Supreme, under the Vishanti, default on a bill?