Stephen Strange followed the guard through several gateways and corridors of magnificent gold splendor, steeped in heavy history and epic architecture.
Outside, the faint roar of laser cannon fire and fierce battle filtered into the weighty, epic structure.
The guard led Stephen Strange directly into the council hall.
Odin sat imposingly upon his throne as King of Asgard, his expression stern, his white beard and hair gleaming, his single eye sharp and profound. He wore an eagle helm and golden armor, with Gungnir, the Eternal Spear, in his right hand. His gaze descended upon Stephen Strange.
Beside him stood his wife, Frigga.
Ever since Thor had told Odin of the future, Odin had kept his wife by his side, just in case.
"King of Asgard." Stephen Strange gave a slight, respectful bow, then straightened, lifting his gaze to meet Odin's.
"Stephen Strange, the Dark Elves are attacking Asgard. You have proven that the future you foresaw was not wrong." Odin's deep, majestic voice reverberated through the hall. "Thank you for informing us, but the way you entered Asgard was exactly like your master's, and I dislike it."
Odin's feelings toward the way Ancient One and Stephen Strange had entered Asgard went far beyond mere dislike. He loathed it.
Ancient One's case had at least been understandable. Thor's destruction of the Rainbow Bridge had caused an explosion that temporarily paralyzed Asgard's defense systems, allowing Ancient One to enter Asgard directly and threaten him.
But after that incident, the defense systems had long since been improved. Yet even with them activated, Stephen Strange had still managed to enter Asgard in this manner, which thoroughly irritated Odin.
Although Odin cooperated with Ancient One, that did not mean he had to like people casually entering Asgard whenever they pleased.
Still, considering that every such