The moment his words fell, the ice sculpture suddenly transformed into flesh and blood and came to life.
An awkward look appeared on Odin's face, but he quickly suppressed it. "Long time no see, Gaius."
"Father." Thor and Loki stared at Odin in stunned disbelief. "Father, weren't you..."
"Dead?" Odin said teasingly. "I was indeed dead. My body died, and my soul returned to Valhalla. What you see now is merely a projection of my... consciousness, or perhaps will. It doesn't possess much power."
"This is way too realistic!" Thor examined him from head to toe. "He looks exactly like the real thing."
"I didn't expect him to have such an ability either—to turn stillness into motion and grant kinetic energy and life to dead objects." Odin sighed. "Even in Valhalla, I could sense that power calling to me, calling me back to the real world. At first, I refused, but... the bond between father and son has withstood the test."
"Odin." Surtur sensed the God King's "resurrection" and let out an enraged roar. "Have you come to witness Asgard's destruction? Hahaha... Today is the end of the Aesir."
"Silence." Aaron immediately set up a barrier, cutting off Surtur's voice. The surroundings instantly became much quieter.
"Father, you really didn't have to do this." Thor said awkwardly. "I know him. He was just joking. He wouldn't really seal us away."
"No, he would," Loki said.
"Yes, I would." Aaron nodded firmly. "I keep my word."
"So I didn't refuse the second time." Odin shook his head with a wry smile, then looked at Aaron kindly. "What explanation do you want?"
"When Hela and I first met in Hel, was that your arrangement?"
"Yes." Odin admitted it without hesitation. "A blind date always needs a first step. Just as expected, Hela