Asgard, the Celestial Palace (Please Keep Reading)

In the vast Deep Space Universe, a mass of nebula-like matter had crystallized. Azure seas flowed toward the edges of its immense foundation, cascading off like a spectacular waterfall.

At the center of the sea stood grand halls and towering statues, while a dazzling rainbow ran through the entire realm.

Asgard!

The celestial palace of Norse Mythology, the leader of the Nine Realms Alliance. It was also a renowned force in the universe.

Asgard was a continent floating alone in the depths of space, belonging to no star system.

It neither orbited nor rotated.

By all reason, it should have had no seasons, no distinction between day and night.

Yet the fusion of magic and technology had transformed this continent, granting it its own unique cycle of seasons and day-night alternation.

On the Bifrost, The Ancient One and Russell slowly emerged and headed toward the golden celestial palace at the heart of Asgard.

At this moment, within the palace, the Asgardian Gods wore magnificent battle attire, Star Cloaks draped over their shoulders.

They stood silently, their gazes fixed ahead as though waiting.

At the deepest point of the palace, Odin sat high upon the throne of the God King.

Tap, tap, tap!

Footsteps sounded from outside the palace.

Russell and The Ancient One entered the hall, dressed in plain white mage robes utterly out of place with their surroundings.

They drew the attention of the gods.

Were these the honored guests they had all been awaiting?

Their auras were restrained, their depths unfathomable. No one could judge their strength.

Seeing The Ancient One and Russell arrive as promised, Odin nodded and gestured for them to take their seats.

Under ordinary circumstances, Odin would not have received Kamar-Taj's Sorcerer Supreme with such ceremony.

But times were different now. He was about to return to Valhalla.

Thor still needed time to become a true king and fully awaken the Odinforce.

During this vulnerable period, Kamar-Taj's support would be especially important.

Moreover, when Odin's gaze swept over Russell, his heart gave an unusually heavy beat.

I sense danger from this young man.

That was highly unusual.

Although Odin's body could no longer sustain prolonged battle, his Divine Power had reached its peak.

Theoretically, he should not have sensed danger from a mage.

"Ancient One, greetings to King Odin."

After entering the hall and before taking her seat, The Ancient One gave Odin a mage's salute.

Russell followed suit.

"Russell, greetings to King Odin."

Odin returned their salutes in turn.

"Odin Borson, greetings to Sorcerer Supreme Master Ancient One."

"Greetings, Master Russell."

Not long after The Ancient One and Russell took their seats, cheers rose from outside the hall.

Amid the cheers of Asgard's people, a burly figure strode forward in armor, carrying a warhammer and wearing a vivid red cloak.

He was the Son of Odin, the Heir to the Asgardian Throne, Thor Odinson.

"Woohoo!"

As Thor passed by, cheers erupted one after another.

From time to time, Thor struck various poses in response to the applause and cheers.

Only when Thor entered the palace and reached Odin did the applause and cheering gradually subside.

Thor dropped to one knee before Odin.

He set down Mjolnir, removed his helmet, and revealed a thick mane of gleaming golden hair like that of a young lion.

Looking up, he wore a warm smile. Thor tilted his head slightly, exchanging looks with everyone in the hall.

When his gaze passed over The Ancient One and Russell, Thor paused briefly.

Then he flashed a radiant smile, as if he had known The Ancient One and Russell for years.

Clang!

Odin rose with Gungnir in hand and lightly struck the floor with its butt.

The sound spread, and the inside and outside of the hall fell silent in an instant.

Odin's calm voice rang out, tinged with reminiscence:

"Thor Odinson. My heir, my eldest son.

The mighty Mjolnir has long been entrusted to you. Forged from the core of a dying star, its power is unmatched.

It is a weapon for destruction, but it can also become a tool for creation, fitting for a king.

Since the dawn of time, I have protected Asgard and the innocent lives of the Nine Realms.

But that day has now come.

Do you swear to defend the Nine Realms?"

At Odin's words, the expressions of those in the hall varied.

Russell noticed the flicker of discomfort on Loki's face.

Clearly, Loki was dissatisfied with Thor's coronation.

Russell signaled The Ancient One with his eyes.

The Ancient One replied with a look that said to wait and see, and not meddle.

"I swear."

Below the throne, Thor's face remained calm, his voice resolute.

"Do you swear to uphold peace?"

"I swear."

"Do you swear to cast aside all selfish ambition and act only for the good of the realm?"

Odin spoke more heavily. Though the final question seemed directed at Thor, his gaze appeared to fall upon Loki instead.

Loki turned his head slightly aside, while Thor raised a hand and shouted, "I swear!"

"Then today, I, Odin, the All-Father, declare you—"

Sizzle... sizzle, sizzle...

At that moment, the distant sound of the ground freezing over reached them.

At the most critical moment, Frost Giants invaded, attempting to steal the Casket of Ancient Winters and interrupt Thor's Coronation Ceremony.

With the ceremony interrupted, Russell and The Ancient One temporarily remained in Asgard.

The guards led The Ancient One and Russell to a Side Hall, then stood watch at a distance outside the door.

Seeing no one around, Russell could not help complaining to The Ancient One, "Master Ancient One, this is so boring."

Odin and the people of Asgard had not neglected The Ancient One and Russell.

Their residence was luxurious and comfortable, and the food was exquisite and delicious.

Outside the hall doors, guards were available at a moment's call.

Even passersby were exceedingly warm and welcoming.

But Russell did not know anyone here.

Most importantly, he could not casually release his Spiritual Energy or open Portals at will.

Russell had no idea what he should do.

The Ancient One merely smiled and continued eating fruit, ignoring Russell's complaints.

"Master Ancient One, do you know something is going to happen?"

When The Ancient One did not respond, Russell asked another question.

The Ancient One shook her head. "It isn't that I know what will happen. I just feel that this matter won't go smoothly."

Russell looked at The Ancient One in confusion.

A feeling? What kind of reasoning was that?

Sensing Russell's confusion, The Ancient One explained, "A mage's instincts are usually accurate."

After finishing the fruit on her plate, The Ancient One washed her hands.

"I won't talk to you anymore. I'm going to chat with Queen Frigga."

Russell's face darkened.

Master, you actually know people in Asgard.

Doesn't that mean you're leaving me here alone?

No, I should go out and have a look around too.

After tidying up, Russell rose and headed outside as well.

He planned to wander around, then buy some Asgardian specialties to pack up and bring back.

As for the money?

Of course, he would put it on Master Ancient One's tab.

Would the dignified Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj, a disciple of Vishanti, really skip out on a bill?

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