Odin stepped outside Asgard Palace and looked down over his kingdom.
"The Nine Realms are at war again. Asgard's finest warriors have all been deployed. Even your mother, Frigga, must return to Vanaheim to mediate the conflict."
"As things stand, I have no choice but to interrupt the Odinsleep and use what life I have left to protect Asgard until the very end."
Thor listened, then said urgently, "Father! You don't have to bear this alone! I can protect Asgard too! I've found the true power of Thor!"
At Thor's words, a faint, relieved smile finally appeared on Odin's face.
He nodded, pride in his eyes.
"I know, my son. I felt the thunder awaken within you." Odin's gaze shone with pride. "That's why I called you back."
"But I called you back for an even more important task."
Thor straightened and waited for his father's orders.
"I want you to go to Muspelheim," Odin said gravely.
"Find the Fire Giant, Surtur. Defeat him and bring back his crown."
"Surtur's crown?" Thor asked, puzzled. "What do you want that thing for?"
"You need only know this, my son." Odin did not answer directly. "Getting it will help Asgard through this crisis."
Thor studied Odin for a few seconds, then asked no more.
He knew his father. When Odin spoke in that tone, further questions were pointless.
Thor placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly.
"As you wish, Father."
Without another word, Thor turned and strode toward the hall's exit.
Just before he passed through the archway, Odin's voice came from behind him.
"Remember, Thor. Asgard was never a place..."
"...It was the people."
Thor paused.
After two seconds of silence, he raised an arm and gave a casual wave without turning around.
Then he continued on, disappearing beyond