Asgard.
A continent that belonged to no celestial system, floating independently in the depths of space.
A union of advanced technology and magic. Though no planets revolved around it, it had a clear distinction between day and night—one of the universe's miracles.
As the Divine Realm among the Nine Realms, the continent of Asgard had not originally existed. But a special spatial node had made this place a crucial military stronghold worth fighting over, and the continent had arisen accordingly.
By occupying this place, the Asgardians could use the Bifrost to transport their armies to any corner of the universe.
That said, the universe here was not quite so vast. It was roughly limited to the Milky Way.
Though powerful, the Asgardians were not so exaggeratedly strong that they could dominate the universe. A number of leaders, including Odin, understood that conquering the universe was nothing but a fool's dream. Only by becoming a regional hegemon could they ensure Asgard's lasting peace and prosperity.
In the vast depths of space, nebula-like clusters of matter had been condensed into crystals by magic. Upon that massive foundation lay Asgard's mountains, rivers, and seas.
Waterfalls from the sea plunged off the edge of the foundation, crashing thunderously below in a spectacular display.
Russell led a squad of Valkyries from Svartalfheim through the Bifrost to this place, and from afar, he spotted a massive golden lump of a palace.
It was such an enormous lump that it occupied a huge stretch of land, leaving Asgard's civilian districts pitifully small. Calling it a "lump" was completely appropriate.
"Sorcerer Supreme, it's been a long time."
Thor strode forward with a smile, about to give Russell a bear hug, when Urd snorted beside him. He immediately withdrew his arms with perfect manners.
The trauma he had acquired