"Measured by the scale of his vision, he has united Earth's five great powers, rebuilt its civilization, and prepared for a cosmic catastrophe well in advance."
"Measured by what lies ahead, he can ensure the Nine Realms survive and lead their peoples through disaster among the stars."
Odin paused. The silence carried the weight of a final confirmation after a long endeavor.
His voice grew firmer. Before all of Asgard's forces, every member of S.P.E.A.R., and the whole of Earth, he declared once more without reservation:
"If Russell wants the position of Lord of the Nine Realms... I would not deny him."
Boom!!
Heaven and earth seemed to shudder!
Never in the Nine Realms' long history had such a declaration been made. Today, the King of the Gods had spoken it himself.
Heimdall's pupils contracted. His breath caught, and his entire worldview was overturned. His Asgardian pride and lifelong faith teetered on the brink of collapse.
He had watched over the Nine Realms for a thousand years, devoting his life to defending Asgard's dignity. Never had he imagined that one day the God King would willingly relinquish sovereignty over the Nine Realms and accept a mortal human ascending to his throne.
The Guardian Sword slowly sank at his side. Its tip touched the ground with a faint, dull sound, deep and lingering, as though an era were quietly closing.
In his golden eyes, the fierce light forged by ages of loyalty and faith—pure as Asgard's finest flame—steadied after its first violent tremor. In its place came a more complicated mix of confusion and resentment.
Every S.P.E.A.R. agent, official, and researcher felt a chill crawl over their scalp. They were shaken to the core!
All eyes locked on Russell, awaiting the answer of Earth's new leader.
Faced with the supreme throne