As they approached the floating continent, a sprawling palace complex came into view, its ancient Greek-style buildings arranged in orderly tiers.
Asgardian guards radiating terrifying auras patrolled the area.
As Tony and his companions approached, two guards clad in silver armor stepped forward to meet them.
"Greetings, my lord. Greetings, princes."
The guards bowed respectfully to Thor and the other two.
"Where is the king?"
Heimdall spoke first.
"The king awaits you in the great hall."
"Understood. Return to your duties. I'll take them inside."
"Yes, my lord."
The two guards answered respectfully, then cleared the path and stepped aside, watching Tony's group walk past.
With Heimdall leading the way, the group continued onward.
Passing through one towering doorway after another, they soon reached Odin's palace in the deepest part of Asgard.
Tap, tap, tap!
Their uneven footsteps echoed through the empty palace.
The enormous palace was utterly silent, with not a single god in sight. It was nothing like Tony had imagined.
Perhaps sensing his confusion, Thor, who was walking beside him, explained quietly, "For certain reasons, my father needs to sleep frequently, so the gods generally stay elsewhere."
Tony nodded in understanding. Soon, the two passed through the great hall and reached its far end.
At the far end of the hall, a figure shrouded in light sat high upon the throne. Though they could not make out his features, they could feel the terrifying might faintly radiating from him.
Tony felt it especially keenly. Ever since merging with the source of Tso Lan's demonic power, his strength had skyrocketed. Even a god like Heimdall could not withstand a single blow from him.
Yet now, he sensed a powerful threat from Odin.
For once, Tony's expression turned serious.
"Thor, you've come."
Odin's lofty voice rang out from the