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Chapter 146: Don't Deceive Yourself
Chapter 146: Don't Deceive Yourself
In the vast depths of the universe, a nebula-like substance coalesced into a crystalline structure, spreading over a massive expanse. A brilliant blue ocean flowed to the edges, cascading like a waterfall, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Asgard, the celestial realm of Norse mythology, the legendary home of the gods.
However, according to Marvel's lore, while Asgard is a powerful force in the universe, only Odin and his family truly deserve the title of "gods." The other Asgardians, while formidable, fall short of that divine status.
At that moment, Odin, the All-Father, furrowed his brow, sensing something amiss.
Ancient One, a formidable sorcerer, was a mystery even to Odin. They had maintained a respectful distance, each guarding their secrets, but over the years, they had developed a mutual understanding of each other's temperaments and character.
The Supreme Sorcerer, who usually stayed sequestered in his sanctum, had suddenly agreed to attend the celebration for his son. This was decidedly unusual.
Extremely unusual, in fact!
With this in mind, Odin immediately issued an order to his guards.
"Go and fetch Thor. I have something important to discuss with him. Oh, and bring Heimdall as well."
The guard bowed respectfully. "Yes, great All-Father."
Just as the guard was about to leave, Odin called him back.
"Wait, bring Loki as well."
After all, both Thor and Loki were princes of Asgard, and it would be unfair to summon only Thor, even if Loki wouldn't be of much help.
Odin sighed at the thought.
Asgard's three royal heirs: Hela, the eldest princess, was a prodigy, displaying remarkable strength and achievements even at a young age. She had contributed significantly to the stability of the Nine Realms during her father's reign.
However, her excessive cruelty and thirst for conquest were a concern. After securing the Nine Realms, she sought to expand further, dreaming of a unified universe. But she underestimated the complexity of such a task, and Odin had no choice but to seal her away.
Thor, the second prince, was strong but reckless. His days were filled with "battle, thrill!" and he would rush into any conflict, drinking and brawling. If not for Asgard's tradition of valuing martial prowess, his position as heir would be questionable.
Ruling the Nine Realms required more than just strength; a wise ruler needed both the power to maintain order and the strategic acumen to govern effectively.
Loki, the third prince, showed some promise in terms of intelligence and cunning. He was adept at small-scale schemes, but his tactics were too petty to be of significant value.
Loki's envy and resentment toward Thor were obvious to everyone except Thor himself. If Loki could hide his jealousy and maintain a facade of brotherly affection, Odin might consider him for the throne.
"Each one of them is a constant source of worry."
Odin walked to a massive mirror, examining himself. His gaze penetrated the Destroyer armor, revealing his emaciated body beneath. Though still formidable, he was too old.
Asgardians were a robust race with long lifespans, averaging around 5,000 years, which was a considerable age even by universal standards. However, many methods of extending life had little effect on them.
At Odin's level, eternal life was possible, but it wasn't the life he desired. Selecting a successor was urgent.
This was why he often sent Thor to resolve minor disputes in the realms, building his reputation and authority. Thor had done well in this regard, and Odin was reasonably satisfied with his son.
If all went as planned, he could prepare Thor's coronation ceremony in a few months.
Heimdall, clad in thick golden armor, arrived first. He bowed to Odin, his gaze lingering on the Destroyer armor and the Eternal Spear.
Heimdall hadn't seen Odin fully armed like this in a long time.
"Odin, what do you need from me?"
Heimdall's words were concise and to the point. They had fought side by side in many battles, and in private, Odin valued his old friend, who did not address him as "All-Father" or "Your Majesty."
"Heimdall, I need your eyes."
Odin's voice was deep and serious. "Use your eyes to observe Midgard and tell me, who is the successor of the Supreme Sorcerer?"
"The Sorcerer has a successor?"
A glint of interest flashed in Heimdall's eyes. His gaze was said to see into every corner of the Nine Realms, earning him the title of Guardian.
Though his vision wasn't infallible—some places on Earth were shielded or beyond his sight.
Heimdall's gaze pierced through the vast expanse of space, landing on Kamar-Taj. He searched for the successor to the Supreme Sorcerer, passing over a group of novice mages who were clumsily practicing opening portals. His eyes finally settled on the interior of the library.
The Ancient One had set up restrictions here, and Heimdall felt his vision clouded by a thin mist, making the images less clear. However, he managed to find his target.
It was an elf with pointed ears. Even though the image was not entirely clear, the outline revealed the elf's striking beauty, a hallmark of their kind. The elf mage was holding a spellbook, his eyes focused and intent.
From the powerful magical aura and presence emanating from the mage, it was clear that this was the successor Odin had spoken of.
Suddenly, the elf looked up, his gaze meeting Heimdall's.
The elf mage offered a polite smile, nodding slightly before returning to his book.
Heimdall: ...
A bit awkward.
"Well, did you see anything?"
Seeing that Heimdall had withdrawn his gaze without a word, Odin couldn't help but ask.
"The successor is an elf mage, learned, wise, and kind. The Supreme Sorcerer has a worthy successor."
Odin: (O_O)
Impossible, absolutely impossible!
He knew the Ancient One's character well—finding such a reliable successor would be a miracle.
It must be an illusion!
At that moment, a thunderous sound shattered the air. A silver hammer flew at breakneck speed, bringing with it the golden retriever, Thor, and the dachshund, Loki, who was hanging from Thor's hand.
The hammer came to a steady stop. Thor, clad in his tight battle armor, his muscles bulging, held the hammer high as if afraid that no one would notice it. He then shouted to Odin.
"Father, why did you call Loki and me here? Is there another war to fight?"
He turned to Heimdall with a broad, foolish grin. "Oh, Heimdall, you're here too! It's so rare to see you away from the Bifrost!"
Heimdall: ...
After seeing the scholarly elf mage, the sight of Thor's hulking figure was almost unbearable!
Odin: "Thor, your performance on the battlefield..."
Before he could finish, Loki, who had been dragged along by Thor and endured the rough flight, clutched his mouth and ran out of the hall, followed by a series of heart-wrenching retches.
"Loki's constitution is too weak. Even Sif is stronger than him."
Thor shook his head, always concerned about his brother's frailty.
The Asgardians valued direct and brutal combat. While Loki's tricks were passable, his penchant for creating illusions to distract and then strike from behind was not well-regarded.
A moment later, Loki, his face dark, reentered the hall as if nothing had happened, bowing to Odin.
"Father, why did you call Thor and me here?"
Odin stroked his beard. "Tomorrow is Thor's victory banquet. I have invited the Supreme Sorcerer and his successor from Midgard to attend, so the banquet must be even more grand."
"And you, my two sons, must behave well and not disgrace Asgard in front of the guests."
"Don't worry, I will behave well!"
Thor seemed genuinely interested. The Supreme Sorcerer of Midgard was a mysterious figure, and he had never met him in person. This was a rare opportunity.
He remembered his father's assessment: "Regardless of his character, his power is formidable."
Thor loved strong warriors!
Loki, on the other hand, felt a chill run down his spine. As a mage, he had heard his mother Frigga speak of the Supreme Sorcerer, and he understood the weight of the title more than Thor. This was someone who could converse with Odin as an equal.
Inviting such a powerful figure to Thor's victory banquet was clearly the beginning of the succession process. It seemed Odin had decided to pass the throne to Thor.
While he had always known Thor was the obvious choice, and that everyone had long supported him as king, even though he had always maintained a casual demeanor, the reality of it still stung.
It was like discovering that his wife had started dressing up, going out early, running on the phone, and wearing a man's underwear that wasn't his. He had tried to convince himself of various explanations, but the truth was undeniable.
Pain, such intense pain!
Loki touched the small knife hidden at his waist, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light.
True friends should be willing to do anything for each other. He wouldn't just stab Thor in the ribs; he would take his kidneys to ensure he could never have children!
Odin sighed deeply, lamenting his misfortune. These children were such disappointments.
(End of Chapter)
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