sbdcsierra Chapter 2005: The Blessings of the "Lord of Asgard," the Realm of "The Only One in Al
Chapter 2005: The Blessings of the "Lord of Asgard," the Realm of "The Only One in Al
Chapter 2005: The Blessings of the "Lord of Asgard," the Realm of "Unique Among All Realms"
Loki was unaware, or rather, no one could have predicted, that the ripples caused by the primal ascension Asgard was undergoing, stemming from the chat group rewards, would not be confined to the realm of the gods he inhabited.
Because Tony and Loki chose to merge their respective Marvel universes, their current Marvel universes are like two sides of the same coin, sharing everything about each other.
When Asgard, where Loki resides, was refined, strengthened, and sublimated by the power of the chat group, emitting a joyful "wave," this wave subtly penetrated the delicate barrier between the two universes, stirring an "echo" in Asgard on the other side.
Another Marvel Universe, Asgard, the Chamber of Odin's Sleep.
The aged Allfather had just awoke from a brief and strange slumber.
He dreamt of Loki, sitting on the golden throne, the new King of Asgard, wielding the spear of eternity; the dream unsettled him, and he pondered for a long time the possibilities of fate and choice.
Exhaustion washed over him again, and he had just closed his eyes again.
But just as his consciousness was about to sink into a deeper sleep, an indescribable feeling seized him.
It is not a sound, nor a sight, but an enhancement of "presence," a stabilization of "foundation," and a burst of "vitality."
It was as if the ancient golden palace beneath him, which had witnessed countless years, and the land he stood on, which bore the glory of the Aesir gods, suddenly erupted in a grand "cheer".
Odin suddenly opened his single eye, his eyes now devoid of any sleepiness, filled only with shock and deep confusion.
He sensed that the "land" of Asgard seemed to have become more "substantial" and "fertile," with a noticeable improvement in the vitality it contained and the stability of its connection to the World Tree.
The elements floating in the air seemed to become more "pure" and "active," and with each breath, even his aging body felt a long-lost sense of comfort.
What alarmed him even more was that he felt the bloodline of the King of the Aesir within him was faintly heating up, as if it were being touched and nourished by some power of the same origin but even more "powerful".
Even his divine power, which had become somewhat sluggish due to old age and old injuries, seemed to flow more smoothly.
"This is."
Odin propped himself up, golden light shimmering in his single eye, as he attempted to use his vast divine power and wisdom to investigate the root of this change.
His perception was like an invisible tide, instantly covering the entire Asgard, penetrating the earth, reaching the sky, and touching every corner.
He “saw” that several ancient golden apple trees in the Golden Palace Garden, which were already nearing the end of their lifespan, were sprouting tender buds that were almost full of vitality.
He "heard" that the "pulse" of certain rare mineral veins deep underground seemed to have become stronger;
He even "senses" that the Asgardians who are sleeping, on duty, or training seem to be breathing more steadily, their spirits more vibrant, and the power hidden in their blood more "active."
All of this points to one conclusion.
The very essence of Asgard was strengthened to some extent without anyone noticing or acting upon it!
But how is that possible?
Asgard's origin is connected to the World Tree, which is incredibly stable yet ancient and heavy; any change to it involves the rules of the universe.
Who is it? What power is it that can strengthen the entire divine realm so silently and comprehensively?
Odin's brow furrowed, and his single eye gleamed with doubt and deep thought.
He tried to trace the source of this change, but only felt a blurry "pulling" as if through a thick layer of frosted glass.
The feeling was distant and unfamiliar, yet it carried an indescribable, blood-related sense of familiarity, as if it came from another Asgard, another "self"?
He recalled the vague dream he had just had about Loki.
Is it
No, that's absurd, that's beyond reason.
He was aware of the existence of parallel universes, but such a direct and fundamental mutual influence could not be achieved by parallel universes alone.
Unless the two worlds merge, but then the changes will be far more than just these few.
Odin fell into a long silence, a bewildered expression involuntarily appearing on his face.
The changes he sensed were real; Asgard was indeed becoming stronger, which should have been a cause for celebration.
But this change came so suddenly that even the Allfather, who had held power over Asgard for countless years and believed himself to know many of the mysteries of the Nine Realms, felt a sense of unease about the unknown.
"What exactly happened between the various realms?"
Odin muttered to himself, but no one could give him an answer.
But just as he felt his aging body being greatly nourished by this sudden, gentle, and nourishing power of the divine realm, and the heavy pressure of the "Odin's Sleep" that he had to fall into periodically due to old age and overexertion seemed to be greatly relieved.
The Asgardian power that should have been constantly supporting him suddenly began to diminish—or, more accurately, it shifted away.
It was as if a higher will, or some kind of "instinct" or "new rule" of this enhanced divine realm itself, forcibly altered the course of events just as Odin was about to connect with it more deeply and enjoy the blessings it brought as the "Lord of Asgard".
Like a river that should have irrigated the entire land equally, but suddenly a higher master was established at its source, so most of the most original water flow naturally and preferentially converges towards that new master.
All that's left for the downstream areas are tributaries that maintain basic vitality but are no longer abundant.
Ok?
A question mark appeared in Odin's mind.
No, what about the blessing of Asgard? What about the blessing of him as the lord of Asgard?
Although it's still there, why has it suddenly decreased so much?
You must know that he is Odin, the Allfather, the undisputed King of Asgard, and the guardian and ruler of the Nine Realms!
He has held power over Asgard for thousands of years, and his bloodline, his divine power, and his will have long been deeply integrated with this land.
He is the symbol of the power of Asgard, and Asgard is an extension of his power and authority.
In a sense, Odin and Asgard are intertwined and inseparable.
Otherwise, his eldest daughter Hela, who inherited his bloodline and power and was deeply bound to Asgard, would not have been able to receive such a terrifying blessing in Asgard itself.
But at this moment, as the "Lord of Asgard," he felt the blessing from Asgard diminishing!
Although it hasn't completely disappeared, the feeling of being "diverted" and "lowered in priority" is still very clear.
This is absolutely not normal!
External enemies? But external enemies will only damage and weaken Asgard, rather than strengthening Asgard while weakening the connection between the God-King and Asgard.
It felt as if Asgard had "voluntarily" reduced the share of power given to him.
It's as if, in Asgard's "cognition," a "person" appeared above him, or at least one that was "more compatible" with his essence, causing the origin of the realm to instinctively respond to and nourish that being.
The feedback he originally received from his "former master" was reduced to a level of "maintaining basic contact".
But who in this world can "surpass" Asgard, the orthodox god-king, in their connection with Asgard, and share or even "dominate" the flow of Asgard's primordial power?
Odin suddenly remembered the dream, and the image of Loki sitting on the throne.
But that's Loki from another universe. Even if he gained some kind of powerful ability, how could he possibly directly affect Asgard in this universe?
Or has the World Tree itself undergone some unknown mutation?
Before Odin could even think about it, the intense need for "Odin's Sleep," which had been slightly dispelled, surged back like a backlash, with even greater force.
Exhaustion, a deep weariness stemming from the very essence of life and the burden that maintaining such a powerful existence places on the universe, gripped him once more.
His eyelids grew heavier and heavier, and the light in his single eye dimmed.
"What exactly is this?"
Ultimately, even Odin's vast divine power could not suppress the forced slumber brought about by the laws of life and the ancient covenant.
Filled with astonishment, confusion, and a hint of unspeakable unease, he was once again dragged into the "Odin's Sleep," the very space that sustained his life and power, yet also symbolized decay and the relentless passage of time.
This time, however, his slumber was destined to be anything but peaceful.
The inexplicable strengthening of Asgard's essence, and the "abnormal" weakening of his divine power after the strengthening, will surely stir up unpredictable ripples in his long and profound dream.
Meanwhile, in Loki's universe, in the throne room of the Golden Palace, Loki, who had just completed his transformation, tilted his head slightly as if sensing something, a hint of doubt flashing in his emerald eyes.
Just a moment ago, he seemed to feel his connection with Asgard ripple for a very brief time.
Is it just my imagination?
Or is it because he has just gained great power and his senses are too sharp?
Loki frowned slightly, his enhanced senses carefully scanning the connection between himself and the divine realm beneath his feet.
But that strange feeling of "ripples" had vanished without a trace, as if it had never existed.
"No, it's not an illusion."
Loki seemed to remember something, a look of understanding and amusement flashing in his eyes.
His emerald eyes narrowed slightly, as if piercing through the magnificent dome of the golden palace and projecting into a direction beyond the ordinary dimension.
His universe and Tony Stark's universe have been merged together by the power of the chat group.
The two similar Marvel universes are like two mirrors facing each other, reflecting each other and forming one.
In other words, at this very moment, in another part of this vast universe, there exists another Asgard, another golden palace, another continent of immortals, and another "Father of the Gods," Odin.
He could almost picture the scene: Odin, aged and weary, forced to periodically fall into long slumbers to maintain the balance of the Nine Realms and his own existence, still sitting regally on his throne.
"Oh."
Loki let out a soft, ambiguous laugh.
"He's probably being dragged into an endless dream by Odin's Sleep right now."
"What a nostalgic scene."
His tone made it impossible to discern whether it was regret or some other complex emotion.
So, what about the "self" of that universe?
Where did the crossroads of fate lead Loki Laufeson?
Is he still clinging to the throne, playing a doomed conspiracy? Or, like him, did he experience loss, pain, and reflection, and ultimately, amidst the ruins and bloodshed, grasped a different possibility and embarked on a different path?
"They probably aren't doing too well either."
Loki shook his head.
He understands "himself," that deep-seated insecurity, the yearning for recognition, the confusion about his identity, and the vulnerability and loneliness hidden beneath the tricks and lies, which even he himself is unwilling to admit.
Such a "Loki" would probably find it difficult to achieve true peace and satisfaction in any timeline unless some fundamental change occurs.
A thought, like a faint blue spark blooming in the darkness, quietly ignited in his heart.
Now that the two universes have merged, perhaps he can go and meet his other self.
If the paths of all the heavens and myriad realms ultimately point to some kind of "uniqueness," a supreme realm that transcends parallelism and converges divergences...
So, what will happen to "Loki" who exists in different universes, and "Asgard" who exists in different universes?
Do they blend together?
Loki savored the word.
If one day, I need to merge with another "self," another "Asgard," in order to climb to a higher level and reach the true "oneness."
Will he resist?
What choice will the other "him" make?
The answer cannot be determined.
Because it is obvious that it is not merely a simple addition of power, but a fusion and sublimation of memories, experiences, personality, and even the essence of existence.
No one knows what kind of being will be born.
Is it a more complete "Loki" who retains all the traits and wisdom of both? Or is it some entirely new "god" beyond imagination?
Loki shook his head, suppressing these thoughts for the time being.
Right now, consolidating its own strength and redefining the development path for the newly reborn Asgard are the most urgent tasks.
"However, the answer to that question will eventually be known."
He turned and looked at the brilliant starry sky of Asgard, the smile on his lips deepening.
The real world.
The elevation of "world will" is not something that can be achieved overnight.
Like the growth of plants, it needs sunshine and rain, and it needs time to accumulate.
Bai Xuan is the most incredible "sunshine" and "nourishment" that this world has received.
Each time a time traveler undertakes a mission, they bring back more than just the mission rewards themselves.
The power of "concepts," "knowledge," "information," and even "world will" originating from different worlds, systems, and even different dimensional rules is constantly integrated into the world in which Bai Xuan [Son of the Heavens] resides after being absorbed and digested.
Like the purest "resources," it nourishes the world's inherent "foundation" and "potential."