"You failed?" Odin asked, his surprise clear by his tone. He did not expect that his son would actually fail in a task he had given him. This had never happened before—and considering that he had given his son thousands of tasks, this was saying something.
"Indeed... but the Soul Stone is indeed there. I can give you the exact location," I replied, sighing a bit, trying to sound as distracted as I could.
"You mean to say that you found the Soul Stone, and already know its location, yet you could not retrieve it? Was it guarded by some guardian even beyond your strength?" Odin asked with caution. After all, his son was many things, but weak was not one of them. He was certain that Magnar had achieved strength close to his own level—it was the only reason he had to be wary of his own son...
He was far too talented, far too strong.
"Strength? No... it's not strength. Going there, I realized—the reason no one has managed to obtain the Soul Stone is not that it is well hidden, but that not everyone has the conviction to attain the stone...Anyways, it would be best if you went there yourself. Only that way can you truly understand the situation," I replied with an earnest face.
"Is it? Lack of conviction... I expected better from you... my heir... this is a sign of weakness... of cowardice," Odin replied, disappointment lacing his voice. But his mind was going into overdrive—after all, he knew his own son. He would not hesitate even for a second before slaughtering an entire planet. He was not weak-hearted.
"This price was too great for me to bear. I suggest we end this talk here, and you go to the planet of Vormir yourself. Only then can you understand the truth. And only then, can we attain the Soul Stone—one of our greatest weapons in the conquest of the universe," I answered, sounding agitated, trying to convince Odin to quickly go to Vormir.After all, there were further plans which needed completion.
"I would take my pardon, Father. Let's go, Freyja."I stood up, bid my farewell, and held hands with Freyja, walking back toward our room.Both death quiet on our way—until death herself came and decided to make some noise.
"So you failed, brother? Unexpected indeed... Now I am curious as to what could lead to your defeat.Although you are a weak trash, you are still the third strongest in Asgard after me and Father," a smug Hela said, trying to mock me. But I could see within her façade—she really did want to go there, but to seek revenge for me...
This sweet little sis of mine... at least, I would be more at ease when I decide to betray Father for you later.
I simply smiled at her antics and delivered a powerful flick to her forehead.
"Just be quiet now, Hela... I really am not in the mood to talk. And no, I did not lose a battle. You can't take revenge against anyone.And even if I did lose—do you think you can fight against someone who can defeat me?" I said, now patting her head.She was a full head shorter than me, so this really did look like coaxing a child.
"Humph. What do you mean by seeking revenge for you? And of course, I am much stronger than you are, so it's only natural that I can defeat someone who has defeated you!"The ever-haughty Hela spoke again, acting like an anime character instead.
"Alright, alright, you are stronger. Now can we talk later? I wish to be alone with Freyja for some time now."I replied, and without waiting for her answer, teleported along with Freyja.
Within the room, as soon as we appeared, I ordered all the servants to empty the quarters and closed off all doors and windows.
I then grabbed Freyja within my arms and gave her a firm hug... a much-needed one.Even though I already knew about it, hearing the guardian—who was not the Red Skull, someone else I don't know—speak about sacrificing Freyja ignited my emotions.Of course, I would never dream of sacrificing Freyja. She's the closest bond I have ever shared with anyone... my soulmate...
I planted kisses on her head while she grasped me with all her strength.I could feel her tears—and it ached me a bit...Alright, it hurt me a lot. I tend to be overpossessive and overprotective, and I just can't see her being hurt...
"Why are you crying though...?"Alright, it was a stupid question to ask. But trust me, even being the God of Wisdom, I couldn't understand.
"I... I don't know... wahhhh!"And she continued crying even louder... what the fuck...
"Ummm, you know, I can't even dream of living without you. I would rather kill myself than sacrifice you... you know that, right?" I sighed.
She looked up at me, her eyes red, tearlines over her cheeks."No, you can't kill yourself. If you do, I would also die with you."
I laughed at her statement.It wasn't some mocking kind of laugh—just one which comes from your heart.I pulled her closer and sealed her lips with mine, exploring her mouth for a long time before we finally separated.
"Alright, this talk is already over. I feel like sleeping now. Can we cuddle while sleeping?" I asked with a smile.
"Okkayyy!"And she was already beaming, and she jumped at me, intending for me to carry her.I chuckled while catching her as she latched onto me like a koala.
And soon, days passed.
During this time, Odin finally couldn't restrain himself and went to Vormir—alone.Hearing this news, I started preparing myself. The time is near. I had prepared myself for long about this time.Asgard's days of conquest under Odin's rule were now over.
And yes—when Odin finally returned, he was stark pale and looked as if he had aged thousands of years (Asgardian lifespan).He simply returned and sat on his throne, speaking to no one.During this time, no one except Frigga was allowed to approach him. Not even me or Hela.
Then, a few days later, suddenly, a large court was ordered to be organized by Father. Most of Asgard's populace attended the event.
And what my father announced was beyond everyone's imagination:
"From today onwards, Asgard will cease all conquests.Every planet conquered outside of the Nine Realms is to be left on their own, declared independent.Asgard will follow a policy of non-violence and will advocate peace."
The Aesirs were gods of war. They were natural warriors.So of course, most were dissatisfied with this decision. But the strength of the All-Father made them dare not speak out.
But there was someone who spoke what was on their minds:
"What the hell are you spouting?! Have you gone senile, Father?!"