"Being the strongest in a single universe is no joke."
Leon had no doubts about the terror Odin could unleash. Though the All-Father now resembled an aging lion, a lion remains a lion. If Odin chose to act, he could still support a war at the scale of a single universe.
Even in his current state, if Odin pushed himself, it wouldn't be impossible for him to engage in combat at that level. The problem lay in his body's inability to endure the energy he wielded. Odin's power was no longer something he could fully control—it grew uncontrollably day by day. After countless years, no one truly knew how much energy the old king now harbored.
And no one wanted to find out.
Within the Nine Realms, many powerful forces dreamt of rebelling against Asgard. Yet, as long as Odin remained alive and watchful, no one dared to rise. Those who did were simply insignificant threats, barely worth mentioning.
Even the Frost Giants, bold as they once were, had only dared to invade because Loki—a traitor from within—had confirmed that Odin had fallen into Odin's Sleep. Without such assurance, not even the Frost Giant King would have dared step foot in Asgard while the All-Father was awake.
Odin was like a ticking time bomb—one with immeasurable destructive power. No one wanted to risk lighting the fuse. Anyone reckless enough to provoke him would not only face annihilation but might even inadvertently give Odin another tale of conquest to add to his legacy.
But Odin's decline was inevitable, and with his downfall, Asgard's strength would wane as well. Too many enemies lurked in the shadows, coveting Asgard's treasures, and Leon couldn't deny that he, too, was envious of what Asgard had to offer.
First, there was the Odinson lineage—the inheritance of Odin's power itself.
Then came the runic magic system, the various treasures in Odin's vault, rare metals, and, most importantly, the dwarves. Leon greatly valued them. These master craftsmen, with their unparalleled heritage and skill, could forge god-level artifacts unlike anything else in the universe.
Artifacts like the eternal spear Gungnir, Thor's hammer Mjolnir, and the Destroyer armor were among their creations—treasures just waiting for someone like Leon to claim.
Leon had long set his sights on Asgard, and now Odin had presented him with the perfect opportunity. It wasn't one he intended to waste.
Recalling his unspoken agreement with Odin, Leon smiled to himself. Soon enough, the thousand-year-old "child" would descend to Earth for his trials.
And Asgard awaited.
As one of the most prominent powers in the universe, Asgard boasts countless grand, interconnected buildings spread across its vast continent. These structures are not only monumental in size but also masterpieces of artistic design. At the heart of Asgard lies the Immortal Palace, a structure so magnificent that it surpasses even the grandeur of the rest of the realm.
Inside the main hall of the palace, Asgardian guards stood solemnly at their posts, an unbroken line of vigilance. The hall was silent, save for the occasional faint rustle of armor, until the sound of footsteps broke the stillness. Odin's figure emerged, his old and weathered face betraying exhaustion despite his stoic demeanor.
Step by heavy step, he ascended the throne's dais. Once seated, he closed his single eye and appeared to fall into a deep, contemplative slumber.
Time seemed to pass unnoticed until soft, gentle footsteps echoed through the hall. A soothing female voice broke the silence, addressing him tenderly.
"How are you, Odin?"
A pair of delicate hands rested on his temples, rubbing them gently in a familiar gesture. Odin did not open his eyes, but his voice carried a heavy sigh.
"I went to see that child."
"You seem troubled."
Frigga, dressed in simple yet elegant garments, spoke softly. As Odin's wife, she knew him better than anyone. She had never seen him in this state—so uncertain, so conflicted.
"I am indeed troubled," Odin admitted, finally opening his eye. "You see, Frigga, the power of Odin tells me that this child is more important than anyone else."
Frigga's expression shifted to one of surprise.
The power of Odin was no ordinary force—it was the very essence of the Odinson lineage. A universal inheritance of unparalleled strength, wisdom, and insight. It had guided Odin, as well as his father and grandfather, to obtain knowledge and abilities far beyond mortal comprehension.
For this power to single out someone in such a manner was unprecedented.
No wonder Odin felt so conflicted.
After a moment of thought, Frigga said softly, "It seems the secrets surrounding him are far greater than we imagined. What do you think of him?"
"He is young, but his wisdom far surpasses his years. He has already seen through my intentions and understands much about the future. He knows more about me and Asgard than he should."
Frigga smiled faintly, her voice tinged with humor. "Ah, so he is a wizard."
As a descendant of witches herself, Frigga understood such individuals well. Wizards and witches are often blessed by the universe with extraordinary talents, deep knowledge, and even glimpses of the future.
Odin allowed a small smile to touch his lips, though it was tinged with regret. "It's a shame this child does not carry the blood of the Odinson family. Compared to him, Thor is still immature."
Despite his words, Odin did not doubt his son's potential.
But great power demands great character. Thor, unfortunately, is too impulsive, proud, and conceited. Though he possesses a mighty bloodline, he lacks the temperament to match it. For Asgard's future, a mature and wise king is needed—not an arrogant and reckless ruler.
Leon, on the other hand, is not even twenty years old, yet he displays a maturity and wisdom far beyond his years. He can engage with Odin as an equal, effortlessly seeing through his intentions and conversing naturally.
In this regard, Thor falls far short of Leon.
"He holds extraordinary significance in this universe," Frigga said softly. "It means that one day, he will become a vital and remarkable figure. I'm truly curious to see what he will be like when that time comes."
She paused before continuing, "But I also believe that Thor will eventually grow into his potential. I wonder if he and Thor might become friends."
"He reminds me of myself," Odin admitted without hesitation. "But unlike me, he seems to have an even clearer understanding of the nature of the universe."