Strange laws, an unfamiliar environment, and even a stranger self—all of these things were telling Zeus that he had fallen into a unique state.
He was pulled into a train of thought, reliving the most profound experiences of the owner's memory. Now, having lost physical form, he existed as pure consciousness attached to the body of the owner of these thoughts, and anything that was foreign to him could not be brought along.
As his consciousness observed the surroundings, Zeus watched as 'himself' moved perpetually forward. Unsurprisingly, the danger he had vaguely sensed before was probably here; his spirit was functioning at an unprecedented speed.
He tried to break free from his current state but undoubtedly failed, for the force maintaining this residual thought seemed to stem not from its original owner alone but from a higher source as well.
Normally, a powerful deity like Zeus wouldn't easily fall into someone else's residual thought. Even if they had touched upon a great existence, since they were 'dead' in a certain sense, it wouldn't be possible for mere remnants of thoughts to force him into them without resistance. However, things were different here.
Although Zeus was still unclear about the name and origins of this place, the Divine Authority that originated from the present world still allowed him to keenly sense the disconnect between this place and Chaos, and it wasn't the kind of difference that existed between the present world, the Abyss, and the Spirit Realm. It was a much larger separation.
The transformation of the Nine Realms was still ongoing. Even though Chaos had shattered the barrier of the world's force, Its 'digestion' was not proceeding rapidly. So within this fragmented realm, a small amount of force from another world lingered.
Now, through the residual thought and Zeus as a medium, the force of Chaos collided with the remnant force of the Nine Realms. World-level power recreated the past, giving this segment of memory a strength so real it felt tangible. Still, hidden within this fragment of the past lurked an unprecedented unknown threat to Zeus.
Regardless of the outcome, Asgard was destined to become the first realm among the Nine Realms to be entirely consumed by this change, but Zeus was different. As 'himself' continued forward, the intangible warnings Zeus received grew more intense. Intuition told him that danger lay ahead, and now he could no longer escape it.
Concerning this, Zeus had already begun to form some speculations. The deities of Chaos were deathless, but whether that held true in the face of the world itself was something no one knew for sure.
The sound of flowing water, once distant, grew closer and closer. Judging by the sound, it appeared to be a spring lake. As 'Zeus' approached, the trees around began to thin out as well.
This was the Misty Forest, surrounding the Spring of Wisdom. The magically imbued trees obscured the vision of those who approached. At one moment, when the last tree obstructing the path was passed, Zeus' consciousness finally followed the sight of the body and saw the entire scene.
A small lake lay before him, with its clear currents churning continually. In its center, a spring gushed forth pure water. The light above bathed the area, causing a pale golden mist to rise and float into the sky. And above the spring, there dangled a root from high above.
The rising mist was drawn to it, continuously nourishing the divine tree that penetrated the Nine Realms, giving it vitality and strength. Watching all this unfold, an idea materialized out of nowhere, and Zeus knew instantly why 'he' had come here.
His name was Odin, and like Zeus, they were both newly established leaders of the Divine Court, kings of the deities. They both faced the same dilemma—lacking a profound foundation and an invincible power, their kingship was constantly under threat.
And so, 'Odin' had come here, to the land governed by the great enemies of the Deity Race, the Titans. He sought the help of the Spring of Wisdom, looking for revelations that the world would grant to a Divine King. Although the spring was in front of him, he still had one more hurdle to overcome.
Under the reflection of Yggdrasil's roots, a vague and immense figure lurked. Focusing his gaze, Zeus clearly saw Mimir, who sat gravely beside the Spring of Wisdom.
At the same time, Mimir also noticed 'Odin's arrival.
"Outsider, do you too covet the wisdom bestowed by the heavens?"
Mimir's booming voice echoed, clearly recognizing the identity of 'Odin' at the moment, yet the Titan's tone seemed indifferent. Mimir, the young Titan of Wisdom who guarded the Spring of Wisdom, showed no respect even in the face of a king of the Nine Realms.
For this was Jotunheim, the realm of the Titans. Even a Divine King using force to achieve his goals would not be able to leave unscathed here.
"Yes, respected guardian. I have heard of the great renown of the Spring of Wisdom and have come precisely for that reason,"
"I wish to partake in a cup of its waters, to gain enlightenment from wisdom. If you fulfill my wish, I, in the name of a Divine King, promise to give you a fitting recompense."
In 'Odin's mind, Zeus heard 'himself' speaking thus. However, the Titan opposite was not conceding to the king's request. He just looked at 'Odin,' smiling casually.
"Outsider, no matter your identity, your lofty status, or what powers you possess, here, you must follow my rules. Because, without the guardian's consent, the water will not be effective for you."