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Chapter 3: Asgardian Ashram

"Victor, Thor is here to teach you martial arts," Odin announced, pulling Thor forward.

He knew Victor had lost his divine power and his combat skills had plummeted. Since Victor showed no interest in cultivating divine power, teaching him basic self-defense seemed prudent.

"Yes, Father," Victor acquiesced reluctantly.

[Ugh, do I really need Thor to teach me martial arts?]

[I could master this in minutes, you know?!]

[Thor has too much idle time, and Loki carries so many responsibilities!]

"This is almost like Thor 1 storyline. Shouldn't you be off doing things?" Victor thought sarcastically.

"Victor, don't worry. Big brother here, God of War of the Nine Realms, promises to teach you," Thor reassured, patting Victor on the shoulder with confidence.

"For millennia, I've fought battles across all realms. I'll make sure you can defend yourself," Thor added proudly.

"Ahem, ahem, Victor, be diligent. I'll leave you to your training," Odin interjected, casting a suspicious glance at Victor before quietly withdrawing to observe from a nearby shadow.

"Strange, Victor, you give me an odd feeling, like you've glimpsed the future," Odin pondered as he listened in on Victor's thoughts.

Victor's musings seemed oddly prophetic, reminiscent of visions Odin occasionally glimpsed through his divine power—a vague sense of things to come, unlike the precise visions seen with the Time Stone.

"I hope I'm overthinking this," Odin muttered to himself, trying to dismiss his suspicions.

In truth, if Victor could truly glimpse the future, it might benefit Asgard immensely. After all, who wouldn't want a seer in their midst?

"But Victor needs a structured cultivation plan," Odin resolved quietly. "Thor, perhaps divine power isn't the only thing you two should discuss."

...

Victor brushed grass off himself nonchalantly. "Okay, let's see what you've got, big brother."

Thor set aside Mjolnir and removed his cape, preparing for the lesson.

Before Thor could even speak, Victor launched a sudden punch.

"Hey, where's the warrior spirit in a sneak attack?" Thor exclaimed, blocking Victor's unorthodox strike.

But Victor's unpredictable moves caught Thor off guard, tripping him with a swift leg sweep.

"Brother, your skills as God of War of the Nine Realms seem a bit rusty," Victor teased with a smirk.

Thor's combat prowess was formidable, yet Victor's untrained technique seemed to counter Asgard's structured fighting style effortlessly.

"Again!" Thor demanded, bewildered by Victor's unconventional martial arts.

Victor grabbed Thor's left arm and twisted it back, delivering a knee to Thor's gut.

"Oof!" Thor grunted, surprised by the sudden pain. He stared at Victor in disbelief.

Strange, Victor lacked divine power and physical prowess. How had he caused such pain?

"Cough...," Thor attempted to recover, launching a counterattack that Victor deftly dodged before landing three quick punches.

"Are you alright, Thor?" Victor asked, genuinely concerned as Thor stumbled dazedly.

"No way! Am I being beaten silly? No, I am the future ruler of Asgard! Can't let myself get beaten like this!" Thor inwardly rebuked himself, gathering his composure.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. I was holding back so I wouldn't hurt you," Thor feigned, trying to save face. "Where did you learn those moves? They were quite effective."

"I picked them up a while back. Seems they work well against Asgardian techniques," Victor replied nonchalantly, feigning recollection.

"Your technique seems tailor-made to counter Asgardian combat styles," Thor mused, intrigued.

"Thank you, big brother," Victor nodded appreciatively. "I think I've had enough training for now."

Without another word, Victor swiftly departed for the temple, his inner thoughts echoing in Odin's ears as he passed.

[I've endured enough torture this morning. Finally, freedom!]

[Damn, if Odin had been any smarter, he'd have seen through my act!]

[Maybe I should cause some chaos on Earth. It's getting too mundane here!]

Odin's expression darkened as he overheard Victor's candid thoughts.

What did he mean?

Was Asgard so unbearable?

Victor was considering leaving for another planet just to loaf around!

And today's display only confirmed Victor wasn't lacking in talent or suffering from any serious malady—just sheer laziness.

As a father and a king, Odin felt compelled to intervene before Victor's indolence caused irreparable harm.

He couldn't stand by and watch his son descend further into decadence.