5

Chapter 5: The Aftermath

Asgard's grand ceremony continued amidst the intrusion of the Frost Giants, stirring chaos within the realm. Odin, seated resolutely on the throne, commanded attention with his imposing presence. His eyes swept over the crowd, instilling a solemn reverence among the assembled Asgardians, including the vigilant gold-armored soldiers stationed throughout the temple.

Today marked the pivotal moment when Odin would pass the mantle of kingship to his eldest son, Thor—the valiant warrior whose exploits had earned him the admiration of his people and the right to rule.

As Thor appeared, a hammer soared above the throne, swiftly caught by his hand as he landed gracefully amidst the honor guard. With an exuberant air, he scanned the hall, acknowledging the cheers and flashing a playful flying kiss to Frigga, his queen mother. His comrades beamed with pride at his exuberance, yet Loki observed with a calculating gaze, occasional hints of mischief flickering in his eyes.

Victor, standing stoically behind Loki, exchanged a knowing glance with him.

[Brother, your heart remains an enigma to me.]

[Fear not, you still possess an Imperial Experience Card yet unused.]

"Ahem..." Odin cleared his throat, overhearing their exchange, suppressing a smile.

Was this the demeanor befitting an emperor?

Perhaps Victor's earlier skepticism about Thor's readiness for kingship held some truth.

Regret momentarily crossed Odin's mind. Had Thor truly matured enough for the throne?

Observing Thor's giddy behavior, Odin held back a reprimand. Instead, he watched as Thor approached the throne, removing his helmet and setting down his hammer. With solemnity, Thor knelt before Odin, a gesture marking the culmination of his lifelong aspiration—to earn his father's approval and ascend as the god-king of Asgard.

In response, Odin rose, wielding his scepter to strike the ground, its resonance commanding the hall's attention.

"Today, my son Thor shall ascend to the throne of Asgard," Odin proclaimed with gravitas, commencing the ceremonial rites. "He shall inherit the stewardship of the nine realms I have ruled for millennia."

[Strange. Why haven't the Frost Giants moved yet? Could my memory deceive me?]

[No, Thor truly isn't ready for kingship now.]

[If Thor ascends, I fear I'll forever be under my father's thumb.]

Odin, on the throne, heard these murmurs, his expression tightening.

Was his son's reticence to inherit truly legendary filial piety?

Or merely youthful ambivalence?

No matter. Odin resolved to intensify Thor's tutelage—a necessary step in preparing him for the arduous responsibility of kingship.

"Thor, do you swear to defend the nine realms?" Odin's voice cut through the hall, firm and resolute.

"I swear!" Thor's response echoed unwaveringly.

Odin locked eyes with Thor, his gaze penetrating. "Do you swear to uphold peace?"

"I swear!" Thor affirmed, his voice unwavering.

"Will you forsake all self-interest and distractions, dedicating your life in service to the nine realms?" Odin's words carried weight, imbued with the weight of centuries of rule.

Thor raised his hammer, meeting Odin's gaze unwaveringly. "I swear."

"Then by my decree as Odin, All-Father," Odin began solemnly, poised to finalize the proclamation...

Yet before he could finish, Odin's countenance shifted, his eyes narrowing with alarm.

"The Frost Giants approach!" Odin's voice thundered across the hall, his gaze fixated on the entrance to the treasure vault.

As Victor had foreseen—the Frost Giants had indeed invaded Asgard.

Fate, it seemed, had other plans.

"Father?" Thor's panic was palpable, the ceremony abruptly halted yet irrevocable.

Odin, undeterred, struck the ground with his scepter, commanding the Destroyer through his divine will.

Victor breathed a sigh of relief at the unfolding events.

[Brother, do not despair. For now, your ascension seems not to be the fated path. It may be best for our father to reign a while longer.]

"Thor, Loki, Victor—follow me!" Odin's voice held an icy resolve as he descended from the throne, striding purposefully towards the inner sanctum of the temple.

Thor rose swiftly, his expression etched with determination.

Damn the Frost Giants—they would pay in blood!

...

Within the confines of the treasure vault, evidence of the Frost Giants' incursion lay scattered amidst the riches.

"Curse these Frost Giants—they shall pay dearly for this!" Thor seethed with righteous fury.

"No need. The Destroyer has already dealt them a harsh lesson," Odin intoned solemnly, his voice resounding with authority.

"And now?" Thor interjected, concern etched on his face. "Father, they've breached our vault. What if something's been stolen?"

Before Thor could finish, Odin interjected firmly, "I've struck a truce with King Laufey of Jotunheim. Let this matter pass."

With that declaration, Odin departed, leaving his three sons behind.

Thor stood, contemplating the implications of the day's events.

Had his impulsive nature jeopardized his kingship?

Would the realm endure his rule?

As Thor pondered his future, Odin pondered the implications of Thor's imminent ascension to the throne.