10-D

This is also the fundamental reason why, besides Odin, no one else can fully wield the power of the Gungnir.

Now that the facts are established, even if Odin wants to go back on his word, it's too late.

Odin looked at Zane, who was continuously exploring the mysteries of the World Tree, with some irritation and said, "You brat, I don't even know if such a divine thing as the World Tree exists in this world!"

"The piece you hold is the only remaining branch of the World Tree in the world. Originally, I intended to leave it to Thor."

"But since you have a connection with it now, let it be!"

Odin's expression of heartache was so intense that Zane couldn't help but feel like he might have been a bit too harsh.

But Zane just smiled awkwardly at Odin's discomfort, though his grip on the branch tightened even more.

There was no intention at all to return this unique divine object to Odin.

Zane expressed that once something enters his mouth, there's no way it's going back, not in this lifetime!

Actually, it's similar to the nickname Tony Stark gave Zane. Sometimes, Zane does resemble a penny-pinching miser.

This is deeply ingrained in Zane's soul from his past life as an orphan, and it's something that can't be changed.

'If you don't believe me, bite me!'

Seeing Zane's protective stance over the branch, Odin didn't say anything further. He just rolled his eyes at Zane fiercely and continued to explain:

"The knowledge passed down from our ancestors in Asgard states that the universe wasn't initially the four-dimensional universe it is now. It was a ten-dimensional realm."

"In the ten-dimensional space, everyone was a God, everyone was a King."

"But for some reason, as time passed, the dimensions began to decline, until it became the four-dimensional universe we know today."

"You mean?" Zane's expression turned astonished upon hearing this history that overturned his understanding.

"That's right, this universe is slowly dying, and the process of decline is irreversible."

"One day, this four-dimensional universe will decline to three dimensions, two dimensions, and finally, it will vanish completely into a single line, a single point."

"As for what comes after, whether it's a reboot or complete death, I cannot say."

Seeing Zane's expression grow heavier as he absorbed this information, Odin's face revealed a wicked grin as he continued, "You're worrying too much, brat. Even if the four dimensions decline to three, it will take billions or even trillions of years."

"Not to mention if you'll live that long. By the time you're of some age, you'll probably be wishing for death, just like I am now."

After hearing Odin's words, Zane eased the weight in his heart.

But he still kept this big secret in mind. He was lucky to know this truth.

Presumably, only a few civilizations in this vast universe are aware of this matter.

"Our civilization in Asgard is only a few hundred thousand years old in your imagination, right?" Odin asked.

Zane nodded, indicating that's what he thought too.

"But in reality, the existence of Asgard far exceeds everyone's cognition. We are remnants of the sixth-dimensional space!"

"And this remaining branch of the World Tree was brought back by my ancestors' ancestors' ancestors from the sixth-dimensional space."

At this moment, Odin's tone became extremely solemn, as if he himself had transformed into a living history book.

He was revealing to Zane the ultimate secret of this world!

(AN: Haha, I've been wanting to write this setting since the beginning of the book, but it felt too absurd in the early stages without immersion. It's just right to write it out when the protagonist steps into the threshold of the universe. This also counts as the biggest foreshadowing in the book, hinting at the protagonist's future path.)

After hearing Odin's words, Zane felt even more that the branch of the World Tree in his hand was precious.

It was probably rarer than the Infinity Stones; this thing was truly one of a kind, and he still had six Infinity Stones!

But Zane also thought of a crucial question.

"Old man, can we return to that ten-dimensional universe?"

Without hesitation, Odin shook his head.

"No, the ancestors of Asgard once tried to return from the fifth-dimensional universe to the sixth, but it was impossible because the sixth-dimensional universe had completely disappeared."

"Similarly, our current four-dimensional universe cannot return to fifth dimension!"

"But, we can ascend dimensions ourselves. There are many ways for this universe to become stronger, but they all point in one direction."

"Whether it's through technological transformation, genetic enhancement, or deification through faith, it's all about elevating one's own dimension!"

"Like me, I've entered the fifth dimension by relying on the power of the Gungnir, and now you've already stepped into the threshold of the fifth dimension."

"Thor and Loki are no different from ordinary people on Midgard; they're all just four-dimensional beings!"

After listening to this explanation, Zane finally had a clear understanding of his own power level.

In simple terms, beings of different dimensions have different strengths and weaknesses, just like the God of Thunder and an ordinary person.

But once you transcend this dimension, you'll undergo a qualitative transformation!

For example, even though Zane obtained the [Eternal Arms Mastery] to compensate for his last weakness, his intuition told him that he still wasn't a match for Odin; that's the inherent gap between beings at the divine level.

"Alright, old people like to ramble when they get old. All this information doesn't really matter. Let me tell you about the power of this World Tree branch." Odin smiled and shook his head.

Zane didn't inquire further, but Odin's earlier words had been deeply engraved in his mind. He would address them when he had the capability.

Odin was right; as shocking as this information sounded, it was ultimately useless upon further consideration.

"Okay, I also want to know what use this creation of the six-dimensional universe has that makes you, the King of Gods, so nervous~" Zane chuckled.

Odin was annoyed at Zane's mention of his sore spot but eventually began to explain the immense power of the World Tree branch.

After all, if you want to give someone a favor, you have to let them know how precious that favor is for them to appreciate it, right?

"Weapons made from the World Tree branch have three functions!"

"The first is indestructibility. Once the weapon is formed, it's nearly indestructible; not even the power of time leaves a mark on it."

"The second is loyalty. Once infused with power from the World Tree branch, the forged weapon can only unleash its full power in the hands of its master."

"And the third, which is the most precious, is unlimited growth. Weapons made from the World Tree branch are alive; they can grow alongside their master's progress, with no upper limit!"

After hearing Odin's explanation, Zane looked at the wooden stick in his hand with disbelief, thinking one thing:

I hit the jackpot! This time, I really hit the jackpot!

At the same time, seeing the only fragile little sapling on the World Tree branch, a crazy idea sparked in Zane's mind.

"Old man, can the World Tree be nurtured? I see there's still life in this branch!"

Saying this, Zane touched the tender shoot with his hand, his eyes emitting a dazzling light.

Even a nearly withered branch of the World Tree had such great effects. One could imagine that if the World Tree were fully grown, it would be like reaching the heavens in a single step!

"You're dreaming too big, kid. The World Tree is a relic of the sixth dimension or even higher dimensions. It's not something the power of our four-dimensional universe can nurture."

*************************************

You can get access to early chapters on patr*on

If you like my work and you want to support me then you can become my patron on patre*n.

My patr*on account is Lord_Immortal_0170

Or you feel like tipping me for my hardwork you can do so on Ko*fi

ko-fi.com/lord_immortal_0170