17

After Odin learned how to repair the Rainbow Bridge, he hurried back to the temple.

Repairing the Rainbow Bridge was of utmost importance, and there could be no delay.

He strode into the treasure house, where torches slowly illuminated the dark corridor.

The faint light revealed the ether particles deep within—a swirling, cloudy mass of energy.

Odin recognized it as the Reality Gem he had sought in his youth.

He had seen the Reality Gem before, hidden away after being manipulated by Pol.

But now, it was within his grasp once more.

As a god king, Odin understood the catastrophic potential of the Infinity Stones.

Countless beings across the universe coveted them—fanatical warlords, treasure collectors, intergalactic thieves—all driven by the limitless power the gems possessed.

"Come to me."

Odin reached towards the mass of ether particles, feeling a resisting force.

But with his immense divine power, he broke through.

Within the swirling energy, he seized a crystal-clear red gem—the Reality Gem.

Trembling, Odin clutched it tightly and swiftly exited the treasury.

---

On the Rainbow Bridge, Heldam stood with the Guardian Sword, gazing out over the sea beyond the shattered structure.

As dusk settled, he couldn't help but sigh.

"Heldam, now that the Rainbow Bridge is gone, shouldn't you take some time to relax?" Victor remarked casually, sipping on juice.

"Victor, you should be more like Thor and focus on your training," Heldam replied, his tone deep and serious.

Every day at dusk, Heldam visited the bridge, and every day Victor joined him, more for leisure than anything else.

He tried to persuade Victor to take his duties more seriously, but to no avail.

"Skorch, Heldam is quite stubborn," Victor teased the attendant beside him.

"Hmm," Skorch mumbled in agreement.

Just then, Odin approached them.

"What are you two doing here?" Odin questioned, eyeing them both lounging in chairs with a hint of disdain.

Victor, always distracted by his own pursuits, managed to lure Asgard's finest warriors into his idleness.

"Allfather!" Skorch exclaimed nervously, caught off guard by Odin's sudden appearance.

Victor, meanwhile, looked genuinely puzzled.

"No, Father, what brings you here?" Victor asked innocently.

"I came to find Heldam, not to stumble upon you lounging around," Odin replied sharply.

Victor's constant indulgence was a source of frustration.

"Father, I'll go now," Victor said, attempting to slip away, but Odin stopped him.

"Skorch, you may leave. Victor, stay," Odin commanded.

"Huh?" Victor looked bewildered.

"So, Father was actually here to see Heldam," Victor muttered sarcastically under his breath.

"There's an important matter I need to discuss with you," Odin said, ignoring Victor's remark.

"Why, Father, are you free to engage in such trivial pursuits?" Victor quipped, earning a scowl from Odin.

Despite Victor's antics, Odin proceeded with the purpose of his visit.

"Heldam, with enough energy, can you repair the Rainbow Bridge?" Odin asked, getting to the point.

"I will do my best," Heldam replied eagerly, suddenly invigorated by the prospect of restoring the bridge he had sworn to protect.

"Father, did you find a way to repair the Rainbow Bridge?" Victor asked, genuinely surprised.

"Oh? Father actually found a solution ahead of time?" Victor mused to himself.

"Indeed," Odin confirmed with a hint of satisfaction, pleased that his son finally had something positive to say.

"This Reality Gem among the Infinity Stones contains immense energy—enough to mend the Rainbow Bridge," Odin explained, revealing the red crystal from his sleeve.

"I'm ready to try," Heldam declared resolutely, accepting the Reality Gem.

For the past six months, he had despaired that the Rainbow Bridge might remain broken for decades, but now hope surged anew.

"Reality Gem?!" Victor exclaimed in awe.

"I've never seen anything like it!" Victor exclaimed, his curiosity piqued.

"Ahem," Odin cleared his throat, ready to proceed with the task at hand.