Chapter 185: Inheriting the Throne!
A dagger, aged and dust-covered, lay before everyone in the hall. The purpose of its presence was unclear to all but Odin, who gazed at the weapon thoughtfully.
This is the Dragon Tooth Sword, the legendary saber of the Valkyries.
In Asgard's history, there was once a powerful force known as the Valkyries, a formidable battalion composed entirely of women who rode Pegasus and were invincible in many battles.
However, thousands of years ago, a conflict arose between Odin and Hela, leading to a fateful order for the Valkyries to confront Hela. Ultimately, the Valkyrie army was annihilated. Only one Valkyrie survived, hidden in the darkness, but eventually disappeared without a trace.
Odin erased this chapter of history, leaving behind only the relics of the Valkyries, which have been preserved in a secret chamber deep within the palace treasury.
Jane Foster held the Dragon Tooth Sword with dignity and gently brushed off the dust, her demeanor transforming as if she had been reborn.
Thor watched her enter a mysterious realm and turned to Odin, asking, "How long will it take for her to return?"
Odin pondered before responding quietly, "If she fails, she will return soon. If she succeeds… it's uncertain."
Thor shrugged indifferently. After all, Odin was still present, and Asgard could manage without the Valkyrie's power for now.
Back in Asgard, there was more unfolding.
The next day, led by Odin, Thor brought the Groot treant to a mysterious space beneath the World Tree.
The ancient tree towered above, its grandeur beyond description. According to legend, the World Tree had given birth to Asgard and the Nine Realms.
However, the World Tree was now dying; its bark was cracking and the tree appeared ready to collapse from any jolt.
Dead branches and leaves were scattered on the ground.
"Three years," Odin stated somberly. "At the current rate, the World Tree can last up to three years. After that, it will lose all vitality and collapse, akin to the prophesied Ragnarök..."
Odin sighed and looked admiringly at Groot, a member of the Flora Colossus family, as though seeing a creature from among a pride of lions.
"I'm Groot," the treant said softly, moving forward. He extended his arms to embrace the World Tree's trunk. It was more than an embrace; his limbs seemed to meld with the tree.
Countless branches and vines climbed up the World Tree, and Groot became one with it.
Life force began to flow from the tree's roots upwards. As it spread, the decayed bark fell away, replaced by fresh, vibrant bark.
"Success! The World Tree has begun to grow new branches and leaves!" Odin exclaimed with surprise. " Though Groot can't restore it's immense power that has withered over eons but it is stopping it's withering and world tree is being reborn and after that with long time it will slowly regain and regrow to its former might "
Thor, though pleased, asked with concern, "But at this rate, how long will this process take?"
Although the rejuvenation process was rapid, with life surging upward, the World Tree's immense height made the task seem daunting.
"If this progress continues, it will take about three to five years..." Odin replied, noting Thor's speechless expression. "But that's not the main concern. What matters is that the tree is recovering. One day, it will stand tall once more, supporting the entire Nine Realms."
Suddenly, Odin remembered something and said, "Ah, you need this urgently, don't you?"
Thor's eyes brightened as he followed Odin's gaze.
A tender green leaf had sprouted into a new bud, rapidly growing into a vibrant branch surrounded by faint divine power. Notably, this branch was exceptionally straight, resembling a natural ax handle.
Odin's voice carried a note of pride: "You once claimed that there would be no wiser ruler than me. Perhaps you are not yet a great person, but you will be a wise ruler. Thor, you surpass me!"
His tone became serious: "Now, I—the All-Father Odin—declare you as my successor to the throne!"
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