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Chapter 2: The Asgardian Ashram

"Focus and avoid distractions," Odin instructed, standing vigilantly by Victor's side, occasionally offering guidance.

He had cleared his schedule today to be with Victor, though he doubted Victor could remain disciplined.

"Phew..."

Victor took a deep breath, feigning concentration.

[Father, when are you leaving? Can't you attend to your grand Asgardian affairs?] Victor's thoughts echoed sarcastically.

"Stay focused and avoid trivial thoughts!" Odin reprimanded sternly.

But really, when was Odin planning to leave? It had been nearly an hour, and Victor hadn't even begun to concentrate. His acting skills could rival even Loki's.

Odin almost saw through Victor's facade.

Victor wanted to retort but bit his tongue.

[Ugh, this stubborn monarch is not leaving anytime soon.]

[Why doesn't my good brother Thor ever get into trouble? Isn't that his usual pastime?]]

"Huh?" Odin was at a loss for words.

Thor truly had a trying family, what with Loki's constant mischief-making and now Victor's perpetual laziness.

"Announce to the God King! Thor brings urgent news," a gold-armored soldier interrupted.

"I'll be right there," Odin responded before turning to Victor. "Keep practicing."

"You're lucky, kid. I'll deal with you later," Odin thought to himself.

"Yes, Father. I'll work hard to break through this cursed talent limit," Victor muttered half-heartedly.

[Thank the heavens Thor arrived when he did, or I'd have been under surveillance for hours.]

[Once Odin leaves, I can finally relax.]

[First, a nap, then maybe some food.]

"Uh-huh, we'll see about that," Odin sighed, ignoring Victor's thoughts, and departed with the soldier.

This guy was already thinking about food, and his acting was even better than Loki's.

"Phew... Finally, he's gone. Cultivation really interferes with my lounging," Victor slumped onto the ground, the system's notifications ringing in his ears.

"Daily fishing mission completed. +1 divine power point..."

"Daily fishing mission completed. +1 divine power point..."

"Ah, lying flat is truly the most comfortable thing in the world..."

Practicing while lying down was even more comfortable.

At this rate, maybe in another decade or so of lying flat, he'd catch up to his father.

The God King's level was the peak in the Nine Realms, and only the Infinity Gauntlet wielder could surpass it.

Once he reached the God King's level of relaxation, he'd be unstoppable.

...

Meanwhile, at the temple.

"Father, I've successfully quelled the recent uprisings in the Nine Realms," Thor announced eagerly, his eyes brimming with expectation.

"Well done, my son. As the God King's heir, you handled it admirably," Odin praised.

In his youth, Odin had been just as ruthless in battle—no mercy for enemies, with rivers of blood in their wake.

He didn't want Thor to emulate him exactly, but he did want him to be firm with enemies.

"Alas, it's a shame about your third brother. All he cares about is lying flat and fishing, with no fighting spirit," Odin sighed, his thoughts returning to Victor.

The poor child had grown so complacent.

"Father, I believe I can help Victor out of his rut," Thor volunteered without hesitation.

"Good. Come with me to see him," Odin agreed, pleased with Thor's initiative.

In his old age, family unity was paramount to Odin.

...

Back at the cultivation grounds, on the grass.

Victor rolled over, attempting to return to sleep, when he was suddenly jolted awake by an unseen force.

"Who's there?" Victor muttered, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

[Ugh, I just fell asleep, and now I'm being disturbed by visions of dreamy figures!]

[Vozh, the king of lazy kings has arrived!]

"Victor, are you pretending to meditate?" Odin's voice cut through, accompanied by Thor.

"You've only been gone ten minutes, and you've already fallen asleep?" Odin scolded incredulously.

"The Third Prince of Asgard spends all his days idling and thinking improper thoughts," Odin continued aloud, shaking his head.

"I was meditating, Father," Victor insisted, despite knowing it was futile.

[So even the God King of the Nine Realms has nothing better to do? No wonder Loki covets the throne so badly.]

[Where's Loki? What's he up to?]

[Where does the timeline disappear to?]

"The 'meditation' you speak of is nothing but daydreams," Odin sighed in exasperation, reflecting on his lifetime of duties.

Once Thor took over managing affairs, surely he could finally rest.

And why did Victor mention Loki wanting the throne? Could it be Victor knew Loki was secretly a Frost Giant's child?

No, it couldn't be. Loki had kept his origins hidden even from himself.

Maybe Loki resented Thor deep down, and Victor might inadvertently enlighten him in the future.