Somewhere outside the multiverse, two beings watched as a universe was destroyed. One was the person who had met Sigurd.
The other man was similar but possessed a different presence with subtle differences.
"How is it going with the little guy? You know a great battle is inevitable, yet you've invested in a single person. Although it has been postponed for an unknown period, the conflict is certain."
The All-Above God looked at the person before him.
"You know you can learn all the plans I have designed for the little guy with a single thought. After all, I am your clone."
The One-Above-All looked at his clone, whom he had created to handle matters he couldn't personally interfere with; even beings like them had restrictions against meddling in the mortal world.
"Okay, I know I can learn every plan, but I prefer not to use that ability. I like being here; after all, I have few opportunities for conversation. You have your own personality, which I don't want to change, but you chose a different name for yourself, which surprises me."
The All-Above God looked at his main body and couldn't help but feel a headache. His main body always enjoyed increasing the difficulty for others to solve mysteries.
"You needn't worry. By the time comes, he will have his own team to defend the multiverse. You didn't call me here just to listen to plans that will unfold naturally. So, what brings you?"
The One-Above-All looked at his clone, feeling satisfied that the clone had a different personality yet shared his love for mystery.
"Yes, I am here specifically to have the kid prepare for a mission. He will be going to help a friend who is facing a little trouble in his universe. His current power is still lacking to compete with the opponent he will face. You may give him something to increase his strength to a multiversal level."
The All-Above God looked at his counterpart.
"Why take him? You know his experience with high-level threats is almost zero. Even if he goes, the chance of failure is very high."
The One-Above-All looked toward the direction of the universe.
"The threat won't be too great for him, but he needs to increase his strength beyond the universal level. He will be facing an anomaly that has caused significant destruction. This will be a trial to test his will to fight. As for his strength, you can work on that."
The One-Above-All then contemplated a solution.
"I have a plan, but in the future, he might be a great help to us, or he could become significant trouble. What do you say? Will you gamble?"
The All-Above God thought of something he had long forgotten.
"So you want to use them as his trial? But the chance of him being corrupted is also greater."
The One-Above-All shook his head.
"Those who are greedy for power will be corrupted. If he is greedy, then he is not suitable for our future plans."
The God didn't hesitate upon hearing this.
"Let him face the trial. If he passes, he will have the chance to demand a reward."
At the same time, Sigurd was unaware that his fate had been decided by two beings. Even if he had known, there was nothing he could have done.
Sigurd returned to Asgard after a long journey across the Nine Realms, where everyone awaited the victory announcement.
God-King Bor looked toward the citizens of Asgard.
"Everyone, today the Asgardian army has conquered all the Nine Realms, thanks to your two powerful princes. I hereby announce that we Asgardians will be the sole rulers and protectors of the Nine Realms."
Loud applause erupted throughout the city, every citizen gazing at their God-King with pride.
Bor then looked at his allies.
"Our allies from the sister race of Vanir, the Light Elves, and the Dwarves also made invaluable contributions to the war, each providing equal value for our victory. So, citizens, let us have a great applause for our allies as well."
Amid the great clapping, Bor then looked toward his sons.
"Today, your Crown Prince has proven why he is the most powerful being in Asgard. At the same time, the youngest prince has also stamped his mark on the world by displaying his prowess."
Then Bor looked serious, causing every citizen in the venue to fall silent.
"We are all celebrating our victory, a victory that cost the lives of many of my precious warriors. So, before we continue our celebration, let us remember those who fought hard and gave their lives.
May the soul of every warrior who fell in battle find its place in Valhalla."
As soon as he finished speaking, every Asgardian and Vanir warrior present chanted:
"Let their souls be in Valhalla!"
Sigurd, hearing his father's speech, knew that kings must have a way to inspire their people with great faith—a quality his father and brother possessed, but one that could not be guaranteed in future generations. No matter how they tried, crises always seemed to center around Asgard.
Sigurd saw his father looking at him and knew he would be publicly punished for his previous stunt.
"Now that the praise has been given, a special warning must be issued. Your youngest prince infiltrated the enemy world without prior information or permission. He will be punished with exile from Asgard for 500 years, and his resources for those 500 years will be provided to the families of the fallen soldiers."
Bor looked at everyone, who thought the punishment was harsh, and then at Sigurd.
"Sigurd, do you think this punishment is too harsh for you?"
Sigurd rose from his seat and looked at everyone. In a loud voice, he spoke:
"The God-King's decision is final. It will not change now, nor will it change for anyone. Long live the God-King!"
Odin looked at his father with surprise; he hadn't expected his father to exile Sigurd for 500 years. But then he realized Sigurd might have suggested the punishment himself, understanding that it was merely a pretext to allow him to hone his skills and travel to different realms across the universe.
Sigurd had wanted to travel, and this provided the perfect opportunity. The same could not be said for his mother. Sigurd looked at his mother, who was already walking toward his father with a smiling face, but he knew his father was in for a tough time.
Even Frigga knew what was coming, so she didn't stay near her mother-in-law but moved toward Odin to avoid being caught in their dispute.
Bor looked at his children distancing themselves from him, but he could say nothing.