Sigurd considered the present situation and reasoned that the gods must have had their own reasons for creating clones. He decided not to dwell on it further.
Then, a different memory he had devoured during the trial surfaced.
"God, then what is the reason I was able to devour their memories? My passive cosmic devouring is very slow, and I didn't think it was possible to consume memories."
The One Above All heard the question and thought of the Mother of Horror.
"You were favored by another, who gave you the chance to witness the experiences of different beings who died at the quarry."
Just as Sigurd was about to ask more, the entity stopped him.
"Do not think about her. She is someone you are not supposed to come into contact with at this time. When you are qualified, you will know her. For now, think of her as being on the same level as me."
Sigurd didn't get a clearer reply, but he understood that there were many powerful beings in the Marvel universe, some of whom even challenged the One Above All. This complexity was what made the cosmos so intricate.
Even when enemies were defeated or killed, they sometimes returned to life with more power. He himself didn't know where the Marvel world truly ended, as many characters survived even the destruction of the multiverse.
Then, he thought of his illusion and looked to the god for an answer.
"God, about my illusion... why was everything positive at the beginning, but as time passed, it all fell apart? And why did I feel so attached to it?"
The One Above All looked at Sigurd and sighed.
"What you saw was how the negative energy in the quarry wanted you to perceive reality. If you were good, but the world failed you, your emotions would be twisted into hatred for the world. That hatred would then corrupt you from the inside. You were somewhat lucky to survive; your chances of corruption were rather high."
The entity looked at him directly.
"Your attachment to your family and your care for them saved you. If you had cared only for yourself, or had even the slightest greed for the power to rule everyone, you would not be standing here."
Sigurd was startled by this but felt grateful that his attachments had saved him.
The One Above All didn't give him a chance to speak further.
"You will need to complete your mission. Although it will not be difficult for you in your present state, you must ensure you do not destroy the universe in the process."
Sigurd heard the words and couldn't help but feel he was being cast as a major villain.
"First of all, who am I going to deal with? And while you're telling me not to destroy the universe, how am I supposed to know if it becomes necessary?"
The One Above All looked at Sigurd and waved his hand.
"You will see him for yourself. As for how to defeat him, that will depend on you."
Sigurd looked at the god, who was acting mysteriously, but he chose not to press further.
He then decided to send a message to Odin, explaining that he had found an opportunity to increase his strength but was in a place where he could not be contacted. Odin wanted to come, but Sigurd assured him there was no risk, so Odin did not press the issue.
Just as Sigurd finished his mental chat with Odin, he heard the voice of the One Above All again.
"This will be the last time you see either of us until we truly require you. Do not try to create a big mess. After you solve your present mission, you will gain the power to travel there yourself, and you may choose a good candidate. But do not mess too much."
Sigurd heard the words but did not get the answer he wanted about Ragnarok.
"Do not think we will stop that. You must face it yourself. What is the use of so much strength if you cannot even stop Ragnarok? Do not forget: destiny is forged, not written."
Suddenly, Sigurd disappeared from the white room.
The other god looked at the One Above All.
"But he has no memory of the place he is going to. He has memories of Marvel, but we did not give him memories of the DC world. What are you expecting him to do?"
The One Above All looked toward a distant universe as if he could see Sigurd.
"You do not have to worry. He will know how to handle the situation. As for how... that is the mystery."
The other god could only sigh.
At the same time, Sigurd suddenly appeared in a forest. He began to look for a way out and suddenly heard the sound of a woman's voice.
He moved toward the sound. Upon reaching its source, Sigurd was startled, and at the same moment, a woman shouted loudly.
Sigurd looked at the woman, who was bathing. He hadn't expected the One Above All to throw him into a bathhouse. Just as he was about to speak, he saw the woman charge toward him with a sword. For Sigurd, it would be easy to subdue her, but as this was his fault, he could not bring himself to do it. He began to dodge while trying to calm her down.
"Miss, I lost my way and came here when I heard a sound. Please, I did not come here to peek at you."
The woman heard his words but did not stop swinging her sword; instead, she increased the ferocity of her attacks.
"You bastard! How dare you enter the bathhouse! I will kill you! How dare you enter our territory! Men are not allowed in Themyscira!"
Sigurd heard the word but did not recognize the place he had arrived in.
"Miss, I truly did not know the rules of your place. At least give me a chance to explain."
The woman looked at the person in front of her. Although he looked innocent, she did not lower her sword, though she did speak.
"Introduce yourself, man. If I find anything you say to be a lie, I will personally slay you."