Chapter 126: Where Did Daddy Go?

The Marvel Universe is a wondrous place. The Nordic pantheon portrayed in the films is even more miraculous. The so-called Asgard, along with the identities and relationships of Odin and his kin, deviates significantly from traditional Norse mythology. Loki not only transformed himself into Odin’s son, but even Hela, the Goddess of Death—who in legend should have been his eldest daughter—became Odin’s child as well. Being the eldest daughter, her seniority is unexpectedly higher than Loki’s.

It is absurd.

This realization led Roald, who was contemplating his plans, to be reminded of the breathtaking nature of Greek mythology. However, Odin’s moral character is still slightly better than Zeus’.

In the ancient eras before Thor and Loki, almost all of Asgard’s prestige was forged by Hela. She led the armies of Asgard to sweep across various corners of the universe, making the name of Asgard known everywhere long before there was any such thing as a "God of Thunder." When Asgard expanded to a certain point and the situation stabilized, the Nine Realms tended toward unification. When Odin no longer intended to expand, he and Hela, who was committed to constant expansion, developed an ideological rift.

Hela launched a rebellion with the giant wolf Fenrir and her subordinates. After sacrificing almost all the Valkyries, Odin successfully sealed Hela away. Unless he dies or voluntarily undoes the seal, Hela can never escape.

In the original plan, or rather, after the changes in Asgard, Odin intended to stage a performance, using his own death as the cost to force Thor and Loki to mature. Hela was to be the touchstone for his two sons. However, unforeseen events occurred due to Roald’s interference.

After learning that Roald possessed three Infinity Stones, Odin—though already decided on retiring like the Ancient One—still had to make some arrangements before stepping down. Since neither Thor nor Loki could shoulder the heavy responsibility of keeping Asgard stable and glorious, he had to let Hela do it. He would use Hela to force Thor and Loki to mature, and use Hela’s power to protect Asgard. Changing leadership was still better than letting Thor and Loki ruin Asgard.

Back in Asgard, in front of Odin’s Golden Hall, Thor was gripping Loki by the collar and lifting him off the ground.

"Why are you here, Loki! Where is Odin? Where is Father?"

"Do you have any idea what I’ve been through? I traveled so far just to find you, and look at what you’re doing now!"

"Oh, Thor, you’ve returned much too quickly. It’s not like anything happened."

The two began to bicker.

"You impersonated Father! You deceived me! This is... this is a matter of my dignity! Do you know how much shame you’ve brought upon me?"

Thor could not forget the embarrassment he felt earlier when calling for the Bifrost.

"Is all you know the Bifrost? Have you grown tired of your hammer?"

"No, never mind that. Tell me, where is Father now? You are impersonating him and issuing orders to me—do you realize what you are doing?"

"Oh, my foolish brother. If you were to die, I would be quite happy. Don't worry, I will manage Asgard well and make it even more prosperous without you in it."

"Shut your mouth! Tell me now, where is Odin? What have you done to Father!?"

An enraged Thor shook Loki by his collar, demanding answers, while Loki looked completely indifferent. Odin had entrusted the authority of Asgard to him, and Loki was certain there was a purpose behind it. It was pointless to explain it to Thor; those who understood, understood, and those who didn't, wouldn't understand regardless. Thor was the one running around, and Odin was the one issuing the orders—what did that have to do with him? He was merely a ruthless messenger.

"You two, what exactly is going on here? Are you arguing? Is this Asgard?"

Just as Thor was about to say more, Quill and the others, who had been looking around, expressed their curiosity about the interaction between Thor and Loki.

"Oh, no, no, of course not. This is just my way of having an intimate conversation with my brother. We aren't arguing."

"You even moved your hammer. You were trying to smash me just now."

Thor’s explanation did not satisfy Loki.

"Hey, guys, my brother and I haven't seen each other in a long time. Now that we’ve finally reunited, I couldn't help but chat with him. This is definitely not an argument; I was just trying to clarify a few things."

Thor explained, not wanting the visitors to see the shameful side of Asgard.

"That is not at all the tone or attitude you had a moment ago."

Loki was speechless at this explanation, and Quill and the others were even more so. After all, the two had been quite loud, and everyone had heard them clearly. However, they didn't point it out, choosing instead to observe their surroundings.

"By the way, Thor, are you going to look for Odin now?"

"Uh, yes. I believe Father just went out to clear his head. After this, I intend to go and bring him back."

Having said this, Thor looked at Loki.

"I absolutely refuse to believe that Father would hand the authority of Asgard over to you. You deceitful, cunning snake! You are far too weak in every way to lead Asgard."

"And why not? This was Father’s decision, which proves that I am better suited to lead Asgard than you. I am smarter than you."

Loki retorted, and the two began to argue again.

"Oh, Thor, stop arguing. I think you have more important things to do. Don't waste our time here," Gamora advised, watching as Thor prepared to grab Loki’s collar again.

At the mention of Odin, Thor dropped Loki, turned his gaze to him, and then pinned him to the ground with his hammer.

"Loki, where is Father? Why are you impersonating him in Asgard? What have you done to him? Tell me."

"No, I don't know! I don't know anything!" Loki shook his head frantically.

"How could I do anything to Father? You know I was locked up, but Father released me to lead Asgard. He told me he was leaving and handed his scepter to me. You know the rest. What else did you expect?"

"What? Father actually said he was handing the management of Asgard to you?"

"That's right. Otherwise, why do you think I'm here? Do you really think that with my abilities, I could do anything to Father? Even you couldn't."

Hearing Loki’s answer, Thor became even more confused. Could it be that Loki was truly better suited to be the leader of Asgard than he was? He had to find Odin and get to the bottom of this.

Lifting his hammer, Thor pulled Loki up from the ground.

"Tell me, where is Odin?"

"He is on Earth."