In the Sand Village, the clones are everywhere, and the Arkham game begins

Chapter 428 The High Priest of Asgard

Clear water faced Odin.

"I can help you seal Hela, but the effectiveness of the seal is uncertain, and it is not expected to last more than five years."

Odin slowly shook his head.

"This is not worth as much as a branch of the World Tree or an Infinity Stone."

"So what do you suggest?"

"I want you to protect Asgard until Thor can fully master his own thunderous power, as well as the Odinic power I inherited from him. At that time, Thor's power will surpass mine now, and he will have enough strength to protect Asgard. That time is..."

"Still five years. I'll also help you solve another problem you're worried about."

The clear water interrupted the road.

He understood Odin's meaning.

Asgard faces threats beyond Hela.

Odin looked deeply at the clear water with his single eye, and finally nodded slowly.

He believed in the power of the Time Stone.

"It seems you've already seen the future with the gem. I won't ask for details, but to avoid interfering with the cause and effect of time, I still have to explain it to you first."

Odin sat up straight and conjured up the scene of his conversation with the Ancient One.

"Gu Yi and I both know some of the future trends. Many things are already destined. However, your existence is special. For some reason, you have changed many things because you have certain qualities that do not belong to this universe. So we follow those changes and try to postpone the time when some things happen."

I reinforced the seal outside Wattheim, and delayed the appearance of the Dark Elves and the Aether. I know that doing so may have a backlash on time, but it is the only chance to change the future.

Because the Ancient One told me that with the changes you brought about, even the worst outcome wouldn't be worse than the one I knew about.

"So after you die, Hela, the dark elves, and the backlash of time will all come together."

Shimizu sat in his seat, looking at Odin, and said with certainty.

Odin's tone was heavy:

"Yes, my body can only hold on for less than a month. After a month, all of the things you mentioned could happen."

"But fortunately, we have a month's grace period, which gives us time to prepare."

Shimizu looked at Odin with a calm expression.

"Tell me what to do."

Odin asked Shimizu directly, who had already won the Best Script award.

"Not much, just let Thor improve his strength as soon as possible."

Shimizu did not directly state what Odin should specifically do.

Regarding time, some things, if said directly, might cause a deviation; Odin should decide for himself, and Odin can only provide guidance at most.

Odin nodded slowly.

"Then I will send Thor to Nidavel, where I have prepared an even stronger artifact for him. However, Thor's mastery of the power of lightning has not yet met my expectations. Even with a more powerful weapon, it will be difficult for his strength to improve significantly."

“I know that, so during this time, I can teach him how to master the power of lightning. His own power is already strong enough, and his talent is also very good, but his mind is a little... well, you know, so what he needs is time and those simple and practical techniques.”

"What I have plenty of is time, and I've also managed to organize some techniques."

Odin lowered his eyes slightly.

"Then I hope you can be more tolerant of him. Thor... he learns things very quickly, but he usually only learns passively through his body in battle. He's not good at using his brain."

The old God-King could already imagine the Sorcerer Supreme being driven half-dead with rage by Thor.

Because he had been angered countless times, he eventually had to give up on the hands-on teaching method.

Thousands of years ago, before Odin inherited the throne of the gods, he was also the god of thunder, possessing the power of thunder. He even formed the prehistoric Avengers with the prehistoric Black Panther, the first Sorcerer Supreme, Agamotto, and others.

In short, Odin was also highly skilled in using lightning.

This foolish son's talent and combat prowess surpassed even Odin himself, leading the old god-king to place high hopes on Thor. However, even after teaching Thor for thousands of years, he could only teach him to this level.

“I know, so I’m prepared to turn one month into fifty months. Even if he’s not very talented, he should still be able to learn something.”

Odin nodded slowly.

"Then I'll leave it to you. Also, I have another request... it's about Loki."

“I understand. After making arrangements for the eldest son, we also need to make arrangements for the second son. So, what are your thoughts? Let me make it clear first, I'm usually very busy and don't have time to clean up the mess of a thousand-year-old baby who's always causing trouble.”

Shimizu smiled slightly.

He believed Odin understood the meaning behind his words.

It can be interpreted as a refusal, or it can be interpreted as demanding more money.

It all depends on what Odin does.

"I heard that you have collected the fragments left behind by the Destroyer on Earth."

"Yes."

"I can have Aitri forge a divine artifact for you using those Uru alloy fragments. You can also learn how to work with Uru alloy in the process. In addition..."

Odin stretched out his palm, and a ray of lightning shone from his palm.

"I can teach you the techniques of using lightning by the thunder gods and god-kings of Asgard throughout the ages, and I can also impart to you the secrets of runes."

Shimizu's smile grew even wider.

"Your Majesty, Loki is actually very talented and intelligent. If he is properly nurtured, his future achievements may not be inferior to Thor's."

“I understand, so I hope Loki can become your student, no, to be precise, your disciple, as your successor, to whom you will impart all your skills, the kind of disciple whose honor or loss is intertwined with yours.”

Furthermore, I hope you can establish closer ties with Asgard, otherwise I'll be at a huge disadvantage.

Odin used the word "disciple" in fluent and standard Chinese.

Clearly, he has some knowledge of Eastern culture.

Shimizu nodded.

He deliberately let Odin make another request.

"In that case, why not let me hold a nominal position in Asgard?"

“What about priests? Asgard did not have the position of priests before. We do not need to worship gods. Only Frigga will, as the Queen of Gods, sacrifice in Valhalla in my place to worship the former god-kings and the fallen warriors.”

"can."

With their goal finally achieved, Shimizu reached out her hand and gave Odin a high five as a pledge.

Asgard is, after all, a powerful and advanced civilization, so it's estimated that it will gain a lot of good fortune this time.

Shimizu was satisfied, and Odin was satisfied as well.

He couldn't do much about what would happen after his death, so he could only leave Saul with the best possible foundation.

What the future holds depends on how well Thor, the God-King, fulfills his role.

"Well then, it's a pleasure to cooperate, Your Majesty the God-King." "It's a pleasure to cooperate, Sorcerer Supreme. The time has come; we should depart."

A few minutes later.

Asgard, the temple of the gods.

Beneath the golden dome stand colossal statues of the former Asgardian kings, King Bor and King Buri.

Inside the Royal Palace Square, long tables laden with food and wine were lined with people.

Since everyone knew it was Thor's succession ceremony, the Asgardians didn't shout and howl like they used to at banquets.

However, there was no shortage of discussions and debates.

At the very top, on the long, multi-tiered golden staircase, Odin, holding Gungnir and clad in golden armor, stood majestically like a lion king.

Beside his throne were two slightly smaller seats, but at the same height as the throne.

The one on the left is the goddess Frigga, and the one on the right is Shimizu.

Many Asgardians frequently cast their gazes toward Clearwater, who sat beside the throne.

They knew Shimizu because he had visited the Immortal Palace a year ago.

The Asgardians generally had a good impression of the clear water.

The wizard, Thor's friend, beat up Loki who was causing trouble in Midgard. He's very strong, his swordsmanship is even better than Fandral's. When he sparred with Thor, he almost demolished Asgard's palace. He also has a good capacity for alcohol; he didn't manage to get Thor drunk last time.

Being good at fighting and drinking—having either one of these qualities is enough to leave a good impression on the Asgardians. If you can have both, like Qingshui, and both are outstanding—able to beat them in a fight and drink them under the table—you'll earn their respect.

However, they were still very curious as to why this mortal mage, who came to Asgard as a guest, was able to sit next to the throne alongside the goddess Frigga and receive such treatment from the god-king.

Just like the old white-bearded mage who came here with this mortal mage last time.

Are they all so powerful that they can stand on equal footing with the God-King?
No one stepped forward to question it yet, because it was Thor's succession ceremony.

"clang!"

Gangnir slammed its tail heavily on the ground, and the vast palace fell silent.

Odin's gaze swept across the Asgardian hall, and he spoke:

"Today is the day of the change of the throne, and also the day when Asgard and the Sorcerer Supreme formally establish their alliance."

"Clear Water, the Archmage of Midgard, one of the most powerful wizards in the universe, Thor's close friend, he controls time, understands the mind, and possesses unparalleled magical power, which can bring great help to Asgard under the new king's rule."

With my approval, the witness of the multiverse god Vishanti, and the consent of the great World Tree Yggdrasil, he will become Asgard's most steadfast support and most unwavering ally.

From this moment forward, he will serve as the High Priest in Asgard, possessing authority second only to the King of Gods and the Crown Prince, his status equivalent to that of the Queen of Gods.

Shimizu stood up from his seat and rose to greet the Asgardians.

Everyone was shocked.

The succession ceremony hasn't even started yet, and this big thing has already happened?

Before anyone could recover, and before anyone had a chance to raise questions, Odin continued:

“My son, Loki Odinson.”

"Father."

Loki was somewhat surprised and uncertain, but he remained calm, stepped out from the front of the procession, and knelt on one knee before Odin.

"From now on, you will be the High Priest's assistant and student. When the High Priest is absent, you will temporarily assume the High Priest's duties and assist the new king."

Upon hearing Odin's words, Loki's eyes widened in surprise.

Should we make him a student of this mortal mage?
Okay, so he was beaten up by this guy, but given such a high position, why should I be his student?
Loki wanted to say something, but under Odin's calm and dignified gaze, he swallowed his words, his mind racing and his eyes flickering as if he were guessing something. Then he bowed to Odin and Shimizu.

"Yes, Father, and... teacher."

"Alright, you can leave now."

Loki looked up and saw Odin's lips curl into a slight smile. He then gave Shimizu a deep look before taking a step back.

Odin tapped the ground again with Gangnir and looked in another direction.

That's where Thor is.

"Thor Odinson, the god of thunder, my successor."

Thor, who looked more composed than a few years ago, carried Mjolnir upside down in one hand and walked steadily across the red carpet in the center of the hall to the throne. He removed his helmet and knelt on one knee.

Odin rose from his throne and looked calmly at Thor.

"Thunder can bring destruction to the world, but it can also summon wind and rain that bring life. The Mjolnir in your hand can be used as a weapon externally and as a tool for construction internally, which is just right for the king's status."

"Have you sworn an oath to protect the Nine Realms?"

"I swear!"

"Have you sworn to uphold peace and not to initiate war?"

"I swear!"

"Have you sworn to abandon all selfishness and do only what is beneficial to the kingdom?"

"I swear!"

"So today, I, Odin Borson, in the name of the King of the Gods of Asgard, declare you... from this moment forward, to be crowned the new King of Asgard!"

Cheers suddenly erupted.

Loki's expression turned gloomy, but he quickly adjusted his demeanor, put on a smile, and gave Thor a congratulatory hug.

Out of the corner of his eye, Loki saw the newly appointed high priest standing next to Odin, looking at him with a strange smile.

Loki's heart skipped a beat.

Half an hour later.

Thor, who had intended to drink all night with his friends, was summoned by Odin to a small door outside the main hall, along with Loki, not long after they had started drinking.

Odin was going to take them to see the murals about Hela hidden in the wall's crevices.

At the same time, Shimizu also created a shadow clone, which returned to Earth via a teleportation aperture.

One was handling daily affairs, while the other was gathering the Avengers and some mages to begin preparations.

Earth is one of the nine realms. Although it is far from Asgard in the real dimension, in higher dimensions, it is connected to Asgard by the branches and roots of the World Tree.

If the commotion in Asgard is too great, it will still have an impact on Earth.

As for Shimizu's true form, it was at this time that he returned to the spherical hall guarded by Heimdall at the end of the Rainbow Bridge.

"High Priest."

Heimdall, clad in golden armor, nodded slightly to the clear water.

“I will send you to the dwarven kingdom of Nidavir, as His Majesty Odin commands.”

(End of this chapter)