263

Odin's Kingship

It was evident that Surtur did not recognize Odin as the ruler of the Nine Realms, acknowledging him solely as the strongest within them.

This viewpoint was understandable. After all, the Flame Giant Surtur was the eldest among the Nine Realms, having witnessed countless battles and shared laughter with the ancestors of the Asgardians. His strength had long been among the top two in the realms.

Given such stature, it was indeed difficult for him to bow to Odin. Moreover, while Surtur was belligerent towards external forces, he seldom interfered in the internal affairs of the Nine Realms. He harbored no grudges against Asgard in the past and even desired to isolate himself from the realms' governance.

After a brief silence, Odin smiled. "I hold the Flame Giant in high esteem; he is the elder of the Nine Realms."

"Surtur also holds Your Majesty Odin in high regard," replied the messenger.

Odin nodded, and as the Muspelheim messenger withdrew, the next envoy stepped forward to continue.

At least, that's how it appeared...

Once all envoys had presented their gifts, the hall was filled with warmth. Odin remained silent for a moment before suddenly gripping the Spear of Destiny, causing thunderous reverberations as he struck it against the ground.

The hall fell silent, all eyes fixed on him.

"There is another matter to announce today," Odin declared slowly, his gaze shifting to Hela beside him.

"Hela, my eldest daughter, the just, courageous, and noble warrior of Asgard... Today, Hela is appointed Goddess of Death, my heir, the crown princess of Asgard, the future Queen of Asgard, and the forthcoming ruler and guardian of the Nine Realms."

Odin's abrupt proclamation of Hela as his heir caught everyone by surprise, much like the Flame Giant's messenger's words. Clearly, this was not an incident planned beforehand.

Not even Hela seemed aware of this decision, evident by her delayed reaction.

As Odin finished speaking, the Spear of Destiny in his hand emitted a bright surge of energy. A dazzling golden light shot forth and fused into Hela's body, enveloping her in brilliance.

"The power of Asgard!" someone exclaimed.

The Spear of Destiny could channel Asgard's power, and the golden light now integrated into Hela's being represented the majestic might of Asgard. Seemingly inconspicuous, this power bestowed upon its wielder unparalleled strength in the universe, with every move capable of earth-shattering impact.

The Bifrost itself could harness enough power to obliterate entire planets, a testament to Asgard's strength.

Odin and the kings of yore could traverse the cosmos not solely due to their third-order divine power but also due to the blessing of Asgard's power.

Empowered by Asgard's might, Hela was now the true crown princess.She could be an invincible existence as long as she is on Asgard.

"Her Royal Highness, the future ruler and protector of the Nine Realms!" a messenger shouted, soon echoed by the assembly.

"Her Royal Highness, the future ruler and protector of the Nine Realms!"

However, the Flame Giant's envoy continued to uphold his stance, recognizing Odin's dominance as the strongest in the Nine Realms, not as the suzerain of Asgard.