"My power combined with your magic, and with Father here, will surely protect the peace of Asgard."
"Why can't you understand?"
"Father has protected the peace of Asgard for many years."
"We can do the same if it's passed down to us."
"If you want to be king, the throne can be yours."
Seeing Loki, who was in a hysterical state, longing for his recognition, Thor felt a pang of sorrow and spoke up.
"Brother, you know you've always been humble."
"But Father has never recognized me like he recognizes you."
Loki's heart trembled at those words, and he shouted, "We can find another way for you to earn Father's recognition."
"Come with me, Loki."
Seeing Loki's body shudder slightly, Thor realized his words had an effect, extending his hand and speaking earnestly.
"…"
Feeling Thor's genuine emotion, Loki's original conviction wavered.
But just then, the crumbling Bifrost Bridge began to collapse, and Loki lost his footing, plummeting downwards.
In a rush of panic, Thor soared up and grabbed Loki's hand.
The Bifrost shook violently. Just as they were about to fall, Odin grasped Thor's hand.
"Father, pull us up!" Thor shouted urgently upon seeing his father.
However, Odin remained silent, gazing at Loki below.
Though he was trapped in Odin's Sleep, he could hear everything happening around him.
Loki had commanded the Destroyer to kill Thor; such an act warranted a bit of punishment. Without it, Loki would never recognize his own mistakes, and a temporary separation would benefit the growth of both brothers.
Realizing his father's intent, Loki understood. He willingly let go of Thor's hand and fell into the starry void below.
"Loki!" Thor shouted disbelief etched across his face at Loki's actions.
Seeing Thor's reaction, Loki managed to smile faintly.
Then Odin pulled Thor back onto the Bifrost.
"Don't worry; he won't die."
"Though he isn't my biological son, he is still my child."
After rescuing Thor, Odin looked at his son, whose spirits were somewhat dampened, and spoke.
"Father… why don't you tell Loki these words?"
Thor raised his head to look at his father.
"I have spoken to him, but he knows little of his heritage. His views are extreme, and he doesn't believe."
"He hasn't committed any serious offenses in my eyes; he is simply a bit unruly. So, I cannot treat him like I treat you and directly cast him down to Midgard."
"Now is a rare opportunity to let him temporarily leave Asgard."
"Experiencing the world will help him grow and come to terms with things."
"When you encounter Loki in other realms, be kind to him."
"He may harbor malice toward others, but he truly wishes to protect Asgard."
Odin sighed, speaking with a heavy heart.
Over the years, he had treated Loki as if he were his son.
The choice of the throne had fallen to Thor, not just because he was the eldest, but also because Thor was deeply loved by the people of Asgard.
Odin recognized Loki's mischievous nature, but his heart toward Asgard was not bad.
However, to be the king of Asgard, one needed to be loved by the people and possess sufficient strength.
Loki was not Odin's biological blood; despite Frigga's compensatory affection and teaching him magic, his growth was slower.
For Loki to fully mature would require a much longer time.
Currently, his condition was deteriorating daily, and Odin couldn't wait much longer to choose between the two based on their fame and strength.
He was initially at ease with letting Thor be king so he could enjoy a peaceful retirement.
However, just when Thor was about to ascend to the throne, Loki caused a major disaster, forcing Odin to utilize a large amount of his power, leading him into Odin's Sleep.
Now, he was awakened under duress, causing chaos within his own body.
Knowing that his end was near filled Odin with melancholy.
These matters could not be shared with others; he could only keep them locked away in his heart.
He hoped he would live to see the day when Thor and Loki reconciled.
"I understand now, Father."
Thor, hearing his father's words, finally grasped Odin's intentions.
"Thor, I must return to Odin's Sleep for a while longer."
"But before I do, let's talk."
Odin then walked along the path, speaking as he went.
"Yes, Father. What would you like to discuss?" Thor nodded and followed.
"I sent you down to train, and you returned so quickly. What happened that led to your growth?"
Odin and Thor walked step by step without flying.
"I received help from some people and understood that your sending me down was both a punishment and a trial to make me realize my responsibilities."
"So after coming down, I quickly regained my powers as the God of Thunder."
"Not returning immediately was because I wanted to repay those who helped me."
Thor explained.
"You received help from some people?" Odin asked, somewhat surprised. He had suspected this, but never thought it would be so obvious.
"Yes, there were three… no, wait, to be precise, it should be four people."
Thor nodded, correcting himself as he spoke.
"Would you mind telling me more?" Odin asked with newfound interest.
"Not at all."
"I was able to reclaim Mjölnir so quickly because someone revealed to me the two ways to lift it."
"One is to possess a heart of justice, and the other is to use unimaginable strength to forcibly lift Mjölnir."
Thor began explaining.
"The first method is indeed true, but the second method…" Odin started to refute but paused when thinking about his eldest daughter, Hela.
He knew that even if Hela had not yet received his acknowledgment, she could still forcibly lift Mjölnir.
"Who is this person?" Odin asked.
"I don't know much about him. He is too mysterious, and his power is beyond my imagination."
"I witnessed the Destroyer being dismantled by that person. All I know is his name: Harvey Amberlock."
Thor spoke gravely.
"You're saying what? The Destroyer was defeated by this person you mentioned?"
"Are you sure it wasn't merely a temporary halt to the Destroyer's actions?"
"Not that he was destroyed?" Odin asked, initially unconcerned, but his expression shifted as Thor continued.
"Witnessed with my own eyes," Thor confirmed, nodding seriously as he met Odin's astonished gaze.