---
Above the icy wasteland.
Balder watched the Ancient One leave calmly, a faintly amused expression on his face.
She does care about her image.
Six kinds of divine power wreaked havoc inside her, causing pain akin to tearing the soul, yet she didn't utter a sound, not even blinking.
She truly deserves to be the Sorcerer Supreme!
However, the Ancient One's strength somewhat exceeded Balder's expectations.
He initially thought she was like Odin, just at the peak of the All-Father level.
But it was clear now that she was not.
Some of her secret techniques in battle clearly reached the level of a single universe.
It seems Dormammu's dark power has been heavily stolen.
After this battle, having consumed a lot, she would likely need to "borrow" some more from Dormammu.
Balder could already imagine the Dark Dimension Lord's enraged state.
But that had nothing to do with him.
The first step had been laid out; he did not plan to go to Earth before meeting Eternity.
Earth was the axis of the universe, the most important place in the entire universe, and even an incarnation of a Dimensional God like him couldn't casually visit.
That's why he let the Ancient One convey his message.
He had no intention of coveting the essence of the real dimension, so there were things to discuss.
"Next, it's time to open the world channels and spread divine power."
Balder was excited, as this was about his true future!
If successful, becoming the pinnacle of the Marvel world wouldn't be a dream!
The next second, his body turned into pure energy, collapsing inward like a black hole and disappearing.
This was dimensional transmission, a skill every god had.
It was also how he could reach Jotunheim faster than the Bifrost to save Thor and the others.
---
**In the Palace!**
Inside the temple, Odin had already told Thor and Loki about the truth of their third brother, Balder, and his current identity!
A Dimensional God!
A top-level existence beyond a single universe!
From now on, he would be the true King of the Gods of Asgard!
He also sternly warned them, especially Thor, not to overstep their roles!
Balder's identity was first the King of Asgard to whom they must submit, and only then their brother!
Even Odin himself adhered to this!
Thor didn't argue.
Asgard's rule had always been this way.
If he became the King of the Gods, Odin as his father would kneel on one knee (as depicted in the comics).
The dignity of the King of the Gods was inviolable!
However, Thor still felt a bit upset.
He had always thought he would become the King of the Gods.
Loki, on the other hand, had already completely adjusted his mindset, even feeling happy.
He had never really cared about the throne, only about competing with Thor.
Now that Thor was out of the running, he naturally didn't mind.
And with a powerful backer, his future life would be luxurious!
Perfect!!
At that moment, a black hole appeared inside the temple, expanding into an energy vortex.
In the next second, Balder emerged under the astonished gazes of everyone.
Queen Frigga was there too, and seeing her child after a thousand years, she cried and tightly embraced him.
She didn't care if her son became a god, as long as he was alive and awake.
Balder then spent three more days in Asgard with his mother before returning to the dimensional world.
---
**The Silver City!**
Thor and Loki looked like country boys entering the city for the first time.
The vast world of life had already shocked them once.
But now, this holy city was even more astonishing.
Especially the ten enormous temples, each emitting terrifying divine power, completely beyond their understanding, making their souls tremble.
"Who are in these?" Thor asked Hela quietly.
Hela glanced sideways at her foolish brother, annoyed but still answered:
"Except for the Temple of Death, the other divine positions are vacant."
Hearing this, Thor asked curiously:
"Then who is the God of Death?"
Hela looked at him coldly and said:
"Who do you think?"
Instantly, Thor and Loki felt like they had fallen into an icy abyss!
Just a single sentence, and the pressure felt like death enveloping their entire souls!
There was no doubt that Hela was the Goddess of Death.
At that moment, a light laugh sounded ahead.
"Enough, Hela, don't scare them."
"Yes, God-Lord."
In an instant, the terrifying pressure disappeared.
Thor and Loki glanced at Hela in fear, then looked at Balder with newfound respect.
They suddenly understood the meaning of the term God-Lord; the so-called Goddess of Death was merely a subordinate god.
A Dimensional God was far more powerful and noble than they had imagined.
Although they agreed with Odin's instructions, their mindsets hadn't fully adjusted.
But now it was different.
At that moment, Loki thought of something and suddenly said:
"Balder... God-Lord, do I have a chance to become one of the masters of these ten temples?"
Hela's humility made him understand that her power might not be her own.
But a gift from his brother Balder, the Dimensional God!
Thor wasn't entirely foolish!
Hearing this, he quickly understood, his heartbeat accelerating!
He had sensed the power of thunder in one of the temples!
Compared to his so-called power of thunder, it was like a drop of water against an endless sea!
If he could really be granted this power...
At that moment, Balder turned back, smiling faintly at them:
"Hela guarded me for a thousand years, so she deserves my reward."
"But what about you two?"
Though the question was rhetorical, it revealed another piece of information.
Hela's power was indeed granted by the God-Lord!
Thor and Loki exchanged glances, then without hesitation, knelt on one knee:
"God-Lord above, we offer our loyalty!"
Hela's power clearly surpassed Odin's; no one could resist this temptation!
However, Balder remained silent.
At this moment, Hela coldly said:
"The great Balder is the true king of Asgard; it is your duty to offer loyalty, isn't it?"
"Or are you just being perfunctory?"
The two immediately felt a chill on their scalps and quickly denied it.
Balder then smiled and said:
"No need to be so tense."
"Since I brought you to my world, naturally, there's a chance."
As his voice faded, the two raised their heads but couldn't see him anymore.
At that moment, the main temple doors opened automatically.
Hela gave them a cold glance, then walked in first.
Thor and Loki, suppressing their excitement, quickly followed.
Stepping into the endless white space, they saw the God-Lord sitting on the eighteen-winged throne.
A seven-colored halo revolved behind him, resembling the God of human myths.
Balder didn't say much.
With a thought, three pieces of information appeared in Hela, Thor, and Loki's minds.
It was about going to other worlds to spread his 'Divine Name,' finding believers to grant them divine power, and ultimately summoning him to descend.
Hela didn't hesitate!
She knelt on one knee, looking at Balder with fervent eyes, saying:
"I will not fail your expectations, God-Lord!"
At that moment, she finally understood what he meant by 'this world is too small'!!!
The great God-Lord possessed the power to conquer other worlds!
Thor and Loki were equally stunned!
Such power was beyond unheard of; it was unimaginable!
Even now, it felt unreal.
At this moment, a layered voice echoed.
Balder looked at the dazed two and said:
"It's alright. If you're unwilling, I won't force you."
"I'll cast a spell so you can't reveal this secret in any form. You can still return to Asgard and live your lives as my brothers."
"Of course, those who believe in me will receive my generosity."
Loki immediately understood what Balder meant by opportunity and knelt without hesitation:
"I'm willing!"
Thor chuckled, intending to agree, thinking it was to expand Asgard's territory.
But then, a thread of deceitful power entered his mind.
Suddenly, doubts filled his head.
Was this good or bad for the other world? Would it collapse?
After thinking, he shook his head and said:
"God-Lord... I, I'd rather not. Going back to Asgard isn't so bad."
Loki looked bewildered.
He couldn't understand why Thor was being foolish; one of the ten temples had a thundergod position!
Moreover, wasn't it for Asgard?
What was he refusing?
Before he could persuade him, he heard Balder say:
"It's okay, Thor. I support your decision, we're brothers, right?"
"Thanks."
Thor smiled awkwardly, thinking his brother was quite nice.
Not as overbearing as their father when he was king, constantly scolding him for being brainless.
But then Balder smiled again and said:
"Don't thank me yet, Thor."
"Since you're not going to expand territory for Asgard, I have to enforce Father's punishment for you going to Jotunheim without permission."
Punishment?... Thor was stunned, feeling something bad was coming!
Before he could protest, he felt his waist lighten.
Mjolnir was taken away without a word.
Balder, looking at the bewildered Thor, his smile faded, his expression became stern, his voice like thunder:
"Thor"
"For your arrogance and foolishness, provoking the Frost Giants in Jotunheim without permission, nearly causing a war and endangering your fellow warriors and brother."
"You've failed the kingdom, your title, and those who love you!"
"As the King of Asgard, Balder, I strip you of your title and power as the God of Thunder, banishing you to the mortal realm!"
*Boom!*
A bolt of lightning struck Thor from nowhere!
His cloak burned, armor shattered!
With a scream, he fell into a vortex that suddenly appeared beneath him!
But it wasn't over.
Balder held Mjolnir to his mouth and continued:
"From this moment, whoever holds this hammer!"
"If they are worthy, shall possess the power of Thor!"
With that, he threw Mjolnir into the vortex!
Hela's face remained expressionless.
Loki's face turned pale with fear.
Balder's stern expression vanished, replaced by a look of anticipation.
Thor's rejection was, of course, influenced by his deceitful power, part of a future plan involving Earth.
Moreover, the passage opened with Hela's destiny power could only accommodate two people; Loki was more suited for such delicate work.
The next second, Balder looked at the two and smiled:
"My Goddess of Death and future God of Deceit."
"Don't disappoint me in the first world."
Hela and Loki bowed deeply, saying in unison:
"We won't!"
---
Stones?