Rubbing his hands in anticipation, Axel followed Sif and the others deeper into the royal palace.
While the title of Iron Fist had been passed down for generations, a figure who simultaneously possessed the power of the Immortal Dragon of K'un-Lun and a portion of the cosmic Phoenix Force could only be one person: Wu Fengji.
Keeping pace with Sif, Axel muttered, "The legendary Iron Fist. Today is bound to be an eye-opener." He glanced at Sif with a grin. "You've seen her, right? Be honest, is she beautiful?"
Sif paused, pursing her lips before replying, "Our guest possesses an extraordinary temperament, enough to rank among the most striking in the cosmos."
"Now I'm even more curious," Axel chuckled. "But how does Odin actually know a host of the Phoenix? It is hard to picture the All-Father making friends across the universe. I thought his history was mostly filled with enemies he either defeated or fought."
Sif frowned slightly, uncomfortable with Axel's blunt assessment of the king, but she kept her composure.
"Not everyone is qualified to stand as an equal to the All-Father, but both you and the wielder of the Phoenix Force have earned that right. As for the Phoenix, the All-Father's connection goes back thousands of years. Thor's own godmother was once a host to that power..."
"Hold on a second," Axel interrupted, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean, Thor has a godmother? Is Odin keeping secrets? Does Frigga know about this?"
Sif lowered her eyes, refusing to answer. Prying into the private history of the All-Father was far beyond her boundaries, regardless of her status as Heimdall's sister or a favored candidate for the royal family.
She took a breath, attempting to mask her annoyance.
"Mr. Axel, I must ask you to show proper respect. Investigating the private matters of the All-Father is unbecoming of a guest."
"Respect is earned, and Odin is sensible enough to know that," Axel said smoothly. "But I operate a little differently. If someone provokes me, I don't mind turning this grand golden palace into a quiet fishing village."
With a sudden, deliberate movement, Axel slapped Sif's armored backside.
Sif froze in sheer disbelief, and the surrounding guards halted in shock.
Sif immediately drew her longsword, but before she could raise it, Axel casually snatched the weapon right out of her grip, turning it over in his hand.
"A fine sword, though a bit short," Axel remarked, flicking the spine of the blade. It rang with a clear, vibrating tone. He tapped the flat of the blade against her skirt armor. "Why the fury, little lady? With armor this thick, did you think a single slap would hurt? Let's make a deal: the day you can actually prevent me from disarming you is the day I stop."
"You..." Sif ground her teeth. She could hardly believe the All-Father had invited such a chaotic individual.
Yet, losing her weapon so easily was a massive blow to her pride.
She forced herself to speak calmly.
"My skills are lacking. I cannot even retain my own blade. Mr. Axel, return my weapon."
"So we have a deal?" Axel smiled.
"A warrior who loses has no room to argue. I will train until you can no longer disarm me," Sif replied coldly.
Axel toyed with the hilt. "Excellent. Until then, I can use any opportunity to test your awareness, correct?"
Sif's anger flared again, but before she could lose her temper, Axel smoothly slid the sword back into her scabbard and patted her shoulder armor.
"Relax, I was only testing your reflexes. No need to guide me further, I will find Odin myself."
In a sudden flash of light, Axel transformed, vanishing from the corridor and reappearing directly inside the Great Hall of Asgard.
His boots clicked softly against the stone floor as he looked up at the vast, intact murals lining the high dome.
Looking ahead, he saw Odin seated near a striking redhead clad in a white, form-fitting suit adorned with elegant phoenix patterns.
Ignoring Odin entirely, Axel waved at the woman.
"Hey, Fengji. Are you looking for a husband?"
Wu Fengji stared at him in disbelief, as if looking at an absolute fool, before turning to Odin.
"All-Father, are you certain this is the individual we were meant to consult?"
"Perhaps unconventional, but he is indeed the one," Odin replied with a heavy sigh.
Axel strolled forward, completely unbothered.
"Since this is our first meeting, Fengji, I should offer you a gift. You are incredibly powerful, so standard luxuries won't impress you. How about something truly unique, like starting a family?"
"Be silent," Wu Fengji warned, her eyes narrowing.
A sharp, intense wave of the Phoenix Force surged toward Axel.
His golden chainmail heated rapidly, the metal plates vibrating under the sudden thermal pressure.
Axel simply braced against the warmth, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead with a grin.
"Familiar warmth," Axel remarked. "I haven't broken a sweat in a month. If you turn it up a bit, it'll feel like a proper sauna."
"Shameless," Wu Fengji muttered, though she kept her composure.
A golden circular portal sparked to life nearby, and the Ancient One stepped into the chamber.
Axel turned to her.
"Ancient One. We just saw each other recently, and now you're here too?"
"Indeed, Axel. Other guests will arrive shortly," the Sorcerer Supreme replied, bowing slightly to the king. "Long time no see, All-Father."
"Please, be seated," Odin gestured, pointing Axel toward an empty chair.
Axel bypassed the designated seat entirely and pulled up a chair right next to Wu Fengji.
The air around Wu Fengji grew heavy as the Phoenix Force began to crackle.
Before the energy could flare, a small portal opened directly beneath Axel's chair, shifting him back a safe distance.
Axel sat back with a grin.
Wu Fengji exhaled slowly, noting, "Your reflexes are impressive."
"That is only the beginning, Fengji," Axel replied, leaning closer. "I have plenty of other talents. If you have the time, we could always discuss them in detail. By the way, the name is Axel."
"I heard you. Now, quiet, Axel."
"Fair enough." Axel chuckled, turning his attention to the head of the table. "Odin, why exactly did you invite me? If we are going to talk, where is the hospitality?"
Axel reached out, and a vessel of fine Asgardian mead materialized directly in his hand—leaving a perplexed Loki in the royal dungeons wondering where his drink had disappeared to.
Axel took a long draught from the vessel and waited for the king to speak.
Odin observed him quietly before speaking.
"Axel, I am Odin Borson. The reason I gathered you here will be made clear once all our guests arrive. In the meantime, I can introduce those present."
He gestured around the table.
"You know the Sorcerer Supreme, who told me of your exploits. Beside you is Wu Fengji, wielder of the Dragon and Phoenix forces. And our final guest will arrive shortly."
Odin looked at Axel with a measured expression.
"Axel, are you familiar with the Ghost Rider?"
"I am," Axel nodded. "Is the final guest the Rider?"
"Yes, but not the one you might expect," Odin explained. "My friend is the very first Ghost Rider of this world. Today was originally intended as a quiet gathering for the old protectors of this realm. Our era is drawing to a close, and we meant to step aside for the new generation. But your presence, Axel, has introduced variables to the grand design. As I observed the World Tree, I saw the ripples you have caused. That is why you are here."