"Artoria, here is the organized report. Take a look. It's been finalized; the launch time for next month has been set."
"Alright."
Susan smilingly handed a document to the clone. Due to the Battle of New York, out of humanitarianism, everyone had donated more or less money, causing a slight delay. However, this was for the best; after installation, they would face at least a week of testing to ensure safety. Space isn't a place you can just go to whenever you want; if even a single screw isn't properly secured, the entire plan could be ruined.
Compared to the original body currently in special training, the clone was quite comfortable. Spending time accompanying these women shopping and playing video games every day—as long as she ensured no one discovered she was a clone, this little life was far too comfortable.
"That brother of yours is quite... lively!"
Since she had met Susan, the clone wanted to talk about this matter. This boy, who looked exactly like Captain America, had he been secreting too many hormones lately? Look, it was one thing to send gifts here every day lately, but there was also a bouquet of roses every day. If this fellow hadn't used his sister Susan's name to send them, Artoria wouldn't have received them at all. Before these things even reached Artoria's door, they would likely have been secretly taken away by the guys arranged by her older brother.
To this day, she hadn't received a single date request from a man, thanks to her older brother's efforts. But there was that one special guy who was very clever; knowing Artoria wouldn't accept his things, he used his sister's name—commonly known as 'pit-falling his sister.' The clone looked at a large stack of letters filled with passionate love for Artoria, which made the clone feel quite disgusted. Fine, I'm embarrassed to deal with you myself, so I'll leave it to your sister!
"That guy, how dare he do that."
Hearing the clone's words, the smile slowly vanished from Susan's face. She took the stack of letters, and after reading one, she confirmed it was indeed her disobedient younger brother. This was too much—actually daring to pursue the person I like behind my back? It seems it's time to sacrifice family for the sake of justice. Susan took a deep breath, put the things away, told the clone she would handle the family matter, and left without looking back.
"Gwen, have you gathered enough credits?"
After seeing Susan off, the clone looked at Gwen, who was helping her sort documents. This child had been working very hard lately, going out to fight crime at night and coming to the company to help during the day. If her body hadn't been modified by the Spider Serum, she probably would have collapsed long ago. Recalling the original body's instructions to take care of the people around her, the clone looked at Gwen and asked with some concern.
"I have enough, Miss Artoria. Don't worry! I don't have any problems."
Gwen smiled happily at the clone, but in her heart, she was wondering: What was going on with Miss Artoria lately? She felt different than before, yet her intuition told her this was Artoria. Truly strange.
"As long as you're fine."
Unaware that she had already attracted the attention of an extraordinary person, the clone nodded and left the office. Obviously, the original body had instructed her to interact less with everyone; otherwise, she might quickly expose the fact that she was no longer in New York.
"Sorcerer Supreme, you shouldn't have come here."
At this moment, Odin, sitting alone on the Throne of the God King, fixed his one eye on the woman before him. Although it was only a phantom, things had been somewhat unpleasant between them recently. In his youth, Odin could punch the Celestials of the South Mountain and kick the Nine Realms of the North Sea; wherever he went, no one dared not show him respect. But he had lost face because of the Ancient One. If this were in the past, he would have already raised an army to attack Earth.
"I know that, of course, but there is something I must say, God King Odin."
Even though it was just a phantom created by magic, the Ancient One's calm expression made Odin very unhappy. This was the world of gods; a mere mortal actually dared to step into this world—did she really think he was made of clay? But the Ancient One's next words made Odin freeze.
"I have found a seed of the world Tree, Odin."
With such a casual sentence, Odin's anger instantly subsided. Ragnarok was soon to begin, but he had no good solution. Asgard was destined to be destroyed. In the prophecies, one of his most beloved sons, Thor, would also die in this Ragnarok. He was very anxious but had no way out. If he couldn't solve this matter, he could only find a scapegoat to block the disaster for his son. But a seed of the world Tree? If this thing was real, it might be able to nurture a new world and allow Asgard to escape this damned cycle forever. Thinking of this, Odin's breathing became a bit hurried.
"Are you certain? Sorcerer Supreme, you must know that the one before you is the King of the Gods; you must take responsibility for what you just said."
His hand gripping gungnir tightened. Odin calmed his emotions and looked seriously at the Ancient One's phantom. As if influenced by him, the two black ravens on the throne also stared intently at the Ancient One. The atmosphere began to grow heavy.
"Of course, I can guarantee it. Although the aura hidden within is very faint, it is undoubtedly that of the world Tree, and it is very vibrant."
Seeing Odin's reaction, the Ancient One became more confident. Her smile deepened as she projected the appearance of the world Tree Seed before Odin. Looking at that unadorned, walnut-like world Tree Seed, Odin's single eye went wide.
"What do you want? Sorcerer Supreme."
Having confirmed that the Ancient One wasn't lying to him, and seeing with his own eyes—which were certainly not blind—that it was indeed the genuine article, Odin took a moment to compose himself. He knew the Ancient One had struck his weak point this time. He truly feared nothing in heaven or Earth, but as he grew older, his heart had softened. Especially after having children, he viewed them as his everything. He could die; Odin did not fear Death. But if his children and his wife died, his world would collapse.
"Odin, King of Gods, have you ever heard of the Kabbalah Tree of Life?"
The Ancient One's faint smile vanished. she gazed calmly into Odin's large, spirited eye, noticing his pupil contract slightly in surprise. She knew then that she had found the right person. Hearing her words, Odin's expression turned visibly grim, a sign that this matter was far from simple.
"How do you know about that?"
Withdrawing his gaze from the Ancient One, Odin's eyes grew dim and tinged with sorrow. There was clearly a story there, but Odin didn't speak of it, and the Ancient One didn't pry. Only after Odin's emotions had settled did he question her further.
"I need it now. As for its purpose, that is a secret of the heavens that cannot be revealed."
She didn't answer Odin's question about its specific use; she had no intention of telling him. With that 'mystic' smile returning to her face, the Ancient One spoke to Odin.
"I will consider it."
"Then I shall await your news, King of Gods."
Realizing he wouldn't get any more information out of her, Odin fell silent for a moment before speaking. The Ancient One nodded in understanding, and her phantom image vanished on the spot, leaving Odin alone in quiet contemplation.
---------------------------------
I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! If the story has you hooked and you can't wait to see what happens next, you can unlock 30 chapters in advance over on my Patreon: patreon.com/TLHimejima1
Every bit of support means the world to me so if you're loving the ride, don't forget to drop a Power Stone and let me know.