…
After reaching an agreement—
The Ancient One raised her hand. A circular Sling Ring portal, its edges sparking with molten-gold light, opened before them and expanded outward.
In an instant, Leon and the Ancient One were transported back to Asgard.
Asgard
Odin Allfather sat alone upon the throne of Asgard, contemplating how best to spend what remained of his life.
After a lifetime of conquest, he had grown weary of war.
Peace. Quiet retirement.
That was what he truly desired.
Then—
He caught sight of Leon and the Ancient One stepping through the portal.
Again?
Odin's eyelid twitched.
You are the leader of the Avengers—not the Leader of the "Father-Debt League."
"Ancient One."
"Odin Allfather."
The two most powerful protectors of their respective realms exchanged brief formal greetings.
Then Odin turned toward Leon, rubbing his temple.
"Leon, you—"
"Godfather, I have a request."
THUD—
Gungnir struck the floor with resonant authority.
"Enough!"
"I am not your wishing well."
"If you encounter difficulty, you must learn to resolve it yourself."
"Running to me at the first setback—what kind of king would that make you?"
"Do you also wish to undergo a forced lesson in humility, as Thor once did?"
Leon knelt on one knee.
"This is not for myself. It is the request of a child who wishes his parents a better ending."
"I only ask that you guard Earth briefly while Master and I are absent."
"Please."
The Ancient One stepped forward.
"We require only twenty-five minutes."
Leon privately felt that twenty-five minutes was absurdly short—
But Odin waved his hand dismissively.
"Go."
"This is the last time I assist you."
"…Thank you, Godfather!"
Leon wisely chose not to test Odin's patience further.
"When the time ends, I will depart on my own," Odin added. "You need not come seeking me."
Truly, Leon had exhausted even Odin's tolerance.
With the matter settled, Leon and the Ancient One departed once more.
As always, Leon couldn't help envying the elegance with which the Ancient One summoned her portals.
When will I get my own Sling Ring technique, System?
[Ding. Daily Sign-In complete. Reward: s Private Collection – "Adolescent old guy Does Not Dream of the Supreme Pretty Sorceress."]
"…Shift."
"Why is Old guy still haunting me?"
After they left, Frigga appeared from the shadows.
"That child came with filial intent. You intended to agree all along. Why scold him?"
"Hmph."
"If I didn't, he'd dismantle Asgard by tomorrow."
A faint smile tugged at Odin's lips.
"I will visit Midgard for several days. Conduct a personal inspection."
"Asgard is yours, Frigga."
"Leave it to me," she replied with playful confidence. "I may be known as the foremost sorceress of the Nine Realms, but my blade has not dulled. I doubt the boy even realized I held back against Laufey."
Odin chuckled softly.
Time had passed.
The once-conquering warlord and the battle-maiden queen were now aged sovereigns—
So aged that many had forgotten how terrifyingly powerful they once were.
Earth – Norway
Odin arrived via the Bifrost upon a quiet Norwegian cliffside overlooking the sea.
The view had long been dear to him.
With a thought, his divine regalia vanished. The Allfather became a simple, one-eyed old man seated upon a stone.
And simply watched the ocean.
Across the cosmos, ancient entities stirring in the dark abruptly grew still.
Because at that same moment—
The Ancient One opened the Eye of Agamotto.
Harnessing the Time Stone within, she brought Leon back through time.
Such an act required supreme mastery of both mystic arts and the Stone itself.
Only she could accomplish it safely.
1991 – December 16 – Night
The day Howard and Maria Stark returned home.
The night HYDRA dispatched the Winter Soldier.
Leon remembered this night vividly.
He and Tony had waited—first excited, then restless, then numb—until sleep claimed them.
The next morning brought only death.
Within the Mirror Dimension, Leon gazed upon his younger self and Tony.
"May I see them?" he asked quietly.
"No."
"Hatred clouds judgment."
"…Understood."
Leon touched Aionsega at his wrist and sat cross-legged, forcing himself into stillness.
HYDRA was already on his purge list.
As was the Winter Soldier.
Death alone would be too merciful.
Even if he had not acted of his own will.
Time passed.
Then—
[Notification: The souls designated "Howard Stark" and "Maria Stark" acknowledge you from the depths of their being as their child.]
[Activate "Valhalla" to contain them?]
"Yes."
With a thought, Leon invoked his authority.
Their souls were drawn into his personal Valhalla—
A domain rooted in his divine authority.
Within it, he had woven a dreamlike paradise.
A world of peace.
A perfect illusion—
Not unlike Infinite Tsukuyomi.
The dream Madara had chased for a lifetime—
Leon achieved through a sign-in reward.
Truly ironic.
The Ancient One observed carefully.
Leon's Valhalla resembled Asgard's—yet was more absolute.
If conditions were met, the soul's consent was irrelevant.
Ultimate authority belonged solely to Leon.
A flicker of unease passed through her mind.
If Leon ever claimed her retirement prematurely—
Would she be bound to him eternally?
She could find no immediate countermeasure.
Perhaps Eternity would suffice to restrain him.
…Perhaps.
The thought unsettled her.
They traveled once more—
And Leon contained the soul of Edwin Jarvis as well.
Swift.
Precise.
No excess.
Upon returning to the present, the Ancient One carefully verified that no branching timeline or Absolute Point had been disrupted.
Satisfied, she departed.
Then—
The System spoke.
[Notice: You have intercepted souls originally destined for Death. Death is angered—but upon recognizing your unique existence, she has developed intense interest in you.]
[Caution: Exercise care. She is watching. She may arrive at any time.]
[You have obtained: "Favor of the Goddess of Death."]
Favor of the Goddess of Death
Your soul is immune to all negative effects.
Except for Death herself, no entity may claim your soul.
Description:
You are mine.
"…What the hell?!"
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