Chapter 486: The Handover of the King: Brotherly Consensus

After a moment, the atmosphere in the conference room suddenly became solemn and dignified. Odin's eyes moved between Thor and Loki, and there was a deep emotion in his eyes. After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke, his voice was low and calm, but every word seemed to carry some kind of irresistible power.

"Thor, Loki," Odin looked at them deeply, as if he was making an extremely important decision, "It's time to tell you that I... have decided to abdicate."

This sentence exploded in the air like thunder. Thor's eyes instantly changed from shock to disbelief, his brows knitted, his face full of confusion and uneasiness. He subconsciously took a step forward, holding the Stormbreaker tightly with both hands, looking a little anxious: "Father...what did you say? Abdicate? How is this possible? Asgard needs you, and we still need your guidance!"

Thor's voice was filled with anxiety and uneasiness, as if he was unwilling to accept this reality. As the God of Thunder, he had always taken Odin as his role model, and Odin's abdication was like a shock to him.

Loki stood aside, and although he was also shocked, his expression was more complicated. His sharp eyes widened slightly, as if his inner balance was instantly disrupted. He subconsciously raised his hand and gently stroked his chin with his fingers, which was a small gesture he often made when facing an incomprehensible situation. Although he looked calm on the surface, the fluctuations in his eyes could not be concealed.

"Father... are you kidding me?" Loki's voice was filled with hesitation and doubt, as if he was still waiting for Odin to take back his words. "We have just resolved the threat from Surtur, and Asgard is still facing various potential crises. How can you suddenly decide to abdicate at this time?"

Odin smiled slightly, his smile was full of wisdom and calmness, as if he had seen through everything. "Thor, Loki," he said slowly, his voice full of unshakable determination, "Your current strength is enough to shoulder the future of Asgard. You no longer need my protection, nor do you need to rely on my decision."

He paused and continued, "The threat of Thanos has been eliminated, and the greatest crisis in the universe has passed. Now, it is time for you to decide the direction of the future." His eyes moved back and forth between the two of them, as if gauging their reactions.

Thor still couldn't calm down. His hand holding the battle axe was shaking a little. He whispered: "But... we are not ready yet."

Odin's smile was filled with relief and encouragement: "No one can be ready forever, Thor. Leadership is not something you take on because you are ready, but because you have to. You and Loki have both gone through countless battles and trials. You are strong enough and wise enough. You are no longer children."

Loki's expression remained solemn, with a hint of thought in his eyes. His fingers unconsciously clicked on his sleeves, looking a little uneasy: "So, father, which of us do you want to inherit the throne?"

Odin's eyes flashed with a deep light, as if he had seen through the future. He slowly said: "This... is up to you to decide." There was no partiality or coercion in his voice, as if he was leaving the right to decide their fate completely to them.

"No matter what choice you make, I will respect it." Odin took a deep breath, his tone revealing an open-minded and broad-minded attitude, "No matter what, I will retire. I will go to live alone with your mother. After all, I have missed too much time with her."

When their mother was mentioned, Frigga, Thor and Loki's expressions softened at the same time. She was their most beloved family member, and mentioning her always brought back the warmest memories in their hearts. The two of them couldn't help but look at each other, as if they had received some kind of answer in their hearts at the same time.

Odin looked at them quietly, with endless wisdom and love in his eyes, as if waiting for their final decision.

Just as Thor was about to answer, Loki suddenly broke the silence and spoke first: "I recommend Thor."

Thor was stunned for a moment, obviously not expecting Loki to nominate him so directly. He turned his eyes to Loki instantly, with surprise and confusion in his eyes. Loki's face still maintained that calm and composed expression, as if he had already made up his mind.

Odin raised his eyes slightly and looked at this scene. A warm smile could not help but appear on his weather-beaten face, as if he saw a rare harmony and tacit understanding. It was as if the two brothers had finally reached some kind of unspeakable consensus after going through countless storms. This scene made Odin feel a little relieved, as if the warm winter sun was shining in his heart.

However, before Odin could speak, Thor quickly took over the conversation and said unexpectedly: "No, father, I recommend Loki."

This time, it was Loki's turn to show a hint of surprise. The brothers' eyes met again, and one look conveyed too many unspoken emotions and trust. Although there had been countless conflicts and disagreements, at this moment, they seemed to have found the common answer in each other's hearts.

Odin sat on the throne, looking at the brothers who had been at loggerheads with each other, now recommending each other at such a critical moment. His heart was filled with emotion, his eyes were deep and gentle, as broad as the ocean. "You two..." Odin smiled slowly, with a kind glow in his eyes, "It's really unexpected. Thor, Loki, why did you recommend each other?"

Thor pondered for a moment, then looked directly at his father, his tone firm and frank: "Father, Loki is more suitable to be the king of Asgard than me. He is smarter, calmer, and knows how to plan and strategize better than me. Although I am good at fighting, I am not as wise as him in governing the kingdom. I believe Loki will lead Asgard to a better future."

When Loki heard this, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes. He had never expected Thor to praise him so frankly, and an inexplicable warmth surged in his heart. After a moment of silence, Loki shook his head gently, and a barely perceptible smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "Thor, you overestimate me. I may be good at power and strategy, but what Asgard needs is a true leader, a king who can stand on the battlefield, lead the army, and protect the country. And that person can only be you. You have great strength and an indomitable will, and you are a hero in the hearts of the people of Asgard."

Loki paused, his eyes gradually softened, "I can't be that kind of king. I am a planner in the shadows, but you, Thor, you are a guardian in the light."

Odin listened to their conversation and felt a warm feeling in his heart. His eyes swept over Thor and Loki like a warm spring breeze, as if he was a father watching his children finally grow up to be heroes who can stand on their own. He nodded gently, his smile full of satisfaction: "I see."

He slowly stood up and walked in front of the two of them, his eyes filled with endless wisdom and love. "No matter what you decide, I am proud. Because today, I saw the most precious thing between you - trust and mutual assistance."

Loki was silent for a moment, looking at his father Odin's gratified face, and then at Thor who was slightly confused beside him, with a barely perceptible flash of determination in his eyes. He spoke slowly, his voice calm but firm: "Father, Thor, I want to tell you something. I plan to return to Jotunheim and redevelop that land. I want to do something for the people there so that they will no longer be forgotten."

As soon as these words came out, Odin's expression became complicated, and a trace of shock flashed in his eyes. He frowned slightly, and his heart was turbulent. Although he had long known the connection between Loki and Jotunheim, he was still caught off guard when he heard Loki's firm decision in person. Odin pondered for a moment, and the expression on his face gradually eased, with a hint of deep understanding.

"Loki..." Odin's voice was low and full of emotion. "You chose to take this path, which means you have your own sense of responsibility and commitment. You may not have realized it, but you, like Thor and me, have your own heart as a king. What you want is to make changes for the people of Jotunheim. This is the awareness that a true king should have."

Odin's tone revealed deep relief and sigh. He felt that Loki was not the child who blindly pursued power and conspiracy. He had a unique kingly demeanor, which was the same dignity and responsibility as Thor and himself.

Thor was stunned, unable to fully understand Loki's decision. He stared at his brother with wide eyes, obviously unable to imagine that Loki would choose to go to the cold and desolate Jotunheim. But soon, his brows relaxed, realizing that a sense of responsibility as a brother surged in his heart.

"Loki... Jotunheim?" Thor repeated in a low voice, and then a light flashed in his eyes. "The environment there is harsh, but I have the Reality Stone. I can use it to help you change the situation in Jotunheim. The cold and desolation there can be alleviated, and life will be more comfortable."

Thor's eyes were full of sincerity and brotherly care, and he was eager to help Loki with his plan.

After hearing this, Loki smiled slightly, and the coldness in his eyes seemed to melt for a moment. He looked at Thor and said with a somewhat grateful and teasing tone: "Thor, I certainly won't refuse your kindness, but... if you really want to help, I also hope that you can introduce me to some senior figures of Umbrella. Although I can establish a connection through Nathan Hawke, I would rather you be my middleman."

Upon hearing this, Thor smiled with pride and patted his chest without hesitation, his tone full of confidence and cheerfulness: "Don't worry, Loki! I'll take care of this matter. I will definitely help you with it!"

His words were full of the heroism of an elder brother, as if he was trying to make up for the differences between the brothers in the past. The two men looked at each other, as if the barriers in their hearts had been resolved at this moment. The tacit understanding and trust between the brothers were being rekindled little by little at this critical moment.

Odin watched all this quietly, with a rare look of relief and joy in his eyes. He said nothing, but nodded slowly, feeling the pride of a father in his heart. The growth and reconciliation between Loki and Thor was exactly what he had long hoped for. He knew that the future of Asgard and Jotunheim would usher in a new chapter in their hands.

Odin's gaze rested gently on the two brothers, as if he saw a bright future through them.

It seems like it's time to tell them another secret.