Strange laws, an unfamiliar environment, and even a stranger self—all of these things were telling Zeus that he had fallen into a unique state.
He was pulled into a train of thought, reliving the most profound experiences of the owner's memory. Now, having lost physical form, he existed as pure consciousness attached to the body of the owner of these thoughts, and anything that was foreign to him could not be brought along.
As his consciousness observed the surroundings, Zeus watched as 'himself' moved perpetually forward. Unsurprisingly, the danger he had vaguely sensed before was probably here; his spirit was functioning at an unprecedented speed.
He tried to break free from his current state but undoubtedly failed, for the force maintaining this residual thought seemed to stem not from its original owner alone but from a higher source as well.
Normally, a powerful deity like Zeus wouldn't easily fall into someone else's residual thought. Even if they had touched upon a great existence, since they were 'dead' in a certain sense, it wouldn't be possible for mere remnants of thoughts to force him into them without resistance. However, things were different here.
Although Zeus was still unclear about the name and origins of this place, the Divine Authority that originated from the present world still allowed him to keenly sense the disconnect between this place and Chaos, and it wasn't the kind of difference that existed between the present world, the Abyss, and the Spirit Realm. It was a much larger separation.
The transformation of the Nine Realms was still ongoing. Even though Chaos had shattered the barrier of the world's force, Its 'digestion' was not proceeding rapidly. So within this fragmented realm, a small amount of force from another world lingered.
Now, through the residual thought and Zeus as a medium, the force of Chaos collided with the remnant force of the Nine Realms. World-level power recreated the past, giving this segment of memory a strength so real it felt tangible. Still, hidden within this fragment of the past lurked an unprecedented unknown threat to Zeus.
Under the reflection of Yggdrasil's roots, a vague and immense figure lurked. Focusing his gaze, Zeus clearly saw Mimir, who sat gravely beside the Spring of Wisdom.
At the same time, Mimir also noticed 'Odin's arrival.
"Outsider, do you too covet the wisdom bestowed by the heavens?"
Mimir's booming voice echoed, clearly recognizing the identity of 'Odin' at the moment, yet the Titan's tone seemed indifferent. Mimir, the young Titan of Wisdom who guarded the Spring of Wisdom, showed no respect even in the face of a king of the Nine Realms.
For this was Jotunheim, the realm of the Titans. Even a Divine King using force to achieve his goals would not be able to leave unscathed here.
"Yes, respected guardian. I have heard of the great renown of the Spring of Wisdom and have come precisely for that reason,"
"I wish to partake in a cup of its waters, to gain enlightenment from wisdom. If you fulfill my wish, I, in the name of a Divine King, promise to give you a fitting recompense."
In 'Odin's mind, Zeus heard 'himself' speaking thus. However, the Titan opposite was not conceding to the king's request. He just looked at 'Odin,' smiling casually.
"Outsider, no matter your identity, your lofty status, or what powers you possess, here, you must follow my rules. Because, without the guardian's consent, the water will not be effective for you."