Baldur fell silent at Odin's command. The Great Father of All, with his penetrating gaze and a presence that exuded authority, walked slowly toward Kaizen.
The hall, now ravaged by battle, was enveloped in a deep silence. The air was charged with the smell of ozone, the result of Thor's rays, and the smoke from Kaizen's psychic flames still hung in the air.
"Kaizen," Odin's voice echoed through the hall, laden with ancient wisdom. "You have shown courage and strength unusual for a mortal. But the question before us is not only your bravery, but the balance we must maintain between the kingdoms. That has always been the question."
Odin's eyes, one covered by an ornate eye-patch, studied Kaizen meticulously. He paused, letting his words sink into the minds of all present.
"Baldur's argument is fair," Odin continued, "by law you have killed a god and should face the consequences. However, there are factors we must consider carefully."
Kaizen felt every muscle protest as he tried to stand firm before the gods. The weight of impending judgment weighed on his shoulders. Knowing that any word he spoke could seal his fate, he remained silent and waited.
"Surtr's death was an impressive feat," Odin said, addressing Kaizen as well as the other gods present. "However, the question of leadership in Muspelheim has been resolved by you in an unexpected way. Surtr's throne is not empty."
Murmurs began to echo among the gods. Kaizen could sense the tension in the air.
"You killed Surtr, but you inadvertently brought stability to Muspelheim by installing another King of Hell," Odin continued, his voice firm. "Surtr's power was transferred to his legitimate successor, someone who was already ready to take over. Thus, the threat of a power vacuum has been mitigated."
Thor, still holding Mjölnir at his side, watched with a mixture of respect and curiosity. He knew that Odin was about to make a decision that would change the fate of all present.
"Then it is decided," Odin said, turning to the other gods. "Kaizen will live, and he will be a bridge between Asgard and Midgard. He will have a chance to prove his worth and help maintain the balance of the realms. Now, please come with me, Kaizen."
With a simple snap of Odin's fingers, their surroundings changed instantly. The battle-scarred hall gave way to a long golden corridor.
Kaizen paused for a moment, amazed at the sudden change. The floor was polished marble, reflecting the glow of the runes, and the ceiling seemed endless, disappearing into a golden mist. It was a place of unparalleled power, a manifestation of Asgard's greatness.
"This is the Hall of Ancient Knowledge," Odin explained without looking back. "All the truths of the Nine Realms are inscribed here, waiting to be discovered."
Kaizen followed in silence for a few moments, taking in the grandeur of the place. Finally, he mustered the courage to ask the question that had plagued him since the battle.
"Great Odin," he began, his voice low but firm. "If you already knew all this, if you already knew my worth and my deeds, why did I have to fight Thor? Why the trial in front of everyone?"
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Odin paused and slowly turned to Kaizen. His gaze was deep, as if he was probing Kaizen's very soul. He remained silent for a few moments, pondering the young warrior's question.
"Kaizen," Odin began, his voice deep and filled with centuries of wisdom, "there are lessons that can only be learned through experience. The battle with Thor was not just a test of strength, but a test of character and resolve. I wanted to see how you would react in the face of extreme adversity, how you would behave in the face of uncertainty and fear.
Kaizen pondered Odin's words. He sensed that there was something more, a deeper layer of meaning that he didn't fully understand yet.
"Besides," Odin continued, "I have always watched you through the eyes I have in every world. Just as I watch all the other players."