Chapter 1022: Chapter 97: You Have Really Made Me Suffer_2

With a golden helm and armor, holding the Eternal Spear, Odin stepped through the door and laughed heartily:

“If you wish to take action against Ireland-Celtic, you’ll need a stable rear flank; similarly, if Asa desires eternal glory, it requires an unwavering order. Now is the moment of opportunity.”

Luo En wasn’t surprised at Odin’s words.

Ever since his return to the Immortal Palace, he had urgently summoned the Valkyrie Corps back into formation and conducted extensive training drills–such grand movements wouldn’t escape Odin’s watchful eye.

Moreover, regarding information on Ireland-Celtic, he not only consulted Freya but also sought Frigg’s counsel. His intent to act against this Divine Era was never deliberately hidden.

Hence, as long as Odin wasn’t a fool, it wasn’t hard to infer Luo En’s purpose for returning to the Immortal Palace based on existing clues.

Initially, this was merely meant to show that he had no intention of vying for power with the Asa Divine Race, allowing Odin and his wife to focus on nurturing their lineage without worry.

Unexpectedly, the couple seized the initiative, seemingly intent on involving themselves in the divine war Luo En was about to ignite.

Rubbing his brow in slight exasperation, Luo En reminded with some hesitation:

“Facing an intact Divine Era as an adversary–well, even I cannot guarantee absolute victory.”

“All the more reason you need me!”

Upon hearing this firm declaration, Luo En couldn’t help but pause.

“Of course, this isn’t merely for you. Nordic lands are desolate; mere survival demands every ounce of effort. If we desire more water and soil, we must take up arms and seize them beyond our borders! The victor rules the vanquished; the strong command the weak. Such is the unchanging iron law of this world!”

Odin laughed heartily, his single eye gleaming with profound wisdom and burgeoning ambition.

“I believe that as long as we join forces, nothing can prevent us from marching toward that eternal light!”

Seeing Odin’s determination, Luo En found it difficult to continue dissuading him.

Suddenly, Odin took Frigg by one hand and Luo En by the other, stepping out of the Golden Palace with roaring laughter:

“Come, ascend the stage with me. As gratitude for bringing [light] to the Asa, I’ve prepared a special gift for you!”

—-

The opening horns of the celebration echoed across the grand square.

Under the gaze of the assembled multitude, the three ascended the high platform and sat side by side, symbolizing their equal status within the Immortal Palace.

The representatives of the three races–elves, humans, and dwarves–were the first to present tributes, celebrating Chief God Luo En’s return and the nurturing of the Child of Light, Balder.

Once the gifts had been delivered, Odin waved his hand, and nineteen Valkyries each stepped forward holding a Cen Wood tray covered with a crimson silk cloth. They approached the leaders of the elf, dwarf, and human races.

“Thank you all for accepting my invitation. Here is a return gift–take it.”

As Odin’s resonant voice fell, the leaders pulled back the crimson silk, revealing exquisitely crafted golden rings.

The total matched the exact number of leaders among the elves, dwarves, and humans, amounting to nineteen rings.

Upon seeing these artifacts laid before them, the attendees’ expressions did not betray much surprise but rather a sense of anticipation and desire.

These rings were the shared masterpiece of Divine King Odin and the elf, dwarf, and human races.

—- Odin provided the materials, the dwarf clan crafted them, the elf clan engraved the runes, and the humans performed the final blessing.

Once a wearer donned these rings, their lifespan would transcend mortal limits; they would gain perception rivaling the gods and physiques comparable to giants. Thus, the relatively weaker elf, human, and dwarf races would obtain the power to contend with the Warner, Asa, and giant races.

No one could resist such temptation, and this was Odin’s promised reward.

At the trays, the elf clan received three rings, the dwarf clan seven, and the human kings and mage brothers–among them figures like Xili, Celebrian, Rose, and Eden–were granted nine.

Watching the scene before him, Luo En felt his eyelids twitch, as a prophecy surfaced in his mind:

“Under the sky, the elf kings claimed three,

In stone halls, the dwarf lords claimed seven,

In the mortal realm, doomed men claimed nine.

Mordor’s shadows, throne darkened,

The Dark Lord wields supreme dominion…”

—- Supreme Magic Ring!

Could it be?

A thunderous realization struck in Luo En’s heart as he turned to look at Odin beside him.

At that moment, Valkyrie Brynhild stepped forward, likewise bearing a tray. A golden ring, similar in design but emanating a distinct aura, rested quietly upon crimson silk, radiating elegance and majesty.

Through the varying reflections of light, Luo En glimpsed the interior of the ring, etched with rune-script commandments:

“One Ring to rule them all, one Ring to find them, one Ring to bring them all, and in the flames bind them.”

Under Luo En’s bewildered gaze, Odin lifted the golden ring from Brynhild’s tray, personally presenting it to his blood alliance brother, unraveling the mystery:

“Take it, this is my gift to you.”

Only then did Luo En notice Odin’s Gold-gathering Ring had disappeared from his finger.

Clearly, this [Supreme Magic Ring] had been reforged from Odin’s own Gold-gathering Ring.

As the scattered pieces of information converged in his mind, Luo En suddenly grasped Odin’s true intent.

Since the human, dwarf, and elf clans had already attached themselves to his banner, Odin chose to extend kindness by abandoning further actions against these three races.

But the condition was clear: the human, dwarf, and elf clans must abide by the rules and refrain from posing any threat to the dominance of the Asa Divine Race.