Where to plant the tree?
Was that even a question? Naturally, the plan was to plant it in Kristin's magic town.
This planet, though inhabited by intelligent creatures, had no humans or other dark, intelligent species. And more importantly, its location in the universe was incredibly well-hidden. If not here, then where?
After hearing all those advantages, William narrowed his eyes and asked, "All those benefits aside, let me ask you just one thing—where did the dinosaurs and magical creatures on this planet come from?"
Odin and Kristin were stunned for a moment—and then a wave of unease hit them both. Neither had really thought about that.
Maybe they had, when they first arrived on the planet, but after years of relative peace, they'd subconsciously assumed it was safe.
Dragons, rainbow deer, unicorns, thunderbirds, and giant apes—they were all explainable.
But dinosaurs?
If those creatures had been living here since prehistoric times, then this was a major problem.
These were lifeforms that should have gone extinct 65 million years ago, yet here they were, alive and well—unchanged.
That meant one of two things: either their genes were locked, or they hadn't been here very long—they were artificially cloned.
Either way, it pointed to one terrifying conclusion: whoever had transformed this planet—whether individual or civilization—was either absurdly powerful or so ancient that even Odin and Kristin's races would be distant descendants in comparison.
Even if that ancient race had perished, what if they hadn't?
That kind of uncertainty represented a huge, looming threat.
"…Asgard?" Odin finally asked, turning to look at William and Kristin.
William shrugged. "Before figuring out this planet's real situation, I'm not taking any risks. As for other locations—that's up to you two. I'm not getting involved, just so no one can blame me later if something goes wrong."
Odin shot him a disgruntled glare. But before Kristin could speak, Odin sighed and shook his head. "Asgard isn't ideal either."
Of course not. William understood immediately. Odin was likely worried that if Hela ever escaped and returned to Asgard, any power housed there would only make her stronger.
Probably the same reason Odin didn't want any of the Infinity Stones ending up in Asgard either.
Kristin had her own reasons too. She didn't want the World Tree planted on a flat-world plane like Asgard.
Unlike Earth and most planets, which are spherical or elliptical, Asgard was a "flat realm"—a platform suspended in space. If the World Tree grew too large, its roots could puncture the realm's foundation itself.
So both Odin and Kristin turned to William.
"You can't be serious," William said quickly. "You want to plant the World Tree on Earth?
Come on, humans are the definition of greedy. If it ever appeared in England, I guarantee every politician and noble will be plotting how to get their hands on it."
But to his surprise, Odin and Kristin didn't seem particularly worried.
"We can plant it on your estate," Odin said calmly. "Then place a concealment barrier over it, just like Kristin's magic town. With the level of concealment she uses, no wizard in England would ever notice it."
William was a little tempted. "The same kind of concealment?"
"Exactly," Odin nodded. "And if you continue nourishing the World Tree regularly with natural magic for the next few decades, once we get new seeds, we can try planting another one back on the magic planet."
Kristin added, "Plus, the World Tree naturally regulates its surrounding environment. Eventually, the magic density on your estate will far exceed any other place on Earth."
"That's a thing?" William's interest spiked immediately. His mind jumped to his X-17 planet.
If he transformed that world into a new magical hub, then migrated thunderbirds, fire dragons, unicorns, and other magical creatures over… not only would he secure a long-term backup plan, but it'd massively boost his personal power base.
Still, he replied cautiously, "Don't forget, Earth—Midgard—is a prime target for devils, demons, angels, Asgardians, aliens, and who knows how many other supernatural factions.
Once they find out there's a World Tree growing on my land, we won't just be guarding against humans anymore."
"Hahaha!" Odin laughed heartily. "Don't worry. The London Sanctum protects the Earth. Most of the demons that can cross into the physical world are low-level trash.
Thanks to the spatial barrier, even mid-level demons have trouble getting in—let alone high-rank ones or demon lords.
I'm sure those minor creatures, who can't even beat our regular soldiers, won't be a threat to you."
Even after all that, William was still hesitant.
Seeing this, Odin grew slightly impatient. "Kristin will move the Light Elf Sanctuary to your estate.
The daily protection will be handled by her and the magic pixies. And with her concealment spell, you won't have to worry about the World Tree or the magic tide being discovered."
Hah.As if that wasn't the real condition. As if Kristin would ever agree to this if she weren't going too.
William lowered his head in thought. "Still feels like leaving the World Tree in the human world is a bad idea. Let's just hope everything goes according to plan."
Seeing his lingering worry, Kristin hesitated. "Then… should we wait until we find a better place to plant it?"
"No," Odin interrupted firmly. He wasn't about to let Kristin back out after finally giving in.
If they waited any longer, he might not live to see the Water of Life emerge from the tree.
So whether it was risk now or wait for an uncertain future—it made little difference to Odin.
He shook his head. "I'll assign a team of strong and loyal guards to follow you to William's estate," he told Kristin.
Then, turning to William, he added, "Get this done, and I'll guarantee a weapon that's every bit as powerful as Mjölnir."
William, still thinking of his X-17 planet, played coy. "You sure? Maybe if we wait a few days, something will change."
"No more waiting," Odin said bluntly, staring straight at him. "William, tell me honestly—do you believe I still have enough time to wait?"
"Um…"
That moment of hesitation made Odin's heart skip a beat. He couldn't help but curse inwardly—Damn it, did William see something with magic? A glimpse of my future? Am I really that close to the end?
"Enough. It's decided," Odin declared before anyone could object. "Kristin, prepare to migrate. William, return to your estate and choose the planting site.
I'll handle the weapon, the guards, and everything else."
"HEIMDALL!"
Before Kristin could even speak, the rainbow bridge activated and whisked Odin back to Asgard.
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