The Nine Realms.
Asgard, also known as the Celestial Palace.
This is the homeland of the Norse gods, situated at the uppermost branch of the World Tree, Yggdrasil, and connected to Midgard, or Earth, through a divine pathway.
On this "island" adorned with planetary substances, within the central palace of golden splendor, an elderly man with a patched right eye, clad in formal armor, and sporting a long beard sat solemnly on his throne.
This man was none other than Odin.
At this moment, Odin's brow furrowed slightly as he raised Gungnir, the spear that never misses its target, and fixed his gaze on another man kneeling before him, draped in a cape.
"Thor Odinson, what explanation do you have for the massive loss of dark energy in Asgard?"
Dark energy, a universal force, was no small matter, especially when it caught the attention of Odin.
Upon hearing Odin's question, most in the grand hall of Asgard looked perplexed, except for Loki, Frigga, and Heimdall.
Even Thor's closest companions, the Warriors Three, seemed deep in thought, as if piecing together fragments of information.
Rumor had it that Thor, after a series of battles outside Asgard, returned jubilantly with a glowing cluster nearly half a meter tall, shimmering in golden-white hues.
Thor believed it to be a treasure of immense value, hence his elation.
However, the cluster was shrouded in an enigmatic energy barrier and exuded an aura of sanctity, leaving everyone puzzled.
Subsequently, Odin and Frigga examined the cluster extensively, as did Heimdall, the ever-watchful guardian. Yet, its origins remained a mystery.
It seemed almost alive, perhaps in a state of slumber.
With no other options, Odin allowed Thor to decide the cluster's fate, and Thor placed it in Asgard's treasure vault.
This vault housed legendary artifacts like the Casket of Ancient Winters, the Orb of Agamotto, and the Tablet of Life, making it a highly secure location.
Thus, the current crisis stemmed from this very decision.
"My father," Thor said, kneeling with his helmet and Mjolnir placed beside him, "I admit this situation arose because of me, but I never intended to harm Asgard."
Thor's deep voice resonated through the golden hall, audible to every one of the thousands present.
He emphasized twice that while he was responsible, his intentions were pure.
Those who knew Thor well, including Odin, Frigga, and the others, understood his character.
Yet, given the magnitude of the dark energy loss affecting all of Asgard, Odin had to address the issue publicly.
What exactly had transpired?
Sif, who held affection for Thor, stepped forward to defend him: "Great All-Father, the blame for the light cluster absorbing Asgard's dark energy should not fall solely on Thor."
"There was no other choice but to place it in the treasure vault for safekeeping. And..."
Sif attempted to continue, but Frigga, standing beside Odin, silenced her with a stern glance.
Speaking out of turn was already inappropriate; pushing further would invite severe consequences.
Noticing Frigga's warning, Sif glanced at Thor, who gestured for her to retreat, and she reluctantly returned to her place.
She had done her best.
By now, the sequence of events was clear.
It began with Thor bringing the light cluster to Asgard, continued with its placement in the vault, and culminated in the absorption of dark energy.
The cluster's radiant sanctity had deceived everyone into believing it was a treasure rather than a threat.
The outcome was entirely unforeseen.
In the hall filled with thousands, Odin regarded Thor with a hint of regret.
This was not Thor's fault.
Even Heimdall, the vigilant guardian, Odin himself, and Frigga had detected no anomalies.
Yet, the loss of such vast dark energy had undeniably impacted all of Asgard.
Odin sought to provide a public explanation.
Boom!
Odin struck the golden floor with Gungnir.
"Thor Odinson, since the primary cause of this incident lies not with you, I, Odin, hereby declare..."
His words trailed off as he suddenly turned his gaze toward the treasure vault, where the light cluster resided.
Thor, prepared to accept punishment, looked up in confusion.
Simultaneously, within the vault, the light cluster began to glow brighter, gradually turning translucent.
A faint silhouette seemed to stir within.