The change is subtle.
Unless someone has a deep understanding of the magic net, it is difficult to notice any alterations within it.
The first to detect these changes were naturally Odin and the Ancient One, both of whom had an advanced comprehension of magic.
Asgard, Battalion
"Irene, I appreciate your efforts during this time. The matters in Vanaheim and Alfheim should be resolved by now."
Under the stage, Irene gave a brief report on the recent developments.
"Things went smoothly in Alfheim. They had no major issues with the magic net.
"However, the situation in Vanaheim is a bit different. Some people are unwilling to connect to the magic net. They believe it to be an evil ritual meant to control their souls, their world, and their lives.
"That said, the majority trusts us, and those who have connected to the magic net have seen noticeable improvements in their magical abilities."
"As expected... You'll need to continue following up on this mission. This is an opportunity to bring lasting peace to the Nine Realms."
Odin remained unfazed.
He was not concerned about the issues Irene described.
He had anticipated this resistance.
Rather than addressing it directly, he allowed events to unfold naturally.
This was not a significant problem. Once those who embraced the magic net gained enough power, they would naturally suppress the dissenters.
By then, subjugating them would be easy.
There wouldn't even be a need for Asgard's army.
"Father, do you need me to go to Vanaheim? I can handle the situation with Hogun and the others," Thor volunteered from the side.
Through the magic net, he had reaped the greatest benefits.
His rapid increase in strength made him eager to find an opponent to test himself against.
But the Nine Realms were now too… harmonious.
For a while, Thor struggled to find a worthy opponent to train with.
He was beginning to miss Earth.
"There's no need," Odin said. "Let them handle Vanaheim themselves. It won't be long before they gain enough power to quell the rebellion.
"By the way, Thor, how are you feeling now?"
"It's amazing! I feel full of power! But Father, why don't you accept this power? Or at least let someone else, like Mother, use it? Right now, I feel like a pig—just lying down and getting fatter with power."
Thor looked troubled.
"Nonsense!"
Odin's voice boomed, his expression immediately darkening.
Is this how a king should speak?
After all the effort he had put in to secure this power for Thor, and now his son found it troublesome? Wanted to give it away?
Give it to him? Did Thor think he didn't have enough problems already?
"This matter is not up for discussion," Odin declared firmly. "Thor, you are the future king of Asgard. Your power is the most crucial factor in stabilizing the Nine Realms!"
"But Aaron is still around..." Thor muttered under his breath.
Odin's eye twitched in irritation.
He hasn't even taken the throne yet, and he's already trying to pass off responsibilities!
Odin was about to scold him again, but sensing trouble, Thor quickly changed the subject.
"Father, I've been feeling unusually energetic lately, like I'm about to reach a limit of some sort."
"That's normal," Odin replied without concern. "If you have excess energy, exchange it in the magic net for magic spells. Remember, a true king must master more than just his hammer—magic is equally important."
Odin had foreseen this issue.
Previously, for Thor to reach this level of power would have taken a significant amount of time.
But with the magic net accelerating his growth, Thor's energy levels were rising rapidly, bringing him close to his current limit.
Unless his divine body evolved further, he would need another means to manage such immense power.
Odin couldn't help but wonder—how had Aaron done it?
As he pondered this, his gaze drifted toward the sky, where the magic net loomed invisibly above Asgard.
An Ominous Change
Over time, the magic net had become omnipresent in Asgard.
Nearly all Asgardians were now connected to it.
In addition to Thor's node, multiple sub-nodes had been established, spreading out in countless directions like an intricate web.
This increasing complexity had made the magic net more perceivable—at least to Odin.
Only someone with mastery over magic, like himself, could sense its existence.
And yet…
Something felt off.
The magic net had become more elusive, less tangible than before.
Am I imagining things?
Odin focused his senses on the hidden web of magic above him.
For the first time, he felt as if it were slipping beyond his perception.
Alarmed, he concentrated harder.
But then—
The magic net vanished.
Odin's eyes widened in shock.
For a brief moment, he had lost all awareness of it.
He immediately tried to reconnect.
Only after probing further did he confirm that the magic net still existed.
He let out a sigh of relief.
Right now, the last thing he wanted was for the magic net to disappear.
However, when he attempted to perceive it again, his divine senses met nothing but an empty void.
It was as if his awareness had been swallowed into a bottomless abyss.
No matter what method he used, he couldn't detect the magic net's presence.
"What the hell? How did he do this?"
Odin tried again, using various magical techniques, but received no feedback.
His expression darkened.
The magic net had been upgraded!
Aaron had done something—something that had drastically increased the net's concealment.
Now, unless someone was a direct user of the magic net, they would be unable to perceive it.
Odin clenched his fists.
"A monster... Can't you slow down a bit? Is he really an Asgardian? How could such a being be born here?"
Odin sighed deeply.
He turned to Thor, who still showed little interest in learning magic—if anything, he was openly resistant to it.
His expression became dangerous.
His son, Thor Odinson, was being completely outclassed in combat, magic, and intelligence by an orphan.
Was this his fault?
No! His genes were flawless!
The problem was Thor!
"Thor! Go learn magic immediately!" Odin commanded. "Within one month, I expect you to have mastered at least three spells of Authority Level 3 or higher! Otherwise, you're going back to Midgard for proper reformation!"
Thor initially looked nervous but then brightened.
"No need, Father! I can go to Midgard right now—"
"GET OUT!!!"
Kamar-Taj
The Ancient One had also noticed the change in the magic net.
Like Odin, she could no longer perceive its presence.
Before, the magic net had existed as a vast web of energy, blending seamlessly into the magical atmosphere.
But now…
It was gone.
"How did he do it?"
At that moment, Aaron arrived.
Mordo respectfully welcomed him before departing without hesitation.
The Ancient One observed Aaron with curiosity as he approached.
Without preamble, he spoke:
"Supreme Sorcerer, I need to borrow your Time Gem."
The Ancient One studied him in silence before finally responding.
"You used the Space Gem to conceal the magic net, didn't you?"
"Yes," Aaron admitted.
"Are you planning to integrate the Time Gem into the magic net?"
"Absolutely."
The Ancient One smiled.
"Then follow me."
Aaron did so without hesitation.
As they walked, the Ancient One mused,
"Time is special, wondrous, and dangerous..."
Finally, arriving at a secret chamber, she retrieved the Eye of Agamotto.
Confirming one last time, she asked:
"Can you guarantee that, after obtaining the Time Gem, it will only be used for the magic net?"
"I promise."
"Then take it. It's yours."
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