Thor observed Zeus standing proudly at the center of the grand hall in this divine realm of Indigel, seemingly the dominant figure among the gods here. However, Thor noticed a peculiar absence: there were no other Olympian gods present in this gathering.
Thor grew increasingly unsure of Zeus's status. Was he still the King of Olympus, or had he become the ruler of this pantheon instead?
As for Thor, his aspirations had always been tied to his role as King of Asgard. It wasn't because he loved ruling—after all, he had practically dumped all administrative duties on Loki. His true focus was on strengthening Asgard for one purpose: to enhance his own power. Since becoming king, Asgard's divine blessings had accelerated his growth in strength and mastery of rune magic. He understood that Asgard's prosperity was closely linked to his own advancement.
It was for this reason that Thor's interest in emulating Zeus's path waned. Zeus had not grown noticeably stronger through his position here in Indigel. Perhaps, Thor thought, this wasn't the right path for him after all.
"Alright, enough with the self-praise. You haven't changed a bit after all these years!" Diana snapped, interrupting Zeus's monologue. As a child, she had often heard stories about Zeus, many of which he had authored and spread himself.
"Yes, Zeus had chronicled his own escapades," Diana thought with disdain. He had never seen his notorious affairs as shameful—in fact, he seemed proud of them, as if eager for the world to know.
"Self-praise? How can you call it that? I'm merely stating facts," Zeus replied, spreading his arms in feigned innocence. He showed no intention of getting straight to the point, instead attempting to reminisce and bond with Diana.
Meanwhile, Kara ignored their conversation and turned to the others. "Have you sensed the presence of your gods yet?" she asked curiously. After all, their original goal had been to locate the gods behind their powers.
"I can sense Zeus's power," Frank said, stepping forward. "But my own power hasn't changed just because he's here."
"I've felt the power of two wind gods, but nothing else," Pietro added.
"I sense Zeus's power too," Harry Osborn chimed in with a frown. He wasn't particularly impressed by the smug, middle-aged deity before him. In fact, his opinion of the Shazam power he'd inherited diminished as a result.
"I didn't sense any goddess's power," Susan Storm said.
"Same here," Claire Ray followed up, shrugging.
"Hmm? You're all wielders of the power of Shazam?" Zeus finally took notice of their discussion. His expression revealed his confusion. As one of the gods who had signed the original Shazam contract, he knew that only those deemed worthy could wield the power.
Shazam's strength wasn't something just anyone could inherit—it required divine approval. Theoretically, there was only supposed to be one champion at a time. But now, five wielders stood before him. This defied everything Zeus thought he understood about the contract. What Zeus didn't realize was that two more champions—Steve and Black Adam—were not even present.
"Yes, we are," Frank confirmed. He avoided saying the word "Shazam," wary of transforming back into his human form. It wasn't about fear of danger, but rather the inconvenience of revealing their secret identities.
"How strange. How did you find Indigel, then?" Zeus asked, scratching his head. "Even with divine power, you shouldn't have been able to find your way here. The contract didn't grant that ability…"
Zeus was so focused on the Shazam champions that he completely overlooked Thor's presence.
"Zeus, are you truly going to ignore me?" Thor finally snapped. Though they had never met before, Thor was now the King of Asgard—a status equal to Zeus. To be treated as an afterthought infuriated him.
"Hmm? And you are…?" Zeus turned to Thor with a blank expression.
"Thor Odinson, son of King Odin and current ruler of Asgard!" Thor declared proudly.
"Ah, Odin's boy. And what sort of god are you again?" Zeus asked, his tone dismissive.
"I am the God of Thunder!" Thor announced, standing tall.
"Thunder, huh?" Zeus chuckled. "But thunder is just the sound lightning makes. So, technically, you're under my domain."
"Zeus! Are you mocking me?!" Thor's fury ignited. Zeus had insulted him in front of countless gods. To back down now would be a humiliation he couldn't bear.
"Relax, it was just a joke. You're a king, right? Show some composure," Zeus replied casually, waving Thor off. His flippant attitude only enraged Thor further.
"Oh? And I suppose lightning is just a flash of thunder, then!" Thor snarled through gritted teeth.
"How dare you!" Zeus roared, his jovial facade shattering. Thunder echoed ominously throughout the hall.
BOOM!
A golden bolt of lightning streaked through the air and landed in Zeus's hand, transforming into a long, radiant sword shaped like a lightning bolt.
"They're about to fight. Should we stop them?" Frank asked, exchanging uncertain glances with the others. Even Diana hesitated, preparing to intervene. However, she noticed Robert watching the scene with amusement.
"Shouldn't we do something?" Diana asked Robert telepathically.
"Not yet," Robert responded. "Zeus has been steering the conversation since he arrived, keeping all attention on himself. I'm curious to see what he's planning."
To Robert, it didn't matter who won the fight. If anything, he found the clash between Thor and Zeus entertaining. It would also give him insight into the differences between their divine lightning powers.
Thor eyed the lightning sword with caution. He could feel its immense power—comparable, if not superior, to Odin's Gungnir. While Gungnir was known for its unerring accuracy, Zeus's sword seemed designed for raw destructive force. Thor couldn't help but admire the weapon, though it wasn't quite to his taste.
"Jealous?" Zeus grinned. "If you acknowledge me as your superior, perhaps I'll let you hold it."
"Ridiculous! My Mjolnir is just as mighty as your sword!" Thor shot back, though his voice lacked conviction. He knew Mjolnir wasn't as powerful as a weapon forged for a king of gods. Still, he wouldn't yield in words.
"Oh? Is that so? Then why don't you show me?" Zeus raised an eyebrow.
WHOOSH!
Mjolnir flew from Thor's side to his hand in an instant.
The sight of the hammer sent Zeus into a fit of laughter. Other gods, unsure of what was so amusing, joined in, filling the hall with boisterous mirth.
"Why are you laughing?!" Thor growled, his frustration mounting.
"I'm laughing at how far Asgard has fallen," Zeus sneered. "You call that shattered hammer worthy of a king? It's barely holding together with magic! And you expect me to take it seriously?"
Thor's eyes flared with lightning. "Don't underestimate Mjolnir's power!"
"Oh? Even if it's strong, it's still just a broken relic," Zeus taunted. He held up his pristine lightning sword. "See this? Even separated, it remains a thing of beauty."
With a crackling sound, Zeus split the sword into two lightning bolts. Their brilliance far outshone Mjolnir's fractured form.
"If you think so little of Mjolnir, why don't you try lifting it?" Thor challenged, raising the hammer defiantly.
"Oh, I know all about Odin's little enchantment," Zeus scoffed. "But sure, I'll humor you. What's in it for me if I succeed?"
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