Zeus heard what Athena had to say, but his mind was not on Odin or his brother. His main focus was on the humans who helped even mortals gain divinity through their prayers.
"So, did you verify the increased divinity gained from the human race when they prayed?"
Athena looked at her father, then shook her head.
"Yes and no."
Zeus looked at Athena with displeasure and annoyance.
"Speak clearly."
Athena waved her hand, and a virtual screen appeared showing a battle taking place. In the battle, a human was fighting others who could rival gods in strength.
"Father, this was the battle that recently occurred in Midgard, when demons and their accomplices tried to attack. Odin and his brother also fought, but everyone in the battle displayed strength that could be described as godlike."
Then she pointed at a few humans who were fighting with strength equal to the gods.
"But there are a few mortals who are equally strong."
She then changed the screen to show a human tribe that had been half-destroyed, but then Firehair appeared to save them, accompanied by a woman, Fan Fei the Iron Fist. When they saved the humans from the enemy, the tribe looked upon Firehair as a great god and Fan Fei as their savior god. As time progressed, the tribe built a statue of Fan Fei with glowing hands, while Firehair's statue was covered in a fiery design.
"Father, this tribe sees these two as their gods, who saved them in their time of destruction. While they prayed before the statues, there was a slight increase in divinity around them."
Then she looked toward Zeus.
"At first, I wasn't sure whether it was a judgmental error on my part, but the same thing happened in different places. Wherever the battle had an impact and human tribes were nearby, something similar occurred."
Athena then turned to the screen, which showed a statue of Odin alongside his brother, with humans from a tribe praying before it.
"Even Odin's statue has gained some divinity. So, the old gods who learned of this have begun to turn their attention to Midgard, but they are still waiting for Odin to return. After all, the Nine Realms remain under Odin's protection."
Zeus, having heard the whole story, looked at the statue of Odin as if trying to understand the rules of divinity within it. Suddenly, as if realizing something, Zeus looked at the statue with satisfaction.
"Faith… so this is what helps us gain divinity."
Hearing Zeus' words, Athena knew her father had likely discovered the reason.
Zeus then looked toward Athena.
"Hermes!"
His loud voice echoed through the hall. After a few seconds, Hermes appeared before them, his eyes glancing at Athena inquisitively.
"Father, you summoned me."
Zeus looked at Hermes and spoke.
"Go, summon everyone for the council, including Hades and Poseidon. Tell them all must be present for the meeting; otherwise, there will be consequences."
Hearing the words, Hermes was surprised but disappeared without delay.
Zeus watched Hermes' disappearing figure, then turned to Athena.
"How do you think we should focus on future development in Midgard, Athena?"
Athena shook her head, as if uncertain of the path, but after a moment's thought, she spoke.
"Father, at present, humans are few in number. Even if we invest great effort, we will not gain immediately. But there is something unique about mortals: they reproduce at a fast pace. If we focus on developing them, it may increase their faith in us, but it will be time-consuming."
Zeus pondered the process of gaining a greater share of human faith.
"Developing them is good. As for time, such things are for mortals. For us, time is irrelevant. The biggest problem we may face will be from the other old gods; they will not let us gain everything alone."
As Olympus moved into full swing to secure faith from humans, the same was happening among every pantheon of old gods. Yet Asgard remained peaceful.
Sigurd sat with his brother, while Hela sat beside them. Diana ran nearby with the Sword of Odin.
Sigurd looked at his daughter and couldn't help but think how much she liked the sword.
Odin watched Diana, then turned his head toward Sigurd.
"What do you think those old gods will do to gain mortal faith?"
Sigurd shook his head.
"I don't know exactly what they will do, but I am sure it will start with pure, positive gain for both sides. Yet, in time, it will turn to greed, lust, and domination."
Hearing Sigurd's words, Hela looked at him with a questioning expression. Noticing her reaction, Odin spoke.
"Hela, this is the nature of the universe. No one can be sure they will always do good. Even your uncle or I have done things others might consider evil. But when mortals hold the power to increase the strength of gods, corruption and manipulation will inevitably follow."
Hela heard her father's words and began to understand.
"So, mortals may be turned into toys by these old gods."
Sigurd shook his head and spoke.
"Hela, do not underestimate humans. They may appear weak, but they can be more ruthless and cunning than some gods. But overall, yes, mortals will be manipulated by these gods. Some gods may genuinely help their followers, but we cannot assume all will act with good intentions."
Hearing this, Hela considered the most important question.
"So, will it be good for Midgard if so many gods interfere with their progress?"
This time, Odin nodded.
"It will be good. After all, Midgard will progress with the help of the gods."
Then Odin turned to Sigurd.
"What do you think? Should we also help certain human tribes? It would benefit others in Asgard as well."
Sigurd nodded.
"Of course, why not? But there must be rules for everyone in Asgard. Without rules, even Asgardians might exploit those mortals."