Chapter 123: Without Thor, No Team
"Asgard already possesses the Tesseract. Having two Infinity Stones so close together is unwise. Therefore, I believe the Aether should be entrusted to someone capable of keeping it safe."
In the hall, Volstagg voiced his opinion, which was supported by many.
In a way, his argument made sense.
"However, the Aether is extremely dangerous. If another malevolent force, like the Dark Elves, were to acquire it and use its power to grow, it could lead to significant threats," Loki countered immediately.
"That's why we're seeking someone with the capability to guard it, such as Collector Taneleer Tivan from Knowhere."
The debate continued, and it was clear there was a reason for the guest's presence.
"There's no need for further argument." Thor interrupted, picking up the Aether. "Infinity Stones are tempting to many, whether one or two. Even if we send it away, others will attempt to collect it. For example, Thanos, the warlord."
"With the Aether included, there are already four Infinity Stones within the Nine Realms. Regardless of whether the Aether is present or not, Thanos will come for it eventually. Sending it away would only make it easier for him to obtain it. Although the Collector is powerful, he is still no match for Thanos."
Thor's words settled the matter, and no one disputed his points. The Aether and the Tesseract were stored together in the palace's vault.
Though Asgard resembled medieval Europe in appearance, it was actually highly advanced and not the autocratic monarchy people might imagine. Hence, even without Odin's direct involvement, things ran smoothly.
This is why Odin was confident in Thor, who was capable in battle. While Loki's political skills were high, his advantages in Asgard were less pronounced.
However, things had changed recently. Envoys from across the universe were visiting Asgard, and Thor could not engage with each one individually. Eventually, he became so overwhelmed that he chose to delegate the task to Loki.
At this moment, Loki's usefulness became evident...
"My brother, are you really going to leave this mess to me?" Loki stared, astonished, at the stack of reports before him, which covered everything from diplomacy with various planets to Asgard's post-war economic recovery...
"Don't you dream of becoming a king? I'm doing this for your own good, so you can experience the joys of kingship."
"Are you not worried about me causing trouble?"
Thor produced a small device and explained: "This device, when placed around your neck, cannot be removed. Pressing the remote control will deliver a hundred thousand volts of shock. I'll give it to Mother. If you prefer to die, I can install it for you."
It was a nifty gadget Thor had acquired from Grandmaster on Sakaar...
Loki nearly toppled the table...
With all the tedious tasks handed off to Loki, Thor felt relieved.
In this world of high martial prowess, where individual strength can outweigh entire nations, true power is tangible, and might is reality.
So what if you become a king? Without sufficient strength to back it up, even the greatest power can revert to nothing.
Just as in the past, Loki pretended to be Odin, making many moves and gaining several loyalists. Heimdall had been replaced by a bald character named Skurge... As soon as Thor returned, Skurge was reassigned to work as a cleaner.
Honestly, aside from Asgard, Thor's strength was such that, if he appeared on most planets, he could easily secure their submission. He could enjoy the benefits of kingship without the responsibilities—a very appealing situation...
Except, of course, for Earth, which was exceptionally well-protected by powerful beings.
With Asgard's matters settled, Thor shifted his focus back to Earth.
It had been over a month since he left Earth. The human experiments conducted by HYDRA should be nearing completion, right?
At the Avengers Headquarters, formerly the Stark Building, the Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. were in discussion.
"Before Thor left, he warned me about the great risks of SOKOVIA's superpowers and advised against rushing into it," Nick Fury said seriously.
"However, it's been over a month. Who knows if he's been delayed by something?"
Stark was somewhat unconvinced. Without Thor, can't the team start without him? Is Iron Man so insignificant?
Everyone glanced at Nebula, who was attending the meeting in place of Jane Foster.
Although Nebula had a special connection with Thor, she generally refrained from discussing him to avoid suspicion.
Nebula hesitated but spoke up: "Half a month ago, His Highness sent me a letter saying that they are preparing for battle against a dark elf from another planet..."
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