Chapter 188: The Enchantress Lorelei
Added 2025-01-04 13:16:05 +0000 UTC“I’m interested in acquiring some knowledge about Asgardian technology. Would that be possible?”
When Odin turned to look at Tony, Tony wasted no time expressing his request.
Along the way, he had witnessed numerous examples of Asgardian technology that far exceeded his understanding.
Tony believed that if he could gain insight into this advanced knowledge, the capabilities of his Iron Man armor would improve dramatically.
To be honest, when he first met Thor, Tony hadn’t thought much of the so-called realm of Asgard.
However, after arriving in Asgard, experiencing the battles, and touring the palace, his opinion had changed completely.
The only dim-witted one was Thor; Asgard’s technology was leagues ahead of Earth’s.
Take the Bifrost, for instance—a terrifying piece of technology.
It could transport people to and from any corner of the universe with unmatched mobility.
Moreover, if left open, its energy could annihilate a planet in minutes—something Earth’s technology could never achieve.
“Asgard’s technology is thousands of years ahead of Midgard, but it’s magical technology, which differs significantly from your Earth science,” Odin explained briefly. “If you desire it, I will have someone compile knowledge that aligns with Earth’s development for you.”
After addressing Tony’s request, Odin turned to Steve, who held Mjölnir, admiration evident on his face.
“For a mortal to lift Mjölnir is truly surprising. Your character is commendable. Is there anything you desire?”
“I don’t have any particular requests,” Steve replied, shaking his head.
Everything meaningful to him had been lost to time. The only thing keeping him going was his indomitable spirit.
If he had to express a wish, it would be to return to the moment before he was frozen—to attend the date he had missed.
“In that case, leave your shield here. I’ll have the Dwarven King enhance it with Uru metal and enchant it so you can summon it back to your hand at will,” Odin decided on Steve’s behalf before turning to Wolverine.
Logan grinned. “I heard from Thor that Asgardian wine is far superior to Earth’s, especially those barrels hidden deep in your father’s cellar—the finest in the universe. How about gifting us a barrel?”
Having lived for nearly two centuries, Logan’s true wish—to revive his long-lost loved ones—was impossible.
Odin glanced at Thor, who pretended to look at the ceiling but subtly gave Logan a thumbs-up.
Thor and Logan were kindred spirits who shared a love for alcohol. Thor had mentioned those prized barrels in passing, never expecting Logan to remember. Well done, Logan.
Thor figured he might as well seize the opportunity to taste those ancient vintages himself when he visited George’s school.
“Very well. I’ve cherished those barrels for over two thousand years, but I’ll part with one,” Odin conceded.
Finally, Odin turned his gaze to George, a Midgardian sorcerer whose presence in Asgard had piqued his interest the moment he arrived.
As the All-Father, Odin had long foreseen Ragnarok—the inescapable fate of Asgard. Yet, upon seeing George, that unalterable destiny seemed to waver slightly.
Though he didn’t know why, Odin was certain George had a role to play.
“Sorcerer from Midgard, what is it that you desire?”
“Noble Odin, if possible, I would like a branch from Yggdrasil. If that’s too much, some Uru metal would suffice,” George replied, stating his request plainly.
Odin hesitated for a long moment before nodding. “Very well. I will personally retrieve a branch from Yggdrasil for you.”
George was visibly stunned. He hadn’t expected Odin to agree.
After all, branches from Yggdrasil were incredibly rare. The only known items crafted from its wood were the handle of Mjölnir and the shaft of Gungnir, Odin’s spear.
George had only mentioned the branch to lower Odin’s guard, hoping to negotiate for more Uru metal instead. He hadn’t anticipated that Odin would actually grant his request.
Yggdrasil connected the Nine Realms and served as the source of Asgardian magic. Asgardian sorcerers drew their power from it, much like the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj relied on Vishanti.
If George could craft a wand using a Yggdrasil branch and the heartstrings of a Frost Giant, he believed it would rival the most powerful wands from any magical world.
Odin’s agreement surprised not only George but also Frigga, who felt a twinge of concern.
She knew that in his current state, retrieving the branch would come at a cost, likely hastening the end of Odin’s life.
When she opened her mouth to protest, Odin shook his head, silencing her. Trusting in his reasons, she said no more.
Once all matters were resolved, George and the others were escorted back to their quarters. The items requested by Darcy and the others were delivered promptly, while George’s Yggdrasil branch took two hours to arrive.
As for Steve’s shield, the Asgardian guards promised it would be delivered via the Bifrost once reforged.
With everything settled, the group returned to the Bifrost’s control room, where Heimdall—now healed—transported them back to their home in Old Bridge Town.
Meanwhile, in Asgard’s dungeon, Loki lay bored on his bed, tossing a dagger. Suddenly, a sultry voice drifted from the cell next door.
“Well, well, isn’t it Prince Loki of Asgard? How did you end up here?”
Loki sat up and looked over to see a red-haired woman with seductive lips leaning against the energy barrier, smiling at him.
“It’s you—the Enchantress Lorelei,” Loki remarked.
Lorelei was a siren whose voice could compel men to obey her. Six hundred years ago, she had raised a vast army and wreaked havoc across the Nine Realms before being defeated and imprisoned in the dungeon.
Licking her lips, Lorelei purred, “Loki, darling, care to join forces for a little jailbreak?”
Loki’s eyes lit up, and he sat up straight, grinning. “Enchantress, I suddenly find you full of promise!”