Chapter 188: Chapter 188: The Enchantress Lorelei (Third Update)
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"I would like some knowledge about the technology of the Divine Realm, if possible," Tony said when Odin turned his gaze toward him.
As they walked along, Tony had noticed many advanced technologies that were far beyond his own understanding. He believed that if he could acquire some of this divine technology, his Iron Man suit's capabilities would be significantly enhanced.
To be honest, when he first met Thor, he hadn't given much thought to the so-called Divine Realm. But after coming here, experiencing the recent battles, and visiting the Celestial Palace, his perspective had completely shifted. The problem wasn't with Thor's intelligence; it was that the technology in the Divine Realm was far ahead of Earth's.
Take the Bifrost, for example. It was truly terrifying. The Bifrost allowed for instantaneous teleportation anywhere in the universe, providing unmatched mobility. And, if left active, it could even destroy a planet in a matter of minutes—a feat that Earth's technology could never achieve.
"The technological level in the Divine Realm surpasses Midgard by thousands of years," Odin explained simply. "However, our technology is based on magical science, which differs greatly from the technology you have on Earth."
"If you desire it," Odin continued, "I will have someone compile some technology suited to Earth's development for you."
Shifting his focus from Tony, Odin turned his gaze to Steve, who was still holding Mjolnir. A look of admiration crossed Odin's face.
"As a mortal, you have the strength to wield Mjolnir. Your character truly surprises me. What is it that you wish for?"
"I don't have any specific wishes," Steve replied with a shake of his head.
Everything he had once known had long since faded with the passing years. He continued to live only because of his inner strength. If he had to name a wish, it would be to go back in time, to attend that date he missed before being frozen.
"Since that's the case, I will leave your shield with me. I'll have the Dwarf King reinforce it with Uru metal and apply a magic spell, so you can summon it to your hand whenever you wish."
Odin had already made a decision for Steve and now turned his attention to Wolverine, Logan.
Logan smiled and said,
"I've heard from Thor that the Divine Realm's wine is far better than anything Earth has. Especially those barrels hidden deep in the wine cellar by his father. Thor says they contain the best wine in the universe. I wonder if we could get a barrel?"
Having lived nearly two hundred years, Logan's greatest wish was for all the family and friends he had lost to come back. But he knew that was impossible.
Odin turned his gaze toward Thor, who looked up at the ceiling and pretended not to notice, secretly giving Logan a thumbs-up.
Both he and Logan were fond of good alcohol and were true men. Back in the house Jane Foster rented, Thor had mentioned those special barrels of wine his father kept hidden. Logan had remembered that detail, and Thor was impressed. When they visited George's school, he figured he'd have the chance to taste some of that wine his father had hidden for so long.
"Alright, those barrels of wine have been a treasure of mine for over two thousand years, so I'll give you one barrel."
Finally, Odin's gaze fell on George, the mysterious wizard from Midgard whom he had noticed the moment he entered the Divine Realm.
As the Lord of the Divine Realm and Father of the Gods, Odin had long foreseen the end of the Divine Realm, the Twilight of the Gods—a fate that could not be altered, even by him. But when he saw George, he sensed a disturbance in that inevitable fate. It was no longer as firm as before. He didn't understand why, but he knew it had something to do with George.
"Wizard from Midgard, what is it that you desire?"
"Great Odin, if possible, I would like a branch from the World Tree. If that's not feasible, some Uru metal will suffice," George said, looking up at Odin on his throne, stating his request plainly.
Odin paused for a moment, something rare for him, before finally nodding.
"Very well. I will personally retrieve a branch from the World Tree for you."
Upon hearing Odin's agreement, George's face lit up in surprise. He hadn't expected Odin to actually grant such a request.
After all, in the entire Divine Realm, only the hammer handle of Mjolnir and the spear shaft of the Eternal Spear were crafted from the World Tree. It was clear that the World Tree's branches were among the most rare and valuable materials in the Divine Realm.
George had made this request hoping Odin would refuse, allowing him to ask for more Uru metal, which Odin would likely find easier to grant. Uru metal was rare, but still somewhat abundant in the Divine Realm, and asking for more wouldn't trouble Odin much.
But George never expected Odin to actually agree to give him a branch from the World Tree.
The World Tree was the bridge between the Nine Realms and the source of magical power in the Divine Realm. Any magic practiced by the mages in the Divine Realm relied on the power of the World Tree, just as the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj needed the power of the Vishanti to cast their spells.
In the Marvel Universe, all magic is based on borrowing—using magic requires paying a price. Very few, like the Ancient One, have borrowed without repayment, even going so far as to beat up the dimensional demon god who came to collect.
However, if he could obtain a branch from the World Tree as the core of a staff, with the heart nerve of a Frost Giant King as the core, George was confident that the magic wand he crafted would be no less powerful than the one in the "Fairy Tail" world.
With a potential twentyfold increase in magic power, when casting the Ancient Thunderstorm spell, he could easily cover an entire city.
Upon hearing Odin's affirmative response, it wasn't just George who was surprised; even Frigga, the Queen of the Gods, was equally astonished. Along with her surprise, there was also a hint of concern.
Frigga knew that, given Odin's current physical condition, retrieving the branch from the World Tree would not come without a cost. It would likely accelerate the end of Odin's life.
She was about to speak up to advise against it, but was interrupted by Odin shaking his head. Understanding that Odin must have his reasons, she chose to remain silent.
Once everything was settled, George and the others were returned to their previous rooms to wait. The items that Daisy and the others requested were quickly delivered, but George's World Tree branch took two full hours to arrive.
As for Steve's shield, the Divine Realm's guards informed him that it would be delivered via the Bifrost once it was forged.
With everything settled, they all gathered in the main control room of the Bifrost, where they were teleported back to their home in Old Bridge Town by Heimdall, who had been healed with the Divine Realm's healing stones.
Meanwhile, in the Divine Realm's dungeon, Loki was lying on his bed, idly tossing his dagger in the air. Suddenly, a beguiling voice came from the next cell.
"Oh my, isn't that Loki, Prince of the Divine Realm? What brings you to be locked up here?"
Loki sat up and looked toward the voice. A woman with fiery red hair and seductive lips was leaning against the energy shield, smiling playfully at him.
"Oh, it's you, the Enchantress Lorelei."
Lorelei was a siren who could compel men to obey her with just her voice. Six hundred years ago, she used her abilities to raise a massive army, causing chaos across the Nine Realms, only to be defeated by the Divine Realm's forces and imprisoned in the dungeon.
Lorelei licked her lips and said,
"Loki, my little brother, how about we team up and break out of here together?"
The light in Loki's eyes suddenly brightened, and he sprang from his bed.
"Enchantress, I suddenly think you have a promising future!"
(End of Chapter)