Loki initially thought that this Dario had an unfathomable hatred for Earth and an unrestrained admiration for Asgard, which led to his rhetoric. But now he realizes this isn't the case. As long as it fits his ideas, Dario even wants to kidnap Asgard.
In his world, Asgard's rule could make Earth better, so Asgard has the responsibility to rule Earth.
Whether Asgard can actually rule Earth or the cost of ruling Earth is in Asgard's interests, he doesn't care.
And based on this "Asgard's rule would make Earth better, so Asgard should rule Earth" logic, ordinary people and superheroes on Earth should all agree with Asgard ruling Earth, and thus should all give up resistance, allowing Asgard to rule Earth.
In his vision, both sides reach a consensus like this, and Asgard should smoothly take over Earth.
So now he is very puzzled by the current situation. Clearly, both parties have mutual interest, so why hasn't Asgard ruled Earth yet?
Loki could see that he was truly confused, and Loki also knew that for such a person, if you talk logic, they talk reality, and if you talk reality, they talk logic, so explanation is futile.
He could probably guess why Shiller came today, so Loki asked, "Since that's what you think, what would you do if Asgard came to conquer Earth?"
"I would of course help you," Dario said. "Those clueless superheroes simply don't understand that only with Asgard ruling Earth would it be better for all humans, because you are a perfect civilization..."
Seeing him becoming a broken record again, Loki had to change his angle, he said, "You say Asgard's rule would be better for ordinary people, what do you think would be better about it?"
"If you accept Earth, ordinary people can fight for you. We can occupy surrounding star systems, which would create more jobs, more resources, more space..."
Loki finally understood his line of thought. He pointed out sharply, "They would also pay more taxes, help you extract more resources, and clear out more space for you."
"What do you mean by you and us," Dario said somewhat dissatisfied. "We are all human beings, we will progress together."
"You mean you're planning to give up your company and go mining in deep space with ordinary people?"
"Of course not, my abilities and talents can make greater contributions to humanity, wouldn't mining be too wasteful?"
"What contributions can you make?"
"We are quite authoritative in the energy field."
"Meaning you have better mining technology?"
"Yes, we do, definitely the most advanced on Earth. As soon as we take the surrounding star systems, we can immediately extract a majority of the planet types in most star systems."
"And then use the resources to build the Solar System?"
Dario gave a dismissive wave, with a look that said 'you don't understand,' and said, "Of course not, what's there to build in the Solar System? Good enough to live is enough. Currently, the prices of many rare metals are very high in the intergalactic market, we can sell the extracted rare metals to get enough capital, then leverage that..."
Loki couldn't help but rub his forehead, looking at Dario he said seriously, "Is this what you mean by making a contribution to humanity?"
"Of course, there are endless mineral resources in the cosmos, and Roxon Corporation can provide jobs for all of humanity, so that everyone has stable employment, what's wrong with that?"
Loki turned to look at Shiller, now suddenly feeling it was a good thing Shiller didn't have his glasses on. He swore that if Shiller got physical now, he would help Shiller clean up the crime scene with magic, ensuring that even the Father of All Gods couldn't find any clues.
But Shiller sat there calmly, as if he hadn't heard a thing. Loki had to continue speaking with a tough demeanor, "I don't think it's that simple. You need to understand one thing; deep-space mining is extremely dangerous. Human bodies simply can't withstand that level of labor intensity."
"Then just make some modifications," Dario said. "Fit some mechanical arms, mechanical legs, or simply modify the respiratory system so you don't need to breathe and aren't afraid of the vacuum."
Loki took a deep breath and continued, "It's not that simple. The human body is very fragile; even a minor injury is life or death. How can you ensure success?"
"Not to be rude, my friend, but you're being too idealistic. Even if Roxon Corporation is a big company on Earth, you don't have the technology or manpower for long-term deep-space mining, let alone providing jobs for all of humanity."
Hearing his grand plan completely negated, Dario's face immediately darkened. He said, "You're nothing but an Asgardian prince, just a noble. You're not a technician; how do you know I can't do it?"
Feeling like the bait was about to be taken, Loki grew more cautious, "You don't understand. All of Asgard's technology revolves around Divine Power. Even if we ruled Earth and gave you the technology, you still couldn't use it."
"Especially Asgardian deep-space mining technology. Even if I don't understand the specific principles, at least I've seen it. A mining ship's primary cannon requires at least four or five Asgardian warriors to output to full power, do you have Divine Power? Who does?"
"That's not even an issue," Dario immediately said. "Your other subsidiary civilizations don't have Divine Power, do they? Yet they modify your technology and still use it, don't they?"
Loki immediately put on a look of 'Who? I've never heard of them.' Naturally, Dario took the bait; he said, "Dark Elves aren't much stronger than humans, are they? Yet they used your technology to develop their own mining technology."
"They can do it, Roxon Corporation can naturally do it, too. As long as you're willing to share technology, Roxon Corporation can not only improve your technology to enhance Earth's technological level but can also help manage Earth when you're too busy."
Loki chuckled internally, the fox's tail had finally appeared.
He now roughly understood why Dario was so interested in Asgard. Perhaps there truly was a convert's zeal for Asgard within him, but at its core, it was the profit-seeking nature of a businessman.
Earthlings may not understand, but surely Loki does? Most Dark Elf technology is along the same lines as Asgardian.
But it's not because they modified Asgard's technology themselves, rather, Asgardians modified Asgardian technology for them and gave it to them to use, specifically so that they could rapidly form combat capabilities and help Asgard fight the Nine Major Kingdoms' Civil War, and for managing them as well.
In other words, Dark Elves don't have the capability to modify Asgardian technology themselves. Most of the technology they use now is only known for its use, not why it works: usable, but not modifiable.
However, obviously, humans are not adept at using the Asgard technology modified for Dark Elves. Dario also wants a version of Asgard technology specifically adapted for humans.
But the Dark Elves won't give Asgard technology at all; only Asgard itself can modify Asgard technology. He's just been circling Asgard all this time, hasn't he?
In his view, whether Asgard rules Earth or not, as long as he can obtain mining technology far superior to current human standards, he could once again achieve energy monopoly.
By then, he'll have mined all the star systems around humanity first. When humanity wants to use these mines, they'll find they simply can't extract any, and they'll fall into a deadlock.
Most of the surrounding mines will be gone, to mine one must build more advanced ships and go farther. But with no mineral resources, more advanced ships can't be built, nor can they be sent out.
At that time, there'll be only one choice left: to buy minerals from others. And who else could that be? But for the Roxon Corporation, which is stockpiling lots of minerals?
Even a clever housewife can't cook without rice; even Iron Man can't create resources out of thin air. By then, Roxon Corporation will once again hold the lifeline of Earth's technological development, dictating how things should be.
Collaborating with the Dark Elves is nothing but a façade. As long as they can acquire mining technology that puts them ahead of Earth, they'll work with anyone. It's just that Asgard is close.
Loki knew that his arrival for Dario was like a pie falling from the sky, being able to directly contact Asgardians, especially the nobility, greatly increased the probability of his plan succeeding.
As for the plan to whitewash the Dark Elves, it probably was just bait to hook the Dark Elves, who foolishly believed Dario would genuinely assist them in invading Earth.
However, Dario's current actions have a significant flaw. He believes he's already giving Loki enough importance, yet still underestimates Loki's standing in Asgard.
Those remarks like "just a prince" are, in his view, negotiation tactics – similar to "Get your boss here." Sometimes it can provoke the other party, prompting them to give away more to prove their status.
He knows Loki is the brother of the Divine King but applies human norms, thinking Thor couldn't possibly give Loki any real power, assuming Loki might just be a mascot, so he thinks this trick might work.
But in reality, Thor barely manages Asgard's internal affairs. His main duty is Great General, and all internal affairs and military logistics of Asgard are handled by Loki, all technical cooperation between Asgard and humanity is decided by Loki alone; Thor doesn't even ask.
It can be said any Loki from any universe might fall for these words because most Lokis spend their lives trying to gain Asgardian recognition, trying to gain Odin's recognition, and prove their place in their hearts.
But alas, Loki no longer needs these things. Now, it's countless gods waiting for his recognition.
Dario stood up and said, "After all, Asgard will rule Earth, and cooperating with Roxon Corporation can help you minimize the difficulty of this process."
"Moreover, just give us a little time, and we can lay out the mining lines. Whatever resources you want, we can help you acquire, we can become your agents in the cosmos."
"Your Highness the Prince, although His Majesty is busy with myriad affairs, you must report my words today to him; he will surely agree with my perspective."
"No need," Loki stood up and said. He knew what to do to permanently avoid such matters from happening.
Dario, refuted and rejected time and again, was now out of patience and couldn't keep a straight face. Just as he was about to say something, Loki said:
"You can talk to him yourself... Thor!"
With Loki's loud shout, the light of the Rainbow Bridge flashed, and a tall figure with golden hair appeared in Dario's office.
Thor turned to look at Loki, who flashed to his back and pointed at Dario, "He insulted me."
Dario's eyes widened in disbelief, looking at Loki. Shiller also walked behind Thor and said, "I can testify, the insults were nasty."
"What?! You bastard!! Mjölnir!!!"
"Crack!"