The other day, I woke up and received a message from Mr. Erik Selvig.
I saw that the message was left yesterday, so I entered the virtual world to train in the use of the sword, saber, and some skills for a while. After two months (of the 6-month daily limit), I exited the virtual world, took a refreshing shower, and dressed in a black shirt and purple shorts, I headed to the small café.
There, I saw Thor, Erik, Jane, and Darcy, but I clearly sensed a strange atmosphere. Erik seemed worried, and Darcy seemed active and enjoying the gossip, while an intriguing tension was evident between Thor and Jane.
I approached, and Darcy was the first to notice my presence.
"Adrian! You're here?"
At her voice, the others reacted.
"Adrian, my Earthly friend, come sit," Thor said, standing up and pulling me to his side. I ordered a plate of eggs and pancakes.
I ate while observing Thor, and in the end, he just called me to chat and spend time together. Naturally, I didn't refuse and occasionally asked him some questions both in English and Asgardian. I was clearly interested in his knowledge, and he shared some information about the nine realms that exist in space or certain dimensions, all connected by the World Tree.
Due to this aspect, many civilizations remain somewhat distant from other planets and special civilizations, something that is also reinforced by the treaty that Odin and other "kings"/protectors of the nine realms established. He even told me that there is someone called the Ancient One on Earth and even other protective gods... for example, about a dimension called Olympus... though he had little information about those details.
His knowledge mostly revolved around Asgard, but he also told me a few things about the nine realms. For example, he spoke of Svartalfheim and the conflicts with the dark elves, about Jotunheim, the realm of the frost giants, with whom they are currently in conflict.
From his words, something he knew probably from living a long time and being a prince, I could perceive differences from the mythology I know and even some tales from the book the system gave me compared to the "mythology" or realms of this world, such as the fact that Loki and Thor in this world are strangely brothers.
While I was pondering this and consolidating the information in my mind, we heard a series of voices coming from a distance, and some loud voices stood out.
Opening the door, four people entered: three tall men with distinct physical characteristics and a tall woman with a brave and capable appearance.
Externally, the strangest thing about them was the fact that their weapons and clothing were from Viking times, and they even had somewhat unusual auras.
But internally it was different; my eyes and Haki clearly perceived that the bodies of these four were powerful and unique. I could also feel strong energy within their bodies. Clearly, it was nothing compared to Thor, but still seemed as strong or stronger than some mutants, and their style of movement and injuries on their hands showed that their combat skills were highly developed and well-honed as capable warriors.
Observing them, my gaze went directly to the muscular blonde beside me, and as I imagined, he stood up and spoke loudly.
"Fandral, Volstagg, Hogun, Sif! What are you all doing here?"
"Thor! Our prince!"
They reacted with joy, and in a big Viking hug, the four greeted each other, and after that, they introduced the two groups.
I clearly noticed how the other humans found it strange and seemed more suspicious of the whole situation, but I didn't mind much.
I spoke to the four in Asgardian, which made them find it strange and look at me with surprise and caution, but I quickly switched back to speaking English to avoid drawing too much attention.
I listened to their conversation, especially the tone of panic from some, and from the information I gathered, it was evident that Loki lied to his brother.
"Prince, Loki took the throne and Odin went into his sleep while the queen is protecting his bed for safety."
"Yes, Hugin and Munin haven't appeared anymore or given any orders, and they seem to be only transmitting information without obeying anyone specifically."
"You must return, prince. Loki is handling the war against the frost giants well, but some things seem strange… Sif even claims to have seen a frost giant in the palace… we need your help to resolve this."
Their words clearly left the god of thunder confused.
"So… father didn't die? But even so, I still haven't been banished… I'm sure my brother wouldn't do anything excessive…"
I didn't comment at first, but I connected a psychic link between us again.
'Thor. It may be true, but what if it isn't? Don't you think you should honor your people and nation, or do you think your father left you here just to be suspended? Remember his words and your relationship and function not only as a god and prince but as an Asgardian.'
Hearing my telepathic message, he looked at me and sighed. He seemed to have been reflecting since Mjolnir rejected him and even more so after I talked to him.
The warriors also hurried him for a moment until they waited for his response, and before he could actually respond, screams were heard from outside, and we all went out to see what happened.
My eyes glowed, and Haki was sent directly to the location, and there I saw something that shocked me: a being made of some strange metal that emanated a strong and dangerous energy, with an aura of fire and heat within its core.
It also seemed intrinsically constructed by magic and runic language, especially a certain central part of it that seemed even more constructed. Beneath it, there was a strange and interesting circle.
The Viking-dressed warriors, upon seeing this, sighed in surprise.
"Is that a Destroyer?"
Looking at the blond man who spoke with surprise and astonishment, I asked.
"Destroyer? What is that?"
"It's an ancient Asgardian weapon, one of the most powerful and proud of our nation, created with unique materials and perfected by the runic magic of our King, Odin himself. There are some within the Asgardian army."
Hearing his words, I nodded my head, noting that the soldier's power seemed to have its capacity and energy contained for some reason.
I saw Thor speaking to the so-called Destroyer, and from it, Loki's voice responded. However, instead of a good response and a functional conversation, the answers contained irony and calm.
"Stay here, brother, it's for the best. I will rule Asgard and use the power of the Bifrost to destroy the entire realm of the frost giants!"
"No, brother! I understood while I spent this time in Midgard and met new people… other races and worlds are also important… as father said, peace should always be the goal of a wise king. Devastation and genocide cannot be something we aim for."
Loki didn't converse much more, and in the end, what Thor received was a big slap in the face that sent him flying meters away.
"Wow… that must hurt…" Seeing this, I couldn't help but comment… his body is considerably restrained currently, and the attack definitely seemed deliberate, but at least I didn't feel his vital energy deplete…
After that, it started to move, seeming ready to destroy everything in its path. Noticing this, I moved silently to the side, and when I was hidden, I activated my combat gear. An armor of night and mist covered me as it always did, and just as I was about to move to strike the so-called Destroyer, I received a notification from the system. I was surprised and excited.
I had already completed the previous mission but had not yet received a new one.
Curiously, I opened the message to see what exactly had appeared.