**
Link believed that Odin might not allow them to meddle with Asgard's affairs. Although the two sides were allies, their relationship wasn't that close.
Link had also refrained from fully revealing his strength for now. However, in the future, once Thor ascended to the throne, things might change, and they'd be able to negotiate more freely.
Asgard was a valuable place, and Link intended to keep it that way. As long as Hela couldn't return, her power would remain limited. And even if she did regain her strength, could she truly defeat him?
...
A month passed. Stark and Bruce developed a communication device resembling a thick notebook.
Their time was limited, and they didn't plan to stay in Asgard much longer. After storing some knowledge and technology, they returned to Earth, landing at the Avengers headquarters.
Upon arrival, the three of them looked down at the marks left on the lawn—distinct traces from the Rainbow Bridge.
"I think we should create a hardened surface based on this pattern," Stark suggested. "It'd save the lawn from being destroyed every time."
Link nodded. "Good idea. But the real question is whether Heimdall can aim accurately next time."
At that moment, Steve and Natasha approached. Natasha was the first to speak. "So, how was the trip, intergalactic travelers? All smooth?"
"Quite smooth," Stark replied. "We managed to complete a communication device that allows us to contact Asgard at any time. Here it is."
He tapped the device in his hand. "Everyone's going to need to learn how to use it."
"It's a handy tool for emergencies, though I doubt we'll need it since someone on their end can always see us."
"See us?" Natasha looked puzzled.
Bruce explained, "They have a gatekeeper who watches over the Bifrost. He has special eyes that can see many places across the universe."
"No matter how far, he can even hear someone call his name. That's why every time Thor shouts, the Rainbow Bridge appears."
Natasha was astonished. "That's incredibly convenient."
Link chuckled. "Don't envy them too much. The downside is that it requires a person to always be there."
"Asgard's over-reliance on their own power is something we should be cautious about. No matter how strong the Avengers are, we must remain vigilant."
"Anyway, I've been away from home for a month. It's time for me to head back."
With that, they parted ways. Stark and Bruce returned to continue their research, while Link set off to work on the designs for the new Swift Fighter jet.
...
After being away from Jessica for a month, Link naturally spent the first two days making up for lost time with her before getting back to work.
"Alfred, let's get to work. Bring up the design for the Swift flying board," Link said, sitting at his workstation. A holographic image appeared, and he commanded, "Deconstruct."
The Swift Fighter jet's design was based on the flying board. Its wings and tail remained the same, but the internal structure needed adjustments.
Of course, Link didn't have to complete the entire design himself. The AI could fill in many of the gaps, though the new technologies still required his personal touch.
The project would take some time. As for production, Link planned to utilize the Osborne Industries weapons factory, which had been acquired from Stark Industries. The advanced production lines were perfect, and Link intended to make modifications to them.
A final assembly line would also be needed, and that would be set up in New York.
...
While Stark and Bruce were still poring over the technology they'd brought back, Link was far ahead of them.
For over a month, Link spent every day in his workshop, meticulously designing. In the end, Alfred successfully ran flight simulations.
Most of the time was spent feeding new technology and knowledge into Alfred, particularly basic information, which was essential. The actual design work wasn't difficult for Link.
Upgrading the AI was the key to streamlining future tasks.
Apart from basic knowledge, new molecular structures for various elements were also important. Link had read through a vast amount of information. However, he had yet to input languages due to the sheer volume involved, which would take too long to complete.
Asgardians, with their 5,000-year lifespan, had time to learn various universal languages. Humans, however, didn't have that luxury. Recording all that knowledge would be excessive, and the workload would be enormous.
That was why Link had prioritized certain inputs, controlling the speed to ensure it was manageable. Even so, he couldn't go full throttle—that would be too fast.
Supercomputers couldn't handle such input rates, and even touchpads couldn't keep up, so he had to abandon the idea of full input.
...
"Norman, I need to modify the production line," Link said, summoning Norman Osborn to his workshop.
"Link, what new design do you have this time?" Norman asked, intrigued. After all, Link was a genius, and Osborn Industries had been thriving in the pharmaceutical sector, with its market value now surpassing 400 billion dollars.
Many established pharmaceutical companies were wary of them, but with Link as an Avenger and Osborn Industries still involved in arms manufacturing, they weren't easy to deal with.
"Take a look." Link gestured, and a holographic image of a fighter jet appeared on the workbench.
Norman Osborn inspected it and asked, "Is this your flying board?"
"No, this is a fighter jet, with a cockpit," Link said, enlarging the holographic jet for clarity.
Norman was visibly excited. "Is this the new model for the weapons department?"
"Not exactly. This is a space fighter jet, capable of interstellar combat," Link explained. "It also incorporates space-jumping technology, designed for space travel."
"Once it's built, I'll be piloting it on a journey through the cosmos."
"What?" Norman was shocked. "A space fighter?"
"Exactly," Link confirmed. "No one else knows about this yet. I've been thinking a lot lately about the future role of the Avengers."
"We stay out of Earth's politics, focusing solely on threats from the universe. But just a handful of us won't be enough."
"We need stronger forces, and that means expanding the Avengers."
Norman quickly grasped the concept but expressed concern. "Can you and Stark financially sustain this?"
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