**
Link sat up, examining the Reality Stone in his hand. A surge of energy coursed through his body, though it didn't have much of an effect on him. His Superman-like physique made him exceptionally strong, leaving him largely unaffected. He mentally gauged the power of all six Infinity Stones combined, speculating that their unified force might even double in intensity.
King Odin looked at Link with a complex expression, unsure if Link was truly a human from Earth. Earthlings shouldn't possess such immense power, after all. Last time, Link had only showcased his speed. Now, Odin had witnessed his molecular energy in action, as Link easily extracted the Aether. This indicated that his life force was overwhelmingly powerful.
Meanwhile, Thor was busy embracing his girlfriend, Jane Foster, not paying much attention to Link.
After some thought, Link held the Reality Stone in his hand and said, "Your Majesty, would it be better if Asgard kept this Stone for safekeeping?"
"However, it might bring disaster with it!" Link added as he extended the Reality Stone toward Odin.
Odin shook his head. "It would be safer if you held onto it. I know you sold the Power Stone, and it seems you're not interested in collecting them all. The Stone is better protected in your hands."
Link was surprised. He had initially wanted to extend goodwill by offering the Stone, as the Infinity Stones weren't of great use to him. His primary focus was the Space Stone, and his secondary target was the Mind Stone. Those two would suffice, covering his weaknesses and providing great convenience. The Reality Stone and Power Stone weren't part of his plans, so he had hoped Asgard would take the responsibility. But Odin declined.
Wasn't Odin concerned that gathering the Stones would bring about chaos? Why had he changed his stance now?
"Very well, I'll hold onto it for now," Link said, nodding in agreement.
Odin then instructed Thor to entertain their guest while he himself turned and left. Thor immediately began preparing a banquet for that evening.
Link decided to stay a few more days. He suspected the Dark Elves would soon arrive, and leaving only for Asgard to be attacked shortly after would render his trip pointless.
The food in Asgard was abundant, consisting mostly of meats, fruits, and delicacies like grilled fish. The flavor was fantastic, perhaps due to the high quality of the ingredients. Their wine was far superior to Earth's, mostly composed of rich, aged grape wine. As they ate and drank, Link ended up getting most of the Asgardians at the banquet drunk. Thor, fortunately, was spared as Jane Foster pulled him away.
…
Link awoke feeling well-rested in the soft bed. After washing up, he stepped out of his chambers and into the lively morning of Asgard.
He took a stroll through the streets, admiring Asgard's medieval European architecture—though more refined and without the muddy dirt roads.
Returning to the palace for breakfast, Thor formally thanked Link for his help and invited him to stay for a few more days. Link requested access to Asgard's library, having already read much of its content before. This time, he wanted to continue his research, specifically to develop a translator. The Avengers urgently needed one now that they had entered the cosmos. Language was the first obstacle they had to overcome. However, the universe had far too many languages, and a translator was a necessity.
Asgardians didn't need translators due to their long lifespans, which allowed them to learn many languages. Earthlings, however, didn't have that luxury.
While engrossed in his reading, a piercing alarm suddenly sounded. Link realized it was likely Asgard's warning system. He put down his book and quickly headed outside, spotting Thor flying across the sky—not towards the Bifrost, but towards what seemed to be the prison.
Link didn't follow Thor; instead, he turned his gaze toward the Bifrost. The Dark Elves' ships had cloaking technology, something Link greatly coveted. It would be extremely useful for both the Avenger's ships and their Quinjet fighters, but whether their technology was compatible was something he'd have to assess first.
With a sudden "boom," Link soared into the sky, not using his hoverboard. His battle armor swiftly enveloped him, and a massive cape unfurled behind him. His armor did come with a cape, though he had never used it before. This cape, made of vibranium thanks to nanotechnology, could transform into nearly anything.
Link flew directly toward the Bifrost as Odin stood within the palace, watching him in bewilderment.
At the same time, Heimdall sensed something. He rushed out of the Bifrost and dodged just in time as a strange-looking ship revealed itself. Someone had breached the realm. Heimdall swiftly destroyed the craft before returning to the Bifrost, his gaze fixed on space where a massive dark elf warship slowly rose. Several smaller ships zoomed past him.
However, their luck ran out as Link had already reached the lake, dual-wielding energy pistols.
With a few precise shots, the Dark Elves' ships were taken down one by one. Then, Link turned his attention to the mothership.
Odin breathed a sigh of relief. It was clear now that Link wasn't there to cause trouble. Instead, he had spotted the intruders. Odin turned his attention to the massive warship looming near the Bifrost. The Dark Elves had arrived, likely drawn by the Aether.
It seemed that the Avengers were trustworthy allies after all, not merely looking to take advantage.
"Your Majesty, the palace has been infiltrated," a guard reported to Odin.
Odin frowned and commanded, "Let's move!"
For Link, the massive warship wasn't much of a threat. Using the Reality Stone's power, though it was his first time, he wielded it effortlessly.
Since he had placed the Reality Stone on his hand the day before, he had instinctively known how to use it. Both the Space and Reality Stones seemed to "like" him, as if they were attuned to him.
Link clenched his left hand, and the massive ship suddenly transformed into a giant starfish.
He chuckled at his own mischievousness. The Reality Stone's power was not permanent—it resembled magic that could temporarily alter reality, even organic beings.
The giant starfish gazed at the lake, its eyes gleaming with excitement, and with a huge splash, it jumped in.
As waves surged high into the air, the Dark Elves inside the ship were either shaken or tossed out.
Heimdall, witnessing this bizarre sight, stood in stunned silence. He hadn't realized the Reality Stone was now in Link's possession. The abrupt changes had caught him off guard. He had been preparing to raise the palace's defenses, but now… what was he supposed to do?
Asgardian fighter ships swarmed in, targeting the elves who were now their prime enemies.
(End of Chapter)