The cave fell silent once again, interrupted only by the system's calm, mechanical prompt in Russell's ears.
[Looting entry completed.]
[Frost Bloodline – Low Level (Green)]
A low-level frost giant bloodline, offering minor physical enhancements and ice-blue skin patterns.
Warning: This bloodline weakens the Extremis Virus.
[Frost Bloodline – Low Level (Green)]
This bloodline cannot stack.
[Frost Bloodline – Low Level (White)]
A faint trace of frost giant ancestry, granting minimal physical improvement and weak cold resistance.
[Intermediate Fighting (White)]
Decent combat skills; sufficient to defeat up to five untrained humans.
[Submission (Green)]
The ability to grovel and beg convincingly, offering a slim chance of gaining an enemy's mercy.
[Fraud – Low Level (White)]
Weak deception skills through language, easily seen through by most.
Russell's cheek twitched as he scanned the entries.
What kind of garbage is this?
Not only were the entries lacking in positive impact, but some actively weakened his abilities if equipped!
This is even worse than Hedgehog Man's junk entries. Typical Loki nonsense!
Without hesitation, Russell discarded the entries, not willing to let them waste another second of his time.
Fortunately, the system had more to offer.
[Vanaheim Bloodline – General (White)]
The ordinary physique of a resident from Vanaheim, with slight magical affinity and decent health.
[Submission – Intermediate (Blue)]
Increased chance of persuading an enemy to accept you as a subordinate when surrendering.
[Advanced Magic – Phantom Magic – Low Level (Green)]
Basic illusion magic, capable of simple transformations, creating magical fireworks, and average-power magic orb attacks.
Note: This ability can be practiced and upgraded independently.
Russell exhaled deeply, feeling a wave of relief.
Finally, something useful.
Four Lokis and nine entries—it felt like panning for gold in a sewer.
Though the phantom magic was rudimentary, it was what he had come here to acquire, and the ability to improve it on his own made it worthwhile.
He equipped the entry and immediately gained the basics of illusion magic.
Then his expression froze.
This idiot Loki doesn't even remember how to practice this magic properly!
It wasn't that Frigga hadn't taught him, nor that he hadn't learned it—he'd simply forgotten most of it, leaving only a vague impression behind.
Russell pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered, "I really hate Lokis."
Raising his hand, he summoned flames from his Extremis-enhanced bloodline and incinerated the four bodies, ensuring no trace remained.
He didn't leave immediately, though. The ridiculousness of the luring Loki's plan could still work to his advantage, saving him some trouble.
Let's just hope the next Lokis are slightly less insufferable.
The next moment, Russell's body shimmered with a faint green light, and his appearance shifted into something entirely different.
Elsewhere in the Ruined Plains
"I hereby declare!"
"Article 267 is now in effect! Driving without honking is strictly prohibited in Loki City!"
In a cavern sprawling 400 to 500 square meters, a Loki in a tattered green suit and a golden antler crown proudly announced his decree.
Before him stood a gathering of eight or nine wildly diverse Lokis.
"But, Mr. President," said a Loki wearing handlebars on his head like a crown, "we don't have any cars."
"Silence!" President Loki barked, pointing dramatically. "This is the Constitution! It has nothing to do with whether we have cars or not, you idiot!"
A Loki in a leather hat adorned with several horns interrupted, "Alright, but isn't it my turn to be king today?"
President Loki nodded, seemingly thoughtful. "The title of king and president don't conflict. You can be king, and I'll remain president."
The group murmured in confusion.
"Does the presidency rotate? Because I'd like a turn!"
A Loki asked a critical question, prompting President Loki to flip through a worn copy of The Postman Always Rings Twice. After a moment, he looked up and declared:
"Sorry, but no such clause exists in the bill. Rejected."
Eager to shift the conversation, he clapped his hands and addressed the group:
"That's enough politics for today. Now, Viking Loki, you said you've discovered a base?"
A burly Loki with tattoos on his arms grinned and replied, "Yes! That fool tried to trick me into a trap. But I'm smarter. I played along, got the location, and found out there are four Lokis there—with food, wine, and loot!"
President Loki smiled. "Excellent! No one will take your axe, I promise. That's your trophy."
He turned to the group. "Let's move before they realize we're coming! We'll seize it all!"
The group cheered, momentarily united by greed.
Thirty Minutes Later
President Loki and his "army" arrived at the base, descending into the depths of the cavern Viking Loki had described.
At the end of the tunnel, they found a lone Loki lounging casually on a recliner.
Confusion spread through the group.
"This isn't what Viking Loki said," one muttered.
President Loki stepped forward, forcing a warm smile.
"Dear Loki, if you agree to vote for me in the next presidential election, I'll allow you to join our ranks and live."
The Lokis behind him exchanged puzzled looks.
Next election? When was the first?
Sensing the rising tension, President Loki's tone turned cold:
"Of course, if you refuse, you'll be considered an enemy of Loki City. And we have every right to execute you. So, what will it be?"
The lounging Loki sighed and stood, his voice carrying a note of exasperation.
"For Loki's sake, I'll make this simple."
He waved a hand dismissively.
"If you can use phantom magic, stay. If not, get lost."
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Added 'All the Powers Russell has Till Ch 45' Auxiliary chapter do check it out.