C60 : A Fair Test
Odin still rejected Frigga's proposal.
"No, as a king, I must distinguish between state affairs and family matters," Odin said firmly.
"Now that Thor has been chosen as his successor, it would be unwise to alter this decision before he makes a significant mistake."
Even if it's for the sake of appearances.
After a moment of contemplation, Odin added:
"However, I do believe I should give Loki a chance to prove himself."
"What opportunity? Have you made any plans?" Frigga asked.
In this moment, Odin remembered something Loki had said to him.
'I spent my childhood playing games I had no chance of winning. You only test Thor and I on strength, speed, and endurance, but never on intelligence or magic. You need a test that will favor me.'
"I plan to send the two brothers as envoys to Kamar-Taj to solidify the alliance between Asgard and Kamar-Taj," Odin explained in a grave tone.
As Russell's combat prowess had become more apparent, Kamar-Taj's role in his plans had grown significantly.
That evening, the celebration began.
The Asgard royal family officially declared the theme of the festivities celebrating the reconciliation between Asgard and Jotunheim.
The royal family's version of events, detailing what Thor, Loki, Russell, and others did in Jotunheim, was also revealed after being heavily embellished.
For a time, Asgard was abuzz with excitement.
When news spread that Russell had defeated the Frost Giant King Laufey, the royal family chose not to comment publicly.
The Asgardians speculated that the story was likely true.
Unbeknownst to them, their prince and future monarch, Thor, had led the mission to Jotunheim and fought the Frost Giants to a standstill.
While Thor's bravery was acknowledged, the true credit likely lay with Master Russell.
Despite the royal family's portrayal, many Asgardians had doubts about the accuracy of Russell's feats though few expected the truth to be even more astonishing.
There were two major versions of Russell's story circulating.
One version came from Fandral, one of the Warriors Three, who recounted it during a drinking game; the other came directly from Russell, spoken while he entertained as a bard.
The second version, delivered by Russell himself, was far more authentic and detailed.
"Russell!"
"Russell!"
"Russell!"
Cheers erupted as Russell entered the arena alongside Loki.
Just two days ago, Russell had been merely a guest in Asgard's royal halls; now, he was celebrated as a hero.
Even though he wasn't an Asgardian by birth, Russell had gained the respect of the people in mere days thanks to his pivotal victory over the Frost Giants of Jotunheim.
Russell stole a glance at Loki, who stood beside him. His expression betrayed feelings of envy, jealousy, and sorrow emotions Loki couldn't hide.
Loki had spent countless years seeking the Asgardians' approval, but Russell had achieved it so effortlessly. In fact, it only took one major victory to win their favor.
In that instant, Loki felt an overwhelming desire to prove himself.
He longed to defeat the Frost Giants perhaps even slay their king, Laufey.
Russell, despite not actively using telepathy, sensed Loki's surge of emotion clearly.
'This is not the path. A mage's mental state is just as important as their magical ability.'
'Otherwise, he risks being consumed by the energies of other dimensions, distorting his mind.'
'If Loki falters, he may never become the powerful and stable sorcerer he's capable of being.'
Russell feared that Loki's instability could derail his potential. But the solution wasn't clear such issues were best dealt with by the individual.
"Thor!"
"Thor!"
"Thor!"
Cheers erupted from the other side of the arena.
Russell glanced over and saw Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three making their way toward them.
Loki looked at them, his face contorting in frustration.
The Asgardians cheered for Russell an understandable reaction after his role in the Jotunheim battle. But Thor?
Why did they cheer for him?
Thor had been reckless, so impulsive that he nearly doomed them all in Jotunheim.
Russell sighed internally. He understood Loki's feelings of jealousy, even as he believed that Loki had far more potential than Thor.
If Loki could harness his talents and overcome his flaws, he could become an even greater sorcerer than Doctor Strange or Wanda Maximoff.
But right now, Loki's emotional turmoil was his greatest enemy.
'I just want to find a suitable successor who can take over when the time comes. Why is this so difficult?' Russell thought.
"Let's go, Loki. It's time to greet Thor and the others," Russell suggested.
This was something Loki should have said, but given his current state of mind, it was left to Russell to guide him.
Thor and the others approached, with Sif casting a curious glance at Russell and Loki standing together.
The two groups met, exchanging pleasantries.
"Brother, what are you doing with Russell? Discussing magic?" Thor asked with his usual boisterous demeanor.
Before Loki could answer, Thor continued, "Come on, let's go drink. The celebration's on! Let's have some fun!"
Thor's characteristic grin spread across his face as he motioned for them to join in the revelry.
Thor, the warm and outgoing prince, was the complete opposite of Loki, the somber and brooding younger brother.
Russell had only known them for a few days, but already their contrasting personalities had left a deep impression on him.
The difference between them was like that of light and shadow, extroversion and introversion.
Russell was reminded of an old saying from his home: "Oranges grown south of the Huai River are sweet, while those from the north are bitter."
Perhaps, in a different environment, Loki's issues could be resolved.
"No, let's skip the mead this time. Let's drink tea," Russell suggested.
While mead had its appeal, he was no longer interested in consuming it endlessly.
Russell was not keen on "conquering" Asgard again, especially not in this manner.
Back on Earth, in New York, after finishing their training, Irene noticed Matt seemed distracted.
"Matt, how's the investigation into the Hand going? I can see you've been distracted the past couple of days."
Matt sighed and replied, "It's not going well. I've gathered intel on their operations in New York and their connection with the Umbrella Corporation. But some of their forces are based in Japan, and I can't find any information on them."
"The NYPD and the FBI can't act without more details, and we don't have enough."
Irene furrowed her brow. "What's your next step?"
Matt's face hardened as he responded, "I'm going there myself. I'll dig up their operations in Japan."
"Isn't that risky?" Irene asked with concern.
They were completely in the dark about the Hand's influence in Japan. Matt could walk into a trap and never return.
"Don't worry," Matt said confidently, raising his hand to show her. "I've got this."
In his hand was a pager a special device given to him by Russell, designed not to malfunction or remotely detonate.
"If things go south, I can always call Russell."
As long as he wasn't directly competing with Russell, Matt was confident in his own abilities. He didn't think anyone would be able to outmatch him and prevent him from sending a message if he was in trouble.
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