Chapter 81 Talisman Fusion
"The lope belt..."
Lin Chen's heart sank, and a huge sense of panic instantly surged within him.
The lope belt was gone!
It was his greatest reliance since he transmigrated; even the Ancient One couldn't take it, so how could it be gone now?
He frantically scanned the bed, searching for the lope belt.
But soon, he seemed to remember something, suddenly raising his head, his gaze falling on the scattered rocks still floating in mid-air.
A thought so audacious it made him feel absurd sprouted in his mind.
He tentatively... moved his mind.
"Clatter..."
In an instant, as if receiving a silent command.
The suspended gravel immediately seemed to be guided by some invisible force, gently and precisely moving around the bed, landing on the surrounding floor without making a single extra sound.
Lin Chen's mouth dropped open in surprise.
Then, he sharply drew in a cold breath.
"Hiss..."
He slowly raised his hands, turning them over and over.
The expression on his face went from shock, to confusion, then to ecstasy, and finally to a wry smile.
I... I'm not wearing the Talismans, but I can still use their power... First, the Cyclops of the Pig Talisman... then the telekinesis of the Rooster Talisman... Could it be... He suddenly remembered the world-shattering energy impact when the Bifrost was destroyed.
He also remembered the vast demonic energy that surged into his body when the lope belt shattered, and the argument between Old Man and Saint in his dream... A complete logical chain instantly formed in his mind!
He couldn't help but raise a hand to cover his face, letting out a low, bitter laugh.
"I really am... stupid."
He muttered to himself, cursing himself with a wry smile.
Originally, he had painstakingly tried to completely fuse the power of the twelve talismans to prevent any unforeseen circumstances.
Even after coming to Asgard, he was still planning how to get close to the Ancient One at Kamar-Taj after returning to Earth, hoping to borrow the Time Stone to help him find the best Talisman fusion solution.
But, he never expected it, never expected it.
The very thing he had been yearning for... had actually succeeded by a fluke?
It seemed that the violent energy surge caused when Thordestroyed the Bifrost had accidentally shattered the Talismans along with the lope belt.
And the demonic energy, not belonging to this world, that seeped out from the cracks and invaded his body, became the perfect catalyst.
With the two combined, the power of the twelve talismans' laws was forcefully knocked off the lope belt, their "carrier."
Then, they were perfectly imprinted into his soul and body, completely freeing him from external restrictions.
It could be said that.
From now on, he, Lin Chen, was the walking twelve talismans!
"It's truly a case of searching high and low for something, only to find it effortlessly!"
Having understood all this, Lin Chen couldn't help but burst out laughing: "Hahaha, I lack nothing now!"
His laughter was extremely harsh, filled with endless arrogance and swagger.
Just then, a large hand suddenly waved in front of his eyes, interrupting his thoughts.
"Hey?"
Thor's face, filled with confusion, leaned in again. He cautiously maintained a safe distance, looking at Lin Chenwith the gaze one would give an idiot.
"You, fellow, you haven't really gone mad, have you?"
"Hey?"
Thor's face, filled with confusion, leaned in again.
He cautiously maintained a safe distance, looking at the wildly laughing Lin Chen with a sympathetic gaze.
"Oh no, oh no, it seems he really hit his head. Don't worry, I'll go find Mother..."
"Slap!"
Before he could finish speaking, a crisp sound echoed in the quiet room.
Lin Chen expressionlessly raised his hand and slapped away Thor's large hand that was waving in front of him, his movements swift and clean, yet the force was just right.
Thor's hand stung from the slap, and he froze for a moment, then grumbled discontentedly: "Hey! You, fellow..."
However, Lin Chen completely ignored him, flipping directly off the overly luxurious bed, his feet landing steadily on the cool floor.
He slowly straightened his body, gently stretching his neck and limbs.
"Crack... crack..."
A series of crisp bone-cracking sounds, like popping beans, emanated from within his body.
Then, Lin Chen felt an unprecedented, explosive sense of power gushing out from the depths of every cell in his limbs and bones, instantly filling his entire body.
This feeling... was simply too wonderful!
If using the power of the Talismans with the lope beltbefore was like driving a powerful supercar, now, he himself had become that supercar.
No, he was a humanoid Gundam!
The Talismans' magic had completely become a part of his body.
He even developed an absurd yet incredibly real sense of confidence.
If Hulk stood before him now, he felt he would only need one punch, a simple punch, to flatten that green giant.
"Hehe... awesome!"
Lin Chen couldn't help but let out a strange laugh, praising in a low voice, the corners of his mouth uncontrollably curving upwards.
"Awesome? What's awesome?"
Thor leaned in again, his face filled with the expression of "you've definitely lost your mind."
Seeing that Lin Chen wasn't aggressive, his courage grew.
He reached out a large hand, very familiarly wrapping an arm around Lin Chen's shoulder and patting him hard.
"Alright, alright, no matter what madness you're having, since you're awake, hurry up and come with me!"
Thor's loud voice made Lin Chen's ears ring, "My father, Odin, the All-Father, wants to see you!"
Odin?
Lin Chen raised an eyebrow.
That Lord of the Nine Realms, the one-eyed God-King of Asgard, had finally awakened from his "Odin's Sleep"?
Countless thoughts flashed through his mind, but his face remained impassive. He simply nodded, concise and to the point: "Lead the way."
"Alrighty!"
Thor grinned, slinging an arm around his shoulder and striding towards the door, his posture as if he wasn't going to meet the God-King, but to a tavern for a drinking contest.
"Creak—"
The heavy golden door was pushed open.
In the foyer outside the door, four figures were already standing.
At the forefront was a heroic, black-haired female warrior with flowing hair.
She wore silver armor, wielded a sword and shield, and her eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. It was the Goddess Sif.
Behind her were three male warriors of distinct styles.
Fandral, elegant and dashing with his rapier; Volstagg, burly and good-natured, still gnawing on a chicken leg; and the taciturn, grim-faced Hogun, wielding a mace.
The Warriors Three and the Goddess Sif.
Lin Chen's gaze swept over the four and finally landed on Sif.
He keenly noticed that the moment she saw Thor emerge with his arm around him, Sif's eyes visibly dimmed for an instant.
But it was immediately replaced by a complex emotion, her gaze almost glued to Thor, filled with undisguised admiration and worry.
Oh-ho?
Lin Chen's heart immediately ignited with the fire of gossip.
Chapter 82 I Need a Magic Teacher
Lin Chen suddenly recalled.
Because of his interference, Thor was banished to Midgardthis time and never had the chance to meet the Earthastronomer Jane Foster.
Nor did he have the chance to experience that romantic love story involving "god and human" with her.
So, that means... now... Sif, who grew up with Thor, fought alongside him, and was undoubtedly his childhood sweetheart, has a huge opportunity, doesn't she?
With Thor's simple mind, Sif, without a competitor, wouldn't it be easy for her to win him over?
You must work hard, Sif, and quickly win over this big oaf whose brain contains nothing but muscles and a hammer!
Lin Chen silently cheered for Sif in his heart.
"Hey, guys!"
At this moment, Thor casually greeted the crowd outside the door.
Then, he released Lin Chen's arm, patted his shoulder, and introduced, "This is the powerful mage from Midgard, Lin Chen, whom I've told you about!"
He then briefly introduced the identities of the four to Lin Chen.
The two sides simply nodded, acknowledging each other.
Subsequently, Thor led Lin Chen through a long corridor, heading towards the Throne Hall deep within the palace.
Lin Chen finally calmed down and began to appreciate every piece of architecture here.
The magnificent palaces and exquisite sculptures all showcased Asgard's heritage and glory as the head of the Nine Realms.
Unfortunately, soon, this place would be destroyed by that prodigal woman.
Perhaps, at that time, he could come back again? Maybe he could change that storyline.
"By the way..."
Lin Chen walked along, asking nonchalantly, "What exactly happened after I fell unconscious? Tell me about it."
At the mention of this, the smile on Thor's face immediately faded a lot, he sighed, and his voice also became low.
"Alas, you don't know, we almost died then."
"I didn't expect the power generated by the Bifrostexplosion to far exceed imagination; the three of us... you, I, and Heimdall, were all blown away, about to be swept into the void turbulence of the Universe."
A trace of lingering fear flashed in his eyes, "Fortunately, at the most critical moment, Father woke up. It was his timely intervention that pulled us back from the brink of death."
As he spoke, Thor's emotions became even more downcast, and his fists clenched unconsciously.
"It's just... Loki... he was too close to the center of the explosion, even Father couldn't... couldn't save him."
"It's all my fault."
Thor's voice was filled with self-reproach, "If I had discovered his problem earlier, if I... if I were a good brother..."
Here we go again.
Listening to these familiar lines and seeing Thor's remorseful expression, Lin Chen couldn't help but feel a bit speechless.
Although he already knew the plot and that Loki was definitely not dead but had gone to Thanos for "advanced studies," seeing Thor's genuine sorrow, he couldn't say anything.
Poor kid, you're being completely tricked by your cunning brother.
He could only raise his hand and pat Thor's broad shoulder, comforting him: "That's not your fault, Thor. That was his own choice."
During a few simple exchanges, the two had already arrived at the magnificent Throne Hall.
At the end of the hall, high on the throne, sat a majestic figure.
He wore golden armor, a horned helmet, a metal eye patch over his right eye, and his left eye gleamed with an intelligent light that saw through everything.
He merely sat there quietly, and an invisible, overwhelming aura of supremacy enveloped the entire hall, making people involuntarily feel awe.
This was the King of Gods, Odin.
"Father."
Thor quickly stepped forward, knelt on one knee, and bowed respectfully.
Lin Chen, however, stood still, unmoving.
With his hands in his pockets, he observed the legendary God King with interest, and then, under Thor's surprised gaze, he casually raised his hand and waved at Odin on the throne.
"Hello, esteemed King of Gods, Lord Odin."
His tone was calm, with a perfectly appropriate faint smile.
Neither servile nor arrogant, as if he were not facing a God King, but a respected elder.
Thor's heart was in his throat, fearing that his eccentric friend might offend Father.
However, Odin on the throne merely looked at Lin Chenquietly, a hint of surprise flashing in his single eye, and then, he even revealed a slight smile.
"Welcome to Asgard, young man from Midgard."
Odin's voice was ancient and resonant, full of majesty.
"I have heard of your deeds from Thor. Thank you for your guidance to my unworthy son, and thank you for all you have done to protect Asgard."
"It was nothing."
Lin Chen shrugged, then changed the subject, a brilliant, somewhat worldly smile appearing on his face.
"Of course, if you really want to thank me, I wouldn't mind."
"I hear your treasury contains many good things. Just give me a few as souvenirs, I'm not picky."
"Pfft—"
Thor nearly choked to death beside him, looking at Lin Chen in disbelief.
This guy... actually dared to ask the King of Gods for treasures to his face?!
Was he crazy?!
However, after a brief moment of stunned silence, Odin, far from being angry, burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahahaha! Interesting! What an interesting young fellow!"
The laughter echoed in the empty hall, and Odin's gaze at Lin Chen was filled with appreciation.
"Very well, your courage and frankness remind me of an old acquaintance."
"As a token of my gratitude for your help to Thor and Asgard, I can not only allow you to choose one treasure from my treasury..."
He paused, a sharp glint in his single eye.
"I can also grant you one additional request. Any request, as long as I can fulfill it."
At these words, Thor was utterly stunned.
He looked back and forth between his father and Lin Chenin shock.
Then he lowered his voice and leaned into Lin Chen's ear, his tone full of sour envy:
"Hey! It seems Father really values you! He's never been this good to me my whole life!"
Lin Chen rolled his eyes at him dismissively, not bothering to pay attention to the jealous God of Thunder.
He refocused his gaze on Odin on the throne, the smile on his face fading a bit, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness.
"Since you've said so, then I shall respectfully accept."
Lin Chen bowed slightly, which was both polite and a sign of the solemnity of his upcoming request.
"The treasure, that was just a joke."
"As for my request..."
He raised his head, his eyes burning as he looked directly into Odin's single eye, stating clearly, word by word:
"I want to temporarily stay in Asgard."
"I need a magic teacher."
Chapter 83 Communicating with other dimensions?
As Lin Chen's words faded, the entire majestic Throne Hall seemed to fall silent for a moment.
Thor's eyes widened as he looked at Lin Chen, then at his father on the throne, his mouth agape enough to fit an egg.
Stay in Asgard? And find a magic teacher?
How exactly was this guy's brain wired?
Was Asgardian magic something just anyone could learn?
This was ten thousand times more outrageous than directly asking for a treasure!
However, Odin merely gazed deeply at Lin Chen, and in his single eye, the light of wisdom seemed to transform into a tangible river of stars.
He didn't answer immediately, seemingly weighing something.
In this subtle silence, a gentle and loving voice softly spoke from the side of the throne.
"If you don't mind, young man, how about I serve as this teacher?"
Lin Chen looked over at the sound, only to see a graceful and noble woman slowly emerge from beside Odin.
She wore an elegant golden gown, her golden hair styled into an exquisite updo, and her face was beautiful and serene.
Her eyes held an innate maternal radiance, as if capable of soothing all the pain and anxiety in the world.
It was Queen Frigga, Odin's wife, and the adoptive mother of Thor and... Loki.
"Mother!"
Thor exclaimed in surprise.
Lin Chen's heart, however, instantly blossomed with joy.
Hey, didn't this just fall into place perfectly?
The reason he made this request was because his target from the very beginning was this magic grandmaster of Asgard!
Who would he learn from?
Learn from Thor how to discharge electricity with muscles?
Or learn from Odin how to be an old father constantly outsmarted by his adopted son?
If he wanted to learn proper magic, in all of Asgard, besides this Queen who was proficient in illusion and mind magic, and could even chat and laugh with the The Ancient One, who else could there be?
So his initial target was this Queen.
But Lin Chen's face showed no joy; instead, he displayed a perfectly timed hint of flattered surprise.
He put away his cynical demeanor, placed his right hand on his left chest, and bowed slightly to Frigga.
His posture was so standard it looked as if he had practiced it thousands of times.
"It would be my highest honor to receive your guidance, esteemed Queen Frigga."
"Good lad..."
Odin on the throne watched this scene and couldn't help but shake his head with a chuckle, his beard trembling.
He had figured it out; this kid had been up to no good from start to finish.
His earlier mention of wanting treasures was a feint; his real target was his own wife!
Before he, the King of Gods, could even agree, he had already reserved the Queen.
His ability to seize an opportunity was even smoother than Loki's.
"So be it."
Odin waved his hand helplessly, his majestic voice carrying a hint of indulgence.
"Since Frigga is willing to teach you, then Asgardwelcomes your visit, young man."
"Here, you will enjoy the same treatment as Thor; if you need anything, you can always have him do it for you."
"Thank you, King of Gods!"
Lin Chen immediately seized the opportunity and bowed again.
The matter was thus settled.
With Thor still looking somewhat bewildered, Lin Chenfollowed Frigga out of the Throne Hall.
However, not long after they left the main hall, Thorsuddenly clapped his forehead as if his backside was on fire.
"Oh dear! Mother, I suddenly remembered that Volstagg said a new batch of thousand-year-old brew arrived at the tavern today, and I must... I must go help him inspect its quality, lest he drink fake wine!"
"Yes, that's it!"
With that, the fellow made a laughably clumsy excuse, winked at Lin Chen, and then took off like a shot, vanishing without a trace.
It was a joke; letting him learn magic with Frigga would be less pleasant than letting him hang himself from a crooked tree.
Lin Chen watched his retreating figure, his mouth twitching.
This muscular strongman indeed only had battle and drinking on his mind.
However, Lin Chen was happy for the peace and quiet; it was perfect that no one would disturb his upcoming studies... Frigga's palace was distinctly different from Odin's Throne Hall.
It lacked the majestic authority and oppressive grandeur of a ruler, instead filled with vitality and natural harmony.
Exquisite White columns were entwined with blooming golden vines, the air was filled with a faint floral scent, and clear spring Water flowed gurgling through the courtyard, making a pleasant sound.
Frigga elegantly motioned for Lin Chen to sit, and soon, a maid brought a cup of fragrant tea.
"Thank you again, young man."
Frigga spoke gently, "Thank you for your help to Thor, and thank you for everything you did to protect the Bifrost."
"By the way, I still don't know what to call you?"
"It was merely a small effort, Your Majesty, no need to dwell on it."
Lin Chen took a sip of tea, feeling a warm energy flow down his throat, instantly washing away the last trace of fatigue from his body.
"My name is Lin Chen."
"Nice to meet you, Lin; you don't need to call me Queen, just Frigga is fine."
She smiled, then got straight to the point, "My magicprimarily leans towards illusion and the mental plane."
"Of course, I also have some knowledge of other energy applications and dimensional magic. Which aspect would you like to start learning from?"
Here it comes!
Lin Chen's spirits lifted, and he put down his teacup.
He pondered for a moment, organized his thoughts, and then asked:
"Madam Frigga, I would like to ask if there is any kind of magic that can be used to... communicate with other dimensions?"
"Communicate with other dimensions?"
Frigga paused slightly, a hint of solemnity flashing in her beautiful eyes.
"Child, that is a very dangerous path."
"There are natural barriers between dimensions, and forcing communication often attracts ominous entities, rarely leading to good things."
"I understand the risks involved."
Lin Chen's expression also grew serious, his eyes holding a hint of recollection and determination.
"But I have some very important friends who, due to an accident, got lost in other dimensions."
"So I want to try, even if there's only a glimmer of hope, I want to try to contact them."
He spoke these half-truths with genuine emotion.
The twelve talismans were his most important "friends," and their origin, the world where his father resided, might be scattered in some corner of the Multiverse.
He had to find them; something must have happened there.
Otherwise, in that dream, the Shadowkhan and the Eight Demon Sorcerers would not have been so harmoniously together with his father and the others.
Frigga watched him quietly, reading his determination in his eyes.
She remained silent for a long time, seemingly deep in thought.
After a long while, she slowly spoke: "Cross-dimensional magic does exist, and more than one kind."
"On Midgard, there is a sanctuary called 'Kamar-Taj,' where the Sorcerer Supreme wields a teleportation magic called 'Dimensional Gate.'"
"It can directly open portals to various parts of the world, and even, if the energy is powerful enough, temporarily connect to certain nearby dimensions."
"There are also some forbidden knowledge, such as the legendary darkhold, which records a terrifying magic called 'Dreamwalking,' where the caster can control their 'variant' located in other Universes, forcing a descent."
"Besides that, there is also a mysterious magic, such as striking a person's soul out of their body, entering the astral dimension..."
Frigga explained them all like a seasoned expert, and each term made Lin Chen's heart tremble.
These were all top-tier magic famous in the Marvel Universe!
He had indeed found the right person!
"However..."
But the next second, Frigga changed the subject, saying something that made Lin Chen stunned.
Chapter 84 Lin, You Are Such a Genius
"However, all this powerful magic has one fundamental prerequisite."
Frigga extended a slender finger.
At her fingertip, a wisp of soft golden light appeared out of thin air, like a dancing butterfly.
"That is to perceive, and then to mobilize the magic energy that exists in the Universe."
"Only when you can 'see' them, 'touch' them, can you begin to learn how to use them."
"This is the foundation for casting all spells."
"I understand." Lin Chen nodded solemnly.
"Very good."
Frigga smiled with satisfaction, "Then, I will test your talent."
"Now, please close your eyes, empty your mind, don't think, and don't ponder."
"Use your heart to feel everything around you... the flow of the wind, the temperature of the light, and even... the breath of space itself."
Lin Chen did as he was told.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and his entire mind settled down.
Frigga also touched his brow with a finger, injecting a trace of her own energy into him to help him perceive.
After fusing with the twelve talismans, Lin Chen's mental power had already reached an incredible level.
Now, with Frigga's help, almost the moment he closed his eyes!
The entire world, in his perception, instantly changed its appearance!
He "saw" it!
The air was no longer empty.
Countless colorful specks of light, like fireflies in a summer night, or like brilliant stardust, densely began to twinkle in every inch of space.
They danced joyfully, chasing each other, forming a splendid energy scroll of ultimate beauty.
This is... magic energy?!
"Try to... establish a connection with them."
Frigga's voice seemed to come from the distant horizon, carrying a hint of guidance.
Lin Chen subconsciously extended his mental power.
However, the moment his consciousness touched those light specks, a sudden change occurred!
Within him, the immense power formed by the fusion of the twelve talismans, dormant in his limbs and bones, seemed to be stimulated by something, and it awakened with a roar!
An energy far more condensed and overbearing than the energy specks outside surged out from within him!
This energy appeared as a peculiar grey-gold, possessing both the long-lasting and profound qualities of "Qi" in Eastern metaphysics, and the agility and variability of magic energy.
It was like a monarch descending upon the realm of his subjects!
The surrounding colorful magic energy, which had been joyfully dancing, scattered like startled rabbits the moment it came into contact with this grey-gold energy, not daring to approach!
"Hmm?"
Frigga, who was nearby, instantly noticed something was wrong.
Her beautiful eyes widened abruptly, and for the first time, an expression of incredible shock appeared on her face.
She had originally thought that even with Lin Chen's talent, perceiving magic energy for the first time would require days, or even months, of guidance.
But how long had it been now?
A few dozen seconds?!
Not only had he perceived it, but he had even begun to mobilize his own energy!
What... what kind of monster is this?!
What shocked her even more was the energy surging from within Lin Chen.
What was that?
It was not pure magic energy, nor was it the divine power of the Asgard gods; it was a unique energy she had never seen or heard of before!
A kind of... "Qi-magic" that seemed to transcend ordinary magic energy?!
"You..."
Frigga looked at Lin Chen, her red lips slightly parted, unable to utter a complete sentence for a long time.
Ultimately, all the shock transformed into a heartfelt exclamation.
"...You truly are an absolute genius!"
As Frigga's voice fell.
Lin Chen slowly opened his eyes, and the world before him returned to its original colors.
The colorful specks of light that had danced like fireflies in his perception had now receded.
But Lin Chen knew that they hadn't disappeared; they had merged into the background of the world, and he could "see" them again anytime he wished.
He looked at Frigga, who was still in shock, a brilliant smile on his face, with a hint of youthful pride.
"Thank you for the compliment, and thank you for your help."
He bowed slightly, expressing his gratitude to the Queen.
But then, he changed the subject and suddenly said:
"So... since my talent is passable, can we skip the formalities and start the official lessons directly?"
His words were spoken with conviction, without the slightest hint of politeness.
Frigga looked at him in this manner, first stunned, and then her shock turned into a wry, amused smile.
She shook her head, but the admiration in her eyes grew even stronger.
This young man was not only extraordinarily talented, but his temperament far surpassed that of ordinary people.
Any other beginner, after displaying such astonishing talent, would either fall into ecstasy or become overly cautious.
But he was as calm as if he had just taken a sip of Water, and immediately thought about how to convert this talent into practical knowledge.
This focus and practicality were the essential qualities for becoming a strong person.
"You are right, a genius should be treated like a genius."
Frigga smiled gently, and she clapped her hands softly.
Soon, two maids entered, carrying a stack of books as heavy as a small mountain, and gently placed them on the stone table in front of Lin Chen.
The covers of these books were made of various materials; some were crafted from metal, others seemed to be the hide of some magical beast, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura.
"Here are all the foundational texts on magic theory from Asgard's thousands of years."
Frigga's tone carried a hint of pride, "From the composition of energy, the analysis of runes, to the most basic elemental guidance and mental power construction... all the fundamentals are here."
She extended a slender finger and pointed to the thickest book on top.
"For the time that follows, I will personally explain it to you. How much you can absorb is up to you."
"No problem, leave it to me!"
Lin Chen patted his chest, his eyes gleaming like a hungry wolf seeing fat meat... And so, a "cramming" style of teaching that caught the attention of all Asgard began in Frigga's back garden.
Days passed one by one.
Lin Chen was like a sponge thrown into Water, greedily absorbing knowledge of magic at an almost frantic pace.
He was completely immersed in it.
In seven days, he mastered the identification and writing of all basic runes of Asgard.
By the tenth day, he was already able to independently complete the simplest energy guidance spells, making a cup of Water float in mid-air.
By the fifteenth day, he successfully cast one of Frigga's signature illusions, conjuring a lifelike butterfly in the courtyard.
This learning speed could no longer be described as "genius."
This was simply monstrous!
Frigga went from initial shock to later numbness, and finally, only a satisfied smile remained.
She no longer even needed to teach him hand-in-hand; often, she only needed to propose a concept, and Lin Chencould infer other things from it, even suggesting unique ideas that she had never considered.
And Lin Chen himself had entered a state of forgetting to eat and sleep.
He was almost sleepless, not even bothering to eat.
The maids in the palace were dumbfounded; they had never seen anyone study so desperately. Even His Highness Loki, when he studied magic, was far less dedicated.
Several times, Frigga worried that his body wouldn't be able to endure.
However, she soon discovered another secret of Lin Chen.
Chapter 85 You want to know if Loki is there?
Frigga could sense it.
Whenever Lin Chen appeared to be mentally drained and on the verge of exhaustion, a continuous surge of life energy would well up within the young man, instantly restoring him to his peak state.
That energy was gentle, resilient, and seemed to be inexhaustible.
Only Lin Chen himself knew that it was the power of the Dog Talisman.
The power of immortality not only granted him invincibility but also brought him nearly infinite vigor and endurance!
For Lin Chen, as long as his spirit didn't collapse, he could continue learning indefinitely.
Just like that, five months passed in a flash... On this day, when Lin Chen successfully disintegrated a stone into its most basic particles from thin air and then reshaped it into an eagle poised for flight, Frigga finally let out a long sigh of relief.
She elegantly massaged her temples, her beautiful face showing a hint of fatigue, but more so, satisfaction and pride.
"Alright, Lin Chen."
She spoke, her voice carrying an unprecedented solemnity.
"This is as far as it goes."
Upon hearing this, Lin Chen, still eager, dispelled the magicin his hand, and the eagle made of dust vanished with the wind.
"What's wrong, Lady Frigga? I feel like I can still learn."
"No, you have already learned all the 'basics' I can teach you."
Frigga looked at him, her gaze complex, "On the path of magic, the master's role is merely to open the door for you."
"How magnificent the scenery behind the door is, and how far you can go, depends not on the master, but on your own talent and comprehension."
"And you..."
She paused, her tone utterly certain, "are the most talented student I have ever seen."
"I believe your future achievements will absolutely not be beneath mine, and perhaps... will far surpass mine."
"The most crucial thing is..." Frigga changed the subject, "Asgard's magic system is built upon borrowing and transforming cosmic energy."
"However, the 'Qi magic' within your body is a self-contained, overwhelmingly powerful force. It leans more towards... creation and dominion."
"Our paths are fundamentally different. If I continue to teach, it might actually limit your development."
"The rest of the journey, you need to walk yourself."
Lin Chen fell silent upon hearing this.
He knew that Frigga was speaking the truth.
Over these five months, the deeper he delved into his studies, the more he could feel the difference between Asgardian magic and his own magic.
One "borrows" from the outside world, while the other "generates" from within oneself.
It's hard to say which is superior or inferior, but the paths are indeed different.
"I understand."
Lin Chen solemnly performed a grand mage's salute to Frigga, placing his right hand on his chest and bowing deeply.
"Thank you for your generous instruction these past few months, Mentor Frigga."
This was his heartfelt gratitude.
Frigga had opened a brand new door for him, allowing him to gain a deeper understanding of the power within him.
"Go, my child."
Frigga smiled contentedly.
Lin Chen nodded, said nothing more, and turned to leave the palace where he had stayed for a month.
As he stepped out of the palace gates again and breathed in the crisp air outside, he felt as if his entire being had come alive.
He stretched with a big yawn, and his bones let out a series of cracking sounds.
"Phew... refreshing!"
Five months!
He wondered if anything major had happened on Earthduring these five months?
Lin Chen silently calculated the timeline in his mind.
According to the original plot, Loki should have been found by the Chitauri by now, obtained the Mind Scepter, and returned to Earth to stir up trouble.
The call for the Avengers to assemble could sound at any moment.
He subconsciously looked at his hand.
In his hand was an ancient leather book, a gift from Friggabefore he left.
The book contained records of some extremely secret and unknown spatial passages within the Nine Realms, including several that led directly to Midgard, or Earth.
"You want me to walk there myself?"
Lin Chen scoffed, casually putting the book away.
"What a joke."
He knew perfectly well.
Although these passages were secret, who knew how long they would take or if he would encounter any spatial turbulence along the way?
Why would he use those small paths when there was the official, VIP-exclusive "Bifrost" of Asgard available?
Only someone with a screw loose would do that!
Even if the Bifrost wasn't repaired yet, he clearly understood that once Loki and the Mind Stone appeared on Earth, Odin would definitely use dark energy to send Thor over.
At that time, if he wanted to hitch a ride, they surely wouldn't refuse, right?
"First, I'll go find that simpleton and sound him out."
Having made up his mind, Lin Chen identified the direction and headed towards Thor's chambers.
However, before he even reached the door, a strong smell of alcohol, almost enough to knock someone out, wafted towards him.
Lin Chen's mouth twitched, and he pushed open the slightly ajar, magnificent door.
The sight before him made his eyelids twitch wildly.
Inside the spacious palace, bottles were rolling everywhere.
Volstagg, Fandral, and Hogun were lying sprawled on the floor, sleeping like logs.
In the middle of them, Thor was even more unrestrained, directly hugging a giant wine barrel taller than himself, snoring like thunder, with drool all over the floor.
Lin Chen: "..."
Good heavens, I've been studying my heart out here, and you've been having a drunken party here?
You really are something, Thor!
He thought about it and finally gave up on the idea of waking him up.
Judging by the scene, he probably wouldn't get any coherent answers even if he did.
"Forget it, I'll ask someone else."
A thought flashed through Lin Chen's mind, and his figure instantly blurred.
"Whoosh!"
The power of the Rabbit Talisman activated, and extreme speed created an almost imperceptible airflow.
His figure vanished from its original spot, and when he reappeared, he was in front of a relatively simple yet solemn palace located not far from the royal palace.
After the Bifrost was destroyed, Odin had placed Heimdallhere.
"Knock, knock, knock."
Lin Chen reached out and knocked on the door.
Soon, the heavy stone door was pulled open from within.
The tall, sharp-eyed Heimdall appeared at the doorway.
His golden eyes, capable of seeing through the Nine Realms, showed clear goodwill and warmth the moment he saw Lin Chen.
"Look who it is? It's our hero, please come in!"
Heimdall stepped aside, a hearty smile on his face.
"I was just looking for someone to have a drink with, you've come at the perfect time!"
Saying this, he unceremoniously pulled Lin Chen inside, picked up a horn cup from the table, filled it with golden beer, and handed it over.
"Taste this, it's the best mead in Asgard."
"Thank you."
Lin Chen didn't stand on ceremony, took the cup, and drank it in one gulp. He felt a fiery warmth rush from his throat straight to his stomach, an indescribable pleasure.
He put down the cup, looked at the loyal Guardian, and asked directly:
"Heimdall, I came to you because I wanted to ask something."
"Ask away."
Heimdall waved his hand generously.
Lin Chen's gaze subtly sharpened, and with a seemingly casual tone, he lightly posed his question.
"Anything interesting happening on Earth lately?"
As his words fell, the hearty smile on Heimdall's face instantly froze.
His golden eyes, which saw all things, narrowed sharply, staring intently at Lin Chen, his voice becoming unprecedentedly low and serious.
"You want to know if Loki is there, don't you?"
Chapter 86 Loki is a stripper?
Heimdall's golden eyes, which saw through everything, landed on Lin Chen.
That last sentence wasn't a question, but a statement.
Facing that gaze that seemed to pierce his soul, Lin Chenmerely grinned, a hint of 'just as I thought' understanding in his smile.
He casually placed the horn cup in his hand on the table, emitting a soft 'thud' that broke the momentary silence.
"It seems you really did know."
Lin Chen's tone was relaxed, "I thought you were too busy watching the Nine Realms all day to notice movements in a small corner."
"I almost did miss it."
Heimdall sighed heavily upon hearing this.
The sharp aura slowly receded, replaced by a deep weariness and helplessness.
"Ever since Thor… made that choice on the Bifrost, we all thought Loki had fallen into the abyss and vanished completely."
His voice deepened.
"His Majesty Odin used all his power, and I also observed day and night, turning over every corner of the Nine Realms, but I still couldn't find any trace of him."
"But…"
Heimdall sighed slightly, a flicker of complexity in his golden eyes.
"Just four days ago, I suddenly sensed a familiar aura, his aura. When I cast my gaze over… he had already appeared on Midgard."
"Oh?"
Lin Chen raised an eyebrow in feigned surprise, "Isn't that a good thing? The lost second Prince returns safely, wouldn't Odin be so happy his beard would curl up?"
Unexpectedly, Heimdall's expression grew even more bitter after hearing this.
He shook his head, a hint of heartache in his voice.
"If only it were just that… how wonderful that would be."
"But this time, he has caused an immense disaster."
"A great disaster?"
Lin Chen's lips involuntarily curved upwards upon hearing this, revealing a playful smile.
He leaned forward slightly, his black eyes shining astonishingly, as if he could pierce through time and space to see the truth of the events.
"This great disaster you speak of, is it… that he not only returned himself, but also conveniently brought a 'Mind Scepter,' oh no, to be precise, a 'Mind Stone' to Earth?"
Heimdall's pupils suddenly constricted!
Lin Chen, however, didn't give him time to react, continuing to drop an even bigger bomb in a casual, conversational tone.
"And, his current target should be the 'Tesseract,' which is also the 'Space Stone,' in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s hands, right?"
"Boom!"
Lin Chen's words were like a clap of thunder exploding in his mind!
Heimdall suddenly stood up from his seat, the strong wind generated by his tall stature even making the wine glasses on the table wobble.
On his usually impassive face, for the first time, an emotion called "horror" appeared.
He stared intensely at Lin Chen, his voice trembling slightly.
"You… how do you know so much?!"
Infinity Stones!
This was the most top-secret secret in the Universe, and apart from Odin and a handful of others, those in the Nine Realms who knew its true form and name were few and far between!
But this young man from Midgard not only blurted out the true names of two Stones, but even knew Loki's plan in detail!
This… this was simply unbelievable!
"Don't be so agitated, sit, sit."
Lin Chen waved his hand with a smile, signaling him to calm down, "Just tell me, am I right, or am I not?"
Heimdall stared at him for a long while, his gaze seeming to penetrate him from the inside out.
Finally, like a deflated ball, he slowly sat back down, muttering under his breath.
"No wonder Thor said you… are a monster."
Then, he nodded heavily.
"What you said… is completely correct."
Receiving an affirmative answer, the smile on Lin Chen's face grew wider.
Everything was under control!
He picked up his wine glass, refilled it, and slowly asked:
"So, what are His Majesty Odin's plans? Is he preparing to send that simpleton… uh, I mean, send His Highness Thor, to bring his beloved brother back?"
"You guessed right again."
Heimdall's tone was already somewhat numb.
"His Majesty Odin intends to do just that. Moreover, to be on the safe side, His Majesty is also preparing to have Volstagg and the other two accompany him."
"Ostensibly to protect Thor…"
Heimdall's voice took on a hint of sarcasm, "In reality, he's worried that Thor alone won't be able to handle Loki, who possesses an Infinity Stone."
"Pfft…"
Lin Chen almost spat out a mouthful of wine.
He instantly pictured the three figures, sprawled out and reeking of alcohol, in Thor's palace.
Them?
To deal with Loki, who wielded the Mind Scepter?
They'd probably just be giving him a triple kill!
"Those three drunkards shouldn't go."
Lin Chen put down his wine glass, his tone becoming decisive, "Thor and I will go back together."
He stood up, a powerful confidence naturally arising, his gaze burning as he looked at Heimdall.
"With me here, Loki won't be able to cause any trouble."
Heimdall looked at him, silent.
In his golden eyes, a thoughtful light flickered.
After a moment, he slowly spoke: "I have no doubt about your strength. But… this matter must receive His Majesty Odin's approval."
"He will agree."
Lin Chen's answer was crisp and decisive, full of undeniable confidence.
He clinked glasses with Heimdall again, drained the mead in his cup, then turned and strode out.
"No time to lose, I'm going to find Odin now!"
...Meanwhile, on Earth.
Germany, Stuttgart, in a magnificent plaza.
Night fell, but panic spread like a plague.
Hundreds of guests dressed for a banquet were now like a frightened flock of sheep, forced to the center of the plaza by a figure wielding a golden scepter.
Loki stood on high, clad in Asgardian battle armor, a sinister and arrogant smile on his face, enjoying the fear of the mortals.
"Kneel!"
He raised his scepter, his voice, amplified by magic, echoing throughout the plaza.
"You were born for this, born to be ruled! In the end, you will all kneel!"
The crowd stirred in fear, and most eventually chose to submit.
But there were always defiant spines.
A white-haired old man slowly straightened his body, his gaze firmly meeting Loki's.
"We should kneel, but not to someone like you."
Loki's smile instantly froze, replaced by the fury of being challenged.
"There is no one more suitable than me!"
He roared, pointing his scepter at the old man, the gem at the tip glowing with a brilliant blue light as deadly energy began to gather.
However, at this critical moment!
"Whoosh—"
A dazzling beam of energy, faster than sound, descended from the sky, accurately striking Loki in the chest!
"Boom!!!"
In an instant, Loki was like someone hit head-on by a battering ram, letting out a scream as he flew backward, landing clumsily on the ground.
Immediately after.
A wild, exhilarating, deafening heavy metal rock anthem suddenly ripped through the night sky without warning!
Everyone, including Loki who had just gotten up, instinctively looked up.
They saw a red and gold armored figure, trailing a brilliant exhaust, descending from the sky.
With an incredibly flashy pose, it landed with a heavy 'thud' on the ground!
The armor's faceplate slowly lifted, revealing Tony Stark's face with his signature defiant smile.
He gave Loki an expression of surprised familiarity:
"Hey, stripper, we meet again."
Chapter 87 Loki: I Surrender
Loki scrambled to his feet from the ground, brushing off nonexistent dust from his armor.
The arrogance on his handsome face remained undiminished.
He looked at Tony Stark, who was suspended in mid-air, a wicked smile playing on his lips, and chuckled, "Tin Man, do you think you alone can stop me?"
"Who knows?"
Tony's voice came through the armor's amplifier, carrying a hint of cynicism, "Why don't we try?"
As if to validate his words.
No sooner had he spoken than a faint but unsettling hum sounded.
Hundreds of tiny seams on Tony's flashy red and gold armor instantly lit up with dazzling energy.
Several seams on his shoulders, arms, and legs opened simultaneously, revealing crystal-like weapon interfaces shimmering with a deadly glow.
A chilling killing intent, as if tangible, completely locked onto Loki!
Loki's pupils suddenly contracted.
A strong sense of threat, stemming from a god's intuition, poured over him like a bucket of ice water, sending a shiver through his limbs.
This Tin Man... something was off!
He was completely different from the metal lump he had seen in the desert last time!
If the previous metal lump was a piece of rusted scrap metal, then the current Tony was a piece of refined steel!
The feeling he gave Loki was also worlds apart.
Had he upgraded his weapon system?
Or had he not brought out his strongest armor before?
Countless thoughts flashed through Loki's mind, but he still maintained his composure.
He took a deep breath, staring intently at Tony, seemingly weighing something.
Just when everyone thought a world-shaking battle was about to erupt, Loki did something that made everyone's jaws drop.
With a clang, he casually tossed the scepter embedded with the Mind Stone onto the ground, as if it were a mere kindling stick.
Then, he slowly raised his hands and gave Tony Stark an almost "innocent" smile.
"Alright, alright..." He shrugged, "I surrender."
"Huh?"
Tony was momentarily stunned.
He hovered in mid-air, the weapon lights on his armor flickering twice, as if the system was also confused by this sudden turn of events.
He just... surrendered?
That's not how the script was written!
Shouldn't he have exchanged a few witty remarks, then the other party would be enraged, they would fight for three hundred rounds, and finally, he would subdue him in a super cool pose?
Such a straightforward surrender left the hundred insults he had prepared unspoken.
Tony felt that something was amiss, but looking at the other party's "harmless" expression, he couldn't quite figure it out for a moment.
Just then, a dull thud came from behind him.
Another figure descended from the sky, crashing heavily onto the ground.
Landing with mountain-like stability, it was Captain America, Steve Rogers, in his star-spangled uniform.
The moment Tony saw him, it was as if he had found an outlet for his emotions.
The armor's faceplate slid up with a whoosh, and he whistled triumphantly:
"Hey, old ice pop, you're late! I've already taken care of the problem by myself."
Upon hearing this, Steve's gaze swept over the scepter lying on the ground, then at Loki, who had his hands raised, and his brows furrowed tightly.
"He didn't resist?"
"Of course!"
Tony confidently tapped the arc reactor on his chest, making a thumping sound.
"Are you questioning my ability? Or do you think my charm isn't enough to make an alien man voluntarily disarm and surrender?"
"..."
Steve couldn't be bothered with such useless chatter.
He didn't want to, and simply couldn't, argue with this guy whose mouth was like a machine gun.
He walked straight over, took a pair of specialized magnetic handcuffs from his tactical belt, and deftly cuffed Loki's hands behind his back.
By this time, several quinjets had also landed around the plaza.
Teams of heavily armed S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents emerged in single file, quickly taking custody of Loki from Steve.
Subsequently, under the Agents' evacuation, the still-shaken guests began to orderly leave the scene.
The crisis, it seemed, had been resolved anticlimactically.
Tony landed beside Steve, a mischievous expression on his face, and asked in a lowered voice:
"I heard Mr. Lin say you're dating now? How's it going, how do you feel?"
"You're here now, aren't you going to mind your blonde beauty?"
Steve's face instantly darkened, and he glared at him irritably.
"Tony, I have to say, you're even more annoying than your father!"
"Hmph!"
Tony snorted, about to retort with full force, when a gentle voice interjected.
Agent Coulson hurried over, first respectfully nodding to Captain America: "Captain, good evening."
Then, he turned to Tony, a hint of unconcealed worry on his face, and asked, "Mr. Stark, Mr. Lin Chen... has he not returned yet?"
At the mention of Lin Chen, Tony's playful expression subsided slightly.
He shook his head: "Ever since he went to the alien planetwith that big blonde guy, he's been out of contact, like he's vanished into thin air."
Coulson's worry deepened: "Now Loki is back, but Mr. Linisn't... Do you think something might have happened to him out there?"
"Impossible!"
Tony's answer was decisive, he crossed his arms and pouted.
"I know that guy a bit; he's as slippery as an eel."
"Even if he can't beat the aliens, running away shouldn't be a problem. I bet he's enjoying himself on some planet right now."
However, his words were not yet finished!
Tony's expression suddenly changed, his eyes widened, and an unbelievable look of pleasant surprise instantly appeared on his face!
He looked at the worried Coulson, grinning, his smile as bright as the California sun.
"See, what did I tell you?"
"Jarvis just gave me feedback..."
Tony's voice was full of excitement, "A near-Earth orbit satellite controlled by Dr. Banner just detected an extremely massive energy fluctuation, shooting towards Earth from outer space at superluminal speed!"
"According to Jarvis's analysis... that is very likely the Bifrost!"
After saying that, Tony didn't even have time to explain more to Steve and Coulson.
"You guys chat, I'm going to confirm it!"
He dropped this sentence, and the armor's faceplate clicked shut.
The next second!
"Boom!!!"
The ground beneath him violently shook, and the red and gold armor, after a deafening sonic boom, transformed into a dazzling stream of light, instantly tearing through the night sky and disappearing at the edge of the horizon!
Coulson's unfinished words were caught in his mouth, he opened his mouth, and finally could only helplessly turn to Steve, spreading his hands.
Steve Rogers, this centenarian who had experienced the baptism of World War II's gunfire, was also a bit disheveled in the wind at this moment.
He looked at the horizon where Tony had disappeared.
Ultimately, he couldn't resist asking Coulson the question that had been bothering him for a long time:
"Is he... always like this? So impetuous."
Coulson gave a knowing wry smile, rubbing his forehead.
"Most of the time, yes, Captain."
"He's rather... opinionated."
Chapter 88 Return to Earth
At the same time,
Northeast Germany, a remote sea area in the Baltic Sea.
The deep sea at night should have been tranquil, but at this moment, it was far from it.
"Boom!!!"
A deafening roar was heard.
A thick, dark purple pillar of light, like a Celestial's spear, violently tore through space, shooting down from the depths of the Universe!
It had no buffer whatsoever, carrying terrifying energy capable of destroying a small city, and slammed fiercely into the sea surface.
In an instant, the seawater within a radius of nearly a thousand meters was as if pushed outwards by an invisible giant hand!
The seawater was instantly evaporated and blasted away, forming a white wall of waves over a hundred meters high, exposing the dark, slippery seabed reefs.
Immediately after, before the wave wall could fall, two figures shot out from the still-dissipating pillar of light, like two meteors, crashing heavily onto the exposed seabed.
"Bang! Bang!"
Accompanied by two dull, teeth-grinding thuds.
The hard reefs were as fragile as biscuits before them, instantly shattered to dust.
By the time the pillar of light dispersed, the two individuals were already deeply embedded in the mud and sand of the seabed.
"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—"
The next second, the displaced seawater lost its support and immediately rushed back madly, raising monstrous waves.
It re-submerged the recently cleared sea area, as if to completely cover up all evidence of the crime.
Deep beneath the sea.
"Cough... Ugh... Pfft..."
Thor, amidst a series of violent coughs, spat out several mouthfuls of salty seawater. He looked as if he had just been tossed out of a washing machine, disoriented and seeing stars.
His divine body was powerful, but it couldn't withstand such abuse!
Father's teleportation... why did it feel different from before?
It was fast before too, but at least there was a sense of a smooth landing.
This time, it was as if someone had kicked him down from the heavens!
He shook his still-ringing head, feeling as if all of Asgardwas spinning before his eyes.
In contrast, Lin Chen, who was beside him, was in much better condition.
Although he was also a bit stunned from the fall, at the moment of impact with the ground, the immortal divine power from the Horse Talisman instantly enveloped his entire body, dissipating most of the impact force into nothingness.
The residual shock was also quickly smoothed out by the power of the Horse Talisman.
"Cough..."
Lin Chen also spat out a mouthful of seawater, and realizing something was wrong, he immediately held his breath.
Then he struggled to climb out of the muddy pit, stood on the cold seabed, and pulled Thor, who was still blowing bubbles, out.
He looked at Thor's bewildered, completely stunned, foolish expression, sighed helplessly, and cursed a certain one-eyed old man no less than eight hundred times in his heart.
Odin, that old man... it must have been intentional!
Lin Chen muttered in his heart.
How was this teleportation?
This was clearly high-altitude projectile throwing! And it was intergalactic!
Lin Chen sighed in his heart, then grabbed Thor's arm, instantly transformed into a streak of light, broke through the resistance of the seawater, and with a "whoosh" flew out of the sea, hovering in mid-air.
The sea breeze blew, carrying a hint of coolness.
Then, he raised his hand, palm facing Thor's chest, and the power of the Horse Talisman activated, a soft green light flowing into Thor's body.
"Buzz!"
Thor's body trembled, the dizzying sensation instantly receded, and his chaotic thoughts became clear again.
He shook his wet golden hair, then released Lin Chen's support, hovering above the sea surface by his own power.
He looked around blankly: "Where... is this place? Midgard?"
"Nonsense, otherwise, did you think it was Jotunheim?"
Lin Chen also ran a hand through his still dripping hair, and was about to ask someone where exactly this place was.
From the distant horizon, a low humming sound, growing clearer and closer, suddenly echoed.
He looked up, and the corners of his mouth curved into a knowing smile.
"Hey, no need to ask now..."
He nudged Thor towards the distance, "Our ride is here."
No sooner had he spoken than the humming sound had transformed into a deafening roar.
A dazzling red and gold light, like a shooting star flying in reverse, tore through the night sky, speeding towards their location at supersonic speed.
Tony Stark was very excited.
Jarvis's analysis was indeed correct, it really was the Bifrost!
And judging by the commotion, it was definitely that blonde hulk coming, so... Lin Chen must be with him too!
Thinking of this, he once again pushed the thrusters to maximum power.
Soon, he saw two figures hovering on the distant sea surface.
One with long blonde hair, the other with black hair and black eyes, who else could they be but Thor and Lin Chen?
"Swoosh—"
The Iron Man suit drew a beautiful arc in the air, braking sharply and hovering steadily in front of the two.
"Click."
The metal faceplate lifted, revealing Tony's face, filled with pleasant surprise.
"Hey! Lin! You finally came back!"
Tony immediately launched into a barrage of complaints, "Do you know how long you've been gone? Several months! If you didn't come back soon, I'd have thought you'd been abducted by some alien babe!"
"Also, do you know that Loki came back while you were gone?"
"If it weren't for me, your most brilliant, brave, handsome, and dashing friend, stepping in in time, he would have poked a hole in the sky!"
"Where is Loki?!"
Thor was in no mood to listen to Tony's self-aggrandizement. He pushed Lin Chen, who was blocking his way, aside and asked urgently.
"Oh, a small accident, but it's already resolved."
Lin Chen said lightly, then turned to Tony, giving him an "I understand" look.
"Thor and I are mainly back this time to help him bring his troublesome brother back."
He scrutinized Tony, looking at his smug expression, and feigned contemplation:
"Let me guess... Loki, that guy, probably ran to some banquet in Stuttgart and played a game of 'King.'"
"And then, after your dazzling appearance, he surrendered without even fighting, right?"
Tony's expression instantly froze.
He stood with his mouth agape, looking at Lin Chen as if he had seen a ghost: "Uh... how do you know everything? Did you install surveillance on me?"
"Never mind how I know."
Lin Chen smiled, "Where is he?"
"Coulson and Captain should have already taken him away. They're probably on their way to S.H.I.E.L.D. now," Tonyshrugged helplessly.
"Tin Man, lead the way quickly!"
Seeing the two of them chatting as if no one else was around, Thor impatiently interrupted again.
He brandished the Mjolnir in his hand, his voice booming like a bell: "I must take him back to Asgard immediately to face the judgment of the Allfather!"
Tony then fully turned his gaze to Thor, and the smile on his face chilled.
"Take him back? I'm afraid not."
He snorted coldly, "Your good brother killed many people here and kidnapped a high-ranking Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.and a respected Professor."
"Before returning to your 'Asgard,' he must first face the judgment of Earth's law!"
"What did you say?!"
Thor immediately became agitated, electric sparks instantly flickered in his clear blue eyes, and a violent aura uncontrollably emanated from him.
He was worried Loki would be harmed in the hands of mortals. Just as he was about to erupt, a hand pressed on his shoulder.
"Tony has a point, Thor."
Lin Chen stopped Thor, who was about to go berserk, then turned to Tony and said, "Since that's the case, then we'll go to S.H.I.E.L.D. first."
"Once we have him, as for where and how he will be judged, we can discuss those matters later."
"But..." Thor still wanted to say something.
"Listen to me."
Lin Chen looked back at him, his gaze firm.
Thor looked into Lin Chen's eyes, and his violent aura immediately deflated like a punctured balloon, instantly wilting.
He opened his mouth, and in the end could only sullenly nod.
"Alright."
Tony watched this scene, his eyebrows raised high.
Well, I'll be!
When did this blonde hulk become so obedient?
He'd only been to an alien planet for a month and had already been tamed by Lin Chen?
It seemed a lot of interesting stories he didn't know about had happened on this alien trip.
Chapter 89 Point Break
"Alright, then we'll head back first!"
Tony didn't say anything more when he heard that.
The armor's faceplate clicked shut, and after leaving a message, "Keep up, guys," he changed direction, transforming into a red-gold streak of light, and flew towards the distance.
Thor, evidently disdainful of such mortal flying contraptions, flashed with electricity and pursued him, hammer in hand.
Lin Chen followed leisurely behind the two.
The speeds of the Rabbit Talisman and Rooster Talismanwere controlled perfectly by him, ensuring he wouldn't fall behind while appearing effortlessly at ease... Before long, a colossal object tore through the clouds, appearing before the three of them.
It was an aerial behemoth beyond ordinary imagination, like a steel fortress suspended ten thousand meters in the sky.
Four massive turbine engines roared deafeningly, maintaining its incredible posture.
"Wow..."
Even Thor, who was accustomed to the magnificent sights of Asgard's Golden Palace, couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
"A creation of Midgard... quite interesting."
In contrast, Lin Chen appeared much calmer.
He merely glanced at it before retracting his gaze.
Tony, piloting his armor, executed a graceful tail-whip before landing precisely on the spacious deck.
Lin Chen and Thor followed closely, landing steadily.
On the deck, two figures had been waiting for a long time.
One was Bruce Banner, wearing a white lab coat.
The other was Nick Fury, wearing his signature black trench coat, sporting a shiny bald head, and with a face that clearly conveyed, "I'm not pleased."
"Hey, Bruce!"
Lin Chen completely ignored Fury, walking straight to Banner and giving him a warm hug.
"Long time no see! You look good, have you gained weight following Tony around lately?"
Banner was a little flustered by his sudden enthusiasm.
He stiffly patted Lin Chen's back and said with a wry smile, "I'm alright, I'm alright..."
"That's good."
Lin Chen released him, then leisurely turned to the scowling Fury.
He first scrutinized him from head to toe, then spoke in a serious tone:
"Hey, Egghead, haven't seen you in a few days, why are you even darker?"
"Did you secretly go on vacation to Hawaii and forget to put on sunscreen?"
"Pfft—"
Tony, standing nearby, couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.
Fury's face instantly turned dark... well, he was already dark.
The veins on his forehead twitched uncontrollably twice.
He felt his blood pressure soaring at a dangerous rate.
Fuck!
This bastard!
Every time we meet, you have to make fun of my skin color, don't you?!
Fury roared internally, but he knew very well that he couldn't afford to provoke the man in front of him.
Let alone making fun of his skin color, even if he wanted to play with this Sky Carrier like a yo-yo right now, he probably couldn't do anything but cheer him on.
"Cough!"
Fury forcibly suppressed the anger in his heart and stiffly squeezed out a sentence:
"Welcome back, Consultant Lin Chen."
"Coulson and Captain Rogers, as well as... our captive, are expected to arrive in an hour."
He deliberately emphasized the words "our captive," attempting to regain some ground.
However, Lin Chen didn't take the bait at all.
"An hour? Alright."
He nodded, then very naturally put his arm around Thor's shoulder, and strutted towards the interior of the carrier as if he were strolling in his own backyard.
"That's perfect, first get us some food, burgers, fries, fried chicken, all of it, oh, and a few cases of ice-cold beer."
He ordered without looking back as he walked, his tone so familiar it was as if he were the Master of the ship.
"We brothers will catch up first, anything else can wait until we've eaten and drunk our fill."
Fury: "..."
Tony and Banner exchanged glances, both seeing a hint of schadenfreude in each other's eyes.
Looking at Fury's face, which was darker than the vacuum of the Universe, the two, who had been quite annoyed by his bossy attitude over the past few days, finally shivered with satisfaction... Half an hour later, in the Sky Carrier's mess hall.
On a long table, mountains of burgers and fried chicken emitted an enticing aroma, accompanied by several cases of ice-cold beer just taken from the cold storage.
Tony was listening with envy, jealousy, and hatred as Lin Chen recounted his experiences in Asgard.
"...So, the Bifrost there, is it really a dazzling, colorful bridge of light? Can it instantly teleport people to any corner of the Universe?"
"More or less."
Lin Chen took a big bite of a crispy and tender fried chicken leg, saying indistinctly, "But it's gone now."
"Gone?"
Banner, also engrossed in the story, pushed up his glasses curiously.
"Hmph!"
Thor, who had been silently devouring his food, finally found an opportunity to interject.
He chugged a large gulp of beer, wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and declared in a booming voice:
"Of course! It was I! The Guardian of Asgard, Thor! who personally put an end to Loki's scheme and saved the Nine Realms!"
He spoke with fervor, as if bathed in a brilliant light.
Lin Chen nodded gravely, adding with a look of approval: "That's right, and then he conveniently smashed the Bifrost."
"..."
Thor's impassioned expression instantly froze, as if a pause button had been pressed.
His handsome face visibly reddened, and he argued, sticking out his neck: "That... that was unavoidable! I did it to stop Loki!"
"Oh—"
Tony and Banner, in unison, drew out the sound, and simultaneously looked at Thor with eyes full of the meaning, "So it was you, you rascal."
Tony even slapped his thigh exaggeratedly: "I knew it!"
"I was wondering why Lin was back so late. Turns out, you, you rascal, demolished his way home!"
"You damn Tin Man! What nonsense are you spouting!"
Thor, stung by the remark, immediately exploded, "If it weren't for me, Jotunheim would have been split in two by the Bifrost!"
"Oh, please."
Tony retorted without backing down, "With your brain, without Lin Chen's help, you probably wouldn't even have touched Loki's Shadow, still foolishly looking for your hammer."
"You!"
"Me what? Am I wrong, Point Break?"
Just as the two were about to start arguing, Lin Chenfinally spoke unhurriedly.
"Alright, alright, both of you say less."
He casually picked up a burger and accurately shoved it into the still-roaring Thor's mouth, successfully silencing him.
Then, he turned to Tony, changing the subject:
"Speaking of which, Tony, why does your armor still look the same? No changes at all."
There was a hint of inquiry in his eyes, "You didn't use the Destroyer's remains?"
At the mention of this, Tony, who had just been full of fighting spirit, instantly sighed deeply along with Banner.
Banner adjusted his glasses, explaining helplessly, "We've been researching for a long time, Tony even specifically upgraded all the lab equipment for it. But..."
"The molecular structure of that metal is too stable, and its hardness is beyond imagination. With our current technology, let alone melting and shaping it, it's hard to even drill a hole in it."
"Exactly." Tony also looked frustrated.
"We tried laser cutting, particle beam bombardment, every method we could think of, but that thing didn't even get a scratch."
"To completely melt it down and apply it to the armor, I estimate... it would take at least another year."
"Hahahahaha!"
Hearing this, Thor, who had just swallowed his burger, burst into a hearty laugh.
He proudly thumped his chest, as if showing off a family heirloom: "Now you know the power of our Asgard, Tin Man!"
"That's the Destroyer! It's a divine weapon that my father Odin spent countless precious materials on, commissioned the top dwarf artisans, and took hundreds of years to forge!"
"You mortals think you can dismantle it with your technology? You're far from it!"
Lin Chen found him noisy and shoved another burger into his mouth.
"Have the materials been brought over now?"
He looked at Tony and asked directly.
Tony was startled, then his eyes lit up: "Of course!"
"Those remnants are in the lab on this ship right now, do you have a solution?"
"Take me there."
Lin Chen stood up, his tone calm, "Perhaps I can be of some help."
"Really?"
Tony was overjoyed at the news, so excited he almost jumped out of his chair!
He didn't care about eating anymore, nor about bickering with Thor.
He got up hastily, grabbed Lin Chen's wrist as if afraid he would run off, and pulled him out.
"Let's go, let's go! Come with me quickly!"
Chapter 90 Tony's New Toy
Sky Carrier, bottom-level core laboratory.
The heavy alloy door hissed as it slid open to both sides.
This was the most technologically advanced place in S.H.I.E.L.D., and also Tony Stark's temporary residence.
Various precision instruments were arranged inside, each costing a fortune.
And in the very center of the laboratory, several pieces of silver-gray metal wreckage lay quietly within transparent containers restrained by special force fields.
They were fragments of the Destroyer.
Even as wreckage, their essence still flowed with an ancient and powerful aura not belonging to the mortal realm.
"These are them."
Tony released Lin Chen and walked to the containers, the excited flush on his face not yet faded, but with a hint of an almost imperceptible annoyance in his tone.
"Most of it is here."
"However, Fury, that old fox, under the guise of resource sharing, took the helmet and a small part of the chest plate, saying he wanted S.H.I.E.L.D.'s so-called top scientists to conduct some reverse engineering."
He pouted, his face full of disdain.
"Them? Give them another hundred years, and they'd at most figure out how to polish and wax this thing."
"Oh right, they seem to have developed a weapon… but in my opinion, it's just trash."
Lin Chen merely smiled noncommittally at his words.
He didn't even approach, just stood casually in place, and with a gentle wave of his hand towards the containers.
"Buzz—"
An invisible force instantly enveloped the entire laboratory.
The Destroyer wreckage, firmly locked by special force fields, seemed to be lifted by an unseen hand, ignoring all physical rules, and floated lightly out of the containers, hovering before Lin Chen.
Seeing this, Tony subconsciously asked, "Lin, what are you going to do?"
"Where are your new armor blueprints? Bring them up, let me see."
"Oh, alright!"
Tony, as if waking from a dream, quickly operated the portable controller on his arm a few times.
"Swish!"
A Zhanblue holographic projection immediately unfolded between the two.
A three-dimensional design of a new type of battle armor, full of streamlined beauty, simpler and more powerful than the Mark series, appeared in the air.
Lin Chen merely glanced at it, and already took in the tens of thousands of complex structures.
Then, under Tony's expectant yet nervous gaze, he slowly raised his head.
The next second.
Two dazzling yellow beams of light shot out from his eyes.
Then they landed with incredible precision on the floating wreckage.
"Sizzle sizzle sizzle—"
Accompanied by a grating sound that set teeth on edge.
And then, Tony Stark's eyes instantly widened like brass bells.
"Holy moly…"
What did he see?
That Asgardian divine metal, which had cost him and Banner months of effort and which even Stark Industries' most advanced laser cutting matrix couldn't leave a single scratch on.
Now, under those two seemingly slender yellow beams, it actually… actually began to turn red, soften, and finally melt at a visible speed!
Just like an ice cube meeting a hot iron!
"My God…"
Tony's mouth hung open, all the shock, ecstasy, and disbelief ultimately converging into a roar from the depths of his soul:
"Lin! It melted! It really melted! You're simply a…"
"Mmm—! Mmm mmm mmm!"
However, before Tony could finish his words of praise, he felt his mouth being clamped shut by a large, cold iron vice.
No matter how hard he tried, he could only emit muffled whimpers.
He looked at Lin Chen in horror, but saw that the other person didn't even glance at him.
It was just that his hand, which hadn't been raised, made a "pinching mouth" gesture in the air.
It seemed Lin Chen found him too noisy.
Soon, under the power of the Pig Talisman, all the Destroyer wreckage melted into a viscous liquid, half a meter in diameter, shimmering with a crimson glow, slowly wriggling in the air like a living thing.
But this was not over yet.
Then Lin Chen raised his hands, and his ten fingers began to dance in the void with an abstruse and graceful trajectory.
Where his fingertips passed, golden runes made of pure energy appeared out of thin air, burning and imprinting themselves in the void.
That was a shaping magic he had learned from Frigga.
Now it came in handy.
"Buzz!"
As the first rune merged into the molten metal, the entire mass of liquid trembled violently, as if infused with a soul!
Immediately after, the second, the third… hundreds of thousands of wondrous runes, like young swallows returning to their nests, one after another integrated into it.
The molten metal then began to violently roll, stretch, split, and reassemble at a visible speed.
Then, in Tony's numb and shocked vision, the liquid seemed to gain life and intelligence, rapidly transforming into parts he was incredibly familiar with, guided by an invisible magic.
First the chest plate, then the arm guards, then the leg guards, the helmet… the precision of each component was exactly the same as the design in his computer, even more perfect in detail!
It took no more than a dozen seconds.
The liquid metal completely disappeared.
In its place were hundreds of battle armor components of various sizes, like soldiers awaiting inspection, neatly suspended in mid-air, emitting a heart-palpitating high temperature.
Lin Chen looked at these masterpieces, seemingly still not quite satisfied.
He thought for a moment, extended his index finger, and once again began to engrave in the air on these components.
This time, what flowed from his fingertips were no longer golden Asgardian runes, but older, more vigorous, and full of raw power Runes.
Runes representing "solidity" and "energy guidance" were precisely "carved" by him onto the critical components, adding a mysterious beauty to these parts.
After completing all this, Lin Chen nodded with satisfaction.
Tony, whose mouth was blocked, had by now completely given up thinking.
He looked at the miraculous scene before him, trembling with excitement.
He wanted to scream, to cheer, to rush up and give Lin Chen a big hug.
But his mouth was sealed, and his body also seemed to be locked by an invisible force.
He could only flail his arms and legs like a monkey with ADHD beside Lin Chen, his eyes shining, using his entire body language to express his overflowing excitement and adoration!
Lin Chen glanced at him, the corners of his mouth curving slightly upwards.
He clapped his hands in the air, then suddenly waved them towards the center!
"Clack! Clack clack clack!"
The next second, the hundreds of components suspended in the air, as if receiving a silent command, instantly transformed into streaks of silver-gray light.
Accompanied by crisp, pleasant sounds full of mechanical beauty, they perfectly assembled together with a speed and precision beyond the limits of human imagination.
"Clang!"
With the final clear chime, a brand new battle armor quietly hovered before Tony Stark.
Its entire body presented a deep silver-gray, which was the original color of the Destroyer metal.
The overall outline still retained the classic style of the Mark series, but the lines were more robust, and the armor seams were flawless, as if formed from a single piece.
On the surface, faint, mysterious gilded runes could be seen slowly flowing.
Tony's breathing completely stopped.
As if this wasn't a weapon.
But a work of art!
An ultimate work of art that fused Earth's cutting-edge technology with Asgardian magic!
Just then, Lin Chen snapped his fingers.
"Snap."
The force that sealed Tony's mouth instantly vanished.
At the same time, the silver-gray battle armor hovering in the air also emitted a slight mechanical whirring sound.
The faceplate slowly rose, and the chest plate opened to both sides, revealing the smooth internal mechanical structure, as if extending a silent invitation.
Lin Chen looked at Tony Stark, who was already dumbfounded, and spoke indifferently:
"Try it on."