Trade

Authors Note-

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"Dr. Ivan, unfortunately, your stay in Asgard will have to end soon," Loki announced upon opening his mouth.

Ivan couldn't help but feel stunned for a moment despite having mastered all the knowledge he needed and having no issue with him leaving, an inexplicable sense of unhappiness washed over him at being abruptly dismissed. He immediately inquired, "Why? I don't believe I've caused any harm to Asgard. His Majesty the King of God assured me that I could pursue knowledge here and that such a renegade action would not occur."

"The reason has nothing to do with you, Dr. Ivan. It's an internal matter within Asgard. Although the promise to learn Asgardian knowledge remains unchanged, you'll be relocated elsewhere," Loki explained.

"Can you shed light on the situation? I can be of assistance."

Loki hesitated, wearing a troubled expression on his face.

"Ah, my apologies! I shouldn't have probed. I understand if it's a confidential matter concerning Asgard," Ivan said, discerning that this issue was likely a secret and unsuitable for disclosure.

"It's not a big secret. Since you've asked, I suppose it's fine to discuss it," Loki conceded.

Originally intending to keep it secret, Loki revealed the truth, hoping to gain some goodwill from Ivan.

"My father has been facing health issues, requiring periodic rest to regulate his body—a state known as Odin's sleep. During this time, Asgard is under martial law. Except for those close to us, Dr. Ivan is an outsider with considerable strength. Even without malicious intent, you can't remain here. You'll be relocated until Odin's sleep concludes when you can return. However, there's some flexibility to this. Given my position as the second prince, I can make arrangements for Ivan to stay in Asgard."

Ivan understood that Loki was trying to strike a deal. By agreeing to specific terms, he might gain some favors that could be hard to refuse. Such is the way of the world—favors must not be casually owed, as they are bound to be repaid sooner or later, often at a high cost.

"I see. That explains it. However, it doesn't bother me much. I've already learned almost everything I intended to. Even if I must leave in a few days, I plan to tender my resignation to His Majesty the King of God and explore the universe. I seek opportunities to learn about other civilizations."

This time, Loki found himself stunned. Why weren't things unfolding as he had scripted? Typically, Ivan should have immediately panicked upon hearing about his imminent expulsion. He anticipated Ivan scrambling to stay, trying every possible means to remain and using this moment to extend a helping hand, gaining favor, and securing a favor in return.

However, to Loki's surprise, Ivan seemed indifferent. Judging from his tone, he had already acquired the knowledge he sought, making it inconsequential for him to stay or leave.

This left Loki in a state of urgency. Ivan's departure would render all his calculations futile. From the day they met, Loki had been discreetly observing Ivan. In just half a year, Ivan transformed from an erudite with no knowledge of Asgard technology into someone with perfect command of space and light energy technology—a miraculous feat.

In their initial encounter, Ivan mentioned that power was merely a by-product of his scientific research. At that time, Loki believed Ivan was feigning humility, but now he was convinced, and half a year of observation revealed the depth of Ivan's knowledge, sparking an idea in Loki. If Ivan could use his knowledge to empower himself, could he do the same for others?

With this newfound notion, Loki could no longer remain passive. Asgard revered mighty warriors, and Loki had always been marginalized, overshadowed by Thor as the anticipated heir. Now, presented with the chance to gain power, Loki was determined to seize it.

"Dr. Ivan, there's no need for such haste in leaving. You can stay a bit longer. Asgard has many magical wonders for you to explore further," Loki suggested, masking his anxiety. His immediate goal was to retain Ivan and determine the next steps later.

Ivan smiled and shook his head. "No, while researching information on mysterious places in the universe here in Asgard, I came across a place known as the Knowhere. Legend has it that the head of an ancient deceased deity. I plan to go there and delve into my research."

Now Loki grasped that Ivan was genuinely determined to depart, and he realized that once Ivan left, the opportunity to fulfill his plans might slip away.

Loki's expression underwent a momentary change, and ultimately, he gritted his teeth and chose to be more forthright. "Dr. Ivan, let me be direct. I am aware of your extensive knowledge, and I understand that your formidable powers today stem from your understanding. I hope you can assist me in gaining similar power, and I am willing to pay the corresponding price."

"I haven't examined your physique; being a god, your physical condition differs from mine. I'm still determining if I can enhance your strength, but we can collaborate on experiments. What price are you willing to pay?"

Loki almost blurted it all out. Uncertain of success, he inquired about the price first, treating himself as a potential subject.

"I am open to any request within my capability," Loki replied.

Ivan took a moment, contemplating the uncertainty of success. He broached the deal, "I'll use the most secure method to help you boost your strength. If it fails, no harm will come to you. In the event of failure, our agreement is null. However, if successful, I'll request a World Tree branch over three meters long."

"The World Tree's branches? Your request is too much. The World Tree holds great significance for Asgard, and even I can't easily obtain it."

"Just because it's not easy doesn't mean it's impossible, right? I'm not in a rush. If you agree, I can enhance your strength first, and within ten years, you can find a way to acquire the branches. I'll collect it when it suits me."

After some consideration, Loki found the deal acceptable and nodded, "Alright, I agree. But aren't you concerned I might deceive you—improve my strength first and then renege on the deal?"

Ivan smiled and produced a piece of golden paper, waving his hand to reveal inscriptions. "Let's be clear about our terms. To address your concerns, we'll need to sign a contract. Though there are no witnesses, this contract is crafted from ancient dragon skin. Both of us will infuse a bit of our strength into it upon signing. If anyone breaches the contract, it will retaliate against the defaulter—essentially, a joint force between you and me in full power."

Loki carefully examined the contract, ensuring there were no hidden traps. Satisfied, as did Ivan, he bit his finger and signed his name.

"With the contract signed, when shall we begin?" Loki inquired.

Ivan smiled mysteriously, "We can start now, and it won't take much time—perhaps one or two hours at most. My method involves immersing you in an illusion created by a potent power. The power system aligns seamlessly with your abilities and closely mirrors reality. Anything you can conceive in the illusion can be manifested in reality. However, I must caution you to discern between reality and illusion and avoid investing too much emotion into fabricated experiences. After you awaken, I will help you purge unnecessary false memories, retaining only the essential cultivation insights. Additionally, given your mastery of illusion, you may voluntarily contribute your power. This can enhance your illusion abilities."

Determined to increase his strength, Loki, having made up his mind, closed his eyes to focus.

Without hesitation, Ivan approached Loki, squatted down, and touched the pendant around his neck. A trace of red brilliance appeared on Ivan's fingertips, and with a flick, it penetrated Loki's forehead.

Loki felt like he had entered a dream—a world where he was no longer Odin's son but his sworn brother. In this alternate reality, his parents were giants—Farbauti and Laufey. 

Loki was married to Sigon, who loved him deeply. Despite having two sons together, Loki shows contempt towards his wife, engages in infidelity, and pursues a relationship with other women. They have three formidable children: Fenrir, the giant wolf; Hela, the goddess of death; and Jormungandr, the serpent.

He is known for his love of mischief. Yet, he frequently aids the gods, such as deceiving giants into constructing the walls of Asgard, giving birth to the eight-legged horse Sleipnir, and creating various significant treasures. These treasures include Odin's eternal spear, Gungnir, and the golden ring, Draupnir. 

Their relationship was generally amicable until a tragic incident unfolded during a prank. Loki orchestrated a plan to kill Baldur, the son of Odin and Frigga. This act caused the gods to brand Loki as an evil deity, leading Odin to punish him severely. Loki's two sons were killed, and he was bound with their intestines. Odin placed a venomous snake above him as punishment, allowing its poison to drop onto Loki's face.

Amidst his suffering, only his wife Sigon stood by him, offering care and using a golden cup to catch the venom, alleviating his pain as much as possible.

Eventually, Loki managed to break free, unleashing the giant wolf Fenrir, the serpent Jormungandr, and the various dark creatures cultivated by Hela in the underworld. These creatures, born of death over the years, engaged in a fierce battle with the gods, marking the onset of Ragnarok.

Fenrir devoured Odin and met his demise during the cataclysmic events, while the serpent Jormungandr perished alongside Thor. In the final confrontation, Loki faces beheading at Heimdall's hands. However, Loki also injured Heimdall by piercing him with a long-haired weapon in a twist of fate.

Loki's final image was observing his wife, Sigon, and his daughter, Hela, tearfully from a distance. Initially, Loki had given his sole artifact, a pair of boots, to Sigon with the hope that she might escape. However, in the end, Sigon chooses to remain with him, facing the inevitable together.

As for his beloved daughter, Hela, she held a special place in Loki's heart. Despite not possessing formidable combat prowess, the countless dark creatures she had cultivated drew other gods in Asgard into the conflict.

As the illusion gradually dissipated, Loki opened his eyes to find Ivan's smiling face. "Welcome back!" Ivan greeted.