3 CHAPTER 3
Another ten days had swiftly passed, marking a month since Rhodes had arrived in Asgard, and the time had come for him to receive his salary. A line of servants congregated at the door of the accounting room, waiting their turn.
The old housekeeper called out names one by one, and the servants entered to collect their wages.
"Anderson."
"Ramon."
"Rod."
Before long, it was Rhodes' turn to step inside.
The elderly housekeeper stated, "A servant of the gods receives only five runes per month," as a fellow servant placed five coins in Rhodes' palm.
"Five runes, not a substantial amount," Rhodes mused as he pocketed the coins and exited the accounting room.
In Asgard, one rune was equivalent to a hundred large gold coins or a thousand small gold coins. While it would be considered a considerable sum on Earth, gold was abundant in Asgard, rendering it of lesser value. In fact, the purchasing power of a small gold coin in Asgard was akin to a dollar in later generations. Hence, Rhodes' monthly salary essentially amounted to 5,000 dollars.
"Recently, while practicing my combat skills, I wore out two holes in my shoes," Rhodes thought aloud. "Now that I've been paid, I can afford to buy a new pair."
He contemplated the coins and calculated, deciding that he needed little else.
With the payment received, Rhodes decided to take advantage of the opportunity to explore Asgard further and get some fresh air, as he hadn't ventured outside much during his time in the princess's mansion.
"Unfortunately, it's only four runes this month," he lamented.
"Raymond, you've been lazy again, that's why your pay is reduced," one servant chastised.
"Varys, could you lend me two runes? I have an urgent need," another inquired.
"No, I'm planning to go shopping," Varys replied.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines, a blonde man and a brown-haired man engaged in conversation. They both appeared strong and tall. Accompanying them was a petite, freckled maid with lively eyes.
Rhodes recognized her as the maid who had guided him when he first arrived at the princess's mansion.
"Rhodes, right? We've met before, haven't we?" the freckled maid, Tessa, greeted Rhodes with a friendly smile.
"Yes," Rhodes affirmed.
The blonde man and the brown-haired man displayed curiosity at the exchange.
"Tessa, do you know him?" the blonde man inquired.
"He's new here, still young," the brown-haired man added.
"He's a new servant of the gods, named Rhodes," Tessa explained.
Tessa then approached Rhodes, noticing his worn shoes, and offered, "Rhodes, we're planning to visit the market to purchase some daily necessities. Would you like to join us?"
After considering, Rhodes agreed, thinking it would be more convenient to explore the city with their guidance.
"Let's go, then. Varys, Raymond, Rhodes," Tessa beckoned, and the four of them left the princess's mansion together.
As they ventured into the bustling streets, the crowd flowed like a weaving tapestry, accompanied by the buzz of activity. Overhead, various aircraft shuttled through the skies. Asgard's buildings were tall, simple, and elegant, blending advanced technology with an indescribable charm that adorned the city.
Besides the Asgardian gods, other races were also present on the streets, showcasing a wide array of peculiar forms. Rhodes, being relatively new, found the diverse sights to be a refreshing change.
"Don't stare at others like that, mate, or you might run into someone with a bad temper!" Varys kindly reminded Rhodes, noticing his intense gaze.
Rhodes, who had sensed that he was being followed, nodded in acknowledgment, saying, "Thank you for the advice."
However, the feeling of being watched had suddenly dissipated, leaving Rhodes puzzled.
"We're just a group of servants; why would anyone be interested in us?" he wondered.
As the quartet made their way through several streets, they bought cheese, two bottles of rye wine, and various daily necessities. Rhodes, in particular, purchased a pair of sturdy brown riding boots.
With their shopping done, they started their journey back, weaving through the crowded streets. They relied on the strength of Varys and Raymond to make their way through the crowd.
Tessa, who was perspiring profusely, reminded Rhodes, "Rhodes, this place is crowded, so stick close to us to avoid getting lost."
Rhodes frowned but didn't respond as the sensation of being watched returned.
Suddenly, Rhodes noticed a beautiful blonde woman blocking their path. She exuded an air of captivating allure, with eyes that were alluring and seductive.
"You lot, come with me," the blonde woman declared.
A mental wave enveloped them, causing Varys, Raymond, and Tessa to momentarily freeze before obediently following the blonde woman through the crowd and into a secluded, dimly lit alley.
Rhodes, however, remained unaffected. His burgeoning mental strength allowed him to resist the blonde woman's mind control.
Curious about the stranger, Rhodes followed closely behind.
Though he wasn't under her control, he couldn't help but wonder who she was and why she had been following them.
"Very well," the blonde woman said as she turned to face the four obedient servants. "You shall all follow my commands. I order you now to steal something from Princess Hela's mansion."
Varys, Raymond, and Tessa nodded blankly, readily agreeing to her command.
Rhodes sternly inquired, "Who are you, and what is it that you wish to steal?"
The blonde woman appeared taken aback. "Aren't you enchanted by me?" she asked, her confidence shaken by her inability to control the ordinary servants.
Rhodes, with his strong mental resistance, merely shrugged. "Your tricks have no effect on me."
"It seems you have some secrets," she observed. "But it doesn't matter; no one can escape the control of the Enchantress, boy. Just obey me willingly."
Unfazed, Rhodes felt the full force of her enchantment pressing against his mind. This time, the witchcraft was more potent.
Yet, at this critical moment, the genes of Silver Superman within him accelerated their evolution, and a voice from the system resounded:
"Ding! The host [Rods] has evolved [Super Spirit]!"
Rhodes' mental power surged, shattering the witchcraft that had invaded his mind.
The blonde woman's complexion shifted dramatically. She paled, realizing that anyone who could break her witchcraft so swiftly had the power to kill her.
Desperate to flee, she tensed her muscles, indicating her intent to escape.
Rhodes, however, was keenly aware of her intentions. Swiftly, he reached out, seizing the back of her neck with one hand, restraining her with the other, and pinned her against the alley wall.
"Speak! Who are you?" Rhodes demanded.
"I—I'm Amora! Known as the Enchantress. Please, don't kill me! I'll tell you!" the blonde woman stammered, her voice trembling with fear.
"Amora," Rhodes mused, recognizing the infamous Enchantress from Asgard—a villain and a witch.
He hadn't anticipated encountering such a character during his simple shopping excursion.
"So, it's you. Amora, tell me, what are you trying to steal from Princess Hela's mansion?" Rhodes pressed.
"Release me, and I'll tell you!" Amora pleaded.
Rhodes didn't respond but tightened his grip, prompting a clicking sound from her neck. Terrified, she quickly relented, saying, "We're after the Death Cloak, the Death Cloak! Please, don't kill me!"
"The Death Cloak?" Rhodes inquired.
"It can double Hela's strength! I was hired by Laufey, the King of the Frost Giants, to steal it! Please, spare me!" Amora begged for mercy.
"So, the Frost Giants seek to weaken Hela's power and gain an advantage," Rhodes concluded, gaining insight into the situation.
Seeing Rhodes deep in thought, Amora assumed he was considering her request and added, "I'm just a pawn. Laufey hired others as well!"
Rhodes, however, was no longer interested in the conversation.
