Chapter 240: Selecting the Artifacts

The Rainbow Bridge cracked.

The cause of the crack in this millennia-old Asgardian structure was unclear, but one thing was certain: Clark bore an undeniable responsibility for it.

Clark didn't shy away from his responsibility. Repairing the bridge wasn't overly difficult since it was just cracked and, despite being a safety hazard, it still functioned normally. He simply loaned out the Tesseract, allowing Asgard to use its energy to repair the Rainbow Bridge.

Meanwhile, Clark immersed himself in Asgard's library, perusing various treasured tomes. As the sole Prince of Asgard, he faced no objections, unless he intended to burn down the entire collection. His aim wasn't to study Asgard's technology or magic, but to find something that could enhance his own strength.

Even as a prince with immense authority, having power was pointless if he didn't know the resources at his disposal or how to use them.

Clark maintained an out-of-body state until he found the information he needed in the Asgardian texts. Only then did he start to explore Asgardian technology and magic. He soon realized that neither would be greatly beneficial to him or Earth's development, serving at best as a point of reference.

Asgard's magic, for example, wasn't accessible to everyone; it demanded high bloodline and talent. If your bloodline was noble, even someone as straightforward as Thor could wield powerful thunder. Conversely, without a strong bloodline, mastering such magic was impossible.

Asgardian technology complemented its magic. Many high-tech items were actually centered around magic. Without magical knowledge, these technological documents were practically useless.

In essence, Asgard was a realm where heritage mattered immensely. Most resources were inherited, making it near impossible to surpass inherent barriers through effort alone. This societal structure was not conducive to development, and even Odin couldn't change these bloodline-based limitations. Perhaps this was why, after drinking from the Well of Mimir, Odin never truly smiled again.

The Rainbow Bridge was repaired in a day. That evening, Thor brought the Tesseract back to Clark in the library: "Uncle, the Rainbow Bridge is fixed. Father asked me to return the Tesseract to you and said you can visit the treasury to select artifacts or consult him about them anytime."

Nodding, Clark accepted the Tesseract and said, "Arrange for me to visit Jotunheim tomorrow."

"Sure, Uncle."

Thor hesitated as if wanting to say more. Clark, putting away a book, asked, "Just speak your mind. Beating around the bush isn't like you."

Thor perked up and earnestly said, "Uncle, I want to learn the ways of a king from you."

Clark chuckled, "I'm not a king. Asking me is a bit much."

Thor stubbornly replied, "Father asked me to consult you."

Odin, always creating challenges for Clark. But seeing Odin's generosity, Clark felt it was worth guiding his nephew. He mused for a moment and said, "The word 'principle' in our culture has two meanings: 'Tao' and 'reason.'"

"If you're asking about 'Tao', I can only say it's indescribable. As for 'reason', I can talk about that. You possess a rare quality: a commanding presence."

"Audacity, decisiveness, and unyielding character can create a commanding presence. You naturally have these, and given your status, you can easily command respect in Asgard, even without Odin. This is your commanding presence."

"With such presence, you already have the makings of a king. As king of Asgard, you're adequate. But to succeed Odin as ruler of the Nine Realms, your presence alone won't suffice."

Clark meant that Earth was excluded, as it already had its own powerful defenders and political systems. Thor understood this; he didn't want to lord over his former comrades but hoped to maintain peace in realms like the Giant and Elven kingdoms.

Inspired by Clark's words, Thor asked, "What should I do, then?"

Clark replied, "Odin sent you to Earth not just to learn compassion and sacrifice. You need to learn the art of kingship. Many Earthly kings have done this well, lacking personal power. Study Earth's history, let Jane Foster explain the parts you don't understand, and see how these kings achieved greatness without personal strength."

Thor's eyes lit up, particularly at the mention of Jane.

Seeing Thor's cheeky grin, Clark realized his efforts might have been in vain – all Thor took from the conversation was Jane's name. Patting Thor's shoulder, Clark said, "Learning takes time. I need to discuss artifacts with Odin. Arrange your time as you see fit."

After leaving the library, Clark headed straight to the royal garden to find Odin.

Upon reaching the garden, Odin expressed dissatisfaction with Clark's encouragement of Thor's trip to Earth. Clark helplessly explained that he had tried to convey important lessons, but Thor chose to focus on a single name, ignoring the rest.

Odin could only resign himself to this. Knowing his son too well, he understood Thor's stubborn nature despite years of guidance and prophecy.

Moving past this, Clark steered the conversation to the artifacts. Odin had promised five as compensation, which Clark could now claim. When Odin asked which artifacts Clark wanted, he shockingly requested the Spear of Destiny, a nearly impossible demand. Odin agreed, on the condition it would be given to Clark before his death.

Under Odin's personal escort, Clark then visited the treasury. Odin's collection, gained as a victorious warlord, contained dozens of artifacts beyond what the movies showed. After much consideration, Clark chose the Orb of Agamotto, the Pillar of Life and Time, the Eye of the Warlock, the Droppnir Ring, and exchanged the last slot for a star core and a large amount of Uru metal.

Preferring to craft his own specialized artifact, Clark valued the star core and Uru metal as much as the pre-made artifacts. With the wear on his artifact Mjolnir from recent battles, it was time for a new weapon.

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