Chapter 239: The Prince of Asgard

After a fierce round of bargaining, the sacrifices of American soldiers and innocent citizens in the war were sold by Clark, with the price being five divine artifacts.

If Hank Pym knew that Clark had used some Chitauri war spoils to make him give up on pursuing the matter, and in return, Clark gained five of Odin's treasured artifacts, what kind of expression would he have? But besides feeling helpless, what else could he do?

In truth, the damage caused by the war to Earth and Asgard's mistakes were not the real reasons why Odin was willing to compensate Clark with five divine artifacts. The true reason was that Odin needed something from Clark.

Otherwise, with Asgard's strength far surpassing Earth's, Odin could have simply insisted that it was all a mere oversight and offered an apology with utmost sincerity. What could Clark do if he was unwilling to accept it?

Don't forget, Clark still couldn't defeat Odin.

After expressing his satisfaction with the remuneration for entrusting Odin's task, Clark changed the topic: "Let's discuss the specific details of our cooperation. After all, I need the cooperation of Thor and others in Asgard to help. As we say on Earth, rights and obligations are relative."

"This can be discussed later," Odin said, to Clark's surprise. "Before we discuss the specifics of our cooperation, I think it's better to clarify the remuneration first. As your elder brother, I can't ask for your help without offering anything in return."

"Wait a minute!" Clark was stunned. "Didn't you just promise me five divine artifacts? You can't go back on your word, can you?"

Odin smiled calmly and shook his head: "We made it clear that those five artifacts are compensation for Asgard's past mistakes, not the reward for your assistance. They can't be mixed up."

The problem was that Clark had negotiated with Odin by mixing up these two matters! If it was just compensation, then one artifact would have been enough to satisfy Clark.

Odin, being intelligent, was not someone Clark could fool. Hearing the proposed conditions, Clark fell into silence.

Odin continued: "If you can help Thor resist Hela and save the people of Asgard, you can get another five artifacts as a reward."

"If you can prevent Ragnarok and save Asgard's land from destruction, then you can choose ten artifacts."

"If you can completely stop the fate of Ragnarok... Then my treasury is your treasury!"

Hearing Odin's terms, even Clark couldn't help but take a sharp breath. Odin was really making a significant offer this time!

First, he dangled five artifacts in front of Clark to let him experience their value, and then made such a promise. Naturally, he wasn't afraid that Clark wouldn't give his best effort in this matter.

However, compared to the movie's original plot where his treasury and Asgard were destroyed, with only the Tesseract being taken by Loki, handing these treasures to Clark was undoubtedly a better choice.

Perhaps Odin had seen in a prophecy that Thor, his unfilial son, never truly cared for those treasures!

After understanding Odin's well-intentioned plan, Clark hesitated for a moment and then reluctantly agreed.

The reward for this task was generous, and the difficulty was within a manageable range. There was no reason for Clark not to accept it. As for what extent he could achieve, it depended on the situation. At the very least, he wouldn't end up with half the population wiped out by Thanos. With Clark's current strength and the Tesseract in hand, and with Thor as an ally, even facing Thanos might not be without a chance of victory.

Moreover, Odin said he didn't have much time left, but there was still some leeway. With the divine artifacts Odin promised, Clark's strength could further improve.

The specifics of completing the task would depend on how long Odin could hold on, Clark's strength at the time, and other external factors.

After finalizing the remuneration, the two naturally moved on to discussing the details. They talked for an entire day in the royal garden before finally settling all related matters.

Once the serious discussion was over, Odin suddenly looked at Clark with a bit of confusion and asked, "Based on my observation, it seems you already possess immortality?"

Reminded by Odin, Clark also thought of his horrific regeneration ability displayed in the battle with Heimdall.

Considering previous events, a bold guess emerged in his mind. However, the guess was too daring, and he couldn't confirm it right away. He certainly wouldn't risk his life to test whether he was truly immortal.

So, he left the question unanswered.

Shaking his head, indicating he was also unclear about it, Clark then asked Odin: "Old Brother Odin, is Thor really your biological son?"

Odin was stunned by the question, as if to say, "If he's not my son, whose son would he be?"

Seeing Odin's confusion, Clark continued: "I'm just expressing some doubts about your way of handling things. Thor made a mistake and was immediately stripped of his divine power and exiled to Earth, while Loki nearly destroyed Asgard, caused trouble on Earth, and was just locked up in a small room."

Shrugging, Clark said: "Judging from the difference in treatment, I can't help but wonder who is really your biological child, Thor or Loki?"

Odin laughed and replied, "Young man, you are still too young. Maybe when you have your own children, you'll understand my actions."

After some idle chat, the atmosphere lightened from the previous seriousness. Thor came to report that the banquet was ready.

To thank Clark for his previous help to Thor and Asgard, Odin personally attended the banquet, breaking his usual custom.

During the banquet, Odin publicly declared Clark as a Prince of Asgard, with rights and status second only to the king. In the absence of the king, he had the authority to mobilize all of Asgard's resources, including but not limited to manpower and materials.

The title of "Prince of Asgard" differed from the ancient princes on Earth, as there were no additional titles like "Prince Yong" or "Prince Gong." Since Clark was the only Prince of Asgard, there was no need for further distinction. According to Odin's memory, no one in Asgard's history had ever held the same title as Clark, and there would be no one else in the future.

Regarding his rights as a prince, if translated to an Eastern title, it would be roughly equivalent to a king with equal standing?

Guessing that Clark disliked pomp and ceremony, the king's decree was made simple, completing what would typically take several days in a mere moment. The rest of the banquet involved congratulatory speeches, casual conversations, and drinking contests, allowing Clark to fully experience the enthusiasm of the Asgardians.

Compared to the gentlemanly manners of Earth's high society, Asgard's "gods" displayed a bold spirit, typically indulging in hearty eating and drinking, and even fighting if necessary. Even Sif, a goddess, belonged to this category.

This was also why the impulsive and reckless Thor was more popular than the sophisticated and scheming Loki. Aside from having the most legitimate claim to the throne, Thor could fully integrate himself into this group, while Loki, adept at intrigue, seemed like an outsider among these hearty souls.

Although Clark didn't enjoy this rough and tumble atmosphere, he knew to adapt to local customs. With his mid-level Asgardian strength, he did not refuse any drink offered by the warriors, outdrinking everyone except Odin and his wife.

For the first time drinking so much, Clark also felt slightly intoxicated. After all, Asgardian liquor was far stronger than any of Earth's spirits, strong enough to even feature in a scene with Stan Lee in the movies!

After several rounds of drinks and a variety of dishes, most of the "gods" had been carried out. Odin laughed and, after greeting Clark, returned to his chambers with his wife, Frigga.

Having completed his task of entrusting a legacy, Odin was relieved. After closing the door, he jovially asked his wife, "My dear, how about we roll in the sheets?"

Frigga replied, "Roll away!"

...

Leaving the banquet hall, Clark was pulled by Eva to the Rainbow Bridge.

Eva, having heard from Frigga during the day about the beauty of Asgard's night sky and the brilliance of its stars, especially when viewed from the Rainbow Bridge, was determined to see it for herself. She also insisted that Clark accompany her.

Clark, though reluctant, agreed to join her.

They greeted Heimdall upon reaching the bridge and sat down on its glowing surface. Eva naturally leaned her head on Clark's shoulder, quietly admiring a view that could never be seen on Earth.

Heimdall sent an impression score of +999 towards Clark!

Heimdall was quite frustrated. He hadn't attended the banquet and was alone on the bridge, but they still came to bother him.

Is there no justice, no law anymore?

As Heimdall watched the couple chat and enjoy the scenery, he felt increasingly uncomfortable, feeling utterly tormented.

Noticing they had no intention of leaving soon, he approached and said, "Prince Clark, please continue to enjoy the view. I will retire for now."

Usually, Clark would notice Heimdall's odd demeanor, but having drunk a bit too much, he paid no attention to such details.

He casually nodded, "You've worked hard, go rest. Don't worry about us."

Heimdall received another impression score of +999 and left.

Unable to confront them, Heimdall chose to retreat.

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