Chapter: 184

For Odin to see through a secret in himself, Mark was also somewhat surprised. However, considering the other party's exceptional strength and vast experience, it seemed reasonable.

But this did serve as a wake-up call for Mark. After returning this time, he must add a module to the nanobots that can conceal his energy fluctuations and biological characteristics.

Otherwise, if his information and trump cards were inadvertently speculated or revealed by the enemy, it would put him in a dangerous situation. After all, in many cases, the battle between two sides relies on the ability to gather and analyze information about the enemy. It is necessary to maintain a sense of mystery.

However, since Odin had already exposed the secret of runic magic in him, Mark wouldn't try to hide it. He openly admitted, "That's right, I can indeed utilize runic symbols to achieve some minor functions. But compared to the mages and witches of Asgard, it's nothing impressive."

Seeing Mark so candidly admitting this, a satisfied smile appeared on Odin's face. Recognizing this expression, Mark immediately understood that Odin had just been testing him.

Perhaps Odin did sense the presence of runic magic in Mark, but due to its faintness and limited interactions between the two, he couldn't be certain.

Odin had played the gentle card in front of Mark earlier, lowering his vigilance. Then, he used his identity and experience to create a psychological advantage and probe Mark.

However, Mark, who had lost his vigilance, directly confronted Odin, and it was only then that Odin confirmed his own suspicions.

"Ah... in front of such an old fox who has lived for thousands of years, I really can't let my guard down. Otherwise, I'll end up paying him instead," Mark silently admonished himself. From now on, he would be extra careful in his interactions with Odin to avoid falling into his traps again.

On the other hand, not to mention the mental confrontation between Odin and Mark, the other people present now looked at Mark with eyes shining brightly, just like a struggling student discovering they were sitting next to a top-performing student during an exam.

Once Mark confirmed his ability to use runic magic, they no longer had any doubts about him. To be able to bring such a powerful ally was definitely a good thing for Asgard, and they didn't want to ruin it due to their own reasons.

"I'm curious, how did you learn runic magic? As far as I know, Thor did not teach you any related knowledge, and even Thor himself uses this ability through instinct and natural talent. He shouldn't have the ability to teach you runic magic, right?"

Upon hearing Odin's question, Mark didn't feel nervous at all. This wasn't a difficult question to answer. On the contrary, Odin's description of his son, Thor, as someone who relies solely on instinct and lacks any techniques, was quite accurate. To give such an evaluation, Mark felt that Odin's son was truly his own flesh and blood.

However, he wondered what Odin's thoughts and evaluations were regarding the other adopted son. But Mark could only keep this thought hidden deep in his heart. He didn't dare to speak or ask about it...

"While it's true that Thor didn't teach me any theoretical knowledge of runic magic, it's not wrong to say that I learned from him.

In addition to Thor inviting me to help him, he has visited Earth three times in total, and I have had contact with him on each occasion. It was through the special runic symbols on his hammer, Mjolnir, and the imprints left by the Bifrost's teleportation, combined with the runic inscriptions left on Earth by all of you thousands of years ago, that I analyzed and deduced their usage. I obtained some techniques for using runic symbols and applied them to certain technologies within myself."

After listening to Mark's account, all present including Odin were amazed. To be able to analyze and deduce the combination of runic symbols through brief contact with Thor and the recorded runic inscriptions on Earth, and then apply them practically in his own inventions, such wisdom truly made everyone acknowledge the evaluation given by Heimdall - the strongest Sage in the Nine Realms, without a doubt.

Moreover, Mark was a Midgardian. Although his appearance was similar to that of the Asgardians, he did not possess the innate sensitivity to magic or the ability to draw and utilize magic through himself.

Even so, Mark had successfully overcome the technological barriers and achieved successful applications. This made some individuals in the great hall, who naturally possessed advantages that Mark did not have, feel somewhat inadequate. Indeed, as Odin said, their unconscious arrogance and complacency had limited the possibility of their own breakthroughs towards higher goals.

"An amazing talent. Even in the long history of Asgard, only the ancient sage who created the runic inscriptions can be compared to your wisdom.

I believe you have discovered the danger of Aether during your research these past two days. They actively seek hosts to parasitize and absorb the host's life force. Once they return to the hands of the Dark Elves, their leader Malekith will use them to achieve his ambition of plunging the universe back into darkness and seizing it for himself.

Now is the moment when we need you to utilize your talents to reverse the fate of Asgard and even the Nine Realms. I wonder if you are willing to help us unravel the secrets of the Aether."

Mark looked at Odin and gently shook his head. "Actually, whether it's because of my relationship with Thor or for the sake of the safety of the entire universe, I should indeed agree to your request."

"But I can't embark on such a journey without any benefits. I have always believed in the principle of fair exchange. If you want me to help you unravel the secrets of the Aether, how about we make a trade?"

"Oh? I'm curious to know what kind of trade. Why don't you tell me?" Odin looked at Mark with interest.

Mark realized that there was a chance and quickly continued, "I don't want to take advantage of you. You also know that I am researching runic magic, and in the process, it is essential for me to use Uru metal as a medium.

But there is no Uru metal on Earth, which has hindered the progress of my research. So, I wonder if you can provide me with some for my research?"

"Hahaha, I thought you had some demanding request. This little matter is nothing compared to what I asked you to do. I can agree to it right now. Do you have any other requests? Since it's a fair exchange, I can't let you be at a disadvantage!"

"No, Your Majesty Odin. In my opinion, this is a fair and just trade. Both parties have obtained what they desired. Since you have agreed to my conditions, I will do my best to fulfill the task you have given me. Please rest assured!

Time is of the essence. If you have no further instructions, may I go back now and begin the mission?"

"Very well. The current situation is not optimistic, so please take good care of it."

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