Chapter 102: Displaying Strength
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Link and his companions were filled with curiosity as they examined their surroundings in Asgard. As they moved through the city, the Asgardians greeted Thor with respectful salutes. The city resembled medieval Europe, but it was far cleaner and more advanced in its architecture.
When they entered the palace, they were greeted by the sight of the Warriors Three and Lady Sif. The group excitedly agreed to meet later for drinks. However, once they reached the grand hall, Thor and the others stopped talking as the imposing figure of King Odin sat on his throne, with the queen standing beside him.
Thor knelt on one knee and addressed his father. "Father."
Odin nodded slightly, but his expression grew more complex as he looked at Loki, whose emotions were clearly conflicted. Then, Odin turned his gaze toward Link, his eyes sharp and observant.
With a thundering noise, Odin struck his staff against the floor, the sound echoing through the hall. "Guards, take Loki to the dungeons," he ordered.
After Loki was led away, Odin spoke again. "Thor, you should not have brought anyone here."
"Father, they are my comrades, and together we fought against the Chitauri invasion," Thor explained. "And it wasn't just the Chitauri's foot soldiers. One of their leaders, a telekinetic being, was involved."
"That was Ebony Maw, a trusted servant of Thanos," Odin said, displaying his vast knowledge. "Very well. Take them and leave."
At that moment, Link spoke up, "Your Majesty, might I propose a discussion about an alliance between Asgard and the Avengers?"
"An alliance?" Odin chuckled. "And you think that is wise?"
"Of course," Link replied with a smile. "Asgard has faced numerous threats, and while it remains mighty, it is not without its challenges. The Avengers, likewise, are not without power."
"If you allow me, I would like to speak with you privately about this."
Link's eyes briefly flashed red before returning to normal. Odin paused, then agreed. "Very well. Thor, take the others and go. I will speak with this…"
"Link. You may call me Link," he introduced himself.
Odin nodded and exchanged a glance with his queen, who understood his unspoken request. She was to go and visit Loki, who, despite his actions, was still their son. Though Odin appeared stern, his wife had always been the more gentle, compassionate figure.
Soon, everyone had left the hall, leaving only Odin and Link. "Your health isn't what it once was, is it?" Link asked.
"Seems Thor has been talking," Odin replied, unsurprised.
"Thor is straightforward and makes for a great friend. Asgard, too, is an excellent ally," Link continued.
"So tell me," Odin said, his voice probing. "What makes you think you are worthy of an alliance with Asgard?"
Link suddenly lifted off the ground, floating effortlessly as he spoke. "I'll keep things low-key, so as not to cause too much disruption. Allow me to demonstrate a small portion of my power."
In an instant, Link vanished from Odin's sight, only to reappear behind him.
"Speed, then?" Odin asked without turning.
"And strength," Link replied, lifting Odin's massive throne with one hand before gently setting it back down. He returned to his original position, continuing, "My power is immense, but I choose not to display it on Earth."
"Why?" Odin asked, intrigued.
"Because my strength terrifies people, and I prefer to avoid complications. That's why I hide it," Link explained. "However, Earth's safety is crucial to me, so I joined the Avengers to protect it using more conventional methods. I hope you understand."
Odin nodded thoughtfully. "You are indeed powerful. Very well, I accept an alliance with the Avengers. But know this—when Asgard is in danger, I will expect your help."
"I give you my word," Link assured him. "In Asgard, I have no reason to conceal my abilities. Therefore, I hope we can establish communication between our realms. I understand Asgard possesses advanced technology, though it seems you don't fully rely on it."
"True. Asgardians prefer to depend on their own strength," Odin said. "However, we do employ some technology, though sparingly."
"Asgard must remain strong, I understand. But we need certain technologies. I hope you will allow me to study them personally," Link requested.
"You may," Odin agreed.
With their goal achieved, the conversation ended there. Link had demonstrated enough strength to earn Odin's respect, and the alliance was secured. While Link had only shown a fraction of his true power, it had been more than sufficient to impress the king. Had he unleashed his full strength, even Asgard itself might not have withstood it.
…
That evening, Thor hosted a banquet in their honor. Stark, ever competitive, drank himself under the table, though there were others to take care of him. Bruce Banner, always cautious, drank sparingly. As for Link, he accepted every drink offered to him, eventually out-drinking Thor and the Warriors Three, leaving them passed out beneath the table.
Sif, amazed, asked, "How can you drink so much and not get drunk?"
Link smiled. "Alcohol doesn't affect me much. My metabolism is too fast for it to linger."
The next morning, Link instructed Bruce to begin his studies, while Stark was still recovering from his hangover. Link, meanwhile, had a room to himself, where he could immerse himself in study at his extraordinary pace.
His current focus was on learning everything about starships, interstellar communication, and even languages from across the universe. But most crucially, he needed to familiarize himself with star charts.
The sheer amount of knowledge was staggering. Spaceship engines, energy sources, warp drives—it was all complex, but Link absorbed it at an incredible speed. His goal was clear: to replicate the Ravagers' spacecraft.
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(End of Chapter)