Ch. 281 New Reward - Power of Thor

Odin's enchantment?

Upon hearing Thor's words, Russell set down his wine glass and turned to look at Thor.

If he remembered correctly, Odin had placed an enchantment on Mjolnir when he banished Thor to Earth.

Evidently, in this world, Thor was not as impulsive as the Thor from the movie universe, and he had not been exiled to Earth.

Russell shook his head, trying to clear his mind from the effects of alcohol, and then earnestly recollected the memories in his mind.

No, Odin's enchantment on Mjolnir wasn't about only those recognized by Mjolnir being able to lift it. It was about anyone who could lift Mjolnir gaining the powers of Thor.

Although these two statements seemed similar, in reality, the difference was significant.

In the Marvel Universe, many people could lift Mjolnir, but very few could gain the powers of Thor.

"Are you sure you want me to give it a try? If I can actually lift it, things might get complicated," Russell said to Thor.

"I never joke about such matters. If you can lift Mjolnir, not only I but even Father would acknowledge your qualification to become the King of Asgard!" Thor said with utmost seriousness.

As if feeling that this wasn't enough, Thor pointed to Loki, who was already sprawled on the table, and the Three Warriors of the Asgardian Palace, who were lying on the floor, and added, "They've tried before, but in Asgard, apart from Father and me, no one else can lift Mjolnir!"

After saying this, Thor raised an eyebrow in a challenging manner toward Russell, as if saying, "Feel free to give it a try."

Seeing Thor's "provocative" expression, Russell shook his head in resignation.

He then stood up, walked to Mjolnir, and said, "Since you put it that way, it wouldn't be fair if I refused. But let's make this clear: if I can actually lift Mjolnir and become the King of Asgard, I demand that The First Night's Right be reinstated in Asgard!"

Hearing Russell's words, Thor burst into exaggerated laughter.

"Asgard has never practiced The First Night's Right. That's an unethical law invented by fallen lords on your Earth."

"Asgard has never practiced The First Night's Right?" Russell looked at Thor in surprise.

"Of course not! While Asgard may seem similar to kingdoms on Earth, it's far more advanced than you can imagine."

"Don't forget, the civilization of Asgard has a history much longer than the birth of human civilization on Earth," Thor said proudly.

Although it sounded somewhat incredible, upon closer consideration, it wasn't entirely impossible.

If Russell remembered correctly, among the various versions of the Avengers, there was the existence of the "Prehistoric Avengers."

The Prehistoric Avengers' story took place one million years ago, with Odin being one of its members.

Besides Odin, the Prehistoric Avengers included the first Sorcerer Supreme, Agamotto, the first Spirit of Vengeance who was tricked by Mephisto and became the Spirit of Vengeance, and the Prehistoric Black Panther, the first king of Wakanda, among others.

Russell also recalled that during the era of the Prehistoric Avengers, Odin wasn't yet the King of Asgard, and he didn't wield the Eternal Spear; instead, he wielded the hammer Mjolnir.

"All right, even if Asgard has never practiced The First Night's Right, I'll make sure to promote it here if I become the King of Asgard!" Russell provocatively stated.

"Let's wait until you become the King of Asgard to discuss that!" Thor responded with a please gesture.

Seeing Thor's actions, Russell didn't hesitate. He took a deep breath, rolled up the sleeve of his right hand, and grasped the handle of Mjolnir on the dining table.

Just as he was about to unleash his current strongest power directly, the system, which had been silent for a long time, suddenly displayed a message.

"Standard Reward: Power of Thor; Status: Inactive; Activation Condition: Lift Thor's Hammer Mjolnir; Activation Effect: Gain Power of Thor!"

This...

Russell, who was about to lift Mjolnir, was momentarily stunned as he looked at this system message that only he could see.

What does this mean?

'Is it implying that I can lift Mjolnir right now, or is it implying that I can't?'

"What's wrong, can't lift it?" Thor said with a smile when he saw Russell suddenly stop.

Russell turned to glare at Thor, closing the system message in front of him.

Although the appearance of the "Power of Thor" reward was somewhat sudden, Russell had no intention of wasting time pondering its meaning. Mjolnir was right in front of him now, and he would know if he could lift it or not by trying.

With that in mind, he redirected his gaze to Mjolnir.

Then, he suddenly exerted force with his right hand!

'Lift it for me!'

Boom!

A loud impact resounded instantly.

Russell, who had just tried to lift  Mjolnir in front of the dining table, disappeared in an instant.

More accurately, he flew backwards with Mjolnirr on the dining table.

Because he didn't know if he could lift Mjolnir, Russell had no reservations and exerted his maximum strength directly.

And then, something unexpected happened.

Under his full force, the floor beneath his feet shattered, and he easily lifted Mjolnir on the dining table.

Not only that, because he exerted too much force, he flew backward with Mjolnir, crashing through the wall behind him and flying out towards the Golden Palace.

This...

The scene before their eyes not only stunned Luna, the maid standing by the dining room, but also shocked Thor, who was sitting next to Mjolnir.

It wasn't until the shockwave from Russell's full force eruption hit that Thor finally reacted.

How is this possible?

Thor paid no attention to the shattered floor or the broken wall behind Russell, and he stared in disbelief as Russell flew out toward the Golden Palace.

The look of incredulity was not only on Thor's face but also on Russell's now.

Damn!

'Did I pick up the wrong script?'

While Russell was confident in his own strength, he didn't consider himself the kind of "good person" Mjolnir would recognize. Otherwise, he wouldn't have erupted with his full power just to try lifting it.

However, the fact was that Mjolnir had actually recognized him.

The seemingly heavy Mjolnir offered no resistance at all; it was as if he effortlessly lifted an ordinary warhammer.

This unexpected turn of events brought Russell back to his senses.

Just as he wore a shocked and surprised expression on his face, he overlooked the "spot" of light appearing in the night sky as he was flying out of the dining room.

Boom!

As soon as he flew out of the Golden Palace, a massive silver-white lightning bolt, with a diameter of over ten meters, descended from the sky with a destructive aura.

Then, without a doubt, it struck Russell in mid-flight.

Damn!

Not only did the lightning bolt come with great force, but it also came very suddenly.

From appearing to striking Russell, everything happened in the blink of an eye.

If Russell had been fully alert, he would have had the confidence to dodge this menacing lightning bolt. But unfortunately, he was currently in a daze.

Struck by the lightning bolt, Russell stopped his descent and fell heavily onto the grass outside the Golden Palace, leaving behind a massive impact crater several meters in diameter.

Just as Russell was climbing out of the impact crater, Thor from the dining room ran over at full speed and reached his side.

"How did you do it?"

While Thor may not have super speed, as an Asgardian, his speed is not lacking.

Although he can't compare to speedsters like Quicksilver, he is much faster than other Asgardian warriors.

"Don't ask me, I don't know either!"

Russell first left the impact crater he created when he fell.

Then, he tossed Thor's hammer, Mjolnir, back to Thor with his right hand.

"The whole First Night's Right thing was a joke; I'm not that kind of person!" Russell said as he brushed off the dust on his body.

"Well, you might have to explain that to the All-Father in person."

After catching Mjolnir thrown by Russell, Thor pointed behind Russell with a complicated expression.

No way!

Upon seeing Thor's gesture, Russell was instantly startled.

After taking a deep breath for a few seconds, he slowly turned around.

Sure enough, the last person he wanted to see right now, the All-Father Odin, was standing a few meters behind him.

At this moment, Odin was not wearing armor, nor did he have Gungnir, the Spear of Destiny, in his hand.

But even so, Odin in his regular attire still exuded an indescribable aura of immense authority.

"Your Majesty, good evening!"

Although Odin's imposing presence was astonishing, Russell had encountered many high-pressure situations and calmly greeted Odin while slightly bowing.

"Both of you, come to my study!"

As soon as he spoke, Russell and Odin, who were in Thor's line of sight, disappeared before them as if teleporting.

Um...

Russell and Thor exchanged knowing glances.

A few minutes later.

Odin's study.

The study was spacious, magnificent, and radiated a royal aura that was hard to put into words.

Odin sat behind a massive desk, wearing a "disappointed" expression as he looked at Thor and Russell standing in front of the desk.

Russell and Thor were now completely sober.

Although their consciousness was fully awake, they still exuded a strong scent of alcohol.

After a heavy drinking session, it would be abnormal if there were no traces of alcohol left on them.

"Sit down!"

After sizing up Russell and Thor for a moment, Odin finally spoke.

Upon hearing Odin's words, Russell was about to sit down, but Thor, who was standing beside him, grabbed his arm.

"No need, we're fine standing!"

Thor spoke, and Russell immediately responded with seriousness, "That's right, standing is fine!"

"You two sure know how to have fun!"

"One jokes about wielding Mjolnir, the other jokes about The First Night's Right!"

Odin said sternly, exuding an astonishing aura as the King of Asgard.

"We were wrong, and we are willing to accept any punishment!"

Thor didn't hesitate and said immediately, while Russell, though silent, nodded seriously.

In Odin's realm, joking about taking The First Night's Right from his subjects, especially when caught in the act, was not something Russell could get away with.

Although Asgard was a monarchy, it didn't mean that such matters could be taken lightly.

"Enough with the theatrics in front of me. Thor, I'll deal with your matter later."

"As for you, Russell... How did you lift Mjolnir?"

Um...

"Your Majesty, would you believe me if I said I don't know why?"

Russell wasn't joking with Odin; he truly didn't know how he had lifted Mjolnir.

"Thor, give Mjolnir back to Russell."

Odin continued.

Upon hearing Odin's words, Thor didn't hesitate and handed Mjolnir back to Russell.

Russell frowned slightly as he looked at Mjolnir handed to him.

Then, he grasped the square hammerhead of Mjolnir.

The moment he grabbed the silver hammerhead, Thor decisively released the handle.

Even though he held the hammerhead, there was no sign of Mjolnir falling; Russell held it securely.

Seemingly feeling that holding Mjolnir this way was somewhat inappropriate, in front of Odin and Thor's gazes, Russell's right hand exerted a slight force, lifting Mjolnir, and then he firmly grabbed the hammer's handle.

Upon seeing Russell's actions, Odin furrowed his brow slightly.

After a few seconds of silence, Odin continued, "Russell, can you contact your teacher, the Ancient One, now?"

"Yes!"

Russell quickly replied.

"Very well, contact your teacher, the Ancient One, and invite her to visit Asgard."

"Now?"

Russell was somewhat surprised.

"Yes, right now!"

"All right, Your Majesty!"

Seeing Odin's extremely serious expression, Russell returned Mjolnir to Thor.

Then, he retrieved the Sling Ring from the dimensional space.

While Russell had various ways to notify or contact the Ancient One, at this moment, he only knew two methods for quickly reaching her: using a portal or the Space Stone's power to open a space-time gateway.

Other methods were possible, but the distance between Asgard and Earth was too great. Even if he summoned a magical messenger proficient in fast travel from another dimension, it would take a considerable amount of time for them to reach Earth.

In the presence of Odin and Thor's watchful eyes, Russell put on the Sling Ring and began to cast the portal spell.

Although he had just started casting the portal spell, Russell wasn't sure if he could successfully open a portal to the New York Sanctum from a planet outside Earth. This was his first attempt at casting a portal spell on a planet other than Earth.

If it didn't work, he would have to use the Space Stone's power to open a space-time gateway.

Perhaps due to some mysterious connection between Asgard and Earth that couldn't be explained, Russell's portal spell smoothly formed a shimmering circular portal in Odin's study, and on the other side of the portal was the reception room of the New York Sanctum.