Chapter 271: Chapter 271: From a Personal Standpoint
At the end of the hall, the two saw an elder seated on a throne, clad in armor, wielding a divine spear, and radiating an imposing aura.
"Tony Stark, you are from the Void Church," said Odin.
"Are you willing to lend your strength to Asgard this time?"
"What's Kassadin's view on this matter?"
As soon as Odin noticed Tony Stark's arrival, he turned and asked.
"This matter has nothing to do with the Void Church," Tony replied, lowering his head slightly. "I'm acting on behalf of myself, for the people of the Nine Realms and Earth. I want to contribute to the coming war."
Seeing Odin's imposing demeanor, Tony felt the need to show respect. Though he had heard much about Odin's formidable power, which allowed him to rule over the Nine Realms and be regarded as a god by countless beings, Tony knew Odin was not to be taken lightly, even as an ally. Banner, noticing Tony's respectful posture, nodded in turn.
"So, Kassadin knows about this but chooses not to intervene?" Odin continued. Since Thor had approached Tony, Kassadin, who was currently on Earth, would surely have been informed of Malekith's awakening and his plans. Odin was curious about Kassadin's perspective and decision.
If Odin weren't so aged, with his powers fluctuating uncontrollably, no one would dare challenge Asgard with him at the helm.
"The will of the Void God is beyond anyone's comprehension," Tony replied. "I am here representing only myself, with no other stance. I hope you, Great King Odin, won't push further on this."
"I wasn't pressing you, merely inquiring," Odin said. "You are guests, after all. And more importantly, you're here to help. I wouldn't mistreat you." Odin then addressed Thor and Loki. "Since the two of you are friends, I'll leave it to you to entertain our guests."
"Thank you for your graciousness, Great King Odin," Tony replied, showing appreciation.
Knowing how to handle himself in Asgard, Tony remained courteous. Loki, however, wasn't as calm; he exchanged a questioning look with Thor, who quickly shook his head to show he hadn't told Odin anything about Loki's ventures.
"Thor, Loki, see to it that our guests are well taken care of," Odin continued. "You may go."
Both Thor and Loki responded in unison, "Yes, Father."
Thor and Loki then led Tony and Banner out of the hall and toward their quarters.
"Thor, did you sell me out?" Loki asked incredulously once they were away from the throne room.
"I didn't! I swear, I never told Father you'd been to the Void Church," Thor insisted.
"Then how does he know about Tony Stark's affiliations?" Loki asked, still suspicious.
Tony chuckled, explaining, "It's normal for a father to look into the people his children interact with, especially when that father is the all-seeing King Odin. It's hardly surprising."
So, when Odin had recognized Tony's connection to the Void Church earlier, he wasn't at all shocked.
"Well, you're lucky he didn't confront you, Loki," Thor remarked with a hint of relief.
Loki, though inwardly touched by Thor's defense, still played indifferently. "Confrontation or not, as long as you didn't betray me, that's all that matters."
"Did Loki get into trouble for more than just the New York incident?" Banner asked, intrigued.
Before Loki could respond, Tony interjected, smiling, "Nothing much—Loki just wandered into the Void Church with a bit too much bravado and almost didn't make it back."
"Thankfully, I was there to pull him out. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to help," Thor added, now less concerned about their father knowing Loki's activities.
"Loki, what's the Void Church like?" Banner asked.
Loki's expression turned sour. "It's nothing special. Not a place worth visiting."
After all, as the second prince of Asgard, he'd been dismissed without even a chance to prove himself, leaving him with nothing but bitterness toward the Void Church.
Seeing Loki's displeasure, Tony didn't push the matter further.
As they continued, they reached Thor's quarters.
"Are you… Tony Stark?" Jane Foster asked, her eyes widening as she recognized the familiar Iron Man armor.
"It's me, Ms. Jane Foster. It's been a few years; you're looking as radiant as ever," Tony greeted her with a smile.
"No offense, but… you look a bit… younger than I remember," Jane replied, a bit taken aback.
Tony laughed. "In a world with gods, what's a little youthful appearance?"
"Fair point," Jane said, glancing at Thor and Loki, the latter still eyeing her critically, and then conceded with a smile.
"Jane, this is Dr. Bruce Banner," Thor introduced.
"Hello," she greeted, her familiarity with the name bringing a faint smile, though she noted the youthful look didn't quite match his photos.
"Hello," Banner nodded, his curiosity getting the better of him. "So, is it true? Do you have the Aether? And do you know what kind of powers it holds?"
Jane took a step back, startled by Banner's intense gaze.
"Banner, you're scaring her," Tony intervened, pulling him back. "Sorry about that, Ms. Foster. Banner here is a scientist, intrigued by the Aether's extraordinary properties. He means no harm, of course."
Jane gave a small nod, assured by Tony's words.