Chapter 119: Interest

Gu Chongyan was not particularly interested in the trivialities of Asgard. However, he was quite interested in Loki as an individual.

Although in the movies, both Thor and Loki often seemed like comic relief, the early stages were better; Loki, as a villain, at least had some schemes and high-IQ moments. After *Thor: Ragnarok*, he had completely devolved into a joke.

Setting aside the movie version—who only knew how to use illusions and stab people with daggers—in the comics, Loki was the greatest sorcerer of the Nine Realms, proficient in a variety of magics, and had even defeated Doctor Strange twice after the latter became the Sorcerer Supreme. The scene in *Thor: Ragnarok* where Loki, after being trapped in a portal by Doctor Strange for thirty minutes, calls him a "second-rate sorcerer" in frustration was actually a nod to the taunts Loki would make after defeating Strange in the comics.

In the Marvel Universe, besides the various magics on Earth, only the Vanir possessed outstanding magical abilities, and Loki’s magic originated from Frigga of the Vanir. Therefore, while it was uncertain whether the Loki in this world was the "dagger-stabbing expert" from the films, the "greatest sorcerer" from the comics, or some hybrid, he was ultimately a practitioner of the Vanir magical system.

Gu Chongyan had already learned the white magic of Kamar-Taj and had obtained the *Darkhold*, which contained black magic. If he could witness the magic of the Vanir, he could further expand his magical knowledge. Moreover, although he wasn't interested in the affairs of the two Asgardian brothers, he could still leverage the situation for some benefits. Come to think of it, he hadn't traded with "Nick Fury" for a while; it was time to fleece him again.

In an instant, thousands of thoughts raced through Gu Chongyan’s mind. He looked at Su Yan and Richard.

"Regardless of whether Mjolnir is truly lost, now that it has appeared, I’m afraid Thor or others from Asgard will show up sooner or later."

"Besides, the Asgardian gods are somewhat tied to the mystical side of things; I cannot just sit by and watch."

"Furthermore, I’ll likely need to coordinate with S.H.I.E.L.D. regarding this matter, so I probably won't be able to leave for a while. You two should head back to New York first."

"But will you be alright alone?" Richard asked. "Do you really not need us to stay and help? If that Thor turns out to be hostile, an extra pair of hands could be useful."

Gu Chongyan shook his head. "That won't be necessary. Based on my understanding of the Asgardian gods, there shouldn't be any major issues."

"Besides, S.H.I.E.L.D. will be coming, and you two have no official standing with them. It would only cause trouble if we all stayed together. It’s better for you to go back."

"If a fight were to break out, you two might not be able to participate, and I would have to worry about your safety, which would actually be a hindrance."

Seeing Gu Chongyan’s resolve, the two couldn't say much more. They secretly resolved to train harder once they returned, so they wouldn't be reduced to mere bystanders the next time something like this happened.

After sending them off, Gu Chongyan dialed Nick Fury’s number.

"What is it this time? Don't tell me you've started another superhero organization somewhere and want me to register it."

"Even as the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., I don’t have the authority to keep approving affiliated organizations. You should know that the Young Avengers situation has already made the World Security Council very dissatisfied."

Hearing the irritable tone on the other end, Gu Chongyan smiled. "It’s not just the World Security Council that’s dissatisfied; I think your temper is quite short as well."

"Cut the nonsense. What is it?" Nick Fury said impatiently.

"A hammer fell from the sky in New Mexico," Gu Chongyan stated.

There was a sudden silence on the other end of the line. Gu Chongyan raised an eyebrow slightly and held the phone a bit further from his ear. Sure enough, a split second later, Nick Fury’s roar erupted from the speaker.

"A hammer? You’re calling me about a hammer? Do you honestly think I’m that bored? Sean Gu, if you—"

"What if I told you this hammer comes from the legendary Nordic realm of Asgard, and that it is Mjolnir, the hammer of Thor?" Gu Chongyan cut in before Fury could lose his temper.

The anger on the other end ceased abruptly. After a long pause, Nick Fury’s voice returned, eight octaves lower.

"Are you serious? Has your brain gotten a bit scrambled from all that magic research lately? Do you want me to recommend a doctor for a check-up?"

Hearing Fury’s skepticism, Gu Chongyan retorted, "Thanks for the concern, but my health is excellent."

"Since you can accept that there are sorcerers in this world, why can’t you accept that there is a Thor?"

"Many myths and legends are not without foundation. Legends often have a traceable origin. Many years ago, the Asgardian gods visited Earth and were worshipped as deities by the local Nordic people, which is how the legends were passed down."

"It’s not just Norse mythology; deities from Egyptian, Greek, and even Mayan mythologies all exist in this world."

"Though they are called gods, most of them are simply aliens from elsewhere, and the majority can no longer reach Earth. Asgard is simply the one closest to us."

"Is all of this true? You're not pulling my leg?" Nick Fury’s expression turned solemn.

If this were true, the situation would become incredibly complex. The fact that legendary deities had become reality would have massive ramifications for the world.

Gu Chongyan let out a disdainful chuckle. "Do I have any reason to deceive you? I’m making this call because I happened to run into it and wanted to ask if S.H.I.E.L.D. wanted to come take a look."

"Also, regarding this matter, I think you might need a consultant. What do you think?"

Having dealt with Gu Chongyan for so long, Nick Fury immediately understood the implication. He countered, "What do you want?"

"It’s more a question of what you can offer me," Gu Chongyan deflected.

"You reap what you sow. However, I should remind you that my magic has improved significantly lately, and I don’t have much interest in ordinary things. So, dear Director Fury, I hope you won't disappoint me."

Gu Chongyan's words successfully made Nick Fury frown—partly because he was disgusted by the saccharine tone, and partly because he wasn't sure what he could offer.

Having been passed down for so many years, S.H.I.E.L.D. certainly possessed many precious items, but they were not inexhaustible. Especially as Gu Chongyan’s strength grew, his demands had become increasingly high; the days when simple gold or silver would suffice were long gone.

There were not many truly powerful magical artifacts in Fury’s possession, and after having already given several to Gu Chongyan, his supply was dwindling. He would have to think carefully about what to offer that would be most appropriate.