"Loki, how about checking out Kamar-Taj?"
The Bard's form shifted, and before long, he had reverted to Russell's appearance.
Loki raised an eyebrow. Earlier, when the Bard had glanced at him several times, whether deliberately or not, he had known there was something off about him.
He had not expected it to be Russell in disguise.
Thinking of how the Bard had just bragged about Master Russell, Loki's mouth twitched.
"Fine, Master Russell. Let's find somewhere to talk."
That was right. The one dressed as a Bard and boasting about Master Russell's heroic deeds in Jotunheim was none other than Russell himself.
And the reason he had nonsensically steered the topic toward Kamar-Taj, Agamotto, the Vishanti Trinity, and the origins of White Magic—
Was to lay the groundwork for this moment.
After accidentally-on-purpose overhearing Loki's thoughts about recruiting him to support Loki's bid for King of Asgard, Russell had set his sights on Loki as well.
The more members the Supreme Mage Corps had, the better.
After waiting one or two days without seeing Loki make any move,
Russell decided to take the initiative.
Thus came their chance encounter today.
When they arrived at Loki's palace, Russell observed everything along the way.
Like the other buildings of Asgard, the palace's exterior had towering spires that pierced the clouds.
The interior was vast and cold, with rows of enormous stone pillars silently supporting the heavy roof.
As an orphan, Russell knew what this palace lacked—human warmth.
When they reached the sitting room, Russell followed Loki's gesture and casually sat on a step. He slowly said, "Is this your 'home' in Asgard?"
Russell emphasized the word "home," his meaning clear.
"Did you come here to mock me?" Loki asked in return.
Russell shook his head. "I had no such intention. It's just