Loki paid no attention to Alvin's threat. He bowed slightly to Fox and Crystal and said with gentlemanly courtesy, "Please, try some of Asgard's delicacies. Let us fulfill our duty as hosts..."
As he spoke, Loki gestured for Alvin to sit. Then he sat down first and filled several glasses with Amber Ale...
He picked up a glass and drank it down, then refilled it. Looking at Alvin with a somewhat peculiar expression, Loki said, "I understand Asgard's responsibility now...
"Odin asked for my opinion. I'm willing to take on Asgard's responsibility in Thor's place, and face Ragnarok..."
Loki spread his hands with a carefree smile. "See? We're not enemies anymore.
"I'll prove to everyone that I'm a more qualified 'king' than that idiot Thor..."
Alvin fell silent for a moment. He didn't know this Loki very well, but the guy had just come right out and said he was ready to give everything for Asgard. It sounded utterly unbelievable.
He gestured for Fox to come sit down, then took a sip from his glass. Looking at Loki, who was acting like a saint, he smiled and said, "Odin's agreed to pass the Throne on to you?
"I reckon Odin could live for a long time yet. Isn't it a little early to be telling me all this?
"Even if you're going to your death, the bravest should go first. A weakling ought to hang back..."
Loki sighed, his expression shifting. The truth was, just as Alvin had said, his father's long life was a problem...
Looking at Alvin's mocking expression, Loki spread his hands helplessly. "At least I took the first step. Thor still doesn't know what Asgard's purpose is.
"So I'm better than him..."
Alvin felt a little sympathy for the Loki he was seeing now. It seemed