Those Who Matter Forget Easily

Russell waited in Svartalfheim for three days, Ding Yi did not appear. Naturally, Thor and Loki also did not eat or drink anything for three days.

Their physical condition is different from ordinary people. If they don't eat or drink for three days, they will at most be a little weak, but their lives will not be in danger.

However, Russell was ultimately a kind-hearted man. Fearing that they would become disabled if they were tied up for too long, he would untie them every day and then tie them up again in a different position.

For example, on the first day Thor was behind, on the second day Loki was behind, and on the third day... face to face!

Of course, photos should still be taken. The two princes will have an inextricable connection with Earth in the future, so a photo will make it easier to catch up later.

Russell assigned the photography to Steve, who, though reluctant, did so. True to his reputation as someone who had studied in space, Steve honed his photography skills to a high level in just three days.

Whether it was Russell's imagination or not, Steve seemed resistant at first, but once he got his hands on it, he thoroughly enjoyed it.

Another person who enjoys it is Natasha, who seeks out Russell every day to avenge herself. Perhaps she was oppressed too much in the past, so her reaction is very strong.

She didn't even consider that Russell was such a petty person; if he lost face, would he just laugh it off?

I will definitely retaliate tenfold in the future!

However, from another perspective, this might be her purpose.

On the fourth day, a torrent of seven-colored beams of light descended from the sky.

The Divine Light dissipated, leaving intricate magical runes on the ground, where three hundred golden Asgardian Warriors stood silently. At the forefront, Odin, clad in armor, held the Gungnir.

A chilling atmosphere pervaded the air; Ding Yi to avenge his son.

If it were truly revenge, it wouldn't have taken three days to appear. Russell wasn't buying it at all. He was certain that Odin had done it on purpose, deliberately starving Thor and Loki for three days, only using Russell as a pawn to carry it out.

Malekith, the leader of the Dark Elves, glared at Odin, but Odin glanced at him with his single eye and didn't take him seriously at all.

"I have met you, great Odin!"

Russell bowed in respect, for whether in mythology or reality, Odin deserved the respect he was due.

Seeing Russell's behavior, the underlings all bowed slightly, even Malekith, who was extremely aggrieved, reluctantly lowered his head.

"Nice to meet you, Mage Russell," Odin said with a hint of admiration. "It truly surprises me that Midgard could produce such a powerful figure as yourself."

Russell smiled slightly, "You flatter me. In the eyes of the true strongmen of Midgard, I am just a novice who has not yet entered the gate."

Odin nodded solemnly without speaking, his one eye sweeping over Thor and Loki, both of whom lowered their heads in shame, unable to meet his gaze.

They led a large army into battle, but were defeated and captured. Odin had to come and ransom them, and the two were too ashamed to face their white-haired father.

Although victory and defeat are common occurrences in war, one must also distinguish between different statuses. Can a prince and a general be treated the same?

Thor, in particular, was the crown prince and the future ruler of Asgard. His capture was a disgrace to the entire kingdom of Asgard.

Russell clapped his hands. "Guards, bring the two princes over here. Hey, who tied that knot so tightly? How shameless!"

Bucky led the Winter Soldier squad to Thor and Loki, and while untying them, he also removed their shackles.

The two men, feeling a deep sense of unease, stood bowed beside Odin. Thor remained silent for a long while before speaking, "Father, you didn't need to come in person."

Odin gazed at the two for a moment, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes. Failure makes people grow; perhaps they won't mature immediately, but at least they'll remember the lessons and learn the importance of thinking things through before acting.

"Russell, what do you want?" Odin cut straight to the point, asking in front of Thor and Loki.

"It's nothing much. I want to establish a base on this planet and would like to trouble Asgard to provide some economic and technical assistance."

Is that all?

Russell shrugged. "What else?"

Odin looked at Russell with a meaningful gaze. "Mage Russell, I thought you would want to establish diplomatic relations with Asgard."

"Let's forget about diplomatic relations. Hydra is a peace-loving organization and will not establish a national government." Russell thought for a moment and continued, "But we would love to establish friendly and cooperative relations with Asgard, as long as Odin doesn't look down on our Hydra's weak strength."

"No problem. I will have Loki... and Thor discuss the cooperation with you later."

Odin nodded, glanced at Russell's group of subordinates, and frowned slightly when he saw the Chitauri and the Dark Elves: "Excuse me for speaking frankly, but your subordinates are not exactly peace-loving people."

Russell smiled slightly, "It's alright, I'm not exactly a good person anyway."

Steve: "..."

"What I mean is that, from different perspectives, there is no absolute good or bad in this world. In the eyes of the enemy, Hydra is a thoroughly evil organization."

Odin deeply agreed with Russell's words. Asgard was once a country that stirred up war, but Odin turned his enemies into his own, and Asgard became the savior.

After a few polite words, Russell gave Odin a lot of face, and Odin didn't make things difficult for him at all, as if the capture of the two princes had never happened.

"If Mage Russell ever wishes to go to Asgard, he only needs to raise this token to the sky, and Bifrost will naturally come to meet him," Odin said, handing Russell a palm-sized golden shield.

"It is my honor to receive an invitation from Odin."

After saying this, the three eyes looked at each other and smiled. After a moment, Russell asked in surprise, "Odin, do you have any further instructions?"

The implication is that the prisoners have been taken away, a verbal agreement has been reached, and even a dinner has been arranged. Why aren't you leaving yet? Do you want to have an open-air barbecue in Svartalfheim?

Odin didn't speak, but glanced at Mjolnir in Natasha's hand.

Russell slapped his forehead. "Sorry, I'm so forgetful. Hey you, your Mighty Thor cheat has expired. Return the hammer to Prince Thor."

Natasha reluctantly handed Thor the Mjolnir, which pleased him, but Odin slapped it back as soon as he raised his hand.

Odin held Mjolnir in his hand, glanced at Natasha's Thor suit, a hint of doubt flashing in his single eye, then looked at Steve, and finally looked at Russell.

Odin: "..."

Isn't that a bit too much?

Odin ultimately refrained from speaking, instead calling for the Bifrost to descend so he could return to Asgard.

"Sir, what are your next instructions?"

Russell frowned. "I think I forgot to mention something..."

"?"

"Oh no, I forgot to tell Odin that this base is huge and will cost a lot of money." Russell blinked. "It should be fine. Asgard is rich and powerful. What is a huge sum of money to me is nothing to them."

Russell realized he was overthinking things; Odin had agreed without even asking, so he must not care about a little money.