Chapter 131: The Contract

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“Why not? It certainly isn’t easy to earn the recognition of Mjolnir, but it’s not as difficult as you imagine either. If I weren’t worried about damaging Thor’s confidence, would you believe me if I told you I could find someone capable of lifting Mjolnir for you in a matter of minutes?”

Gu Zhongyan spoke without the slightest hesitation.

Loki opened his mouth to object, but when he met Gu Zhongyan’s absolute certainty, he suddenly found himself wavering.

This Midgardian mage was impossibly mysterious. He was always saying that he knew little about Asgard, yet he seemed to know every one of Asgard’s secrets by heart.

Even when Mjolnir was mentioned, he showed no unfamiliarity whatsoever. The certainty in his expression, tinged with a hint of disdain, made it seem as though he could simply pluck two people from the street and have them lift the hammer.

After a moment’s hesitation, Loki swallowed his retort. He hesitated for quite some time before finally asking in a low voice, “Since you’re so capable, can you help me earn Mjolnir’s recognition?”

Apart from those it recognized, no one could lift Mjolnir; no one else could even move it. Whenever Loki played a prank on Thor, it invariably ended with him pinned beneath the hammer.

To Loki, Mjolnir was more than a divine weapon. It was also a symbol of his challenge to Thor.

“That’s impossible.” Gu Zhongyan rejected him without mercy. “Thor was able to earn Mjolnir’s recognition because he had the necessary foundation. As for you, forget it.”

“Do you really think I can make anyone lift it just because I want them to? If I truly had that kind of power, wouldn’t I simply lift it myself? Why would I bother training Thor?”

Gu Zhongyan rolled his eyes.

Although he knew that in certain parallel universes Loki had also been able to lift Mjolnir, and that with careful planning Loki might not be entirely without hope, why would he go to such lengths?

It was completely unnecessary. Setting aside how long it would take to transform Loki into someone Mjolnir would recognize, it would be a disastrous investment—one that would leave him losing everything.

And if he really did such a thing, Odin, who was pretending to be dead in his “coffin,” would probably be the first to leap out.

Yes, Mjolnir could be lifted by anyone it recognized, but there was one essential prerequisite: the first person it recognized had to be Thor.

Only the first person to lift Mjolnir was its true master. It was like Captain America lifting the hammer in the film—the hammer ultimately still belonged to Thor, while Captain America could merely wield it.

Gu Zhongyan had no intention of involving himself in something so thankless, dangerous, and troublesome.

Hearing this, a trace of disappointment flashed through Loki’s eyes. But he quickly composed himself and looked at Gu Zhongyan.

“All right, then. Let’s forget it. What do you plan to do next?”

“It’s simple. We sign a contract first.”

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With a smile, Gu Zhongyan spread his palm. The Darkhold emitted waves of magical energy that intertwined in the air, forming an ancient contract before Loki.

“Since we’ve agreed to cooperate, it’s only natural to sign a necessary contract. This contract was created in the name of the Vishanti, the source of Kamar-Taj’s magic. Once you sign it, our cooperation will officially begin.”

“I’ll help you rebuild Jotunheim, and you’ll give me what I want.”

“Is that really necessary?” Loki’s eyes flickered as he forced a smile.

“Heh. I wouldn’t dare place my faith in the credibility of the God of Mischief. A magical contract is much more reliable.”

“Of course, I also know that if one truly searched hard enough, there would always be a way to circumvent the contract. But I believe the price of doing so would be far greater than simply cooperating honestly.”

“In any case, whether you sign it or not is up to you.” Gu Zhongyan shrugged casually.

Seeing this, Loki let out a long sigh. He knew he would not be able to deceive the mage before him, so he could only patiently read through the contract—not only to ensure that it contained no traps, but also to see whether it had any loopholes.

Unfortunately, he examined it several times from beginning to end and found nothing.

Gu Zhongyan genuinely intended to cooperate, so there was no need to set traps. As for loopholes, how could he possibly afford to be anything less than extraordinarily cautious when dealing with the God of Mischief?

Soon, Loki used magic to inscribe his name on the contract. In an instant, the ancient document was consumed by flames until not even a trace remained.

But Loki knew that this did not mean the contract had been destroyed. At the very moment it vanished, an invisible binding force appeared between the two of them.

Under ordinary circumstances, it would have no effect. But if either of them attempted to violate the agreement, they would suffer the contract’s backlash.

Neither of them was willing to endure the consequences.

“All right. Now can you tell me what you’re planning?” Loki asked irritably.

“Of course. This is what I have in mind…”

Gu Zhongyan nodded repeatedly and whispered into Loki’s ear.

As he listened to the plan, Loki nodded secretly. Excited light flashed through his eyes from time to time.

“Good. We’ll do exactly that. I’ll wait for your good news, then.” Loki spoke with evident excitement.

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Gu Zhongyan nodded. “Don’t worry.”

As he spoke, the Darkhold turned its pages. The mirror dimension dissolved, revealing Thor and Nick Fury, both staring expectantly in its direction.

Under the questioning gazes of the two men—one in black, one in white—Gu Zhongyan said, “Loki and I have reached an agreement regarding compensation. He’ll be returning to Asgard to prepare the appropriate reparations.”

“As for you, Thor, you have no divine power and were personally banished by King Odin. Loki cannot disobey the All-Father’s command and send you back either. You’ll have to wait until you can lift Mjolnir again and reclaim your power, then return on your own.”

“However, he has also entrusted me and S.H.I.E.L.D. with taking care of your food, lodging, and safety while you remain on Earth, as well as helping you earn Mjolnir’s recognition.”

“During this period, Mjolnir will also be kept and studied by me and S.H.I.E.L.D. until you leave Earth. Do either of you have any objections?”

“No, no objections.” Thor shook his head repeatedly. His only regret was that he was somewhat reluctant to part with his brother.

His none-too-brilliant eyes remained fixed on Loki, like those of a golden retriever that had lost its way home.

Nick Fury did want to say something, but before he could open his mouth, Gu Zhongyan repeatedly signaled him with his eyes. Understanding the hint, Fury wisely kept quiet and quietly walked away with Gu Zhongyan, leaving the clingy brothers to themselves.

The moment they reached a corner, Nick Fury spoke impatiently.

“How much did you fleece from that antlered brat? You’re not planning to keep it all for yourself, are you? I spent a considerable amount of money on this operation. If you’re going to pocket everything…”

Gu Zhongyan waved his hands repeatedly. “Relax, relax. You’ll get your share. Loki promised me ten tons of gold. How about I set aside eight tons for you, along with a few weapons from the divine realm for research?”

“In addition, I’ll give you ten kilograms of uru, the divine realm’s unique metal. Satisfied?”

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Chapter One Hundred Thirty-One: The Contract — Read for free.

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