Chapter Sixty-Eight: Return to Asgard

Arthur lingered at home for a while longer, basking in the comfort of tranquil days. His routine, split between training with Wanda and climbing the ranks in duo matches with Pietro, left him content. Yet, the Mind Stone embedded in his chest served as a constant reminder: Thanos’s looming threat drew ever closer.

Resolute, Arthur decided he could not remain idle. Much as he yearned for a simple, peaceful existence, duty called. He must leave Earth for Nidavellir, seeking the dwarves’ craftsmanship to forge himself a new suit of armor. The Trident of the Sea God, too, was due for an upgrade. Beneath Asgard’s waters, the broken Destroyer still awaited his attention—so much Uru lay unused, more than enough for his needs.

Arthur informed Wanda and Pietro of his impending journey, urging them to train diligently and guard the home while he was away. Wanda longed to accompany him, but Arthur refused; he would not be gone long, and it was Asgard he was bound for. He asked her to wait for his return.

With Wanda and Pietro’s reluctant gazes following him, Arthur dove into the sea, swiftly swimming toward the rift between the Nine Realms, as recalled from memory.

“I’m hungry. Stop rushing around. Let’s find something to eat,” Venom complained.

“All you do is eat! What use are you to me? After all this time, what have you actually done to help?” Arthur scolded Venom.

“It’s not my fault, master—you’re so strong I never get the chance! But if danger arises, I’ll be the first to shield you!” Venom replied obsequiously.

“Remember your words; I’ll use you as a shield when the time comes!” Arthur grumbled, but nonetheless found a small island, made a fire, and roasted fish. He was hungry himself.

As for Venom, Arthur tossed him several large fish, which Venom devoured whole.

“Where are we headed, master?” Venom asked.

“Asgard. Have you heard of it?” Arthur replied.

“Who in the universe hasn’t? Odin calls himself the All-Father, ruler of the Nine Worlds. His power is said to be immense,” Venom remarked.

“Not bad! You know quite a bit. This time, I’ll take you to Asgard to broaden your horizons!” Arthur said.

“As expected of my master! Following you is the right choice!” Venom had become quite the sycophant.

Arthur set out again, heading in the direction etched in his memory.

“Strange, I remember the island being in these waters. Where has it gone?” Arthur rose into the sky, scanning the ocean below.

As he searched, flying over the waves, he finally spotted the familiar deserted island ahead.

“At last!” Arthur landed on the island.

The scenery was unchanged from his last visit. He made his way to the cave, entering the pitch-black dimensional rift, and after searching several exits, finally found the one leading to Asgard.

Descending from Asgard’s sacred mountain, Arthur dove into the water, swimming to where the Destroyer’s remains lay at the bottom.

Fortunately, it was still there—Odin hadn’t claimed it.

Surfacing, Arthur gazed at the magnificent golden palace, the countless Asgardian edifices, and the long rainbow bridge. Wait—the Bifrost teleportation temple had been rebuilt? He decided to take a closer look.

Arthur flew to the temple entrance, where Heimdall stood on guard.

“Heimdall! I’m back. Long time no see—how have you been?” Arthur greeted him.

“Arthur? How did you arrive in Asgard? I just saw you in Midgard. I’ve stood watch over the Bifrost for ten years, unchanging,” Heimdall replied.

“How I came is a secret. Where’s Thor? I need to see him,” Arthur said, keeping things mysterious.

“Thor is in his chambers. You’ll find him there,” Heimdall answered.

“I’ll come back for you later; I have something to discuss,” Arthur said, heading toward the palace.

The palace was as grand as ever, bathed in golden light, exuding majesty.

At the gates, the guards stopped Arthur. He explained he was there to see Thor. The guards had him wait while they announced his arrival.

Before long, Thor strode out in great strides, delighted to see Arthur.

“Ha! I didn’t expect you to be alive! After I returned, I had Heimdall search the universe for you, but to no avail.” Thor embraced Arthur.

“I’m hard to kill! Wait—a moment ago, Heimdall said he’d seen me on Earth,” Arthur recalled.

“Did he? Then why didn’t he tell me?” Thor was puzzled.

“Maybe he forgot. Anyway, I came to Asgard for your help,” Arthur said.

“What do you need?” Thor asked.

“I want to go to Nidavellir. Didn’t we defeat the Destroyer together last time? I’d like to use it to make armor, and enhance my weapon as well.” Arthur’s gaze lingered enviously on Thor’s Uru-forged armor, capable of changing form at will.

“Alright, I’ll have Heimdall send you. I already told Father about the Destroyer,” Thor said, neglecting to mention the scolding he’d received from Odin for promising the Destroyer to Arthur.

“Since you’re here, come greet Father first, rest for the night, and we’ll set out tomorrow,” Thor suggested.

Arthur agreed—there was no need to rush off immediately. Since he was in Asgard, it was only proper to pay respects to King Odin.

Thor led Arthur into the grand hall to meet Odin.

“Your Majesty!” Arthur bowed to Odin.

“Jorn Arthur, thank you for helping Thor capture Loki. I’ve heard all about the events in Midgard,” Odin said.

“It was nothing,” Arthur replied modestly.

Thor explained Arthur’s purpose for visiting, and Odin nodded—he would allow Arthur to forge armor from the Destroyer. Since Thor had already promised, Odin could hardly refuse.

“I sense the aura of the Mind Stone on you,” Odin remarked, fixing his gaze on Arthur.

Thor, surprised, looked at Arthur—he had not realized Loki’s scepter was in fact the Mind Stone.

“Yes, Your Majesty. The Mind Stone was given to Loki by Thanos, the ancient Titan, as a weapon. Now that Loki is captured, I’m its custodian,” Arthur explained.

“I can tell the Mind Stone has accepted you. Each of the six Infinity Stones holds tremendous power—use them wisely,” Odin warned.

“Thank you for your counsel, Your Majesty. I will use it with caution,” Arthur replied, though inwardly he was less concerned.

“Very well. As Arthur is our guest, see to his needs,” Odin instructed Thor.

“Come, the palace banquet is about to begin! Let’s have a good drink!” Thor threw an arm around Arthur’s shoulders and led him toward the banquet hall.

There certainly were a lot of feasts in the palace—every time Arthur visited, there was one.

…

The banquet hall’s long tables were laden with Asgardian delicacies and wine, everyone gathered to enjoy the fare.

Arthur was reunited with Thor’s companions: Sif, Hogun, Fandral, and Volstagg, all delighted to see him.

Fandral regaled Arthur with tales of his valor during the war to pacify Vanaheim, though his friends, long accustomed to his tall stories, paid him little heed.

Sif kept casting furtive glances at Thor, who, busy drinking with Arthur, failed to notice.

Arthur nudged Thor, teasing in a low voice, “Sif keeps sneaking looks at you—has she fallen for you? Didn’t expect you to be so popular with the ladies.”

Thor gave a wry smile. He had long known of Sif’s feelings, but regarded her only as a sister.

“I love Jane, you know that. Sif is like a sister to me,” Thor said.

“I’m not optimistic about you and Jane. By the way, did you visit her on Earth this time?” Arthur asked.

Thor shook his head—he’d returned straightaway with Loki, without seeing Jane.

“You’re something else—winning her heart and leaving her on Earth for so long without a visit. Aren’t you afraid she’ll fall for someone else?” Arthur joked.

Thor smiled awkwardly. In truth, he was well aware Jane’s affections hadn’t shifted; he’d had Heimdall keep a close watch on Jane Foster, monitoring her every move.

…

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