Merlin's Staff.
As soon as Odin mentioned it, countless legends of Merlin surfaced in William's mind.
But after seeing the Transformers, he immediately understood what kind of staff it was.
In William's memory, that staff—gifted to Merlin by one of the Twelve Original Primes—was less of a magical staff and more like a Paladin's scepter—
A weapon better suited for bashing heads than casting spells.
So, he asked skeptically,
"Are you sure that the staff given to Merlin by the Transformers is actually suitable for a magician?"
"Of course," Odin chuckled.
"Don't forget who you're talking to.
Back when Merlin first became famous in England, I had already met him in person.
At the time, he was nothing more than a fire-throwing novice, barely worthy of being called a magician.
Not only was he a drunkard, but he was also a liar and a con artist.
But the moment he got that staff—
That drunken fraud transformed overnight into the greatest sorcerer of his era.
For over a thousand years, very few have earned the title of Grand Mage.
So tell me—does that staff sound like an ordinary artifact to you?"
Odin's smile then faded, and his expression turned sharp.
"However…"
He narrowed his one remaining eye at William.
"I'm curious—how do you know that Merlin's staff came from the Transformers?"
William's eyes flickered.
Shit.
It was common knowledge that Merlin was a legendary wizard, but the staff's true origins were a highly classified secret.
"As far as I know," Odin continued, "only a handful of people were ever told the truth by Merlin himself.
"And I am certain that the Devonshire family was never part of the Twelve Knights of the Round Table.
"So tell me—where did you learn such an incredibly well-guarded secret?"
"Where did I learn it?"
Of course, from a damn movie.
But obviously, William couldn't say that.
His mind raced for an excuse, but before he could even open his mouth—
Odin cut him off.
"And don't you dare try to feed me some nonsense about the Templar Order or family secrets.
"I'm not that easy to fool."
Seeing Odin's serious expression, William realized that he had no room to bullshit his way out of this.
But since the topic involved Transformers, he might as well use them to cover up the truth.
Lifting his hand, he telekinetically floated his smartphone into the air.
"Sunday, display the footage of Megatron and Blackout."
A holographic projection emerged from the phone, displaying video recordings of Megatron and Blackout being dismantled.
It even included Starscream, who had been completely obliterated into a pile of scrap metal.
William turned to Odin and spoke casually—
"As you can see, not only have I encountered and defeated Transformers…
"I've also dismantled them, studied them, and even replicated them."
The moment he finished speaking, the hologram shifted—
Displaying footage of several prototype Transformers built by William's research team.
However, the footage also revealed that many of them had been destroyed during testing, as their combat AI could not be fully controlled.
Pointing to the wreckage of his experimental robots, William continued,
"After over two years of research, I successfully cracked Megatron's genetic code.
"From his extracted memories, I uncovered information about Merlin's staff.
"At this point, as long as I have the materials, I can mass-produce them without issue.
"The only problem is…
"They all seem to be born with an innate desire for destruction."
Odin's face twitched in shock.
"You… actually managed to extract their origin data and memories?"
He stared at William in disbelief.
"Do you have any idea what that means?"
"These beings are older than all the intelligent races in the Nine Realms combined.
"When we were still primitive savages, these mechanical creatures had already set foot on Earth.
"And now, a mere mortal in their eyes—
"Has not only captured and dismantled them… but is now acting like their Creator?"
A deep sigh escaped Odin's lips.
"Perhaps… there truly is no such thing as an eternal civilization.
"The Nine Realms will not remain unchanged forever.
"And Asgard's golden age… may not last much longer."
William raised an eyebrow.
"Not much longer?"
He didn't even have to think about it.
The moment Odin died, Asgard was doomed.
And worst of all?
Odin himself was the one who ensured that fate.
One of his heirs was a brute with a hammer, who only started using his brain after multiple humiliating defeats.
And even then, Thor spent more time fighting for Earth than protecting his own realm.
The other heir, Loki, was cunning but unfit to rule—
He literally wasted years impersonating Odin just so he could indulge himself.
But for William, this was a good thing.
If Asgard had no internal weaknesses, Odin wouldn't be so eager to win him over.
Odin suddenly turned to him.
"Since you possess Megatron's memories, then tell me—
"Do his memories contain any hints about Merlin's burial site?"
Hearing the eagerness in Odin's tone, William chuckled.
"Don't tell me you don't actually know where the staff is?"
Odin remained silent.
"Or maybe you only have vague clues…
"And now you're trying to pass off the staff as a 'gift' so you can get what you want from me?"
A scheme disguised as generosity.
William saw right through him.
Yet Odin showed no shame—only a satisfied grin.
Leading William through the castle corridors, he brought him to a grand drawing room.
They exchanged a few pleasantries, then sat down on the sofas with coffee and pastries prepared by Kourtman.
Once the butler had left, Odin stopped beating around the bush.
"Let's be straightforward, William—I need your help."
"What?!"
William, mid-sip, pretended to choke on his coffee.
"You must be joking, Your Majesty."
"No."
Odin's expression grew serious.
"I need the Life Tree's Fountain of Life.
"And your mastery of nature magic can drastically accelerate the Life Tree's growth.
"So here's my offer—
"I give you Merlin's Staff, and in return, you help nurture and protect the Life Tree.
"What do you say?"
William grinned internally.
Helping Odin live longer?
That was already part of his plans.
"Having you around benefits both me and Earth.
"So sure—I'll help extend your life.
"However…"
He paused for effect.
"I won't be standing guard at the Life Tree all day.
"And I hate to disappoint you, but I already know exactly where Merlin's tomb is."
Odin's eye twitched.
"More importantly—
"Merlin's Staff is magically disguised and can only be unlocked by a direct descendant of Merlin himself."
William smirked.
"So… we'll have to renegotiate my payment."
Odin stared at him for a long moment.
Then—
"Hahaha!"
The Asgardian king burst into laughter.
"If it's payment you want, that's easy.
"Name your price.
"If Asgard has it, it's yours.
"Hell—if you can pass the trials, even the throne of Asgard is negotiable."
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