Once inside the elevator, Tony discarded the inexplicable trace of melancholy in his heart and reverted to his usual playful demeanor, speculating about Sean's reason for visiting Asgard.
"After staying in Asgard for so long, could it be that His Majesty the King wanted to strengthen the close relationship between our two civilizations through a marital alliance with you?" He blinked at Sean suggestively.
Given Sean's status; managing one of Earth's largest scientific research institutions, serving as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s highest advisor, and possessing the ability to influence the World Security Council's decisions at any moment... it wouldn't be surprising if Odin had proposed a marriage alliance to deepen the cooperation between Asgard and Earth.
After all, Asgard was a civilization akin to the medieval period, and such royal customs might still be preserved...
"Though tempting, the King of Asgard doesn't have a suitable daughter," Sean replied noncommittally.
The Crown Princess of Asgard, Hela, was notoriously temperamental. She was arrogant, unruly, and ambitious. Even Odin in his prime thousands of years ago had struggled to subdue her, ultimately resorting to imprisoning her in Helheim.
"What a pity. I thought you might have had a romantic encounter in Asgard. At least there's no reproductive barrier between our civilizations…" Tony chuckled.
"Ahem," Sean cleared his throat, cutting off Tony's increasingly off-track remarks, "If you're interested in 'deepening interactions' with Asgardian beauties, I'll ask Thor to introduce you to some someday."
Though the two civilizations had begun establishing communication, Earth's understanding of Asgard remained limited to Norse mythology and fragmented historical records, which was as hazy as viewing flowers through fog.
The World Security Council had long contemplated sending a diplomatic team to Asgard for firsthand observation, but various obstacles had delayed the plan...
On one hand, both sides maintained necessary vigilance. Despite outward cooperation and unity, mutual wariness persisted. On the other, nations held differing opinions on how to engage with Asgard.
To Tony... Sean, as the first Earthling to set foot on Asgard, might one day echo Neil Armstrong's iconic words: "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."
Which would etch his name into history.
"What's Thor's homeland really like? From his descriptions, it sounds like a medieval paradise. If I could lift his hammer, I'd exercise the droit du seigneur like ancient lords…" Tony's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
After S.H.I.E.L.D. formulated the Nine Realms Strategic Defense Initiative, he'd jokingly declared that once humanity broke free from Earth's embrace to explore the stars, he'd abandon Stark Industries to become an interstellar adventurer or space pirate, chasing thrilling escapades.
Like Han Solo, perhaps he might even encounter a princess from some galactic empire for a romantic alliance. Though this particular fantasy had only been shared privately with Sean during their gatherings.
"You'll understand when you visit Asgard. Words can't do it justice," Sean answered with a smile.
His actual time in Asgard had been brief, though temporal differentials between realms caused subtle discrepancies. He had mainly discussed Loki, Hela, Thor, and the impending apocalyptic prophecy with Odin, before spending time in Asgard's library.
"I had an in-depth conversation with Thor's father about the famous Norse myth, Ragnarök." Sean's gaze grew distant.
Odin harbored deep fears about the prophecy's fulfillment. The Norns, the goddesses of fate, had issued vague warnings: Asgard would become a sea of flames, consumed by fire.
The trio of Atropos, Clotho, and Lachesis, the weavers of life's threads, had long foretold Ragnarök's arrival.
Odin confessed this would mark Asgard's end: stars falling from the sky, time ceasing to exist, the golden realm reduced to smoldering ruins, fiery pillars piercing the heavens, volcanic smoke engulfing mountain peaks, and Yggdrasil, the World Tree supporting all creation, collapsing into ash...
"I always thought that was just a story, but since Norse mythology is based on Asgard, Ragnarök being real does make sense." Tony shook his head slightly, quickly accepting the cosmic reality of mythological prophecies.
To him, this was simply a matter of systematic prediction by using scientific methods, logical reasoning, and technical modeling to forecast potential outcomes based on available data. Even Ultron's Chaos algorithm could achieve similar predictive capabilities.
"Thor plans to prevent this prophecy, but usually, these vague fate-driven predictions tend to fulfill themselves through tragic irony." Sean said with a smirk.
Odin already knew of Thor's journey to Muspelheim, the fiery realm guarded by the flame giant, Surtr. Yet the All-Father clearly doubted this could avert Ragnarök.
"What's your plan?" Tony asked, pausing before exiting the elevator.
With the Ultron crisis resolved, he needed to placate Pepper's fury. Though his destroyed coastal mansion was insured and the astronomical renovation costs meant little to a billionaire... designing a new interior, curating art investments, and managing contractors would demand significant time and effort.
"Undecided for now. S.H.I.E.L.D. lacks authority to interfere in intergalactic civil disputes. Even if Odin's warnings prove true, this is ultimately a family matter. If Thor gets 'domestic abuse', do you think the World Security Council would approve sending troops?" Sean shrugged, his tone light and teasing.
"Don't forget your hearing next week. Come up with a good excuse for the Ultron fallout," Sean reminded as Tony turned to leave.
This time, Stark couldn't breeze through it like past Pentagon hearings. The World Security Council was incensed by his recklessness, especially considering Ultron's catastrophic potential.
Only Tony's status as an early signatory of the Superhuman/hero Registration Act and his public prominence prevented outright arrest warrants...
Sean turned to see his usually stern-faced secretary with a look of unconcealed amusement on her face, her eyes curved into crescents.
"No need to look this pleased about Stark's troubles." Sean flicked Wanda's smooth forehead.
This almost flirtatious gesture startled Wanda, who quickly glanced around to check if anybody saw it. Then, wrinkling her nose, she chided, "Mr. Cyphers, maintain professionalism… Ouch!"
"Don't use such formal language when talking to your boss. I don't like it," Sean corrected sternly, watching Wanda rub her forehead in mock indignation.
After their brief banter, he shifted the conversation back to business, "Have Raven prepare the Cross Technologies files. I've developed some… interest in Hank Pym's life's work."
In quantum technology and micro-scale research, Umbrella Corporation's foundations were lacking. This was a gap Pym Particles could help bridge. Moreover, this venture might reunite him with a legendary heroine from the previous century...