During the banquet, I couldn't help but shift my attention to those seated around me. Loki, in a fit of rage, excused himself from dining with us, but I don't blame him. The less interactions I have with Loki, the better. In six years' time, he will launch a full-blown war with Midgard, called the Chitauri War, and become a staunch supporter of Thanos, the Mad Titan. I feel if I interact with him at all and attempt to change his views on Midgard, it would be of no use. Remember when I talked about Canon Events? They're called Absolute Points that need to take place in the MCU.
The Chitauri War is one of them, and so is Thanos snapping his fingers, and the Avengers time travelling into the past. All of this was outlined in Loki's show during Phase 4. So what's the point?
And speaking along those lines, I also consider Frigga's death a canon event as well. One that specifically targets Thor. Frigga's death had a major impact on him, and he became very emotional seeing her alive during his time travelling. I have no plan to interrupt any of that.
Instead, I have the next best thing. I'm now going to learn under Frigga for the foreseeable future. So like I said, why bother attempting to change the canon when I can work my way around it like this?
Then again...I could wiggle my way through, thanks to the existence of Soul Protection. But I don't want those godly beings on my radar anytime soon. Call me a scaredy-cat all you want. If you were in my position, would you attempt to overthrow the TVA and make quite literally, everyone in the known universe your enemy?
Nooo thank you. That's a rabbit hole I'd rather not jump down into. Instead, I know the major points in the MCU, and I'll live my life, going where the winds will take me. Exploring the Nine Realms shouldn't impact much on the Sacred Timeline as a whole, as long as I don't stick my nose where it doesn't belong...let's say the main hideout of the Dark Elves. That's just spelling trouble right there.
Going forward, I think I'll do a mixture of seeing what the Nine Realms has to offer while enjoying a laid-back, lazy life back at Azure Point.
Thank the gods that Fast Travel exists, haha!
Without that, I wouldn't even begin to imagine knowing how I would return home from here. ID Creation likely played a part in the Bifrost, connecting me to Thor. And it's possible we'll tackle an Instance Dungeon or two together. Otherwise, why would I even be here now?
As much as I'm looking forward to that, and learning Asgardian Magic and Asgardian Swordsmanship under Frigga, I placed those thoughts for the time being. It was party time right now, either with or without Loki. So suck it. I have the blessing of the Allfather right now, and I'm totally keen on riding it to its end!
The stench of finely cooked meat and fragrant herbs wafted throughout the entire banquet hall. Honestly, I didn't know where to begin.
At the same time, my eyes remained on the Warriors Three, Thor's closest companions.. Beside them sat a strikingly beautiful woman. I know this woman...
This woman is one of the Valkyries. At last, that is what I remember. My gaze instinctively flickered toward the translucent tag floating above her head.
[Lady Sif - Head Warrior of the Valkyries - Lv750.]
It really is Sif...!
Sheesh. She's approaching Odin's Level. Was that how it works? I thought Thor and Loki were strong enough already. Then again, this is pre-Avengers. So I don't know what goes into all of that.
Seeing Level 750 alone was enough to send a chill down my spine. It makes sense, if you think about it. Asgardians are really strong. Asgard watches over the entirety of the Nine Realms. It really is as if I'm in Endgame right now. But I quickly shook that thought aside.
"Is something the matter, Lord Alex? Or is something written on my face?", Sif called out. My heart skipped a beat hearing that. D*mn it, I just have been staring at Lif longer than I had anticipated.
"My apologies, Lady Sif. I simply was admiring...the strength of the Asgardian Warriors around us. It's one thing to hear tales of Lord Thor, but I'm now amongst them. I'm just taking everything in. It's a powerful feeling.", I said. For a brief moment, Sif simply regarded me right then and there. Her sharp blue eyes wandered about, as though she was weighing every word I was speaking. I didn't feel completely at ease, but I didn't feel any hostility from Sif, so that's a win?
Perhaps I should pursue Sif? She is quite gorgeous, and I don't see a lot of stories going after her. They typically go after the Black Widow, or someone else on Planet Earth. Regardless, I kept that thought to myself. It was a question I didn't have an answer for right now, so I didn't think too deeply about it.
"True. It isn't often we get to entertain someone from Midgard. I am sure this must be a surreal scene for you.", Sif said, acknowledging me. "You hold yourself well for a Human. You have good manners. Many Asgardians who enter this hall boast of their own accomplishments in an attempt to gain favor from the Allfather, but you have not done that. Or visitors become too intimidated. Seeing you dine amongst us is enough that your will is strong."
"Is that so? Well, I'd rather avoid being remembered as the Human who failed to bring honor to Asgard. I am happy that I have such a welcome tonight.", I said, and guzzled down more Asgardian Ale. It really was quite tasty.
"Haha!", Thor laughed, only to slam his own golden goblet down onto the table again. "See, Sif? I told you this Human is different from the others. Then again, it has been ages since I last visited Midgard. Given the time, I'd love to pay your realm another visit, but Heimdall is quite strict when it comes to the Bifrost. I would need to get Father's approval first."
"Hmm...", I uttered, hearing Thor say that. "Honestly, it would be better if you didn't, Lord Thor. Midgard has gone through a huge amount of internal strife as of late.", I said, telling a half-truth. Midgard encompasses the entire universe, right? Planet Earth is just one tiny droplet in that big ocean, so us Humans are but one of many races of aliens out there. I'm not too keen into all of that, so I can't give a definite answer. Instead, I gave a brief explanation while remaining vague.
Our recent history. I wasn't wrong when I said that. I'm referring to World War I and World War II. While most wars have ended by now, in Thor's eyes, a couple decades must be mere minutes to him. That's why I said it like that to him.
"Internal strife?", Thor replied. "Guess no matter where you go, infighting is bound to happen. That is quite common amongst the Nine Realms. We take the Einherjar around to quell any unrest that may arise. If you want, I can take you on our next excursion."
"You really think the Allfather would approve that? You just love to fight, Lord Thor. There's no ifs, ands, or buts around that.", Sif scoffed while taking another sip of her Asgardian Ale.
"Well, that would depend on Lord Alex here. If he decides to join the Einherjar, setting out into the Nine Realms is the best way to gain experience.", Frigga's voice said, only to wander over to our side. "I am sure Odin would approve of it, as he leads the army. The choice will remain with you."
Becoming a soldier of the Einherjar...?
The thought hadn't really crossed my mind. Odin did bring it up once already, but knowing my current position, it's not like I'm on the same level as the Asgardians here. And I'm not talking about the Gamer System. I'm talking about my point of origin. I'm a Human, and these guys are literal gods. From their point of view, having someone from Midgard become a soldier and join the Einherjar is the most practical path forward. That's my take on this, anyway. And they aren't wrong. The downside is, it would tie me down to Asgard.
"It isn't like I have to decide right away, right? Forging one's path forward is a big step, no matter who it is. If I am to become a soldier, then so be it. I do want to see what the Nine Realms are like. At the same time, I do not know if I want to take that step forward. All of this is still new to me, like what this lovely woman brought up. Which by the way, I don't think I've caught your name. I'm sure you know as the rest do, I am Myles Alexander. Most Humans in Midgard have surnames now.", I said, introducing myself to Sif.
"I can see that, Lord Alex.", Sif nodded again. "It is nice to meet you. Please don't take offense regarding Lord Loki's actions earlier. He is known to be disruptive at times. You can call me Sif. I happen to watch over the Warriors Three here to make sure Lord Thor doesn't get too out of hand."
"Haha! That is a nice way to put it, Lady Sif. That was a good cheer just now, Lord Alex. I'm Volstagg the Valiant. If you need a pointer or two about striking your enemy down, I'm your man.", Volstagg said, introducing himself.
"I do not know how you charmed Lady Frigga into becoming her personal disciple, but we welcome you to Asgard nonetheless. I am Fandral the Dashing. A pleasure.", The man beside Volstagg said, appearing to be quite charismatic.
"Hogun the Grim. I round off the Warriors Three. One misstep here in Asgard, and I will have your head, regardless if you are the Allfather's guest. Do keep that in mind.", A third voice said, belonging to that of a stoic man. He had a very serious look in his eyes.
"Warning received. I know not to overstep my bounds.", I said, welcoming the Warriors Three. I also had a look at their tags and sure enough, they're warriors to be feared. Apart from those general soldiers of the Einherjar, everyone else is above Thor and Loki. What's up with that?
[Volstagg the Valiant - The Warriors Three - Lv600.]
[Fandral the Dashing - The Warriors Three - Lv600.]
[Hogun the Grim - The Warriors Three - Lv600.]
Taking an inward glance at my own level, it still displayed 13. I know my Stats are more around Level 50 now thanks to Points Doubler, Consume, the Beginner's Packs, and the Quests I've done until now, but still...
I really shouldn't be here right now!
At the same time, I realized I never had a glance at Frigga's tag, so I decided to take a look at it really quick too. It left me even more dumbfounded than what I had already seen, and that's saying something!
[Frigga - The Allmother - Lv999.]
Frigga's level is the same ****ing level as Odin's! Oi!