"Asgard... is it very powerful?"
Coulson asked carefully.
"Not bad."
Hermione shrugged. Tone casual. "Used to be strong. Now... only Odin and Hela are troublesome. But most troublesome is the Bifrost."
"Bifrost? What's that?" Coulson puzzled.
"A planet-killing weapon," Hermione said lightly. "Among the Nine Realms, only Asgard has this killer."
Planet-killing weapon?!
Coulson's pupils contracted sharply. Heart sank.
Immediately grabbed his communicator. Connected to Fury's line.
"Sir, emergency situation!"
"Coulson, stay calm." Fury's voice came through. "What happened?"
Coulson worked to steady himself. Then reported everything just occurred.
After silence, Fury spoke again. "Miss Witch, what's your assessment?"
His voice somewhat weary.
Obviously, the information just received gave the S.H.I.E.L.D. Director a massive headache.
"How much do you know about the 'Nine Realms'?"
Hermione asked back.
Communicator silent for seconds. Fury's low voice came through. "Nothing."
"Then let me give you a brief primer." Hermione explained. "The Nine Realms—nine different worlds in the universe, connected by Yggdrasil. Respectively: Asgard, Vanaheim, Alfheim, Svartalfheim, Jotunheim, Nidavellir, Muspelheim, Hel, and... Midgard."
With each name she spoke, Fury's brow furrowed deeper.
"Among them, Asgard—where Thor comes from—commonly called the Realm Eternal. Currently nominally rules all Nine Realms. Midgard is Earth where we are. Because it's at Yggdrasil's center, also called the Realm in the Middle."
Hermione paused. Continued. "As for the other worlds, each has characteristics. Can't explain everything quickly."
Fury took a deep breath.
He knew about Kree, Skrulls, and other alien races. But this "Nine Realms" system—first time hearing of it.
"So you're saying we're caught in Asgard's internal turmoil, and they're Earth's suzerain?"
"Nominal suzerain only. All these years held together by Odin. Already nearly defunct. Even Jotunheim's Frost Giants don't respect him anymore."
Hermione shrugged. "But don't worry too much. Asgard's affairs—they'll handle themselves. Nothing to do with us. Let them sort it out."
"Thor's just a fallen prince who lost his divine power. Can't make waves."
Fury silent momentarily. Seemed weighing pros and cons.
"If... I mean if Asgard truly threatens Earth, what should we do?"
He asked gravely. Tone carrying seriousness.
Really staying in character... Hermione raised an eyebrow.
"Relax. Earth's foundation runs far deeper than you imagine. Forget Odin being dead—even alive, he wouldn't dare do much to Earth."
"You have no idea how many monsters and demons Earth hides."
Hermione made her judgment directly.
You're one of them... Fury thought silently.
Having seen Mew-Mew and Thor, everything currently calm, benefits already gained—Hermione had no desire to stay longer. After chatting with Baldy briefly, left directly.
"Sir, did we get into big trouble?"
After Hermione left, Coulson asked.
Fury slowly spoke. "Coulson, do you trust Miss Witch's words?"
"I do."
Coulson without hesitation.
Whether the magical displays time after time or her mysterious background—he had no reason to doubt.
"Then do as she says."
Fury's voice carried resolve.
"All we can do now is trust her."
"Also, continue monitoring Thor. But don't interfere with his actions." Fury added. "Maintain distance and observe."
"Understood!"
Coulson disconnected.
Leaving the base, Hermione walked to a deserted, secluded corner.
Turned around. Gaze fell on empty air. Said lightly. "Come out."
Surroundings completely quiet.
Hermione shook her head. Tone helpless. "Wanted to be polite. Forcing me to drag you out."
"Homenum Revelio!"
Mysterious fluctuation swept past. Where previously empty, a figure forced to slowly materialize.
The figure wore green robes. Slender build. Elegant bearing. Pale complexion. Shoulder-length black hair. Sharp eyes.
Loki looked at Hermione. Surprise evident.
"How did you detect me?"
Loki somewhat incredulous. His invisibility magic actually seen through by a Midgardian witch.
"Back in the interrogation room, I already noticed you." Hermione disdainfully pursed her lips. "Your little tricks can't fool me."
Her tone flat. As if merely stating fact.
Loki's expression instantly darkened.
His proudest illusions belittled by a little girl—truly hard to accept.
"Mortal, you've successfully angered a great god!"
Loki's eyes flashed coldly. A dagger instantly appeared in his hand. Stabbed toward Hermione.
Hermione rolled her eyes. Wand lightly pointed.
"Confringo!" x3
Three dazzling red lights shot out. Precisely hit Loki's face.
"BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
Violent explosions rang out. Loki's figure instantly swallowed by flames and smoke.
He screamed. Entire body flew backward. Crashed heavily to the ground.
Moments later, Loki struggled up from the ground.
Completely dazed. Pale face turned charred black. Clothes torn to pieces. Elegant bearing gone.
You dare call yourself a mage looking like this?
Seeing Loki's dagger, Hermione clicked her tongue.
Loki's head buzzed from the triple blast.
His physique wasn't weak. After all, Frost Giant King bloodline. Someone who could still bounce around after Hulk's repeated smashing.
Though not fatal, quite uncomfortable.
Hurts!
Seeing Hermione raise her wand to continue, he hurriedly surrendered.
"Stop, stop, stop!"
After the beating, Loki knew this little girl wasn't to be trifled with. Eyes immediately cleared considerably.
Highlighting adaptability.
Haven't paid attention to Earth in so long—are mages this powerful now?! Loki couldn't quite believe it.
"Midgardian witch, you're far more interesting than I imagined."
Loki forced composure. But posture clearly lower than before.
God of Mischief—flexible.
"So, what do you want from me?" Hermione asked directly.
Loki's eyes rolled. Suddenly showed a smile.
"How about we cooperate?"
"You're a powerful being. Qualified to work with me. Help me rule Asgard. After success, I'll help you rule Earth. How about it?"
"You and I together—the entire Nine Realms will be ours!"
His tone full of temptation. As if already seeing the vision of ruling the world.
What are you drinking to get this drunk?
Hermione looked at Loki. Couldn't help laughing aloud.
"Hahaha..."
She laughed so hard she doubled over. As if hearing the world's biggest joke.
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