Infinite Evolution in the Marvel universe

Meanwhile, on the other side…

In the quarters of the King of Asgard, Odin.

"Tony Stark and Bruce Banner want to borrow the Aether's power?"

"For what purpose?"

Hearing this from Thor, Odin was deep in thought.

"Tony and Banner are scientists. They were amazed by the power of the Aether and wanted to study it," Thor explained. "However, they also said that if you deemed it unsafe, they'd respect your decision and wouldn't push it."

Odin considered his son's words carefully.

Tony Stark, after all, was allied with Kassadin, the God of the Void. If Odin lent the Aether to Tony, he would effectively be lending it to Kassadin as well, and once gone, the Aether might not return so easily.

However, if Kassadin truly wanted the Aether, he could seize it after Odin's passing. Although Thor's potential matched his own, Thor was still young, lacking a full understanding of his divine powers. Thus, in a confrontation, he likely wouldn't be able to protect the Aether from Kassadin.

Given these factors, lending the Aether to Tony and thereby placing it in Kassadin's hands might be the best choice. In doing so, Odin would earn a favor from Kassadin—a subtle signal of goodwill. Should Odin fall in the future and Thor face dire circumstances, he could then seek the Void God's help.

"Fine, let Kassadin have the Aether," Odin said at last.

"Lend it to Kassadin… not to Tony and Banner?" Thor asked, a bit taken aback.

"Brother, lending it to Tony is effectively lending it to Kassadin," said Loki, realizing the significance. "Don't forget who's behind Tony Stark."

"But, Father, are you certain about this?" Thor hesitated. "The Aether is no ordinary relic. Its power rivals the Tesseract. If misused, it could bring calamity."

"Ah, so now you understand the potential for disaster?" Odin looked at Loki with a hint of amusement. "Though considering you and Thor just saved Asgard, I'll let it go this time."

"If the Aether will ultimately end up in Kassadin's hands, why even lend it?" Thor was starting to piece things together but still had questions.

"Thor, whether your friends Tony Stark and Bruce Banner came seeking the Aether on Kassadin's orders, I can't say," Odin said, seeing Thor's confusion.

"They didn't. When I spoke to Tony and Banner, they'd had no direct contact with Kassadin. They joined the defense of Asgard out of their own will," Thor replied earnestly. "Tony was sincere about his intentions; both Loki and I can vouch for him."

"…" Loki, taken aback, thought, When did I agree to vouch for him?

"Loki, you have a keen eye for people. Can you vouch for them too?" Odin turned his gaze on Loki.

"While I dislike Tony Stark, I won't deny that he's someone who acts on his decisions immediately," Loki said after a pause. "And he deeply values Midgard (Earth), so he'd know that a threat to Asgard could affect Earth as well."

"So, Thor, there's no need for concern. I'm not blaming you," Odin continued. "I'm just pointing out that if Kassadin truly wants the Aether, it will eventually fall into his hands one way or another. Lending it now simply secures us a favor, and a lot of potential trouble is spared.

"Even though the Void Faith may not be warm towards Asgardians, should Asgard ever face danger, this favor may allow us to seek an audience with Kassadin and ask for aid."

"Thank you, Father," Thor said with a nod, understanding the intricate balance of favors and alliances.

"Go ahead, then, and hand the Aether over. In doing so, you repay Tony Stark and Bruce Banner for helping Asgard. But remember, this is a loan, not a gift."

"Yes," Thor answered and left.

Loki, too, turned to leave, but Odin's words stopped him.

"Loki, stay. There's something I need to discuss with you."

"With me?" Loki asked, surprised.

"Yes. Thor is strong, and he will only grow stronger. But he has weaknesses. One, he places too much trust in others, which can make him rash. Two, he has a straightforward mindset, rarely thinking of worst-case outcomes," Odin explained. "His strength and character make him fit to be king, but you already see that, don't you?"

"Are you asking me to support him?" Loki's eyes flickered.

"Yes. You have the mindset that he lacks. Growing up, you were overlooked by me and your mother. That, along with discovering your true heritage, gave you a different outlook. You tend to assume the worst, yet your loyalty to Asgard has always driven your actions," Odin said, his gaze softening. "Your mother and I have never once doubted you, Loki."

Loki was visibly moved by the words "effort" and "recognition."

"If you and Thor work together, there's no limit to the protection you can provide Asgard," Odin said. "I don't care if Thor or you rule. Either one would be suitable. Thor has said himself he'd gladly hand the throne to you if you wished it."

"He has…" Loki nodded, remembering how, despite everything, Thor always stood by him as a true brother.

"Asgard, with its Nine Realms, is known throughout the universe. It is not my choice alone that matters, but the support of Asgard's people and the Nine Realms' subjects," Odin said. "Asgard's contributions will never go unrecognized whether you or Thor rules."

"Being a king is a heavy burden that only you can help Thor bear. He trusts you completely, Loki. He hopes you'll join him, side by side, in protecting Asgard."

Odin stepped forward, resting a hand on Loki's shoulder with a look of deep trust.

Note: If you are interested, read up to chapter 358 at patreon.com/MythicForge11