Chapter 351: On the Future

This was indeed Solomon's cabin in the Finnish countryside, and the smoked salmon was his own creation. He had carefully smoked it using applewood and a slice of orange, giving it a flavor he could identify without tasting. It was the last of the batch, as the Sorcerer Supreme had evidently helped herself to the other four pieces.

It had to be her.

Sighing, Solomon ate the fish alongside an alchemical potion, the taste barely registering on his tired palate.

With both Queen Frigga and the Sorcerer Supreme present, it was painfully clear who had sent him to Niflheim. This wasn't destiny but some clandestine agreement between Asgard and Kamar-Taj—a secret pact between the Sorcerer Supreme and the Aesir. Solomon gave his teacher a look that demanded explanation. It wasn't accusation, merely a desire to understand her intent so he could proceed with clarity and purpose.

The battle with Hela, it seemed, hadn't disrupted the agreement, which only piqued his curiosity further.

"You did quite well, actually," Queen Frigga began, still dressed in her Asgardian court attire. The freezing Finnish weather didn't bother her in the slightest. Hopefully, the neighbors wouldn't find her presence strange.

"You're not surprised to see me," Frigga observed. "The Sorcerer Supreme was right—our little trick didn't fool you. Regardless, when Odin's time comes, the imprisoned Goddess of Death will return to Asgard, unleashing a wave of destruction known as Ragnarök."

Solomon's expression mirrored the Sorcerer Supreme's, a look that screamed, Why is your family's parenting so bad? Frigga, somewhat embarrassed, continued.

"We need you and Thor to stand against Hela. But perhaps… don't use such extreme measures immediately? She might yet come to accept the world as it is. Honestly, I thought you two might get along. You share common interests: swordsmanship, magic, and, most importantly, equal stature."

"So…" Solomon prompted.

"Odin, upon receiving the prophecy of Ragnarök, took many steps to prevent it—including imprisoning Hela. Yes, it's ironic that his actions may have caused the prophecy to unfold. Regardless, Ragnarök is a real possibility. Odin and I hoped you might forge some understanding with Hela," Frigga explained, glancing at the Sorcerer Supreme. "At least prevent the worst-case scenario. The universe is rife with threats, and Asgard must cooperate with Midgard to face them."

Solomon finally understood.

"Master, I recall Article 185 of the Witch's Household Code. In situations like this, I should consult Bayonetta and Jeanne first," Solomon declared, his tone solemn, as if Bayonetta herself were behind him with guns raised. "Allowing this situation to continue unchecked could lead to disaster. While the witches have sworn not to summon lower-plane entities, I, as their overseer, must evaluate potential civilian casualties from such summonings using divination. Although I haven't begun casting, I can already sense some malicious force nudging me. Angelic hymns, demonic roars, and the incessant whispers of the stigmata cloud my vision of destiny."

"Enough!" The Sorcerer Supreme waved her hand dismissively. "Asgard wants to offer you a princely title, with Odin's approval. It's up to you to accept or decline. If you do accept, taming that madwoman will be your responsibility."

"I decline, Master," Solomon replied without hesitation.

Accepting Frigga's offer would grant him access to Asgard's power without any apparent cost—no burns, no kidney stones, no sentient intestines demanding food, no talking appendix, and no soul erosion from the Vishanti's energy.

But the "free" nature of the deal made it the most expensive of all. Accepting it would mean losing his natural alignment with humanity, a position neither he nor the Sorcerer Supreme would tolerate. Moreover, he had no intention of leaving the witches behind.

"Still," Solomon added, his armored jaw bobbing comically as he spoke, "this doesn't mean we can't find another way to cooperate. Just as you and Odin fought each other once, I can battle Hela to force her to recognize Midgard's independence. Frankly, Hela seems less cunning than Odin. Her straightforward military mindset makes her easier to deal with. If we reach an agreement, she's likely to honor it."

Solomon stopped short of calling Hela less devious than Odin, out of respect for Frigga. He didn't care who ruled Asgard—be it Thor or Hela—so long as they respected humanity's sovereignty. In fact, he preferred a more aggressive ruler for the challenges ahead. With chaos brewing in the Nine Realms, the potential for war needed to be fully realized.

"Then you must prevent Hela from reaching Asgard," Frigga warned. "She retains the highest authority beneath Odin, with deep ties to Asgard. If she arrives there, she'll gain access to Odin's power. At that point, you'll stand no chance against her. Given Kamar-Taj's methods, this is our best course of action."

"Are we locking her in the Mirror Dimension, Master?" Solomon asked.

"No," the Sorcerer Supreme replied, slamming her hand on the table. "Hela could easily break out and flee to some unknown outer plane. In truth, Niflheim strengthens her essence. She exists in a liminal state between life and death. I'm not even sure whether her imprisonment is a punishment or a reward. What was Odin thinking?"

"At the time, Odin didn't know how Thor would turn out," Frigga admitted awkwardly. "If Thor failed to meet expectations, Odin planned to return Asgard to Hela. She was always the most qualified ruler, with a mindset identical to Odin's past self. Unlike Thor, she possessed the ruthlessness needed to rule the Nine Realms. But now, Thor's potential surpasses hers…"

"We won't be teaching Thor anything more," the Sorcerer Supreme said with a roll of her eyes. "No more banishment games. Don't even think about it. My disciple's stance is my stance. Kamar-Taj will wage war on anyone who threatens Earth. If Odin wants to break the treaty between Asgard and Midgard, I'll simply postpone my death."

Meanwhile, over London, massive portals began to open, born of the celestial convergence. Thor, spinning Mjolnir, emerged from one, descending rapidly. Below him, Malekith and Loki grappled mid-air. Loki's daggers were buried deep in Malekith's ribs.

Thor dove, determined to save his brother before he fell to his death—and to deliver a hammer blow to the dark elf, whom he deemed a toothpick-limbed, tar-eyed, plank-bodied, sewer-butted rat.

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