It was haunted! Odin, the All-Father, actually backed down!?
Even with Mordo's limited political experience, he could tell that something had occurred—silently, invisibly—between Malrick and Odin. A confrontation that didn't involve words or weapons but one fought on a level far beyond perception. And Malrick had come out on top.
So this was the true strength of the new Sorcerer Supreme. He wasn't just a match for the average sorcerer; he stood tall among the gods.
Mordo quietly stepped back, surrendering the stage to the two giants. He stood beside Wong, only to find the librarian casually chewing on shrimp.
"Wong, aren't you even a little nervous?" Mordo asked, disbelief in his voice.
Wong shrugged. "Malrick won. What's there to be nervous about?"
"You saw their battle? How?" Mordo's eyes widened.
"What battle?" Wong replied after swallowing. "Didn't Odin blink first?"
Mordo groaned. "When I asked, I didn't mean it literally..."
He stood quietly as Malrick and Odin spoke, his body tensing with each passing moment. The more he heard, the weaker his legs felt.
When Odin offered gifts as a show of goodwill, Malrick feigned modesty: "How could I accept such generosity?"
But the very next second, he changed his tone: "The Ancient One just passed away. You'll be offering condolences, right? Instead of sending them separately, give them to me, and I'll take them back together."
Rather than take offense, Odin smiled even wider.
"Of course. How about a tour of Asgard, then we visit the treasury?"
Malrick shook his head. "No need. I only want two things: the Casket of Ancient Winters and the Eye of Agamotto. If possible, I'd also like to borrow the Eternal Flame for a short time."
He didn't directly ask for the Eternal Flame, knowing its ties to Ragnarok. But these three artifacts would greatly help in his studies of universal laws.
Odin's expression dimmed slightly. "The Eye of Agamotto does indeed belong to the Sorcerer Supreme. That is only right. As for the Casket... it's an artifact of the Frost Giants. It harms other races, even Asgardians."
He conveniently ignored the Eternal Flame.
Malrick smoothly changed the topic. "Why aren't your sons here today, Your Majesty?"
"Regrettably, they accompanied Queen Frigga to Vanaheim. I believe you young ones would get along much better than with an old man like me," Odin replied, though clearly on edge.
"Then how about this," Malrick said, pretending to ponder. "When they return, let me spar with them. If I win, I take all three artifacts."
Odin's eye twitched. "The Sorcerer jokes. You young people should get along peacefully, not with competitions."
But deep down, Odin was horrified. Even in his prime, he might hesitate before challenging someone like Malrick. Now? Not a chance.
Malrick smiled again. "Fine. What if we hold a friendly competition between Kamar-Taj and Asgard? Exclude yourself, the Queen, and me. Five versus five. Each person fights once. Best of five."
"If Asgard wins, we request nothing. Peace and friendship above all."
"If Kamar-Taj wins, we reclaim the Eye of Agamotto and borrow the Casket and Eternal Flame for five years."
Compared to the original request, it was a clear compromise.
Odin studied him. Malrick was playing the long game.
"The Sorcerer speaks wisely," Odin finally said. "A contest among allies is a celebration of friendship. I accept."
He also wanted to test the mettle of Kamar-Taj's sorcerers, and Thor could benefit from seeing power outside of Asgard.
"Shall we set a date?" Malrick asked.
"Four months from now," Odin replied. "On Midgard's Christmas Day."
"A festive duel," Malrick said with a grin. "How very Asgardian."
They shook hands.
As soon as they did, a contract, witnessed by the Vishanti, formed in their palms.
Odin opened his hand, surprised to see the terms already inscribed. Malrick had prepared it beforehand.
Too late to back out now.
"Your Majesty, it was an honor," Malrick said. "But you seem busy, so we'll be going. See you in four months."
With that, he opened a portal and vanished with Mordo and Wong.
Back in Asgard's throne room, Odin stood alone, gripping Gungnir tightly.
He stared at the contract in his palm.
Yes, the sorcerers relied on borrowed power. Outside Earth, without the protection of the Sanctums, they were vulnerable.
Surely Asgard wouldn't lose.
Still, Malrick's confident smile lingered in his mind.
"If only Thor had half his poise and cunning," Odin muttered.
And for the first time in centuries, the All-Father felt unsure of the outcome.
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