Chương 104: Chapter 104: The Coronation Ceremony 

As the royal musicians struck up a grand, majestic melody, the invited Asgardian citizens began filing into the colossal arena, quickly and orderly finding their designated seats. The massive venue slowly filled with the low hum of excited chatter. 

Once the final attendee was seated, Odin gently raised Gungnir and tapped the butt of the spear against the golden floor. The resonant sound instantly silenced the entire arena. 

Odin slowly swept his gaze across the assembled crowd. The Asgardians puffed out their chests, feeling profoundly honored to be seen by their King. However, the diplomats and representatives from the various interstellar empires unconsciously averted their eyes, unable to meet the All-Father's piercing, overwhelming gaze. 

Luke noticed this subtle detail and finally understood the sheer, terrifying deterrence Odin provided. With this level of absolute, cosmic intimidation, it was no wonder Thanos had absolutely refused to make a move while Odin was still alive, only daring to attack the Asgardian refugee ship after the All-Father had passed away and Asgard was destroyed. 

Satisfied with the absolute silence, Odin began his grand address. 

Listening to the incredibly long, droning speech—which felt remarkably similar to a high school principal's endless commencement address—Luke slouched helplessly in his golden chair. He desperately wanted to pull out his smartphone and play a game, but he knew he had to give Odin at least some face in public. 

Forced to endure the speech, Luke's mind began to wander, actively debating what he should eat for dinner tonight. He was practically dissociating from reality. 

Finally, after seemingly recounting the entire mythological history of Asgard from the dawn of time, Odin concluded his grand narrative. He looked out at the incredibly hyped, enthusiastic Asgardian crowd and nodded in satisfaction. These people have been cultivating the perfect audience reaction for thousands of years! 

"AND TODAY! ASGARD SHALL BECOME EVEN GREATER!" Odin's voice boomed with magical amplification. "For we have officially recognized a new Foreign Prince! His power is immense enough to slaughter the foulest of beasts and eclipse the light of the stars themselves!" 

Odin raised Gungnir high. "HE IS... LUKE!" 

Hearing his cue, Luke mentally reeled his wandering soul back into his body and stood up. 

Odin let out a nearly imperceptible sigh. Looking at the incredibly unenthusiastic, slouched posture of the new Prince, Odin genuinely felt he was violating the sacred traditions of his ancestors by elevating this boy. 

But the arrow was already loosed from the bow; he had to commit. 

Odin raised Gungnir higher. "LUKE SHALL STAND AS ANOTHER MIGHTY PILLAR OF ASGARD, LEADING OUR REALM TO EVEN GREATER HEIGHTS! FURTHERMORE, MIDGARD SHALL OFFICIALLY BECOME LUKE'S PERSONAL DOMAIN, STANDING AS A FIRM, UNYIELDING ALLY TO ASGARD!" 

Instantly, the entire arena erupted into deafening, fanatical cheers! Outside the arena, the masses listening to the broadcast roared in approval as they heard the newly appointed Prince's legendary exploits: effortlessly defeating elite Frost Giant strike teams, obliterating Chitauri warships with a wave of his hand, and personally slaying a colossal Black Dragon! 

Even the Lords of the Nine Realms were profoundly shaken by the revelation of Luke's terrifying power. 

However, within the designated 'Midgardian VIP Section,' absolute chaos erupted! 

Aside from the Chinese delegation, who had received sufficient intelligence the previous night and remained relatively calm, the other national delegations were completely panicking. They began arguing vehemently with each other in hushed, frantic whispers. 

They spent their entire lives fighting brutal wars and navigating complex geopolitics just to secure tiny scraps of land and resources on Earth... and now, this guy suddenly owns the ENTIRE PLANET?! 

Their frantic, terrified whispering was incredibly obvious amidst the unified cheering of the Asgardians. 

Odin shot a highly displeased glare toward the Midgardian section. Instantly, a fraction of the All-Father's terrifying, oppressive divine aura swept over them, intentionally bypassing the quiet Chinese delegation and slamming directly into the other squabbling nations. 

The diplomats were instantly crushed by an invisible, suffocating weight, unable to even breathe. 

The intense pressure lasted for several minutes. The French delegation literally raised a small white handkerchief in surrender, while the others gritted their teeth, desperately trying not to pass out from sheer terror. 

Captain Zhao casually sipped his Asgardian fruit juice, watching the other delegations suffer. Honestly, they have absolutely zero mental fortitude. How do they ever expect to play geopolitical chess on a cosmic scale? 

Finally, Odin retracted his aura, and the terrified delegations slumped in their seats, completely silent and obedient. 

The S.H.I.E.L.D. delegation had also suffered the oppressive aura, but their performance was significantly better than the politicians. 

Steve Rogers glanced concernedly at Alexander Pierce. Yesterday, while Fury and the others were out gathering intelligence, Steve and Pierce had wandered around Asgard together, significantly improving their working relationship. 

Pierce forced a pale, shaky smile at Steve, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead. Internally, however, he was completely reeling from Odin's announcement. 

It seems Hydra's ultimate, centuries-old goal of total world domination... was just casually achieved by Luke without lifting a finger?! 

Ignoring the political crisis occurring in the mortal section, Luke and Odin sat back down. After a brief pause, Odin began officially conferring titles upon his children. 

"The future of Asgard requires new blood! My fierce and mighty son, THOR ODINSON! He shall assume command of the Asgardian military, tasked with obliterating any and all enemies of the realm!" 

Amidst the fanatical, roaring cheers of the Asgardian warriors, Thor strode confidently into the arena. Unlike his previous, arrogant coronation attempt, he didn't wildly spin his hammer or show off. He marched with measured, dignified steps until he reached the base of the royal platform. 

"My son. You possess a potential far greater than my own. Asgard is destined to become even more glorious under your protection!" Odin said sincerely, recalling the terrifying combat power he had witnessed from Fat Thor. (Though he silently vowed to strictly monitor Thor's diet to ensure he never reached that level of... rotundness). 

Thor dropped to one knee. Odin lowered Gungnir, resting the tip gently on Thor's shoulder as he recited the ancient blessings of the Aesir. 

As the final word echoed through the arena, Odin nodded. Thor stood up, turned to face the cheering masses, his eyes burning with absolute determination. 

"I SWEAR UPON THE NAME ODINSON! I SHALL UTILIZE EVERY OUNCE OF MY DIVINE POWER TO SHATTER ANY ENEMY WHO DARES THREATEN ASGARD!" 

Thor unleashed a massive, controlled burst of divine energy. Blinding arcs of raw lightning violently crackled around his entire body, illuminating the arena! 

Rather than being terrified, the crowd's cheers grew even more frenzied! The martial, battle-hardened Asgardians absolutely loved Thor's raw, masculine display of power! 

After his brief display, Thor walked over to his designated seat on the platform. 

Odin watched proudly as Thor took his seat, seemingly much more mature... until he noticed Thor aggressively winking and making completely ridiculous, goofy facial expressions toward the VIP section. Following Thor's gaze, Odin realized his son was overtly flirting with his mortal girlfriend in front of the entire universe! 

Odin shook his head helplessly, deciding to ignore the idiot for now. 

"Upon the path to eternal glory, raw power and profound wisdom are equally vital! My son, LOKI ODINSON! Possessing an intellect capable of perceiving the hidden truths of the cosmos, he shall stand as my designated Regent, the next King of Asgard!" 

Loki appeared at the grand entrance. The crowd cheered, but the applause was noticeably less enthusiastic and far more subdued than the roaring ovation Thor had received. 

Loki maintained his composure, masking any disappointment, and marched toward the platform with firm, measured steps. 

Odin watched him with genuine approval. Possessing a broad mind capable of enduring the doubts and whispers of the masses is an absolutely essential quality for a true King. 

Sensing the slight dip in the crowd's enthusiasm, Odin raised his voice. 

"My son, utilizing his unparalleled, brilliant strategic mind, successfully orchestrated the permanent demise of King Laufey of Jotunheim without sacrificing a single Asgardian soldier! He definitively ended the ancient, bloody conflict that had plagued our realms for millennia! THIS IS THE POWER OF TRUE WISDOM! THIS IS THE POWER OF LOKI!" 

A bizarre, profound silence fell over the arena. 

King Laufey?! The terrifying Frost Giant who had continuously warred against Asgard for thousands of years? The monster who had sent countless brave Asgardian warriors to Valhalla without ever being definitively defeated? 

And their Second Prince, Loki, had casually orchestrated his death without a single casualty?! 

Suddenly, a deafening, absolutely fanatical roar of applause erupted from the crowd! Sitting in the center of the platform, Luke could literally feel the physical shockwave of the cheering slamming into him. 

Loki paused mid-step, genuinely stunned. He bathed in the overwhelming wave of genuine adoration and respect—something he had desperately craved his entire life but never truly experienced. For a moment, he didn't know what to do. 

"Come forward, my child. Your father is waiting to officially confer your title," Frigga's gentle, loving voice echoed directly in Loki's mind via a localized telepathic spell, snapping him out of his daze. 

Loki offered a warm, genuinely proud smile and stepped up to Odin. 

Odin smiled down at him. "Thor possesses the raw power to terrify our enemies, but he currently lacks the wisdom required to govern a complex realm. You, Loki, possess the intellect necessary to ensure Asgard's continued prosperity and dominance. This shall be your sacred burden." 

Loki dropped to one knee. "I accept this burden with honor, All-Father." 

Odin nodded approvingly. He gripped Gungnir with both hands and formally presented the legendary spear to Loki. 

Loki respectfully received Gungnir. With Odin's encouraging nod, Loki stood up, turned to the massive crowd, and raised the golden spear high, displaying the absolute symbol of Asgardian sovereignty. 

The cheers grew so impossibly loud it felt as if the magical dome of the arena might shatter. 

After displaying the spear, Loki walked over and took the seat directly beside Thor. 

Thor grinned, pulled Mjolnir from his belt, and placed the heavy hammer on the table directly next to Gungnir, offering Loki a warm, supportive smile. 

Loki smiled back. He drew his signature throwing daggers and casually placed them on the table beside the hammer and spear. 

Odin, seeing the genuine bond of brotherhood between his sons, finally sat back down on the throne with a profound sense of relief. 

Frigga then stood up. 

Seeing the deeply beloved and highly respected Queen rise, the entire arena instantly fell completely silent, respectfully awaiting her words. 

Frigga offered a warm, radiant smile to the crowd. "Today, the Royal House of Odin officially welcomes a new member to our family! She is SYLVIE ODINSON!" 

Amidst the intensely curious gazes of the crowd, Sylvie, dressed in a breathtakingly elegant Asgardian gown, walked into the arena with a shy, slightly nervous smile. 

Before the crowd could react, Sylvie quickly hurried up the steps and stood directly beside Frigga. 

Frigga wrapped an arm around Sylvie affectionately and announced to the entire realm, "Sylvie is the legally adopted daughter of Odin and myself! However, let it be known that her status within this family is absolutely equal to that of Thor and Loki!" 

Frigga then raised her voice. "Historically, Asgard's mastery of the arcane arts has been regrettably limited! Therefore, starting today, Asgard shall actively recruit magically gifted individuals from across all Nine Realms to formally establish an elite Royal Sorcerer Battalion! And Sylvie shall serve as the First Chief Sorcerer of this new order!" 

Openly displaying her intense favoritism and affection, Frigga guided Sylvie to the seat directly beside her own. 

The Asgardian citizens exchanged stunned glances for a moment. Then, in perfect unison, they placed their right fists over their hearts and bowed deeply in profound respect. 

After the coronation ceremony concluded, Luke casually strolled out of the arena, entirely expecting a peaceful afternoon. 

Instead, he was instantly swarmed by the frantic Earth delegations! 

"Lord Luke! Do you intend to actively interfere in the internal politics and sovereign laws of the various nations on Earth?!" 

"Your Highness! Are you planning to forcibly dissolve all current governments and establish a unified, global totalitarian regime under your absolute command?!" 

"Lord Luke! Are you currently married? What are your preferences in a partner?! We have several highly suitable candidates—" 

The politicians bombarded him with a relentless barrage of frantic, idiotic questions, giving Luke an instant migraine. 

A squad of Shadow Ninjas immediately materialized, forming a physical barrier to aggressively shove the politicians back. Luke furiously dug a finger into his ear, trying to clear the noise. 

"Look, I only accepted this 'Lord of the Earth' title because Odin essentially forced it on me! I have absolutely zero interest in micromanaging your pathetic little squabbles, or dictating what you eat for breakfast! However! Since I am officially hands-off, I expect you to stop bothering me with this nonsense! Keep your heads down, significantly reduce your environmental pollution, and for the love of god, stop generating so much orbital space junk!" 

Luke glared at the politicians aggressively. However, seeing the sheer relief washing over their faces—realizing he wasn't going to establish a dictatorship—they didn't care if he insulted them. They looked like they would gladly let him physically beat them as long as he left their governments intact. 

Luke rolled his eyes in profound disgust. "During this banquet, you have access to the leaders of six different cosmic realms! You should be focusing on establishing trade routes and technological exchanges with them! You need to start expanding beyond Earth! The universe is unimaginably vast; stop obsessing over your tiny little mud-ball! Get out into the cosmos, and stop bothering me! Do you understand?!" 

The Shadow Ninjas aggressively parted the crowd, allowing Luke to walk away. 

Suddenly, Captain Zhao of the Chinese delegation spoke up respectfully from the sidelines. "Lord Luke, if we do manage to successfully negotiate trade agreements with the other realms... how exactly are we supposed to physically transport goods and personnel between the Nine Realms?" 

Luke paused and looked at Captain Zhao. At least someone here is actually thinking ahead and focusing on practical logistics. 

However, it was a very valid question, and as the 'Lord of the Earth,' it was technically his responsibility to provide a solution. 

He immediately discarded the idea of using the Space Stone to act as a personal cosmic taxi service. Then, he remembered Loki. 

In order to sneak around the Nine Realms undetected by Heimdall, Loki had discovered numerous naturally occurring, stable spatial rifts and secret pathways connecting the realms. If he could convince Loki to provide the coordinates for a few stable rifts connecting Earth to the other realms, the transportation issue would be solved! 

Having formulated a plan, Luke nodded to Captain Zhao. "I will personally look into establishing stable transit routes. I will inform you when it is resolved." 

With that, Luke turned and headed toward Tony Stark, who was waiting for him a short distance away.