Chương 96: Chapter 96: The Hammer Flew Away? 

The Ancient One watched with an incredibly strange, highly judgmental expression as Luke began enthusiastically negotiating with Odin and Frigga regarding exactly how many Kamar-Taj sorcerers he could bring over for a 'sightseeing tour.' 

Obviously, bringing the entire population of Kamar-Taj was unrealistic. Asgard was hosting a highly exclusive, diplomatic banquet with numerous prominent guests. If hundreds of wildly dressed Earth wizards suddenly flooded the palace, it would completely disrupt their meticulously planned arrangements. 

After a brief, spirited negotiation, Odin and Frigga agreed that bringing around three hundred sorcerers was an acceptable number. 

Luke immediately dispatched a Shadow Ninja to relay the glorious news to Mordo: every single Senior Sorcerer who had officially signed the 'Dark Energy Employment Contract' was invited, and they were each permitted to bring one 'Plus-One' (a friend or junior disciple). 

Currently, there were roughly 140 contracted Senior Sorcerers. With their plus-ones, the total number was just shy of 300. 

Of course, if a Senior Sorcerer didn't have any friends... well, sucks to be them. 

Luke instructed Mordo to have the selected sorcerers group up and enter the Dark Dimension. Luke would then simply open a single Sling Ring portal from Asgard directly into the Dark Dimension to transport them all at once. 

He wasn't an idiot. Transporting someone directly from Earth to Asgard using a localized portal cost hundreds of thousands of Energy Points per trip. Opening over a hundred individual portals to transport everyone would easily burn through tens of millions of Energy Points, draining his reserves significantly. The Dark Dimension loophole was a massive energy-saver! 

As for the remaining hundreds of uncontracted, low-tier disciples? Luke honestly couldn't be bothered. His primary focus was solely on providing premium benefits for his current, highly productive employees. 

Watching Luke meticulously organize his little 'company retreat,' the Ancient One finally cracked a relaxed, amused smile. 

"What? Are you just happy that you get to organize a massive, all-expenses-paid company vacation without actually having to pay for it?" Luke rolled his eyes, catching her amused look. 

"I am quite pleased, yes. However, I suspect you are going to be rather exhausted managing them all," the Ancient One chuckled. 

"Why would I be tired? I'll just order the Shadow Ninjas to act as tour guides and handle the logistics. Easy," Luke waved his hand dismissively. 

The Ancient One simply shook her head knowingly. We'll see if you're still smiling later. 

Meanwhile, back in Kamar-Taj... 

The Senior Sorcerers, having overheard Mordo's earlier brief communication with Luke, were currently waiting in a state of agonizing, breathless anticipation in the main courtyard. 

When a Shadow Ninja finally materialized and delivered the official message—that they were allowed to pack their bags and prepare for immediate departure to Asgard—the entire courtyard erupted in absolute, disbelieving cheers! 

Tears literally welled up in Mordo's eyes. 

How many decades has it been?! Kamar-Taj is finally hosting a company-funded vacation! 

Before Luke's arrival, although Kamar-Taj didn't explicitly forbid its disciples from wandering into the secular world, the harsh reality was that practically every single sorcerer was completely, utterly broke. They couldn't afford to buy anything. They would wander the streets of Kathmandu, drool over the delicious street food, and then return to the sanctuary to sadly eat two massive bowls of plain white rice. 

Only a few specific individuals who managed to secure 'extracurricular' employment—like Wong, who utilized his magically enhanced physique to participate in underground cage fighting—actually managed to earn secular currency. And even then, the money earned from getting punched in the face was barely enough to occasionally treat themselves, let alone fund a vacation. 

Since Luke's arrival, he had single-handedly revitalized the local economy by constructing several fast-food stalls and internet cafes within Kamar-Taj. Furthermore, the Ancient One had begun offering secular currency as rewards for successfully repelling extra-dimensional incursions. 

However, while the Senior Sorcerers could now comfortably afford snacks and internet time, the low-tier disciples were still generally restricted to the cafeteria's plain rice and porridge. 

But now? An opportunity for an all-expenses-paid, luxurious vacation to an alien realm was suddenly dropped in their laps! The Senior Sorcerers were ecstatic! 

Absolute chaos descended upon Kamar-Taj. 

The Senior Sorcerers frantically began searching for their friends to use their 'Plus-One' invitations. The few tragically single, friendless Senior Sorcerers generously auctioned off their plus-one slots to the highest bidders or gave them to colleagues with too many friends. 

This unprecedented event served as a massive, highly effective stimulus for the uncontracted, low-tier disciples. 

Watching their seniors excitedly pack their bags for a cosmic vacation, the lower-tier disciples were suddenly filled with a burning, desperate motivation! It was practically guaranteed that the number of disciples passing the grueling Senior Sorcerer Examination in the coming years would skyrocket exponentially! 

If Luke had realized the profound sociological impact his little vacation was having, he probably would have instituted a mandatory, bi-annual 'Company Retreat' specifically designed to psychologically manipulate and stimulate the lazy disciples, rapidly expanding his highly skilled labor pool! 

Once the labor market is saturated, I'll introduce ruthless corporate 'wolf-culture' and extreme competition! Only the top 5% most productive sorcerers get to go on vacation! I'll turn Kamar-Taj into the most intensely competitive, hyper-productive magical sweatshop in the Multiverse! 

Currently, under the excited shouting of the Senior Sorcerers, the news of the Asgardian trip spread like wildfire. Countless lower-tier disciples gathered in the courtyard, watching with profound envy. 

Under the watchful, jealous eyes of their peers, the chosen sorcerers and their plus-ones proudly stepped through a portal into the Dark Dimension to await Luke's final transport. 

"Thank you so much, Master Kaecilius!" a young sorcerer couple bowed deeply to a stern-looking man. "Thank you for giving us your 'Plus-One' invitation!" 

Kaecilius forced a tight, polite smile, successfully hiding the intense, burning frustration in his eyes. "It is nothing. Someone must remain behind to guard the Grand Library. It cannot be left completely unattended." 

Kaecilius was likely the only Senior Sorcerer who had voluntarily surrendered his opportunity to travel to Asgard. 

The Grand Library housed countless dangerous, forbidden texts. It absolutely could not be left unguarded, especially with the Ancient One absent. Forced by circumstance and his own hidden agenda, Kaecilius had chosen to remain behind. 

"Well... just a heads up, Master. All the Shadow Ninjas that usually run the cafeteria and food stalls have been recalled to the Dark Dimension. If you get hungry, you'll have to cook for yourself," the male sorcerer said, awkwardly putting his arm around his girlfriend as Kaecilius visibly stiffened. "If you don't want to cook, there's always instant ramen. The breakroom has free hot water." 

Kaecilius sighed heavily. Suddenly, the usually prestigious, highly respected position of Grand Librarian felt incredibly pathetic. He nodded silently and walked toward the massive, imposing doors of the Library. 

Later that evening, standing in the shadows of an isolated courtyard, Kaecilius watched the last large group of Senior Sorcerers vanish into the Dark Dimension. 

He rubbed his hands together excitedly and turned to the small group of disgruntled, disillusioned disciples he had secretly recruited. He gave them a firm nod. 

"Tonight, we infiltrate the Restricted Section of the Library! We will secure the Ritual of Summoning and immediately contact the dread Lord Dormammu! Through him, we too shall obtain the power of the Dark Dimension and achieve true immortality!" Kaecilius declared, his voice dripping with seductive fanaticism. 

A mid-tier disciple behind him hesitated nervously. "But... are we absolutely certain about this? If the Sorcerer Supreme discovers our betrayal, she will obliterate us!" 

Kaecilius shot him a vicious, contemptuous glare. "Are you truly content to simply sit here and watch them achieve immortality and immense power through their precious 'Contracts,' while you are held back by arbitrary rules and excuses?!" 

The disciple faltered, but still argued, "But... my friend, who is a Senior Sorcerer, assured me that once we pass the exams, we will also be offered the Contract." 

Kaecilius stalked forward. The disciple flinched, thinking he was about to be struck, but Kaecilius simply gripped the young man's shoulders firmly. 

"And did this so-called 'friend' invite you to Asgard?" Kaecilius stared intensely into the disciple's eyes. "No one understands their lies and hypocrisy better than I do!" 

Kaecilius released the disciple and addressed the entire group. "I am a Senior Sorcerer! Yet, look at me! Did that arrogant fraud, Luke, offer me a Contract?!" 

Seeing the disciples exchange uncertain glances, Kaecilius pressed his advantage. "Forget Luke! Even the Sorcerer Supreme herself is constantly deceiving us!" 

Watching the disciples gasp in shock, Kaecilius began recounting his tragic backstory, twisting the narrative perfectly to manipulate their emotions. 

"I came to Kamar-Taj because I was promised that I would learn profound magic! Magic that could protect the people I loved most! I dedicated my life to this sanctuary, desperate to acquire the power to save my dying family! But..." 

Kaecilius raised his voice, his tone filled with righteous fury. "Even after I achieved the rank of Senior Sorcerer, I was denied access to any spell capable of saving them! Why did you all come here? Do you even remember?!" 

He looked at the silent, conflicted disciples and offered a mocking, bitter smile. "Has a single one of you actually achieved the profound goals you sought when you first arrived? No! We are nothing but cheap labor to the Ancient One! We are stray dogs, easily satisfied with a bowl of plain rice and the illusion of purpose!" 

"Therefore, tonight, we act! The shadowy enforcers are gone! The Ancient One and her loyal hounds are off-world! With our combined strength, we will secure the ritual, escape this prison, and offer Earth to Lord Dormammu! In return, he will grant our deepest desires! Under Dormammu's eternal glory, there will be no more disease, no more suffering, and no more death! Only eternal, perfect life!" 

Kaecilius swept his gaze over the group one last time before turning and striding purposefully toward the Library. Slowly, one by one, the disillusioned disciples followed him. Even the mid-tier disciple who had initially questioned him eventually gritted his teeth and joined the rebellion. 

Lightyears away, in the gleaming halls of Asgard, the Ancient One suddenly paused, her brow furrowing slightly as she sensed a disturbance in the mystical currents. 

She shook her head softly. Originally, she had fully intended to subtly intervene and prevent Kaecilius from defecting to Dormammu. 

However, moments ago, she had experienced a sudden, terrifyingly vivid vision of the distant future. 

In that vision, Dormammu successfully arrived on Earth, attempting to drag the entire planet into the Dark Dimension. Luke, Odin, herself, and an army of heroes engaged the Dread Lord in an apocalyptic battle. But Dormammu's power was simply too overwhelming. They were all systematically defeated, and Earth was plunged into eternal, agonizing darkness. 

Desperate to avert this apocalyptic future, she had frantically scoured countless branching timelines. Finally, upon a highly specific, fragile branch of the great temporal tree, she discovered a timeline where Dormammu was definitively defeated. 

Upon closely examining the critical temporal nexus of that specific branch, the Ancient One made a startling realization: In order to trigger that victorious timeline, Kaecilius absolutely had to successfully contact Dormammu and inform the Dread Lord about Luke's existence and his anomalous dimensional powers! 

Therefore, she had chosen not to intervene. In fact, by leaving Kamar-Taj completely unguarded and taking all the loyal sorcerers to Asgard, she had actively, intentionally stimulated Kaecilius's rebellion! 

This should ensure the timeline progresses safely toward victory. 

The Ancient One breathed a quiet sigh of relief. She turned her attention back to Luke, who had just opened a massive Sling Ring portal. 

Hundreds of wildly enthusiastic Kamar-Taj sorcerers poured out of the portal, staring in absolute, wide-eyed wonder at the breathtaking, gleaming architecture of Asgard. 

A contingent of Einherjar guards quickly moved in to escort the excited sorcerers to their designated guest quarters. Luke casually strolled over to Odin. 

"So, these are the legendary sorcerers of Kamar-Taj? They certainly possess a unique... aura," Odin remarked, his single eye glinting with amusement. 

With his profound perception, Odin could easily sense that a significant portion of these sorcerers were fundamentally bound by mystical contracts directly tied to Luke. However, even considering that, the sheer number of highly trained magic users was enough to significantly elevate his estimation of Kamar-Taj's geopolitical importance. 

Previously, Odin had assumed the Ancient One was the only truly formidable force within Kamar-Taj. But seeing this disciplined, highly capable army of spellcasters, he realized they could not be underestimated. 

If Luke organized these thousands of sorcerers into a unified, militarized battalion and supplied them with infinite dimensional energy, their combined destructive output could annihilate an entire conventional army in the blink of an eye. 

Thinking about his newly adopted daughter, Sylvie—who had just officially become the Ancient One's disciple—Odin considered proposing that she also sign a contract with Luke. In exchange, he could offer Sylvie unrestricted access to the highly classified, deeply powerful Asgardian archives of Dark Magic. 

Asgardian Dark Magic was terrifyingly potent; the most advanced spells were capable of shattering planets. He would definitely need to discuss the idea with Frigga first, as her mastery of magic far exceeded his own. 

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Odin, Luke noticed the radiant Asgardian sun beginning its slow descent toward the horizon. 

Remembering that Tony had planned a romantic sunset viewing with Pepper, Luke—being the incredibly supportive, utterly meddlesome best friend that he was—decided he absolutely needed to go check on them. 

He flew directly toward a prominent cliff overlooking the Bifrost. It was widely considered the absolute best vantage point in Asgard to watch the sunset. Tony and Pepper were undoubtedly there. 

Scanning the area, Luke quickly spotted two familiar silhouettes. 

They weren't wearing the bulky Iron Man armors. Instead, they were dressed in incredibly elegant, flowing Asgardian formal wear, leaning comfortably against each other as they watched the breathtaking cosmic sunset. 

Seeing the incredibly romantic, peaceful scene, Luke stealthily commanded a Shadow Ninja to snap a high-resolution photograph. I'll definitely print this and frame it for them later. 

Not wanting to actually ruin the romantic atmosphere by third-wheeling, Luke quietly found an isolated spot a short distance away and sat down to watch the sunset alone. 

However, watching the couple leaning affectionately against each other in the distance, Luke suddenly felt a strange, inexplicable sense of emptiness. The beautiful sunset suddenly seemed a little less vibrant. 

Hiss... is spring finally arriving for me too? Am I actually feeling lonely? Luke shook his head helplessly, trying to dispel the odd melancholic feeling. 

"Uh... Luke? Do you happen to know where Thor went?" a highly confused voice suddenly called out from nearby, abruptly interrupting his introspection. 

"Jane?!" 

Luke turned around and stared in sheer bewilderment. Jane Foster was standing entirely alone on the cliff, wearing a beautiful Asgardian gown, looking utterly lost. Thor was absolutely nowhere to be seen. 

What the hell? Why would that idiot abandon Jane on a cliff right before sunset?! 

"I have absolutely no idea," Jane said, looking genuinely perplexed. "Just a minute ago, Thor's hammer suddenly ripped itself out of his hand and flew away at top speed! He immediately summoned his armor and flew off chasing after it! I have no idea where he went!" 

? 

His hammer just... flew away?! 

Luke blinked in confusion. What the hell is going on? Don't tell me Thor's sister, Hela, just broke out of her seal?! 

After all, Mjolnir was originally Hela's weapon before it was passed down to Thor. If she had somehow escaped, it would make perfect sense for her to forcefully summon her old weapon!