novelhk Chapter 209 Getting something for nothing
Chapter 209 Getting something for nothing
Chapter 209 Getting something for nothing
A bold idea surged in Rune's mind: if figures like Odin and the Serpent could sense the terrifying catastrophe in the multiverse, then powerful beings like the Vishanti and Cyttorak would certainly not be able to ignore it. Considering that Rune wanted to introduce a new magic system into the DC Universe, this multiverse catastrophe caused by the transcendent gods would actually be beneficial to his plan.
His first thought was to sell tickets to the new world, which later became the normal universe, and the ships were in Rune's hands.
The DC universe where Rune lives is a world that will not experience terrible upheavals in the short term, and the lucky ones who obtained the tickets will be able to safely weather this disaster there.
What's even better is that this is essentially a risk-free business, and those gods would certainly be willing to spend countless treasures to obtain this ticket, which is much faster than making money through robbery.
Suppressing his thoughts, Rune explained, "But what if your universe can't escape this catastrophe either?" The serpent sneered, and Odin nodded.
Rune, however, felt that their ideas were meaningless. Not to mention that DC and Marvel are not in the same system at all, and their major events do not affect each other, even if the Beyonders really traveled to DC and wanted to cause the destruction of the multiverse, they would first have to face the Watchers, and then the Wall of Origin.
Defeating the Watchers was already incredibly difficult for the Beyonders, but breaking through the Origin Wall was an even greater pipe dream. It not only separated the boundaries of parallel universes but also sealed Perpetua. The special substance on it could bind any matter to it; if a living being came into contact with it, it would be unconsciously immobilized within, like a vegetable. Therefore, theoretically, unless the Origin Wall is breached...
Otherwise, the multiverse would basically not collide with each other.
"I believe in my universe, but considering your short-sightedness, I'm willing to let one of you take a tour. Since you can sense the horrific catastrophe happening in this universe, I think you should also be able to sense whether this catastrophe will happen in another universe."
Rune knew that words alone wouldn't convince anyone, so he chose to send a god-king to visit the DC Universe. After he finished speaking,
Odin and the serpent exchanged a glance. Rune had expected them to fight, but the serpent simply took two steps back, gesturing for Odin to step forward.
Odin didn't waste any words. He watched as Rune opened the portal, then took a deep breath.
"What terrifying dark magic—" he murmured, but without any hesitation, he stepped directly into the portal. As soon as he entered the DC Universe, he looked up at the sky. The night sky was filled with stars, but heavy darkness still shrouded most of the sky.
"Is this your universe?"
Rune nodded, while Odin closed his eyes, carefully sensing something, before finally bursting into laughter.
"Indeed, your universe is safe." He patted Rune on the shoulder, then walked back and discussed the matter with his brother. Finally, Odin sat back on his throne.
"Now, let's talk about the reward, Lord Odin." Rune smiled, while Odin sneered.
"It's truly difficult to hear you address me as 'Your Excellency.' Now, if you push your luck and demand rewards that don't meet my expectations, I will not let you succeed, even if it means annihilating the entire Asgard."
"Of course, the prices I've offered have always been fair," Rune nodded.
As he said, Rune's demand for payment did not cross Odin's bottom line, and their deal was quickly finalized.
"To be honest, before I just wanted to win you over by adopting you as a son," Odin stroked his beard, looking at Rune with satisfaction, "Now, I genuinely want you as a son. Aren't you going to consider it?"
Rune shook his head. He didn't have the habit of claiming fathers everywhere. Even with Jonathan, Rune was unwilling to call him "father" to his face, even though Jonathan was nominally his adoptive father.
"I believe in two principles of trading: one is mutual benefit and the other is not to make a single penny more than necessary." After saying this, Rune left, and Odin nodded thoughtfully at his words.
"Not greedy, and pragmatic." The giant serpent, wielding his enormous warhammer, said coldly, "He is truly suited to be my Heavenly Hammer Venerable."
Odin merely scoffed, "He's a very proud fellow; he could never be your servant."
"I know."
This is essentially a risk-free business; it's just a matter of how much profit one makes. And who says Rune's rewards are limited to what's publicly stated? Emotional value certainly counts as a reward. Demanding excessively high rewards might seem profitable on the surface, but offending two god-kings for it is completely not worth it. Trying to earn even the last penny often results in losing one's life.
Rune returned the way he came. He could have opened a portal back to Midgard, but he went to Heimdall's side instead.
"Did you also witness that catastrophe?" Rune asked. Heimdall nodded. He possessed one of the most unique eyes in the entire universe, capable of perceiving everything. However, given the special nature of the Secret War, Rune wasn't sure if Heimdall could perceive anything.
Hence this question.
"Okay, send me down," Rune said nonchalantly. Before he was teleported, Rune reminded him, "I hope you can protect your eyes."
After re-experiencing the beauty of the Nine Realms, Rune finally returned to Earth. He grabbed a quick bite at a random place and then went straight back to Avengers Tower.
It was getting late; it was time to pick Clark up and take him home.
Upon arriving at the underground training room, Rune saw Clark lying exhausted on the floor. Beside him, Steve frowned and reached out to help Clark up.
"Don't lie down on the ground immediately after training, or you'll be even more tired the next day."
Clark let out a mournful cry, stood up listlessly, his legs still trembling. It was hard to imagine what kind of extreme training could have made Superman so exhausted.
"How's the training going?" Rune, always eager for a good show, leaned over and asked gleefully.
"Very good." Steve nodded seriously. "I worked with several experts to develop a scientific training regimen for him. He'll also have a massage to help relax his muscles, and—"
Steve looked at Clark, then said to Rune, "He really works hard."
Although Clark was exhausted, he never said he would give up, which was almost impossible for a newcomer. As a veteran member of the Avengers, he had seen too many superhumans give up because they couldn't endure the harsh training. Of course, they could also become Avengers, but Steve wouldn't believe in their will.
"Of course." Rune nodded, looking at Clark. "Clark will be the hope of many, many people in the future; he has that potential."
"Yeah." Steve handed Clark a bottle of electrolyte water. "I think so too."
If these words warmed Clark's heart, then Rune's next sentence plunged him into an icy abyss.
"Clark can continuously grow stronger by absorbing sunlight, so you need to retest Clark's physical fitness every now and then and revise the training plan accordingly."
After saying that, Rune gave Clark a thumbs up.
"Damn runes, I hate you!"