Chapter 583: Chapter 583: The Rich Asgardians
Is Asgard powerful?
As the overlord of the universe, they are incredibly powerful.
On Earth, only the Sorcerer Supreme has the ability to challenge them.
In the Vientiane World, although Lockhart believed his strength was considerable, he was definitely not a match for Asgard.
This time, Asgard had chosen a very formal process for establishing trade and diplomatic relations.
To be honest, it was quite beyond Lockhart's expectations.
After all, with his current strength, unless the Sorcerer Supreme gave him backing, there was no way he could be considered Asgard's equal.
And yet Asgard had chosen to approach with the most dignified manner.
Lockhart, of course, could have chosen to treat the matter more seriously as well—perhaps summoning many students to form an impressive formation, or assembling a robot army to welcome the visitors.
At the very least, he could have created a specific grand scene by manipulating the Vientiane World itself.
But...
Would Lockhart be foolish enough to do this?
The power of Asgard was unquestionable.
If he had prepared to overshadow his guests or compete for attention...
It might suddenly arouse their competitive spirit.
No matter how good the relationship between Lockhart and Thor was, the subsequent trade negotiations would inevitably be affected.
Therefore, he chose the gentlest approach to handle things—talking about their shared past and emphasizing friendship.
Through this method of using softness to overcome strength, Asgard gained a good reputation.
At the same time, it brought the relationship between the two parties closer, ensuring that the subsequent trade process would not be affected in any way—or might even improve.
As for the prestige of the Vientiane World?
Frankly, Lockhart had always valued actual benefits the most. Face was nice to have, but not essential.
The large-scale research institute he had established dealt with real resources every day.
To be honest, the plan he was preparing to launch next would consume an even greater amount of resources.
Asgard's arrival at this time essentially gave Lockhart more confidence for his next venture.
The wealthy people of Asgard weren't called rich for nothing.
He remembered how Thor, that wealthy prince, had given him all the Destroyer armor fragments without a second thought.
And Lockhart had made a fortune from that.
Now, he was counting on the wealthy Asgardians to spend their money generously.
Open the doors and welcome them in.
Welcome, Asgard's big spenders!
At this moment, the Asgardian warriors and the beauties of the honor guard were following their guides through Forest Avenue, looking at the bustling shops on both sides of the street.
When they saw the red banners hanging above these stores, they couldn't help but nod with great satisfaction.
Everyone welcomed Asgard, and this gesture reflected the pride in their hearts.
Their favorable impression of the Vientiane World and its stores suddenly increased.
When the guide beside them noticed this, he immediately began to gently suggest that a particular shop sold wonderful and exquisite magical toys.
The Asgardian beauty nearby immediately blinked her eyes with interest.
In just a few moments, a charming scene unfolded—the beauty entered the shop, followed closely by several Asgardian warriors.
Then...
The metaphorical sickle was swung high, and the customers flowed in like a harvest.
These big spenders from Asgard walked out of the store carrying armfuls of magical weapons, toys, and potions.
The store owner followed them to the door, tearfully waving and inviting them to visit again.
Well, at that moment, he had made ten times his normal profit with tears of joy in his eyes.
What a mistake—he thought he should have doubled the prices again!
As expected of wealthy customers, every one of them exuded the aura of prosperity.
The Vientiane World was huge, and soon the beauties and warriors from Asgard spread out in different directions.
They were attracted by the various shops, leisure places, and restaurants throughout the Vientiane World.
Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers, who was watching from the side, was stunned when she saw this scene.
So this was how you separated wealthy visitors from their money!
Coulson beside her couldn't help but look envious at the sight.
Then...
"Hey, Director, it's like manna from heaven!"
"Hurry up and bring the firearms, toys, and all kinds of goods we sell to the Vientiane World."
"Put them in our shop—these Asgardians are incredibly rich."
"Whether S.H.I.E.L.D. can profit from this opportunity depends on how quickly we move."
Ignoring Captain Marvel, Coulson made several calls in succession, reporting the news to Director Fury and giving orders to his agents.
Stock up quickly, stock up quickly!
Who knew when these Asgardians might be lured away by other vendors?
The sooner they could make sales, the sooner they would profit.
At the same time, Lockhart observed the enthusiastic shopping spree of the Asgardians through the Vientiane World's monitoring system and couldn't help but nod with great satisfaction.
However, he soon focused his attention on Thor, Sif, and the Warriors Three seated across from him.
"Volstagg, Fandral, Hogun, it's been a long time, but you're still as impressive as ever."
At the dinner table, Lockhart greeted the three Asgardian warriors respectfully.
Hearing Lockhart's compliment, the three of them couldn't hide their smiles.
"Long time no see, Lockhart. I didn't expect you to create such a huge world in such a short period of time," Volstagg said, looking around the huge and luxurious floating restaurant with admiration.
"Just a stroke of luck, just a stroke of luck," Lockhart replied humbly.
However, Thor would not let Lockhart be so modest.
"There's no such thing as luck. Don't be humble, Lockhart," Thor said with a smile. "My father praised you not long ago."
"He said you are a rare sorcerer among the Nine Realms."
Hearing this, Lockhart's expression changed slightly. Odin, the All-Father, knew about him and had praised him?
Such a powerful being would never idly praise others without reason.
"Come, come, sit down and eat," Lockhart said, not pursuing the topic further. "Try the magical delicacies of our world."
"Many wizards love them."
"And the wine, of course."
At his signal, various robot servers carrying platters of food and bottles of spirits slowly descended to the dining table.
Smelling the strong aroma of the wine, Thor and the Warriors Three's eyes suddenly lit up.
There was no warrior in Asgard who didn't love good wine.
Thor directly picked up a bottle of strong liquor, opened it without bothering with a glass, and started drinking straight from the bottle.
The Warriors Three and Sif did the same.
Gulp! Gulp! Gulp!
The spirits in the bottles visibly diminished as the sounds of enthusiastic swallowing continued.
"Now that's good wine!"
CRASH!
After Thor finished drinking, he sighed in appreciation, then smashed the empty bottle on the ground with a loud bang.
The other warriors followed suit.
Well, that was the custom in Asgard.
Lockhart, of course, did as the Asgardians did, and after drinking, he also smashed his bottle.
Then, naturally, he invited everyone to eat, drink, and chat.
He had to admit that sharing food and drink was indeed the best way to build relationships.
The connection between Lockhart, Sif, and the Warriors Three obviously grew stronger.
Thor relaxed completely, drinking wine, eating meat, and talking loudly.
Soon, laughter filled the air.
Suddenly...
"By the way, Lockhart, we may have to stay on Earth a little longer this time," Thor mentioned casually.
"Father has given us a mission."