No matter how much Su Ming pleaded or persuaded, the Lord of the Immortal Palace was ultimately not as easily deceived as the Magnetic King; he simply helped deal with killing Braille.
As for the controlled army, he refused to move at all.
The Blood Count belongs to the Blood Race, while Braille is an Alien. His actions against these two could be justified, as it was forbidden to interfere with the lives of Midgard's ordinary mortals—a rule he himself established, requiring the entire Asgard to abide by.
Midgard bears the Nine Realms' name, yet remains independent in certain aspects, stemming from an ancient agreement between Odin and The Ancient One.
Although The Ancient One has now retired as the Supreme Mage, being a top-level Warlock transcending time with Emperor Vishanti as an ally, Odin decided to uphold the agreement.
Not to mention, with Deathstroke inviting him to act, he sensed some conspiracy, resolutely avoiding falling for it.
Thus, Su Ming could only watch with slight regret as the Crow flew away, disappearing into the pitch-black night.
"Haha, look at its silhouette; it really resembles a Bat, doesn't it?"
Su Ming spoke to the Strangulation tentacle that appeared on his shoulder, casually stuffing a black feather into its mouth.
This is the feather and a bit of blood from the Divine Crow; given to Strangulation for copying, Su Ming was somewhat interested in this divine power cordless telephone.
Whether anything could be researched from it, he'd strike while the iron is hot regardless.
However, Strangulation indicated it tasted terrible—as it was not a biological entity but rather something manifested from energy, devoid of anything but energy, let alone replicating cellular and molecular structures—the feather could be said to be composed of shadows.
"Is that so... oh well, no wonder those two Crows always stand on Odin's throne; this is a place where there is light, there is shadow, yet Odin placed it in a spot visible to everyone but unnoticed. It taught me something."
Su Ming did not feel regret over not gaining anything, instead reflecting that compared to Zeus next door, Odin far surpasses him in countless ways.
Overall, the main strategy involves forming a cohesive whole with the Nine Realms centered on Earth, laying groundwork for future arrangements, thus the Supreme Mage needs to 'stand from Earth's standpoint to aid the Nine Realms.'
This position often makes Su Ming seem like he is pitting against Odin, damaging Asgard's interests; Thor, that brainless fellow, would likely think so.
But does Odin really know nothing himself? He is aware and tacitly consents.
Another who holds intelligence on par with Odin is Hel, still relaxing with drinks in her dark and shadowless palace, not taking any action.
These two are not fools; they understand that Asgard's losses today are simply paid in exchange for the future.
Everything reflects the Supreme Mage's style—the same familiar flavor; even if The Ancient One is replaced by Deathstroke, the game's rule remains unchanged—that is, equivalent exchange, seeking a chance for survival in the Twilight of the Gods.
However, Hel currently is not the enlightened former self who would eventually travel to Earth to become a video game enthusiast; as long as Odin lives, Hel remains at odds with Asgard.
But this issue is their family affair, which Su Ming bothers not to intervene.
Currently, the sole imminent threat they face is the Great Serpent, yet over the years Odin's elder brother has vanished without a trace, with no sign of the Hammer of Winter and Stone of Destiny, becoming another hidden threat.
With Braille dead, Su Ming needs only to have Old Wan clean up the grunts, and now the only remaining matters are Lady Lotus in Chicago and Zemo who mysteriously ran off to Los Angeles.
After a brief consideration, Su Ming decided to head to Chicago first, as Lady Lotus is a Superpower User, whereas Zemo is not.
Allowing that inherently controlling woman to run amok presents too much uncertainty; although this Japanese woman is useful, she must be deterred and controlled.
After assigning tasks to the Magnetic King covering three cities, Su Ming himself vanished into the sky instantly, and with the Magic Floating Cloak accelerating, within the next second, he arrived at the corresponding location in Chicago.
In this era, it could be considered the second busiest place besides New York; a glance at the roadside ruins vaguely suggests various entertainment venues, while not far away within an open-roof, wall-less building, Lady Lotus was seated at the remaining half of the bar, drinking.
She exuded extreme elegance and dignity, her beauty outstanding among Japanese women of this era, certainly more attractive than Logan's new wife.
At this moment, she wore a deep-colored kimono, her collar surrounded by a snow-white fur scarf, as if not on a battlefield but at home.
After clearing her guards, these ordinary soldiers didn't slow Deathstroke's pace. He walked directly to the bar, seating himself beside her.
She looked at him through her drunken haze, lightly parted her red lips to speak in Japanese: "As expected, you still came, Mr. Deathstroke."
"No need for honorifics like 'Mr.' or 'Lord,' it seems you knew I'd seek you out." Su Ming retrieved his own liquor from the waist pouch, placing it on the table: "Do you wish to live or die?"
"As a tool, I possess intelligence; both Zemo and I understand Faust's intent in leading the task force executing the Kamikaze mission." Lotus nonchalantly grabbed the liquor bottle, embracing it.
Su Ming nodded, sensing she wanted to live, although she wasn't genuinely drunk, it was all an act.
"Then leave Hydra; I'll show you a way to continue living."
"No one can depart Hydra; traitors aren't permitted." Lotus shook her head—if constantly living in fear of Hydra assassinations, unaware of when death might strike, she'd rather die here.
Su Ming handed her a cigarette: "But if it's an internal Hydra transfer, the issue differs. Before, you followed the Red Skull, now it's Zemo, so switching leaders shouldn't be a big deal, right?"
"You have someone in Hydra?" Lady Lotus asked, raising her head in surprise.
"Not yet, but soon. Once I deal with Lady Nine-Heads and Faust, many things and secrets will be manageable. I don't require your full loyalty, just need you to accomplish one task; once you succeed, never return to the United States, and you can peacefully continue living—it's a deal."
Su Ming observed her open mouth, pushing the cigarette towards her hand to calm her shock.
"Speak, in this chaotic world, I, a powerless woman, can only rely on a stronger individual to survive," Lady Lotus lowered her head, speaking pitifully.
Yet still an act—this woman is no weakling, only her Mind Control Skill proved ineffective on Deathstroke.
"You represent Hydra, go to Japan and find a man named Yashida Ichiro; I'll provide the address. Within the next year, help him use all means to ascend ranks. Subsequently, I'll send a replacement for your role, granting you a substantial sum, allowing you to enjoy a quiet life elsewhere—it's a transaction."
"I agree, thank you for not putting undue pressure on a powerless woman, sir." Lotus bowed courteously, her gaze seemingly glistening with tears.
Again a façade—she's merely seeking self-preservation.
Perhaps sensing her comrades' deaths and recognizing Deathstroke's impending execution, she temporarily submits to the circumstances.
However, Su Ming never anticipated her compliance, nor naively believed she'd uphold her truthfulness and execute as intended.
Hence, he retrieved a Magic Contract from a pouch; this Hamill-prepared magic document, witnessed by Emperor Vishanti, was activated shortly after when the Magnetic King and Supreme Mage struck a deal.
Now, upon Lady Lotus's spoken acceptance, the once-blank paper instantly filled with all agreement terms, and an immense will flashed through the air, validating the contract.
"Alright, a deity far surpassing your Amaterasu by thousands of times has witnessed your vow. If you break it or fail to honor your commitments, the consequence will be dire." Su Ming held up the burning contract, shaking it before her.
That paper burnt without ashes, leaving nothing except both participants' constraints and bonds invisibly.
Lady Lotus bit her lower lip—had she been exposed? What a formidable man... yet, at this juncture, powerless to alter her fate—perhaps it truly was destiny.