The cave fell silent again, and a system prompt rang in Russell's ears.
[ The entry plundering has been completed. ]
[ Frost Bloodline - Low Level (Green)
A low-level frost giant bloodline that slightly enhances physical attributes and creates icy blue patterns on the skin.
This bloodline weakens the Extremis Virus. ]
[ Frost Bloodline - Low Level (Green).
This bloodline cannot be stacked.]
[ Frost Bloodline - Low Level (White).
This bloodline cannot be stacked. A very weak Frost Giant bloodline with almost no physical buffs and only weak cold resistance. ]
[ Intermediate Combat (White). Decent fighting ability; capable of defeating up to five ordinary humans. ]
[ Submissive (Green). A tendency to grovel and surrender to enemies, with a chance of being spared or captured. ]
[ Deception - Low Level (White).
Allows weak deception through speech.
This effect is easily seen through. ]
Russell's face twitched involuntarily.
"What kind of garbage is this?"
Not only were the entries useless, some of them would actively weaken him. These were even worse than the Quill's entries!
"This is too Loki."
Without hesitation, Russell discarded the useless entries. Even looking at them for a second felt like pollution to his eyes.
Fortunately, the system continued:
[ Vanaheim Lineage - General (White) Average Vanaheim physique, with low magical affinity and a healthy constitution. ]
[ Submission - Intermediate (Blue) By submitting, you'll have a better chance of being accepted as a subordinate. ]
[ Advanced Magic - Illusion Magic - Low Level (Green) Grants limited illusionary magic abilities, such as minor transformations, creating magical fireworks, and medium-powered magical ball attacks.
This entry can be practiced and upgraded over time. ]
Russell breathed a sigh of relief and almost cried with gratitude.
"Finally, something useful!"
Four Lokis and nine entries later, sifting through the junk finally yielded something of value. Even though the Illusion Magic was low level, the fact that it could be practiced and improved was invaluable.
And that was the magic Russell had come for.
"Not a total loss!"
He immediately loaded the entry, gaining control of the magic and its knowledge.
But his satisfaction quickly turned to frustration.
It turned out that this Loki hadn't really mastered the magic!
It wasn't that Queen Frigga hadn't taught him, or that he hadn't learned it - he had simply forgotten most of it. Only a vague impression remained.
"I hate Lokis."
Russell muttered under his breath, summoning flames from his Extremis Virus to completely incinerate the four bodies.
Though the earlier stupidity of these Lokis had been maddening, it might save him some trouble in the end.
"Hopefully, the next batch of Lokis will be more reliable."
A faint green light shimmered over Russell's body as his appearance changed into something completely unrecognizable.
Elsewhere, in a huge cave that was 400 to 500 square meters in size, another Loki made his presence known.
"I declare!"
"Article 267 is now in effect! Driving without honking is strictly prohibited in Loki City!"
Standing proudly in the center was a Loki wearing a golden antler crown and a tattered green suit.
In front of him were eight or nine different Lokis, each with their own unique appearance.
One Loki, who had bicycle handlebars attached to his hat to mimic a crown, scratched his head and asked:
"But, Mr. President, we have no cars."
"Shut up!"
President Loki snapped, pointing an accusing finger.
"The Constitution has nothing to do with whether we have cars or not, you idiot!"
Another Loki, wearing a leather hat adorned with several small horns, interrupted:
"That's all well and good, but isn't it my turn to be king today?"
President Loki nodded solemnly.
"The positions of King and President are not mutually exclusive. You are the king, and I am the president."
The distinction caused two nearby Lokis to whisper in confusion.
"Does the presidency rotate? Can I be president too?"
This innocent question sent a wave of murmurs through the group.
President Loki, clearly prepared for such questions, theatrically flipped through a copy of How to Be a Crafty, Blonde & Zippy President.
"Sorry, there is no such clause in the Constitution."
"Request denied."
To avoid further questioning, he clapped his hands to divert their attention.
"That's enough for today. Loki, you mentioned finding a Loki base?"
He turned to a burly, tattooed Loki with thick arms and a scruffy beard.
The latter grinned and bragged:
"Haha, that stupid Loki tried to trick me! He thought he could lure me into his trap and kill me. But I'm smarter than him!"
"I played along and got the location of his base. Turns out there are four Lokis inside, with plenty of food and wine!"
"Besides, no one's taking the axe from me - or I'll smash their heads in!"
President Loki smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry. No one will challenge your right to the axe."
"Using my presidential power, I declare it your trophy!"
The other Loki, momentarily distracted by this display of power, seemed to forget their complaints.
"Now, let's move. If we wait too long, they might run, and we'll lose!"
A Loki stationed at a periscope peered outside before turning and shouting:
"The monster's gone!"
"We can move out!"
Cheers erupted as the Loki army eagerly prepared for action.
Half an hour later, President Loki and his army arrived at the base described by Viking Loki. They found the entrance hidden in a pipe and descended into the depths.
But when they reached the cavern, they were greeted by an unexpected sight.
Instead of a bustling Loki base, there was only a lazy Loki lounging on a chair in the middle of the room.
The scene left everyone stunned.
"Where was the food? The wine? The four Lokis?"
President Loki stepped forward and forced a diplomatic smile.
"Dear Mr. Loki, if you vote for me in the next presidential election, I will allow you to join our team and live in peace."
The other Lokis exchanged confused looks.
"Election? When has there ever been an election?"
President Loki's tone grew cold.
"Of course, if you refuse, you are not a citizen of Loki City. That makes you an enemy."
"As such, we have the right to execute you."
"So, what will it be?"
The President looked expectantly at the lone Loki, eager to add him to his growing dominion.
The other Loki, though restless, waited for the answer.
But instead of answering, the lone Loki sighed and spoke in a resigned tone:
"For Loki's sake, I'll give you a choice."
"I really don't want to go through any more garbage entries. So here's the deal: Those who can use Illusion Magic stay. Those who can't - get out."