The Asgardian Paladin

Luo Wei remembered this name, not only from the memory of this world but also from the memory of his previous life.

If he recalled correctly, Skurge was supposed to be the Asgardian warrior who later became the Executioner, famously serving Hela in Thor: Ragnarok. But as far as he knew, Odin's eldest daughter, Hela, was only a few decades old at this point. Was Skurge and Hela the same age? That didn't seem right based on how things played out in the movies.

Or was this not the Marvel Cinematic Universe he was familiar with but a different version of the Marvel multiverse—one that deviated from the storylines he knew?

Luo Wei frowned slightly. If this world didn't strictly adhere to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, how much could his foresight help him? Although he had some knowledge of the comics, it was surface-level at best.

"Do you remember now?" Skurge asked, sounding slightly impatient.

"Ahem… yeah, I remember," Luo Wei replied.

Skurge grinned, his smile turning somewhat crude. He clapped Luo Wei on the shoulder. "I bet you didn't forget Amora's kiss."

Luo Wei blinked. "What?"

Skurge's eyes widened. "You forgot even that?"

"…Yeah, I forgot."

"Well, I've decided to forgive you for forgetting my name," Skurge said with a laugh.

Luo Wei hesitated before asking, "What exactly does 'Amora's kiss' mean?"

From what he remembered, Amora was a powerful sorceress—an enchantress and a villain in Asgardian history. What did he have to do with her?

Skurge gestured excitedly, his voice filled with emotion. "The reason you fell from the tree! You and Amora made a bet in the name of the All-Father. If you could climb that tree and touch the highest, thinnest branch, she'd give you a real kiss—the kind where you could stick your tongue in!"

"You did it. Everyone was watching, waiting under the tree!"

Luo Wei broke into a cold sweat. So that's why he fell from the tree?

He suddenly understood why Uncle Peter had no patience for reckless nephews. If he had a relative like this, he'd probably be exasperated, too.

Luo Wei wanted to leave, to pretend this never happened.

But Skurge was having none of it. He pushed Luo Wei forward with the strength of a bull. "You swore in the name of the All-Father! You have to go!"

Luo Wei was smaller and thinner, so he had no way to resist Skurge's force. He was shoved forward almost immediately.

After a few steps, he suddenly stopped and muttered, "The All-Father?"

Skurge was startled. "You forgot the All-Father, too?"

Luo Wei thought carefully. He hadn't forgotten, but he had been so focused on Odin in his previous life that he subconsciously overlooked someone important—Kuur, the original All-Father of Asgard in this timeline.

Although Luo Wei wasn't a deep comic book reader, he knew about Kuur from The Fear Itself storyline.

Kuur, Odin's older brother, was the firstborn heir of Bor, the former King of Asgard. He was also the current ruler of Asgard, the All-Father, and the God of Fear.

In Fear Itself, it was revealed that Kuur was the rightful ruler of Asgard, but Odin had overthrown him, seized his throne, and buried the truth.

But in this world, Kuur was still king.

That meant Asgard was bound for internal conflict at some point… They had enemies inside and outside. Luo Wei sighed.

After a while, Skurge led him to a small grove. In the middle stood a towering tree, dozens of meters high, with thick branches and dense foliage.

A group of a dozen or so gathered beneath it—mostly teenagers, chatting in pairs and small clusters.

One figure stood out: a blonde girl at the center. She was stunningly beautiful, dressed in a mature style that didn't quite match her youthful age. A confident, almost seductive aura surrounded her.

There were also several silent figures nearby, particularly one tall, muscular, bald man whose expression was especially dark.

"This is the tree you fell from," Skurge said, pointing.

The crowd noticed them and erupted in cheers.

"Look who finally showed up!"

"Haha, Luo Wei's here to claim his prize~"

A few whistles rang out, and the excitement in the air grew.

Luo Wei felt humiliated. He was practically shoved toward Amora, as if being presented before her.

"Hey, Amora." He greeted her awkwardly, unsure what else to say.

He had to admit, even at a young age, Amora was breathtaking. No wonder the men around her eyed him with clear hostility.

Including Skurge. Luo Wei could sense a bit of jealousy from him, though it was mixed with something else—excitement, maybe? Luo Wei couldn't quite figure it out.

But one thing was clear: he wanted nothing to do with this situation.

He knew enough about Amora to understand she was a villain. Getting involved with her could only bring trouble.

"You actually managed to touch the branch," Amora mused, her gaze flickering with surprise. "I thought you'd fail." She exhaled softly, then added, "But I swore in the name of the All-Father, so I must fulfill my promise."

In Asgard, an oath made in the name of the All-Father was sacred. Few dared to break them.

Amora brushed her golden hair back and took a step toward Luo Wei, her lips curling into a smile. She bit her lower lip slightly, exuding an irresistible charm. She was like a ripe peach, full of sweetness.

Skurge's eyes widened in awe.

The crowd whistled, some laughing, some holding their breath in anticipation.

"Wait."

No one expected Luo Wei to suddenly raise his hand and interrupt.

"What's wrong, Luo Wei? Need to rinse your mouth first?" someone joked.

The group erupted into laughter.

Luo Wei took a deep breath and steadied himself. "Sorry, Amora. I didn't think about it before, but… You don't have to kiss me. Let's just forget this happened."

A stunned silence fell over the crowd.

No teenage boy in his right mind would reject a kiss from a beautiful girl—especially one he had nearly died earning.

"Are you joking?" Skurge whispered.

"Hey, Luo Wei, if you don't want it, I'd be happy to take it!" someone shouted, making the group laugh again.

But Luo Wei remained firm. "I'm serious. I've decided to take this as a lesson—for my past recklessness and stupidity."

Amora studied him, momentarily speechless.

After a pause, she smirked. "Fine. If you don't want it now, I won't force you. But the offer stands—whenever you change your mind, I'll be waiting~"

The atmosphere shifted instantly. The men who had been sulking moments before now glared at Luo Wei with open hostility.

Especially the tall, bald man—he clenched his fist, his knuckles cracking.

Luo Wei sighed inwardly. Great. Now I've annoyed an entire group of suitors.

As the crowd dispersed, Skurge looked oddly disappointed.

"Skurge?" Luo Wei called.

"Huh?" Skurge snapped out of his thoughts.

"I'm heading back." Luo Wei patted him on the shoulder and walked off.

As the sun dipped lower, casting golden light through the trees, Luo Wei couldn't help but wonder: What exactly is Asgard's sun?

Asgard had days and nights, yet no visible celestial rotation. Its calendar had years and months, yet no clear astronomical cycles.

This land floated in space, not a planet, yet gravity remained stable.

It was as if a god who didn't understand physics had designed it…

Just then, Luo Wei felt a presence and turned sharply.

A black-haired woman approached him. She wore light armor, her face both beautiful and proud.

"Luo Wei, son of Garri," she addressed him.

Luo Wei narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"

She ignored his question. "Do you know why Amora made that bet with you?"

Luo Wei frowned. "Why?"

"She once received a prophecy in the Cave of Time." The woman smirked. "A prophecy that said—you were destined to fall to your death."