Before departing, Odin instructed Heimdall to guide the guests from Kamar-Taj on a tour of Asgard.
The honor guard that had come to welcome them barely had time to arrange music before the ceremony ended abruptly.
Tony and the others followed Heimdall across the Bifrost Bridge, still stunned by what had just happened.
"What was that all about? Looked like Malrick dropped one of the opponents in an instant," Tony whispered.
He frowned. "Does he really not trust our strength that much?"
Mordo replied calmly, "I recall the last time I came here, it was after Malrick and Odin stared each other down for several minutes. Only then did they finally shake hands and make peace."
Wong nodded knowingly. "That wasn't just staring. It was a clash within the soul. The horned warrior who fell earlier must have been caught up in it."
"Seriously? Then Bambi over there was innocent after all." Tony rubbed his chin, privately noting that his armor didn't seem equipped to counter that kind of attack.
The others kept their voices low, but Asgardians had sharp ears, and some of the locals nearby were already listening in.
Heimdall, who was leading the way, suddenly turned back and said, "He is not Bambi. He is Prince Loki of Asgard, one of His Majesty's two sons."
Tony blinked. "Your prince? That gloomy guy?"
Speeding up to walk beside Heimdall, he said, "I don't think we've been formally introduced. I'm—"
"Tony Stark," Heimdall cut him off without looking. "I know who you are. I know all of you."
Tony paused, impressed despite himself. "Wow. The All-Father wasn't kidding when he said you were Heimdall. Though I've got to admit, you're not quite what fairy tales make you out to be."
Heimdall remained stone-faced, staring forward, his golden eyes unblinking.
"Not much of a talker? Fine. That's one way to act like a god."
Tony looked around at the cosmic expanse. "So how about a tour guide moment? The gravity here feels heavier than Earth's. And tell me—are those actual rivers spilling into space?"
The Bifrost stretched before them, a shimmering bridge forged from seven radiant colors. Beneath it surged a vast ocean, spilling over Asgard's edge like an endless silver waterfall that cascaded straight into the void.
Their vantage point allowed them to see millions of tons of water tumbling endlessly into the cosmos.
"Asgard is no different from the other realms of the Nine Realms," Heimdall finally said. "It is a celestial body, though not like your planets. It does not rotate or orbit. It is a world of heaven above and earth below, shaped as your myths describe."
As guardian and guide, Heimdall spoke with authority, his words steeped in pride for his homeland. His descriptions drew the group in despite themselves.
After crossing part of the Bifrost, Heimdall summoned steeds, and they rode toward the shining heart of Asgard.
Tony couldn't resist muttering, "So your bridge works like an Einstein-Rosen portal strong enough to wipe out a planet, but you still ride horses everywhere? Really mixing your tech levels here."
But his sarcasm was lost on the majesty around them.
Golden towers pierced the sky, glistening like a thousand blades of light. At the center, the grand palace rose—a citadel forged as though from countless swords fused together, blazing so brightly it nearly blinded their eyes.
Even from a distance, the entire group could feel the martial pride and regal aura that defined Asgard.
As they passed through the streets, locals stopped to watch. Their gazes lingered on the visitors, curious but skeptical.
There were fewer people than expected, yet word of the upcoming contest had clearly spread. Many whispered as they sized up Heimdall's guests.
Aside from Tony and Pietro, who looked battle-ready, most of the others seemed unimpressive at first glance—women, scholars, and men who didn't look like warriors. The Asgardians scoffed openly.
"This group won't stand a chance against Thor or the Warriors Three," someone muttered.
"They're staring at us like we're a circus act," Tony said under his breath.
"You're not imagining it," Banner added quietly. "I just heard someone say I've got flabby muscles and a soft belly."
Betty scowled. "And they completely ignored the women in our group. Typical."
Natasha's sharp eyes flicked to the crowd. "It's not surprising. This is a culture built on strength. Women aren't considered equal here, unless they're exceptional warriors. And notice how they only praise Thor, never Loki. Clearly, Loki's cunning isn't valued the way Thor's strength is."
"You are correct," Heimdall confirmed without turning. "In Asgard, strength commands respect. If you wish to prove yourselves, you will have your chance in today's battle."
Tony smirked. "Then they're in for a surprise." His eyes slid toward Wanda. He didn't know how Asgard measured strength, but he was certain Wanda's abilities would rank among the highest anywhere.
"We've got an ace," Tony murmured.
This time, Heimdall actually smiled. "I have seen your battles. You are all remarkable. Perhaps you will teach the princes humility."
For the next three hours, the group explored Asgard's wonders. They even crossed paths with the Warriors Three, who left after tossing some arrogant remarks their way. Jarvis's scans, however, suggested their physical stats weren't beyond Pietro's. That fact alone boosted Tony's confidence in the upcoming fight.
At the height of Asgard's day, they finally entered the grand arena—a colosseum vast enough to hold thousands. Spectators already filled the stands, their roars shaking the structure.
Odin stood tall upon the main platform, Malrick beside him. Behind them gathered Asgard's champions: Thor, Loki, the Warriors Three, and a fierce-looking female warrior.
Loki, though recovered from earlier, looked pale and brooding.
Malrick raised his hand, and with a wave of telekinesis, he lifted Tony and the others onto the platform.
The crowd erupted, their cheers booming like thunder, a testament to how deeply Asgard revered power.
When all the warriors had assembled, Odin addressed the arena, recounting the history of Kamar-Taj and the importance of this contest. He introduced Malrick with emphasis, declaring Asgard and Kamar-Taj as unshakable allies.
Then Malrick himself spoke, brief but commanding.
The introductions ended, and both sides retired to their quarters to prepare.
The first battle would begin in half an hour.
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