Chapter 219: Space Travel
Chapter 219: Space Travel
The establishment of the teleportation array is not actually difficult.
After all, with the Bifrost as a precedent and Bi Xiao's current level of accumulated knowledge, creating a new Bifrost is very simple. The only slightly challenging part is Bi Xiao's desire for the teleportation array to enable return from any dimension.
This engineering task is quite complex.
Firstly, the barriers between multiple dimensions are not simple. Both teleportation arrays and the Bifrost are essentially applications of spatial manipulation, which can be seen as either magic or technology.
From a technological perspective, it involves spatial positioning and transition.
Considering the distances between galaxies, which can span thousands or even tens of thousands of light-years, even with a light-speed engine, a spaceship would take thousands or tens of thousands of years to cross these distances during interstellar travel.
However, for a civilization at the cosmic level, solving this problem naturally involves spatial transitions.
By setting spatial anchor points and opening a spatial channel supported by these interstellar anchors, it is possible to achieve a transition spanning thousands or tens of thousands of light-years in an instant.
The teleportation array and the Bifrost function similarly.
One anchor point is locked onto a person and marked. Through the central hub of the teleportation array, this mark can be sensed at any time, allowing precise positioning in any dimension, forcibly opening dimensional channels and enabling transition again.
The Bifrost's range is relatively small, allowing transitions only within the nine realms under Asgard's dominion, but it cannot transition beyond these areas.
This is a limitation Odin himself set. The Bifrost originally could teleport to any point in the universe. In past conquests of the universe, Odin used the Bifrost to lead his armies and clash with various major civilizations, earning great renown.
Odin imposed this restriction to show that he was no longer the ambitious Odin of old. Without this limitation, Asgard would likely provoke the vigilance and defense of other major civilizations.
After all, without limitations, Odin would have the ability to instantly teleport his army near anyone's homeland.
So, what do you intend to do?
To maintain peaceful rule, Odin voluntarily restricted the Bifrost, confining himself to the nine realms and gradually easing the defenses of other major civilizations.
Odin achieved his initial strategic goal.
Odin's voluntary restriction of the Bifrost is of no concern to Bi Xiao. Besides the Bifrost, Heaven originally had something similar, known as the Heaven's Gate. After defeating Jehovah, Bi Xiao seized the Heaven's Gate.
He completely took over all of Heaven's assets.
It can only be said that Heaven, capable of suppressing Hell, had a profound heritage and countless treasures unimaginable to most. Even a power of Asgard's level would be well-supplied if it took over.
There were all sorts of divine artifacts, materials, and magic, countless in number.
The legacy left by Heaven was enough for Bi Xiao to digest for some time.
In his study of teleportation arrays, Bi Xiao ruthlessly dismantled the Heaven's Gate, carefully researching Heaven's holy light magic.
Holy light magic includes holy light inscriptions, similar to Asgard's runes, and is one of Heaven's core secrets. Many artifacts used by angels are based on holy light inscriptions.
The Heaven's Gate was also created using holy light inscriptions.
This knowledge undoubtedly served as nourishment for Bi Xiao, who quickly mastered it. Given his current level, understanding holy light inscriptions was much faster than his initial study of runes.
He combined the magic systems of Kamar-Taj, runes, and the holy light system to create a unique system suitable for his own magic.
At this point, Bi Xiao had become a true master of integration.
While Bi Xiao was in his sanctuary fusing systems, Wanda, Pietro, and Bella arrived in Asgard. The three were frequent visitors to Asgard and were warmly received by Frigga, who treated them like her own children.
Frigga's demeanor was undeniably majestic, embodying a queenly grace that was gentle yet dignified, perfectly complementing Odin.
Odin's renown in Asgard needs no elaboration, but Frigga was equally esteemed. She chose a different path, and her grace was very well-received.
Wanda, Pietro, and Bella held Frigga in high regard.
Upon learning that Thor and the three intended to travel into the universe to track down Thanos, Frigga's eyelids twitched, as if she had something to say but ultimately remained silent.
Like Bi Xiao, Frigga looked at the group and silently mourned for Thanos.
Poor fellow.
Frigga cheerfully informs them that, if possible, they should bring back Thanos' head to rekindle the fear the universe's major powers once had of Asgard.
Asgard's low profile was due to Odin's foresight.
But now the future has changed. Thor and Loki have become more mature and have grown faster than in the original timeline. Now both have reached the level of sub-Celestial, clearly no longer needing to adhere to their original low-key plans. After all, development requires flexibility.
Thor and Loki are both future kings of Asgard, and their growth is closely tied to Asgard's development path.
Whether it is the king's way or the tyrant's way, it all depends on the two of them.
Given the current trend, beheading Thanos would achieve two things: first, it would eliminate the most notorious warlord in the universe, garnering gratitude from those who despise Thanos; second, it would intimidate the major forces in the universe.
The famous Thanos was beheaded by the brothers Thor and Loki.
As future kings, who would dare to underestimate Asgard?
Frigga's intentions were clear to Wanda, Pietro, and Bella, who did not object. After all, their goal was to kill Thanos, and if the glory went to Asgard, so be it.
Moreover, they believed Asgard would reciprocate with a grand gift.
This could be considered a tacit transaction between allies, understood but unspoken.
Under Frigga's directive, Wanda, Pietro, Bella, Thor, and Loki set off into the universe in a luxurious spaceship funded by Asgard.
Asgard does have spaceships. Although Asgard keeps a low profile, it does not mean they are entirely disconnected from the universe.
Many Asgardians travel to the universe for various missions. Thor and Loki also frequently visit different planets and trade with intermediaries to obtain information from the universe.
Asgard is very wealthy; buying a few spaceships is not an issue.
They even added some Asgardian style to these ships.
The five-person vessel is a medium-small spaceship, somewhat akin to a sightseeing ship, equipped with all necessary facilities: autopilot, a luxurious private living room, bathroom, bar, and independent single rooms.
The decor is also lavish, giving it the feel of a luxurious flying fortress.
It epitomizes luxury and enjoyment.
The spaceship is also equipped with very strong defense and weapon systems, powerful enough to destroy a medium-sized fleet of space pirates, numbering around a few hundred warships. Considering this is just a medium-small ship, its capabilities are indeed impressive.
Of course, much of this is due to modifications made by Asgard.
The spaceship heads to the Milky Way, a vast galaxy with countless planets and numerous civilizations and races. There are also various high-end tourist planets, colonized by certain powers, making money through entertainment facilities.
This is very normal for some powerful civilizations.
Pietro is very interested in piloting the spaceship. Although he can fly himself, what young boy hasn't dreamed of piloting a spaceship?
This time, that dream could come true.
Given Pietro's learning speed, he quickly mastered piloting the spaceship, with Loki as his instructor. Both Thor and Loki know how to pilot spaceships.
Pietro, with great enthusiasm, sat in the cockpit, listening to music from the onboard sound system as he flew the spaceship through the universe, feeling especially content.
Wanda and Bella were also traveling to the universe for the first time. Excited about exploring the vast cosmos, they couldn't help but feel a bit thrilled.
However, after warping to the Milky Way and heading to a planet called X23, they quickly grew bored with the monotonous scenery passing by.
In the starry sky, many planets are not luminous, and seeing a glowing one is not easy. They mostly saw darkness and gloom.
With their heightened senses, the women could see many unique sights, such as the Tri-Leaf Nebula, a small glowing gas cloud. Initially discovered in a blurry state, it looks like a dust ball made of three parts.
This celestial body is a combination of an open star cluster with an emission nebula (a relatively dense red-pink part), a reflection nebula (mainly the blue part), and a dark nebula (causing dark seams in the emission nebula).
It is very beautiful, or like swirling gas pillars made of large amounts of hydrogen and dust particles, known as "stellar wombs" for their ability to birth new stars.
But they only saw two such scenes, so they quickly grew bored.
Leaving an enthusiastic Pietro to pilot the spaceship, they went to the bar to make two drinks unique to Asgard, sipping them while discussing magical knowledge.
Loki joined their conversation.
As for Thor, uninterested in magic, he stayed with Pietro.
It didn't take long, and they didn't encounter any so-called space pirates along the way. They arrived at Planet X23. The name of this planet suggests a colonial history; it sounds rudimentary, but the planet is actually very prosperous.
However, this planet is located in a relatively remote part of the galaxy, without stable starlight, causing it to be under harsh snowy conditions year-round.
Most of the planet is covered by heavy snow, with only a small portion developed into cities.
This planet has unique resources and specialties. Additionally, it serves as a fueling station on interstellar routes, attracting many space bounty hunters, mercenaries, and space pirates who come to spend money on gambling, bars, hotels, or entertainment districts.
Thor and his companions' first destination was to seek out intermediary merchants to trade information.
These intermediaries belong to the same organization and power, specializing in selling information or posting bounty tasks. Therefore, they hold a unique and important position in the universe, though not exceptionally high.
Some high-end intermediaries serve generals, nobles, and royalty of advanced civilizations.
Others serve bounty hunters, space pirates, and mercenaries.
Naturally, Thor and his companions sought the higher-status intermediaries.
Under the vast snowfall and gloomy weather, colorful lights could be vaguely seen below. Their spaceship broke through the clouds and landed at the city's designated spaceship dock.
The luxurious and extravagant spaceship immediately drew attention from those at the dock.
People of all races looked up at the descending spaceship, eyes flashing with deep meaning, and some with greed.
Although it's forbidden to attack or fight within this city, once outside the planet, no one could stop them.
Selling such a luxurious spaceship would surely fetch a huge sum, or they could extort the owner. After all, whoever can afford such a spaceship is undoubtedly wealthy.
However, when Thor, Loki, Wanda, Pietro, and Bella disembarked, everyone's expressions changed.
Many instantly suppressed their previous thoughts, some even cursing inwardly.
Asgardians.
One of the most untouchable powers in the universe. Some space pirates may rob merchant ships and travelers, or sell slaves, but they never rob the powerful.
The saying goes, know whom to deal with, and Asgard is the last force anyone wants to provoke.
As long as Odin is alive, no one would dare challenge Asgard. Many forces hope Asgard stays peaceful; provoking the aging lion and causing war is the last thing anyone wants.
Wanda, Pietro, and Bella followed Thor, looking around curiously.
As for the various gazes directed at them, they paid no mind. Given their level of life, these people were mere ants. If provoked, Loki and Thor alone could handle them.
The dock was immense, capable of accommodating thousands of large spaceships.
Though not lavishly decorated, it clearly cost considerable manpower, material, and financial resources to build.
As soon as the five disembarked, a staff member approached to greet them.
The staff, appearing crude to Wanda and Bella, was a humanoid with pink skin, showing Thor and his companions due respect.
The staff led them to an elevator, which took them to the upper level, where a hovering vehicle awaited—a convertible with anti-gravity engines. Following Thor's instructions, it drove on.
Though it was snowing outside, a massive thermal magnetic barrier above the city blocked the snow, causing it to evaporate into mist before reaching the ground, making it impossible to see the scenery.
Nonetheless, Wanda and the others were excited, looking at the buildings on both sides of the street, seeing various aliens of different appearances.
They also saw some semi-mechanical women posing behind glass windows, attracting customers.
Bright lights and tall buildings gave the city a cyberpunk feel, unlike anything on Earth.
Eventually, the luxurious vehicle stopped in front of a tall, luxurious hotel.
Thor and Loki had changed from their armor and green robes to sweaters and jackets, blending in. Wanda and the others did the same.
Inside the splendid hotel, the reception was waiting.
Another tall humanoid with pink skin greeted them.
"Prince Thor, Prince Loki, Lady Sibba is waiting for you in the restaurant."
The woman respectfully indicated the way, leading them to a floating elevator. The elevator brought them to the middle level, the largest restaurant in the hotel.
The restaurant was even more lavishly decorated, with clean, comfortable furnishings.
Surrounded by large floor-to-ceiling windows, they were led to a large terrace restaurant. The hotel's terrace-like design ensured each level didn't block the view.
Although it was an open-air restaurant, special equipment kept the cold at bay, making it perfectly comfortable.