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"How's the mutant situation progressing?" Aidan poured himself tea and continued his debriefing.
"Professor X has been injected with the cure. The Brotherhood was dismantled under combined assault from Magneto and our satellite strikes. Some remnants remain scattered globally." The White Queen's report was organized and thorough. "Aid stations have been established nationwide. Every major city now has mutant rescue facilities. The Mutant Protection Law was enacted under our advocacy. Company integration protocols are fully implemented."
She pulled up personnel files as she spoke. "Magneto joined corporate security. Professor X continues administering the academy. Hank became Dr. Yinsen's assistant, handling diplomatic functions. Logan leads global rescue operations. Several others formed independent adventure teams for worldwide exploration..."
"Sounds like everything's stabilized," Aidan said, satisfied. The mutants had found genuine places within the company structure rather than existing on society's margins.
"Yes. President Kenneth expressed gratitude for your support during the next election cycle."
"Mm." Aidan didn't particularly care about presidential politics. After asking a few more procedural questions, he closed his eyes and settled into meditation. Only five days had passed in Marvel's timeline, but seventeen years had elapsed in his subjective experience. Readjustment was necessary.
The next day, Aidan made his way to Nidavellir's common areas.
"Master Aidan! You're out?" A dwarf holding a massive skewer of barbecued meat looked surprised.
"Yes, research concluded. I've been craving your barbecue these past few days!" Aidan grinned.
"Hah! Capes makes the best barbecue. Way better than the old cook!" The dwarf laughed, gesturing with his meat skewer.
"Master Aidan!" Another dwarf approached, slapping Aidan's shoulder with a meaty hand. "How's my wine coming along?"
"Still needs time. Another seven days minimum," Aidan said, wincing slightly at the overly enthusiastic greeting.
"I'm completely out! That bastard Longfellow stole my last barrel. How the hell did he even find my stash?"
Aidan glanced at him dryly. "Your wine sits directly beside your forging table. Not exactly hidden."
"Then I'll put it behind the table next time!"
After exchanging greetings with various dwarves along the way, Aidan finally reached the cafeteria. "Capes! One barbecue!" he called toward the massive ovens.
"Aidan?" Capes emerged, wiping her hands on her apron, looking genuinely surprised. "I thought you'd be locked away for half a month at least!"
For dwarves, concentrating on a fine weapon could mean days or weeks without sleep, completely absorbed in the craft. She'd assumed Aidan was forging something legendary.
"I wasn't making weapons—just researching techniques," Aidan explained, accepting the specialty platter she handed over. He found a table, drew a knife, and began carving into the perfectly crisped meat.
For dwarves, grilled meat paired with strong alcohol was perfection. For Aidan, the barbecue alone sufficed, especially that crispy skin.
While he was eating, Eitri arrived, settling across from him with his own plate. "Finished studying the energy stabilization device?" he asked, slicing into his meat.
"Yeah. I can manufacture it now with proper materials. Though I still need access to a neutron star."
"You can make it already? That fast?" Eitri looked genuinely surprised. He'd only shared the technology recently.
"I had prior experience with magical weapons engineering. The principles translate." Essentially, the neutron star stabilization device was advanced magitech. "How's the teleportation bridge technology I gave you?"
"Still researching. We've run several experiments, but nothing successful yet." Eitri shook his head regretfully. "I was planning to consult you this week."
"I'll look at it with you today. Though I should mention—I'll be leaving Nidavellir for a while."
"Leaving? Where?"
"I need materials for a project. Planning to visit some trading hubs, see if I can source what's required." He needed to sell some items to acquire research materials. The Nine Realms were vast, but many things Aidan needed simply weren't available locally. The wider galaxy, however, offered more options.
"If you need materials, just tell me. I can arrange procurement," Eitri offered.
"No, many are genetic biology materials. Specialized stuff." Aidan shook his head, declining politely. Besides, he wanted to experience other civilizations firsthand—see their cultures, their technologies, their markets. He had considerable theoretical knowledge now but hadn't manufactured corresponding weapons and instruments yet. His wealth existed mostly on paper.
"Well, we maintain contacts with numerous merchants." Eitri produced a gray metal card, sliding it across the table. "Business contacts. Reach out if you need introductions."
As a forge world producing legendary weapons, Nidavellir attracted traders from countless civilizations. The card contained an extensive network of reliable suppliers.
"Thank you." Aidan pocketed the card, then remembered something else. "By the way, I'll be using the forge room near the core. Planning to smelt down the Destroyer."
The Destroyer had been shattered by Mjolnir. Only its battered chassis remained, but that was still valuable Uru metal.
"Approved. What are you making?" Eitri asked curiously.
"After smelting, I'm crafting a battlesuit for myself." Aidan had been planning this since mastering dwarven forging techniques. "I'll also integrate bio-metal if possible. Eventually convert it into a small spacecraft. For power source, I'm using the Space Stone. Its properties are perfect for space travel."
"Need assistance?"
"No. But I'll help you crack the Space Bridge technology first. Fair exchange."
Aidan took another bite of barbecue, then looked directly at Eitri. "Want to trade for Uru metal manufacturing technology?"
Eitri: "..."
He had the distinct impression this kid was systematically looting every valuable technique Nidavellir possessed.
"...What technology do you have to offer in exchange?" he asked after a long pause.