131
Chapter 131: Rescue the Dwarfs
Who is the top weapons manufacturer in the Marvel universe? Iron Man's Stark Industries? S.H.I.E.L.D. with its advanced air carriers? Wakanda with its cutting-edge technology?
None of these! The top artifact manufacturer in the Marvel universe is Nidavellir, the dwarf planet that serves Asgard!
This place is legendary. The magical weapons they forge are unparalleled, including Odin's Eternal Spear, Mjölnir wielded by Jane Foster, Heimdallr's Guardian Sword, and even the Infinity Gauntlet that controls the six Infinity Stones...
In short, anything produced by the dwarves is a masterpiece!
However, the dwarves themselves are in a difficult situation. Their exquisite weapons are not controlled by their own kin.
The dwarf clan, with their unparalleled forging skills, numbers only around 300, most of whom are not skilled in combat.
If they were not allied with Asgard, they would have been wiped out long ago.
In the original timeline, when the dwarves lost Asgard's protection, Thanos came to Nidavellir and forced the dwarves to create the Infinity Gauntlet.
Thanos, known for his strict adherence to his promises, would usually destroy half the life on any planet he visited. However, when it came to the dwarves, he broke his promise for the first time. Seeing the dwarves' ability to forge the Infinity Gauntlet, Thanos considered them too dangerous and slaughtered all the dwarves except King Eitri.
To prevent Eitri from creating any more weapons, Thanos crippled the dwarf king.
This was the tragic fate of the dwarf clan. The principle that "everyone is innocent but guilty" is a universal truth across the cosmos.
As a member of the Nine Realms, Nidavellir is protected by Asgard. Even if Odin is not present, no ordinary force would dare to attack Asgard lightly.
At this moment, the only force daring to invade Nidavellir is...
Thor's mind raced.
"What's the matter?" Natalia asked, noticing his serious demeanor.
"The Nine Realms have been attacked by a powerful enemy. If I'm correct, it's the force behind the Chitauri," Thor said gravely.
As he spoke, he looked around, "Wanda, come with me."
He glanced at Jane and shook his head slightly.
Currently, Jane's strength is comparable to Thor's during his early Hammer God days and is not as effective in high-intensity battles. Moreover, she needs to stay on Earth to prevent the Avengers from being wiped out by Ultron.
Wanda, however, has a high burst capacity and, as a sorceress, is more suited to support roles.
"Miss Helen cho, I apologize, but I may not be able to attend the party on Saturday."
The Bifrost's light enveloped Thor and Wanda, and they disappeared.
"What's going on? Why the sudden departure?" Stark, Steve, and the others rushed over when they heard the commotion, only to find that Thor and Wanda had already left.
"A message came from Asgard that Nidavellir, one of the Nine Realms, is under attack, and His Highness Thor has gone to address the situation," Jane Foster explained quietly. "Moreover, the opponent is formidable. I've never seen Thor so serious."
Nebula, looking pale, added, "It's my father, the most ruthless butcher in the universe. Few can defeat him, and he's one of them. The Chitauri are relying on him."
Stark and the others were stunned.
In Asgard, Loki, Heimdallr, and others met Thor and Wanda upon their arrival.
"Welcome to Asgard!" Heimdallr greeted solemnly.
"Hey, brother, why do you always have different women around you whenever I see you?" Loki remarked with a hint of disbelief, suspecting Thor's frequent trips to Earth were due to some obsession.
Thor didn't have time to address Loki's comment. He turned to Sif and said, "Hold off on any attacks on Nidavellir for now. Gather the army and wait for further instructions. Wanda and I will handle the immediate threat, which might take some time."
Ordinary troops would have limited impact on top-tier adversaries, and Asgardian aircraft would not be able to bombard Nidavellir indiscriminately.
Since Odin was temporarily absent, it was unlikely Thanos would launch a full-scale invasion. It was more probable that only a few powerful individuals were making a surprise attack, making it relatively easy for Odin to retreat if needed.
Sif clasped her hands together. Though confused and worried, as one of the best fighters, she followed Thor's orders without question.
"Is there anything I can do?" Loki asked, seeing the seriousness of the situation.
"Forget it, unless you're ready to take on the one who gave you that staff."
Loki's face paled. "Alright, then I'll stay here in Asgard."
Thor was about to leave when he realized he was empty-handed. He quickly opened a portal and emerged moments later with Gungnir, the Spear of Eternity.
"Heimdallr, send us to Nidavellir!"
As the Bifrost's light began to envelop them, Thor took out an old-fashioned communicator from his pocket and pressed the button to send the signal.
"Sending—"
"Signal connected!"