145

Chapter 145: Prophecy

Back in Wakanda, T'Challa has taken back control of the country, recalled all foreign forces, and declared the end of the war.

As the instigator of the conflict, Wakanda must compensate for the war's losses.

However, Wakanda is not like a traditional defeated nation; it has substantial resources to weather the aftermath.

Additionally, T'Challa decided, as in the original story, to open Wakanda to the world and engage in global communication.

These matters are of little concern to Thor now. He has more pressing issues.

The year is drawing to a close in 2016, and if nothing changes, the coming year will bring the final confrontation.

Despite being mentally prepared, Thor felt some anxiety as the end approached.

Among the many adversaries he faced, Thanos is not the strongest but certainly the most formidable. He is the only villain in official history to have defeated the Avengers.

In Muspelheim, a Flame Giant stares at the figure before him.

"Thor Odinson, Odin's whelp," Surtur said, recognizing the man before him.

"Surtur, the vile fire demon. So, you're still alive? I thought my father had eliminated you half a millennium ago," Thor retorted.

"It's not so simple. At least, until I fulfill my destiny and destroy your homeland, this possibility remains," Surtur replied.

Ignoring Thor's taunt, Surtur continued, "Ragnarök is about to commence, and the great prophecy will soon be fulfilled. Your homeland, Asgard, will be reduced to ruins. I am the end of Asgard!"

"Really?" Thor sneered, "Then explain yourself."

"The end is near. When my crown reunites with the Eternal Fire, my power will awaken once more. I will stand heigher the mountains and pierce Asgard with my sword!"

"But I doubt you'll get the chance."

"No, I am the end of Asgard, and nothing can stop it! Everything will be lost forever, and everything will burn in fire. Don't you understand? This is a grand prophecy, and no one can prevent it!"

Thor smiled, "But prophecies are meant to be broken. That's a heroic act."

He extended his arm, Thunder enveloping Stormbreaker, and slashed towards Surtur.

Outside the cave, a dragon roared as it flew, attempting to assist Surtur.

"How dare you call yourself a dragon, you're grotesque!"

A female voice rang out as a black dragon appeared, sinking its teeth into the other dragon's neck.

"Roar..." The dragon struggled, turning to bite back.

A black dragon's claw held down its neck and twisted it sharply.

"Crack——"

The massive dragon's corpse fell to the ground, raising a cloud of dust.

"Boom—"

The boulder atop the cave cracked open, and a massive crown burst forth.

"Seal it. Seal it in Jotunheim."

Jotunheim is the home of the Giants. Although the giants were wiped out by Loki using the Bifrost fifteen years ago, the planet remains an icy realm.

Placing Surtur's crown there will cause his power to gradually diminish until it eventually fades away.

"I can defeat Hela without Ragnarök."

…

"Thanos is coming."

In Kamar-Taj, Thor said to Strange, who was seated on the couch, "Kamar-Taj needs to prepare."

"Who?"

"Thanos, a tyrant seeking to collect the Infinity Gems."

"Uh..."

Wang supported his forehead, joking, "Are you sure you're not talking about yourself? You seem to have three of the Infinity Gems yourself, and from what I know, you have the potential to become a tyrant..."

"I'm simply being ruthless with my enemies."

Thor said calmly, "You all don't know about the Infinity Gems?"

"Indeed, it's recorded in the Kamar-Taj tome."

Unlike Doctor Strange, who had just succeeded the Sorcerer Supreme, Wang obviously knew more about these matters.

"At the birth of the universe, chaos reigned. Then, with a tremendous explosion, six elemental crystals were created—these are the six Infinity Gems, drifting in the newborn universe."

Wang used magic to create a visual representation.

"Each Infinity Gem embodies a specific attribute—space, time, mind, power, reality, and soul."

Strange added, "The Eye of Agamotto, the sacred artifact that every Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj vows to protect, is the legendary Time Gem."

He extended his hand and chanted a spell, causing the green light of the Time Gem to flicker.