Chapter 36: Fang Mo vs The Destroyer (1)

"In fact, this occurred over an hour ago," Coulson said, his head throbbing as he looked at the slightly drowsy Fang Mo.

"The researchers detected a powerful energy fluctuation, similar to Loki's previous departure. Subsequently, my subordinates discovered four individuals in medieval attire carrying weapons in town."

"I understand," Fang Mo replied with a yawn, preparing to freshen up at his own leisure. "So, you brought Thor back?"

"Yes," Coulson nodded. "Last night, Dr. Selvig forged documents. Technically, he should have been arrested for such an offense. However, after careful consideration, I chose to release Thor."

"What is our plan now?"

Fang Mo turned on the faucet, beginning to wash his face and brush his teeth.

"We will wait and observe," Coulson replied after pondering for a moment. "I don't believe the Asgardians, Thor at the very least, pose a threat to Earth. Instead of remaining oblivious, S.H.I.E.L.D. would prefer to establish a friendly diplomatic relationship with Asgard."

"That's a sensible idea."

Having freshened up, Fang Mo's drowsiness had significantly subsided. "But before we can engage in peaceful discussions, we must finish the battle."

"Battle?" Coulson asked, bewildered. "Aren't those four individuals Thor's allies? Why would they fight?"

"You could inquire with your subordinates if they witnessed anything beyond those four ancient warriors," Fang Mo suggested. "For instance, a towering walking armor."

"A walking armor of towering size?" Coulson was taken aback. "What exactly is that?"

"Look," Fang Mo pointed out the window. "You should be able to see it soon."

Coulson followed Fang Mo's indication and observed the sky nearby suddenly darkening. Swirling dark clouds swiftly amassed, signaling a troublesome development.

In the next instant, these clouds converged into a tornado and crashed into the ground with a deafening boom.

"What on earth is that?" Coulson stared at the bewildering scene, but his phone rang. Answering it, he heard the panicked voice of his subordinate.

"Alright, they have sighted the walking armor."

Coulson ended the call and said to Fang Mo, "Very well."

Fang Mo grinned, beckoning as the massive cleaving blade embedded in the ground soared into his hand. "I've long awaited a worthy opponent. Finally, I've found one..."

Coulson wanted to speak, but in the next second, Fang Mo's figure instantaneously dissolved into purple particles.

...

After a brief silence, Coulson picked up his phone again. "Notify the personnel in the town to immediately coordinate an evacuation of local residents. There is a likelihood of significant events occurring later..."

...

At this very moment, the battle had already commenced in the town.

However, based on the current situation, the Destroyer Armor held an indisputable advantage.

Yet, it was to be expected. After all, the Destroyer Armor was Odin's battle attire during his youth. Forged from Uru metal and infused with various divine realm enchantments, it was even employed by Odin to safeguard the treasures within Asgard. Undoubtedly, its combat prowess was unparalleled.

The combat power of Thor's closest allies, the renowned warriors of Asgard—Volstagg, Hogun, Fandral, and Sif—proved woefully inadequate against the Destroyer Armor.

Despite their bravery and combat prowess, they were clearly outmatched by the Destroyer Armor, lacking knowledge and relying solely on their Asgardian strength and cold weapons. Could they truly withstand the might of Uru metal with their regular attacks?

"For the glory of Asgard!" Volstagg bellowed as he charged forward, raising his battle axe high to strike the head of the Destroyer Armor.

However, the Destroyer Armor swatted him away like a mere nuisance, sending him crashing into a nearby car and experiencing excruciating pain that rendered him unable to rise.

As the faceplate of the Destroyer Armor opened, preparing to unleash a devastating laser, Sif launched a surprise attack from behind, pinning it to the ground with her blade.

Relieved, Volstagg observed the scene as Sif confidently stood on the immobilized armor, embodying the title of the bravest warrior of Asgard.

Their joy was short-lived as the Destroyer Armor abruptly reactivated. Its metallic plates rotated, causing Sif to move from its back to its chest, aligning perfectly with the faceplate that emitted a surge of flames.

Reacting swiftly, Sif leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the laser that grazed her arm and shot skyward.

Recognizing their inability to defeat the Destroyer Armor, the group hastily retreated, seeking distance and strategizing.

However, the relentless Destroyer Armor provided no respite, sweeping its laser across the ground, propelling Sif into the air and striking the others as they attempted a rescue, sending all four hurtling through the air.

Volstagg crashed into a shop at the street corner, struggling to regain his bearings as he witnessed the Destroyer Armor aiming at him.

Without mercy, the armor unleashed its laser, obliterating the storefront in an instant, its intense heat felt even from a hundred meters away.

Unable to stand idly by, Thor spotted Sif hiding in a corner, still determined to ambush the Destroyer, and rushed over, gripping her trembling shoulder.

"Sif, don't take unnecessary risks," Thor urged, acknowledging the formidable opponent and the slim chances of success in their battle.

"No," Sif gritted her teeth resolutely, "Even if it costs me my life, I choose to die as a warrior. This moment... It will be etched in history!"

Thor, changed by his experiences, offered an encouraging smile. "Sif, live on... and tell this tale yourself, alright?"

Conflicting emotions flickered across Sif's face, but Thor tugged at her once more. "Enough, let's retreat!"

With renewed desire for life, Sif and Thor dashed backward, evading the laser discharged by the Destroyer Armor. They swiftly circled around and regrouped with the others in a nearby alley.

At that moment, it seemed Thor had finally reached a decision. After ensuring everyone's safety, he turned and advanced towards the Destroyer Armor.

"Brother, I know you can hear me," Thor earnestly spoke as he approached the armor. "Whatever transgressions I have committed in the past, for which you cannot forgive me, I offer my sincerest apologies. But they are innocent."

Thor now knew the truth, revealed by his friends: their father was not dead, and Loki had orchestrated it all. Yet, Thor couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility and unintentional harm caused by his past actions.

The Destroyer Armor paid no heed to Thor's words, immediately charging energy upon seeing him approach.

"Allow me to atone for everything, brother," Thor faced the formidable armor, his smile filled with relief. "Take my life and spare the others, alright?"

After Thor finished speaking, the Destroyer Armor hesitated. In Asgard, Loki watched the unfolding scene, flashes of past images crossing his mind. A vision of Thor being incinerated by the laser materialized, causing an unexpected uneasiness to ripple through Loki. He furrowed his brow, feeling a sense of discomfort for reasons unknown.

As a result, the Destroyer Armor suddenly halted its assault, and the faceplate on its helmet began closing.

Witnessing this, Thor also breathed a sigh of relief, assuming his younger brother still held concern for him.

However, in the next moment, Thor's assumption was proven wrong as the Destroyer abruptly struck him with tremendous force—a blow that can kill ordinary people, a full-powered strike of an Asgard artifact. As a mortal, the impact caused immense physical harm, sending Thor hurtling backward, crashing heavily onto the ground, and losing consciousness.

The Destroyer did not pursue its attack further but simply turned around and departed.

To the astonishment of both the armor and its controller in Asgard, the armor unexpectedly encountered a figure ahead—Fang Mo.