Chapter 48: Skimming the Surface
"In the dungeons. He was imprisoned there after leading the Chitauri to invade Earth. He's the only one who can help us reach the Dark Elves," Thor replied, clenching and unclenching his fists. If it weren't for the urgency of the situation, he would never have turned to his scheming younger brother for help.
Han Yu said, "Then let's get moving. The sooner we leave, the better."
The method to extract the Reality Stone was something only Malekith and his Dark Elves knew, which was why Han Yu had been biding his time. Once the Reality Stone left Jane's body, he could step in to claim it.
The Dungeon
The chaos earlier had damaged the cells, but Asgard's guards had already repaired them. Some alien prisoners captured alive were once again locked away.
On the left side of the descending staircase was a peculiar cell. Unlike the others, this one had a sofa, a coffee table, a small chandelier, and even a bookshelf. The accommodations were noticeably different.
As Thor approached, a man inside the cell slowly stepped forward. With piercing eyes fixed on Thor, he said, "What brings you here? To mock me? And who's the stranger with you?"
The man wore a green robe with golden embellishments along his torso and arms. His hands were clasped behind his back, and his head tilted slightly upward, an air of arrogance etched onto his face.
This man was Loki, Thor's younger brother and the God of Mischief.
It was he who had led the Chitauri invasion of Earth, prompting Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, and others to unite and form the Avengers.
This was Han Yu's first face-to-face encounter with Loki. In person, Loki was even more striking than on screen, exuding a sinister charm that was impossible to ignore.
"Mother was stabbed earlier by Malekith's men. She almost died," Thor said calmly. However, if one looked closely, they could see flashes of lightning flickering in his eyes and small arcs of electricity dancing between his fingers.
The fact that the Dark Elves had breached Asgard's main palace suggested that someone had leaked information about the protective barrier's location or otherwise sabotaged it.
The intruders had entered through the dungeon. It wasn't hard to deduce who might have provided the information.
Hearing this, Loki froze, his expression as if he'd been struck dumb. He took several steps back before trembling as he asked, "Frigga… is she dead?"
Loki's reaction prompted a sigh from Thor. Although Loki often denied that Frigga was his mother, his behavior now showed how much he truly cared. Otherwise, he wouldn't have reacted like this.
Thor had never seen Loki like this before. As the lightning in his eyes and hands faded, Thor shook his head slightly and said, "No. If not for my friend here, she would have died."
Thor stepped aside, allowing Han Yu to come into view, and gave a brief introduction of his companion.
Relieved to hear that his foster mother was alive, Loki exhaled deeply. He then turned his gaze toward Han Yu, scrutinizing him for a moment before asking, "Shopkeeper, what do you sell?"
With a faint smile, Han Yu replied, "Everything under the heavens and beyond."
"Rubbish," Loki scoffed. He hadn't seen Han Yu in action and naturally didn't believe such a grand claim. "So, what is it you want? Are you here to execute me?"
Han Yu was unbothered by the sarcasm. He had heard worse and knew that time would prove everything. He didn't need to argue with Loki now.
Allowing enemies into Asgard and nearly causing irreversible harm—this was Loki's second time crossing the line. He had previously let the Frost Giants into Asgard to prove himself, though that had been a calculated risk on his part.
Another betrayal like this, and he likely wouldn't get off so easily.
Thor said calmly, "I need to go to the Dark World and settle things with Malekith. Father has ordered Asgard on lockdown, but I know you have a way to get out. I'm giving you a chance to redeem yourself."
Loki smirked mockingly. "That doesn't sound like you, brother. Coming to me for help? I thought I was just your little lackey."
Faced with the younger brother who nearly caused their mother's death and had betrayed him multiple times, Thor remained unmoved by Loki's words.
Perhaps deep down, Thor still harbored a sliver of trust in Loki. However, after being repeatedly betrayed, it was hard for Thor to maintain that trust. Turning to Loki now was a last resort.
Han Yu, who had been keeping watch, urged impatiently, "Enough with the banter. Let's move."
Thor didn't waste any more words. He deactivated the protective barrier of Loki's cell, allowed him to change clothes, and then the three of them left the dungeon.
The trio entered a room where Jane was already waiting. The moment she spotted Loki among them, she strode over quickly.
"You?"
"Hello, I'm Loki. Perhaps you've heard—"
Before he could finish, Jane slapped him across the face.
"That's for New York!" she snapped.
For the first time, Loki was slapped by someone—an Earth woman, no less. Yet, instead of showing anger, he smiled and turned to Thor. "I like her," he said with a grin.
"Alright, everyone's here. Tell me where it is in Asgard," Han Yu prompted.
"Shouldn't we use a spaceship or something? That place isn't exactly nearby," Loki said, blinking in surprise.
"Just tell him," Thor urged. He knew that Han Yu had a way of flying using a green energy force, and they planned to use that to reach the exit.
After Loki revealed the location, he saw green light glimmer on Han Yu's right hand. Soon, green rings appeared beneath everyone's feet. The rings slowly rose upward, shrinking as they ascended, until they formed protective shields around each of them.
Loki exclaimed in wonder, touching the shield with fascination. This technology was unlike anything even Asgard possessed.
Jane, being a mortal, had a similar reaction, her astonishment mirroring Loki's.
Han Yu glanced at Thor, who gave him a nod. "Get ready—we're departing!" Han Yu announced.
The moment his words fell, four green energy spheres shot into the sky, streaking like beams of light toward their destination.
"Han, are you sure we're not going the wrong way?"
Mid-flight, Thor grew alarmed as their trajectory veered toward a mountain.
"We're on the right track. Hold tight!" Han Yu responded confidently.
Loki glanced at the direction they were heading and couldn't help but laugh. This wild approach was entirely to his taste. His gaze shifted to Han Yu, who looked equally exhilarated, and he thought to himself how alike they were.
"Two maniacs!"
Though they couldn't feel the wind, the thrill of skimming just above the ground, combined with the visual stimulation, made Jane inwardly curse the duo.
Meanwhile, Asgardian airships tried to pursue them but quickly realized they were utterly outmatched.
The speed of Han Yu's group was terrifying. Within moments, the distance between them and their pursuers widened by at least a kilometer!
Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon
https://patreon.com/Glimmer09