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Chapter 111: Frost Giant

Bronski, who had subjected himself to gamma radiation while having been injected with the super-soldier serum, transformed into a monstrous, yellow abomination.

His strength equaled or surpassed that of the Hulk. Though he retained his mental clarity after the transformation, he could no longer revert to his human form.

A creature driven by destruction and tyranny, he rampaged through the city with wild abandon.

In desperation, Bruce Banner leaped from a plane, transformed into the Hulk once more, and engaged in a fierce battle with the abomination.

After the battle, the Hulk escaped again. This time, however, General Ross chose not to pursue him.

Bronski's misfortune led him to reluctantly accept the truth: the Hulk was the only one like him, similar to the Captain America.

The super-soldier program wasn't discontinued without reason.

Shortly after becoming Iron Man, Tony Stark discovered severe palladium poisoning in his arc reactor, leading him to believe he would die soon. This drove him to near despair.

His military friend, James Rhodes, donned a Mark II prototype armor to fight alongside Stark during a party, later taking the armor and becoming the superhero War Machine.

At Stark's most difficult moment, Thor reminded him of a new element in the "future city" design left by his father. Stark synthesized this element to replace the palladium in the reactor.

At the expo, Hammer Industries, which aimed to rival Stark Industries, showcased combat robots developed by Vanko. However, Vanko remotely activated all the robots, leading to a battle. Stark, along with Rhodes, fought valiantly and defeated Vanko and his robotic army.

The main difference from history was that it wasn't Black Widow who was sent undercover at Stark Industries. Nick Fury couldn't handle her as a level ten agent.

More importantly, Thor and Black Widow had already known each other for a long time.

This time, the agent sent was named Postela, whose lack of professionalism was noticeable. Stark managed to outwit him with a supermodel.

Nick Fury, exasperated, eventually sent this unreliable agent back to the academy for retraining.

Stark was eventually hired as an advisor to the Avengers.

....

Jotunheim, a world of ice and snow, resembling Earth's polar regions with temperatures never rising above freezing, was currently host to an uninvited guest.

"Loki Odinson, son of Odin, did you come all the way from Asgard just to die? Give me one good reason not to kill you," Laufey's chilling voice demanded.

Since Thor's destructive rampage in Jotunheim more than sixty years ago, the supposed peace between their realms had vanished. The only thing preventing retaliation was the significant power disparity.

Loki smirked slightly: "If I hadn't given you the clues, do you think you would have had the chance to enter Odin's treasure room?"

"Oh?" Laufey's interest was piqued. "So it was you? Explain your reason for coming."

Loki's expression turned disdainful: "In three days, Odin will enter his Odinsleep, which might last longer this time. This is your best opportunity."

"You mean, you want us to cover you so you can enter Odin's chamber and kill him?"

"No," Loki shook his head. "I doubt you can breach Asgard's defenses."

"However, you have a better option—my so-called 'brother', Thor, whom Odin has entrusted to Midgard at present. If you attack Midgard, you will surely draw the attention of all of Asgard and shift the battlefield to a place where you are stronger. That is your chance!"

Laufey closed his eyes, contemplating the feasibility of the plan.

As a Frost Giant who thrived in cold climates, it would be unwise to engage Asgard's army on their home turf. Over a thousand years ago, he had wounded Odin's eye during a decisive battle on Earth.

Yet, this plan was not a simple infiltration; it involved mobilizing the entire Frost Giant force.

"However, I know Odin's eldest son has been exiled and disinherited. Therefore, everything you propose might not work," Laufey said, shaking his head.

"No, it will work."

Loki extended his hand and took an ice pick from a nearby Frost Giant. Instantly, his complexion turned ashen.

"Because he is the only one Odin considers worthy to inherit the throne!"