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Chapter 123: Odin's Sigh

Among the three Asgardian warriors, Hogan was the calmest and most steadfast. In the original account, the warrior who had held Hela's hand in several confrontations stepped forward and asked tentatively, "Madam... Thank you for your assistance. This is Asgard. May I ask who you are?"

Asgardian warriors are proud and arrogant, but they respect those who help them.

Moreover, this woman evidently has the power to destroy them! That is the most significant fact!

In the original story, Hela had forcefully entered Asgard after dispatching Thor, fighting her way through. Naturally, the Asgardians had not welcomed her warmly.

However, this time, due to the presence of the Jötuns, there was room for calm dialogue.

After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. The simplistic logic of the Asgardians works in this case.

Although Hela did not respond to him, she glanced around and called out loudly, "Who is in charge here?"

The three warriors did not answer but looked at Loki simultaneously.

Loki, who was trying to reduce his visibility by quietly retreating, thought, "Great."

He swallowed his pride and stepped forward, trying to make his voice sound authoritative, "I am Loki, son of Odin, the current... acting king of Asgard!"

He had intended to say "king" directly but reconsidered. If this murderous lunatic had any hostile intentions towards Asgard, it would be unwise to proclaim himself the king outright.

Acting as king was easier to swallow and left room for concession...

"You are Loki?"

Hela cast him a disdainful look and sneered, "I suddenly feel a bit of sympathy for Odin. It seems he's such a fool to have chosen someone like you as his heir!"

Whether it was Loki's feeble combat prowess or his cowardly behavior, hiding behind the Asgardian warriors, Hela saw through it all.

Loki, stung by Hela's mockery, felt a surge of anger but quickly deflated when he saw Hela's "take it or leave it" expression.

You mocked me before, and I responded in kind. Who's afraid of whom?

What further irritated Loki was the deeply appreciative expressions of the three Asgardian warriors beside him...

The three warriors were indeed extremely dissatisfied with Loki's performance, but Hela's words were also disrespectful to Odin. As they were about to speak, Hela continued.

"I see you don't know me.

Looking around but finding no familiar faces, Hela shouted, "I am Hela, the eldest daughter of Odin, former commander of the Asgardian army, rightful heir to the throne, and the goddess of death!"

Her simple declaration stirred a great deal of discussion among the crowd, even causing the three warriors to look at each other in confusion.

"We once held the greatest power in the universe; our position was untouchable. And now, ah... Odin has chosen a lamb to lead the pack of wolves!"

The Asgardians would have found it hard to believe such a claim if it had come from an ordinary person, but Hela's aura left no room for doubt.

Royal family disputes are often avoided by common soldiers when the situation is unclear.

First impressions matter. Although the Asgardian warriors were initially skeptical, they could not completely dismiss Hela's claims.

Hogan frowned and was about to object when Fandral intervened, "Don't provoke her!"

Quietly glancing at Loki, he muttered, "No matter what, she is more reliable than Loki..."

It wasn't loud, but Loki heard it, causing his mouth to twitch.

"Lower your weapons. What she says is true."

A deep sigh followed, and an old figure appeared behind the warriors.

The three warriors exclaimed in unison, "Queen Frigga!"

Frigga nodded, casting a complicated look at Hela and saying softly, "You're finally back."

Hela also appeared puzzled.

In the education of the Asgardian royal children, Odin had always played the stern role, responsible for punishment and reprimand, while Frigga had been the amiable and loving mother.

Similar to Loki in the future, Hela harbored hatred for Odin for killing her father and taking his place. However, she always had a good opinion of Frigga.

Hela glanced at Frigga and then at the distant Asgard, radiating divine power. She narrowed her eyes and took a while to regain her composure before looking at Loki.

"Hand it over."

"What?" Loki asked, confused.

"The Casket of Ancient Winters. It must be in your possession."

Loki immediately denied, "I don't know what you're talking about. I have no idea..."

"I can take it from your dead body."

Hela's voice was cold as her hidden black spikes extended from her collar.

Loki, alarmed, glanced at the three warriors.

Hogan was saluting Frigga, Volstagg had his head bowed, seemingly engrossed in something on the ground, and Fandral, the most eccentric of the three, showed no expression but caught Loki's eye and silently urged him with a look.

...

Reluctantly, Loki produced the Casket of Ancient Winters, still glowing.

Hela looked at it with disdain and remarked mockingly, "You really don't resemble him at all!"

She took the Casket of Ancient Winters with one hand, turned her head, and drew out a wisp of frost power.

"With the power of ice, you will be reborn at this moment!"

Slapping the ground with her palm, powerful death energy spread with green - blue, and an astonishing scene unfolded as the Frost Titans who had fallen began to rise, their eyes gleaming ominously.

With this undead army, Hela entered Bifrost and departed.

Frigga watched Hela leave, glanced at Loki with a complex expression, and exited the square without a word.

Sigh...

Inside the Golden Hall, a long sigh was heard, and then calm returned.