19

The Golden Palace, the arena for competitions.

"Oh! My dear brother, hold on to your weapons; I will cherish you even more!"

**Quest Log: Defeat Loki.**

This task was triggered by Odin's realization after the recent gladiatorial battle, prompting him to designate Thor as Loki's actual combat training partner. From then on, Thor's daily routine included another responsibility: to give his younger brother all the attention and training he could muster!

Thor had never encountered a strong opponent in this arena. Since the two arenas had only gone through preliminary rounds, it was crucial to make the most of this opportunity to train his brother. Though the resources were somewhat limited, victory was lasting!

Loki had been very unhappy lately. The harmonious and joyful life he once knew had vanished. First, he was punished with solitary confinement, and then he was relentlessly tormented by his brother. He couldn't endure this anymore!

"My beloved brother, why do you keep pushing me?"

"My dear brother, I'm here to be your sparring partner at our father's request. I'm quite tired, you know?"

The 14-year-old Loki had deeply ingrained the role of the annoying younger sibling and was waiting for it to come to fruition.

The two brothers were covered in sweat, leaning against the weapons rack and chatting.

"Loki, you're still young. Don't always resort to tricks. Our father and the queen don't appreciate that. You should focus your intelligence in the right direction, understand?"

Thor looked at the half-grown boy in front of him. They had lived together for fourteen years. Loki had been a mischievous child, constantly testing limits, and Thor had watched him grow up.

But now Loki was starting to align with the troubling traits of his story's trajectory, which greatly concerned Thor. Unsure how to address such deep issues, Thor chose to start with family matters.

Loki listened to his older brother's advice. Having always lived in Thor's shadow, Loki had seen Thor as a model of excellence, despite his own lack of brilliance. What he really craved was more attention.

"I understand, brother."

"My dear brother! You must know that we all care for you and hope you will grow into an outstanding person!"

"Some of your recent behaviors are quite inappropriate. Don't upset our father and the queen, alright?"

"Sif and I will be going on a long journey after our wedding. You must be a good boy. If I hear you've been playing pranks again when I return, don't worry, I'll make sure to show you more love! Brother!"

Hearing this, Loki's expression shifted. He looked both downcast and slightly pleased, thinking that after his brother left, his father and the queen would surely shower him with affection.

At 14, Loki had a delicate appearance, a slender frame, and black hair falling across his forehead. Though he didn't seem like Odin's son at first glance, appearances could be deceiving.

The two brothers conversed for a while on the training grounds. Thor noticed Loki's interest in the advanced technology he had brought and took the opportunity to teach him. Thor shared what he knew about the technology, hoping Loki might develop an interest in science and technology.

Their friendly conversation continued until lunchtime. Thor clapped Loki on the shoulder, stood up, and they walked to the banquet hall together.

"Brother, you still don't grasp many basics. If you're truly interested, you can study under Mr. Saga. In the future, I'll also share the information I bring back from other realms."

"That sounds fantastic! But what about Father, the Queen, and Mother?"

"I'll speak on your behalf, but I'm sure Father will approve of this."

As they walked through the corridors, they encountered guards and maids who nodded and saluted them. Some older residents looked at the two brothers with a sense of relief, having watched them grow up and hoping their bond would remain strong.

At the dinner table, Thor proposed Loki's education to their father. Odin agreed immediately, concerned about Loki's lack of engagement. For the King of the Gods, Loki's idle nature was a pressing issue. His interest in science and technology aligned with Odin's expectations.

During this period, the nurse mentioned the previous outing, but Odin brushed it off, saying he was too busy and would discuss it later when he had time.

Thor had once thought that being a god-king was a grand role, filled with glory and power, governing the divine realms and the nine worlds. But as he grew up, he realized it came with immense responsibility. With two ravens as aides and boundless wisdom, Odin's busy schedule left Thor contemplating whether he could adequately support the vast divine realm and the long journey to enhance divine power. It was truly a daunting path!

The following days were ordinary yet fulfilling. Along with daily training and rune meditation, young Loki received plenty of pampering. Both Lina and Sif, the masters of the arena, prepared a list for Thor and notified him in advance of any relevant opponents.

One month later, at the arena.

Strength 31, agility 31—these were Thor's latest attributes. Lately, he felt somewhat uncoordinated. The imbalance in his physical attributes was evident as his enhanced strength sensitivity began to take a toll on his body. It seemed he needed to further develop his overall skills. More tasks were needed!

The light curtain opened, signaling Thor's turn.

"Thor!" "Thor!"

The cheers resonated through the arena, igniting Thor's spirit. He was eager to excel in this beast battle.

As the explanation ended, the light curtain began to close. The fence was opened, but the beast remained unseen. Something was amiss in this gladiatorial fight!

Thor's mind raced as he took to the air, scanning the field below. This beast might be invisible or masking its presence. If so, it would likely follow its prey according to the usual patterns. With the gladiators nearly defeated, it was time for the main course.

Thor descended cautiously, positioning himself to detect any attack and avoid it in the air. Silence enveloped the area. This cunning beast was evidently intelligent!

Thor didn't delay any longer. While he lacked the ability to see invisibility, he had his methods for finding his prey.

"I, Thor, son of Odin, God of Thunder! Command the Storm!"

"Woo!" "Boom!"

With those words, thunderclouds covered the field, and a torrential downpour began. Thor raised Mjölnir high amidst the storm and activated his divine power. Thunder continuously struck within a hundred meters, amplifying the explosion. The arena was bathed in silver light, creating a beautiful yet perilous spectacle.

The beast must be lying in ambush, so Thor used his ultimate move to clear the area. By dodging the attacks in the mud, he hoped to detect the beast's traces. He found it!

"Roar…! The king of heaven smashes the earth!"

Thor kept a keen watch on his surroundings, and upon spotting the beast, he spun his hammer at high speed and struck it with tremendous force.

Mjölnir's impact created a large dent in the ground. Thunder and light flashed around, obscuring the field. Once Thor regained his breath, his divine power subsided, and the storm and thunder gradually faded away.

The light curtain opened to reveal the monster's carcass at the edge of the pit. The beast resembled a giant rat, its dense teeth capable of causing severe harm. It had been killed by the aftermath of the attack.

The production team had played a trick. This beast, despite its high attack power, had low health. If it was severely injured, it might bid farewell to the arena. Future battles were bound to be even tougher.

After a brief period of silence, the audience erupted into even louder cheers. Thor held his hammer high and walked around the field, responding to the crowd's enthusiasm. He reveled in the fight, the blood, and the praise—this was his heaven!

He decided that for the next hundred years, he would conquer the arena and become the King of Muscleheads!

Ahem…perhaps something seems off?

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