CHAPTER 30

Hela wasn't as optimistic as Rhodes.

Hela: "Well, that's a good idea."

Rhodes: "There are at least 15,000 Flame Giants in Helag. I've conducted numerous tactical assessments, but no matter what approach we use, our chance of winning is only 50%."

Hela pointed out the dire consequences of failure.

Hela: "If our attack on Helag fails, not only will we fail to lure back the Flame Giants from the three realms, but we'll also suffer heavy losses."

Hela foresaw the potential of the Flame Giants from the surrounding large cities besieging them.

Hela: "At that point, our only option would be to retreat to our previous position and have Heimdall lower the Rainbow Bridge. We'll retreat through the Rainbow Bridge, but we'll have to leave at least a thousand Asgardian warriors behind to ensure the retreat of the remaining forces."

Rhodes understood the sacrifice required to secure the majority's retreat.

In order to secure the retreat, they had to leave at least 1,000 Asgardian warriors at the end of the Rainbow Bridge to prevent the Flame Giants from entering Asgard through it.

However, this meant those 1,000 Asgardian warriors would likely meet their end at the hands of the enraged Flame Giants.

Their bodies would remain in that desolate land with no chance of returning to Asgard alive.

Rhodes was well aware of the brutal realities of war and the steep price it often demanded.

Hela offered some hope.

Hela: "With the two thousand heroic warriors you've led to assist us, I believe our chances of success can be greatly improved, at least to 60%."

Rhodes acknowledged the risk.

Rhodes: "This is a perilous endeavor."

Hela reluctantly agreed.

Hela: "Yes, the war has left no realm untouched. Currently, only the Midgard, Asgard, and the Underworld remain unscathed by the Frost Giants and Fire Giants. All other realms have been plagued by Fire Giants. We are truly at our wit's end."

Rhodes reflected on the dire situation.

Rhodes: "I had no idea that things were so dire when I was in Asgard. It seems we are fighting with our backs against the wall. No wonder Hela was sent back to Asgard due to her severe injuries."

Rhodes expressed his concern for the Asgardian warriors fighting in other realms and his frustration with how the Asgardian gods had turned a blind eye to Hela's efforts.

Rhodes inquired about a canyon on the way to Helag.

Rhodes: "Is this a canyon? If we use it for a blitzkrieg on Helag, time is our most precious resource. If the Flame Giants along the way detect us, our battle plan will fail."

Hela confirmed it was indeed a canyon called Haipa Canyon, explaining its characteristics.

Hela: "That's right, it's Haipa Canyon. It has cliffs on both sides with a narrow gap of less than 20 meters in the middle. We didn't stay long in Muspeldam, so I initially considered taking the risk and passing through Haipa Canyon."

Hela believed that their chances of being discovered were low if they took the longer but safer route.

Rhodes was concerned about the time wasted by the detour.

Rhodes: "No, making a detour would cost us at least five extra days of travel. Since we're planning a sneak attack on Helag, the sooner we reach there, the better our chances. We can't afford to delay."

Despite the risks, Rhodes understood there was no other choice.

Rhodes: "I know it's a huge risk, but we have no other option right now. Don't worry; I'll be cautious. There's a chance we'll succeed. Once we cross Haipa Canyon successfully, the rewards will be immense, saving us at least five or six days."

Hela trusted Rhodes's confidence and agreed to proceed with the risky plan.

Hela: "Very well, if that's the case, we'll go all out. Even if we fail, we'll have no regrets."

Rhodes reassured her.

Rhodes: "With me here, you won't fail."

They urged their troops to speed up their march toward Helag City.

Rhodes and Hela led the Hella Legion to the Haipa Grand Canyon.

They were ambushed by a fire giant's rockfall trap on the way.

Rhodes had anticipated the Flame Giants' ambush using his clairvoyant eye and prepared the Legion for defense.

Rhodes: "Everyone, activate your Asgardian cloaks for defense."

The Asgardian warriors activated their cloaks, forming protective energy barriers that shielded them from the falling rocks.

Rhodes used his powers to eliminate the falling rocks and cleared the path for the Legion to escape the ambush.

Once they were safely out of the canyon, Hela expressed concern for Rhodes's well-being, but he assured her that he was unharmed.

Hela: "That's good."

Rhodes then playfully commented on Hela's smile, which embarrassed her.

Rhodes: "You look even better when you smile. Why don't you smile more?"

Despite the challenging circumstances, the Legion's morale remained high as they continued their march toward Helag City.

Rhodes: "Given the Flame Giants' decision to send such a heavy force to ambush us in Haipa Grand Canyon, it's likely they've realized our potential route."

Hela believed that Helag would also be heavily fortified.

Hela: "So, what's our plan?"

Rhodes: "Our only option is to confront them head-on. While we're the attackers, the situation doesn't favor us. But we've run out of alternatives."

Hela agreed, and they prepared for a tough battle ahead.

Rhodes: "Our speed needs to be much faster, catching them off guard before they realize their loss in Haipa Grand Canyon."

Hela pointed out the challenge of the distance to Helag City.

Hela: "The soldiers are already marching at full speed. We're at least 500 kilometers away from Helag City, and it will take at least two days."

Rhodes revealed a new ability.

Rhodes: "I have a solution."

"Ding, the host [Rhodes] has comprehended [Halo of Rapidity]."

The Halo of Rapidity could significantly increase the target's movement speed, ideal for rapid marching.

Rhodes activated the ability, and a cyan halo enveloped all the Asgardian fighters of the Hella Legion, superimposed with their usual light blue cold aura.