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Chapter: Odin's Gambit

Mangog was engulfed in a searing blaze of golden-red light, taking several moments to reappear.

The power of the Flame Armor, combined with the detonation of holy light, proved formidable against Mangog's strength.

Despite swiftly healing from his injuries, Mangog's face contorted with rage, undiminished. He glared at Forseti and said, "You—you're still alive!"

Before he could finish, a malevolent aura and oppressive force swept over him.

Forseti trembled slightly at the overwhelming terror, cold sweat dotting his forehead.

Witnessing Forseti's survival, Odin was also stunned. He had seen Forseti endure the combined onslaught of Mangog and Laufey.

But now was not the time for contemplation. Seizing a moment to catch his breath, Odin gritted his teeth and struggled to rise from the ground.

Meanwhile, Mangog recovered from his injuries, visibly diminished in size from the detonation of the Flame Armor's holy light.

Observing Forseti, barely standing, and Odin, alive against expectations, Mangog hesitated briefly before fixing his gaze on Forseti.

"Hmph, you won't be so fortunate this time," Mangog sneered coldly, launching himself towards Forseti with a giant fist.

Forseti's pupils dilated as he hastily invoked the Holy Shield.

**Holy Shield!**

A resounding boom echoed as Mangog drove Forseti into the ground, creating a sizable crater.

As Mangog raised his claws to inspect the pit, he found it empty. Abruptly realizing Forseti was clinging to his massive claw, bathed in a golden glow, unscathed.

"What?!" Mangog exclaimed in shock.

Taking advantage of the moment, Forseti ignited flames beneath his feet, propelling himself towards Mangog. Simultaneously, he unleashed a barrage of arrows infused with holy light.

The arrows detonated on impact, unleashing waves of golden light before Mangog's face.

**Boom boom-**

Momentarily staggered, Mangog gritted his teeth in fury. Swatting his massive claws, he aimed to strike Forseti, who was airborne.

Despite Mangog's size advantage, Forseti narrowly evaded, narrowly avoiding a perilous blow.

Hovering mid-air, Forseti contemplated the Holy Deed at his waist, torn with indecision.

His options seemed limited—to thrust the Holy Deed into Mangog's mouth or even his stomach. Though seemingly unremarkable, the Holy Deed harbored immense holy light energy. Inflicting such an artifact upon a creature of Mangog's resentment would undoubtedly yield catastrophic consequences.

With three Holy Shields remaining, Forseti considered this his best chance to administer the Holy Light's wrath.

Uncertain of the repercussions, Forseti hesitated, wary of potentially sacrificing the Holy Deed.

**Boom-**

Amidst his internal conflict, a thunderous roar erupted.

Mjölnir hurtled towards Mangog's back, catching him off guard.

Startled, Mangog swiftly pivoted to confront Hela, wielding the hammer.

Hela's appearance was grim. Battling tirelessly, she bore visible bruises and panted heavily.

Odin, observing Hela's arrival, shuddered as if struck by realization. His expression clouded with concern.

But swiftly, he frowned, lost in thought, clenching his fists and murmuring, "If only it were a son...alas..."

Hela conjured several ethereal longswords, whirling them into the air before hurtling towards Mangog.

Mangog snorted disdainfully, swatting the blades aside with a backhanded swipe.

Yet, Mjölnir, returning in a boomerang arc, struck Mangog once more, unsettling him.

Frustrated, Mangog retorted, "Odin's enchantments are useless against me!"

Reversing its trajectory, Mjölnir descended towards Hela, accelerating with alarming speed, leaving a trail of thunderous booms.

**Boom!**

Hela swiftly splayed her fingers, deftly altering Mjölnir's course to narrowly avoid a direct hit.

**Boom!** Despite her efforts, Mangog dealt a forceful blow, hurling Hela against a shattered wall.

Outmatched and grievously wounded, Hela struggled to rise, propped against the crumbling debris.

"Odin's defeat is inevitable. What hope do you have, Odin's daughter?" Mangog sneered, looming over her.

"Perhaps not..." Odin interjected, a determined gleam in his eye.

Brandishing the Spear of Eternity, Odin radiated with a kaleidoscope of brilliance, mirroring the Rainbow Bridge's vibrant hues.

The dazzling spectrum enveloped Asgard, merging with the very air.

As the rainbow brilliance coalesced around Hela, a radiant storm emanated from her core, engulfing her form.

Drawing a deep breath, Odin declared, "Hela, my daughter, I lend you half of Asgard's power. May it empower you beyond measure."

The luminous storm dissipated, revealing Hela, seemingly unchanged outwardly, yet exuding a presence tenfold more potent than before.

Forseti observed her intently, sensing the profound power Hela now wielded—an embodiment reminiscent of her formidable prowess in "Thor 3."

Turning to face Mangog, Odin proclaimed, "Mangog, I may not defeat you, but my daughter can."

Indeed, Hela, as Asgard's heir, had already mastered a fraction of its power—albeit a meager portion.

Realizing he could never vanquish his natural nemesis, Mangog, Odin was left with one viable recourse: bequeath Asgard's power unto Hela.

Of course, Odin harbored reservations, hesitant to relinquish all of Asgard's power. Such a concession would render Hela beyond his control, potentially jeopardizing his authority to appoint a successor.

Confronting Mangog, Hela brimmed with newfound potency, Mangog's eyes betraying a hint of trepidation.

Though Odin's eternal adversary, Mangog's confidence remained unshaken. He taunted, "Odin's daughter, how pitiful—you're merely 'borrowing' this power. Odin undoubtedly intends to reclaim it, destined for his true heir—the rightful successor of Asgard."

Mangog's words struck Odin with a jolt of anger, as if confronting an undeniable truth. Hela paled, biting her lip, acknowledging the veracity in Mangog's assertion.

"Is such a father truly worthy of your loyalty?" Mangog's eerie voice resonated throughout Asgard, probing Hela's resolve.