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Chapter 159: The Battle for Kingship

The solemn atmosphere was shattered by this shout. Thor withdrew his divine power and turned to look at Frigga, who had rushed over.

"Mother..."

Frigga ignored him and focused on Hela. "My child, you... have finally returned?"

Hela's face showed some struggle, and after a moment, she whispered, "Mother..."

Unlike Odin, Frigga had always been the loving mother. Regardless of their feelings towards Odin, Loki and Hela had always held a positive view of her.

This was why Frigga had hurried here. She knew that once Thor and Hela began to fight, she would be the only one who could separate them.

Frigga sighed and said softly, "Son, go back. Your father has regretted his actions long ago, but as a god king, he cannot admit his mistakes.

"I have revealed your existence to Asgard, and your history will no longer be concealed. Return to Asgard. It should not be divided."

Hela closed her eyes and shook her head. "No, I cannot go back."

After a pause, she looked at Thor. "I know Odin declared you his heir. However, he once made the same declaration to me. As the eldest princess, I have the right to challenge for the throne."

Thor nodded, not denying it. "Yes, I understand your dissatisfaction. You are my sister, and according to the old rules, the throne should indeed be yours.

To be honest, I do not desire this position. I wish someone else would take it, but that person cannot be you. The current king of Asgard cannot afford such a risk."

"Really?" Hela sneered. "But what my mother said is true. Asgard should not be divided, not even between you and me."

Thor paused, shook his head, and said, "I'm sorry, but I won't call you queen."

"Then let's use the most traditional method to determine who holds the royal power! This ancient tradition is one that most people in Asgard will accept."

Thor understood the ancient way well. Asgard valued combat, and they revered a decisive duel.

Many disputes could be resolved through such a duel, and sometimes a duel could determine the guilt or innocence of the challenger.

The Vikings of Nordic history had learned from them.

In the last millennium, Asgard had gradually become more civilized, but its dueling culture had not faded.

"Without returning to Asgard, my strength has not fully recovered," Hela said lightly. "But it's sufficient. If you wish to fight now, I am willing to oblige."

Frigga looked at Thor, knowing that this decision was for him to make.

Thor thought for a moment and then said, "I am willing to wait for you to return to Asgard and fight me at full strength. However, you must agree to one condition."

"Condition?" Hela agreed without hesitation. "Don't worry, you are more agreeable than Odin. I will make sure you are honored as the vanguard of conquering the universe and restore your glory with me!"

"No!" Thor shook his head. "My condition is that if you lose, you will return the soul of Valkyrie who died in battle to me . Asgard needs that power now!"

Hela was taken aback, then nodded and said, "Very well. I have no other use for these souls. But I must remind you, these souls only retain their most basic essence, lacking any strength."

"That will be enough!"

The quest initiated fifteen years ago by the Valkyrie survivors on Sakaar was finally nearing completion.

Once those poor souls were liberated, the Soul Castle rewarded by the system would allow them to be reborn and form a powerful army.

"Return first," Thor instructed his mother, and summoned the Bifrost. "Heimdall, take us back!"

"Boom..."

Colorful beams of light illuminated the sky as Thor and Frigga vanished.

Hela observed this scene with a hint of hesitation. Gritting her teeth, she stepped into the Bifrost.

...

In Asgard, just as Thor and Frigga had left, Hela appeared in the Bifrost control room.

"Who are you?"

The three Asgardian warriors raised their weapons, treating Hela as a threat due to heavy death aura. They had just returned from a mission and were unaware of the legend of Hela.

"Stop!" Heimdallr commanded.

Hela ignored them, took a deep breath of Asgard's air, and felt the return of her power...

After a moment, she announced loudly, "I am Hela, the eldest daughter of Odin.

"I have returned."