168

Chapter 167: Changing Souls for Souls

Asgard. Thor contemplated for a long time before making his decision.

Even though Nebula was not in Thanos' possession this time, Thanos could still force Gamora to submit by torturing the Silver Guardians, especially Star-Lord.

Thor could not predict how long Gamora could delay Thanos, so he needed to regain the initiative.

He whispered, "Natalia, come with me."

"Where to?"

"Vormir."

Under the ruins of the Golden Hall, Hela retrieved the corpse of an Asgardian soldier.

With a wave of her hand, a dark green light enveloped the body. Green flames eerily burned in the soldier's eyes.

Both Frigga and the three Asgardian warriors behind her frowned. This act felt like desecrating the bodies of soldiers who had died heroically.

But they had no choice.

Jean Grey placed her hand on the soldier's head, attempting to probe his memories.

A few minutes later, she shook her head. "His memory is corrupted, with significant portions missing. Or perhaps, he didn't witness..."

Hela replied indifferently, "Then we must change it. The Asgardian palace treasury is impenetrable, even to me. If we don't uncover the truth, it's a ticking time bomb. Next time, we might not be so fortunate."

"Or perhaps we have a high-ranking traitor among us."

Several people glanced at Loki. To them, Loki seemed the most likely suspect due to his background and previous offenses...

Loki remained expressionless.

Frigga shook her head. "It won't be Loki. I trust him."

Hela continued, "Another possibility is that a powerful magician opened a portal. The Golden Hall has many restrictions, and few magicians here can use space magic."

"As far as I know, there is one on Earth."

Hela could never forget how the Sorcerer Supreme had bested her in seconds and could open portals even through Odin's seals.

"The Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj — the Ancient One. But she is dead."

Frigga still shook her head.

....

Vormir was a desolate planet.

Although it had some atmospheric conditions that could support life, and was generally hospitable, there was no sign of any living beings.

Oh, there should be something on top of the mountain, if it could be considered a living entity...

As soon as Natalia arrived, her expression changed.

She had seen this place before, in Wanda's disturbing vision.

"This place has a beautiful view. Don't you think? If it weren't for the current situation, it would be a great place for a vacation."

Thor, uncomfortable with the somber atmosphere, made a joke.

Normally, Natalia would have been infuriated by such comments—this was not a place for vacationing. Was he trying to insult her?

But now, she didn't react angrily; instead, she looked at Thor with a deep gaze.

"Well, you can do whatever you say."

Thor glanced at her, puzzled.

When had Black Widow become so gentle?

He couldn't help but touch her forehead...

Under normal circumstances, this would have been enough to drive her mad.

Yet Natalia merely smiled slightly, took Thor's hand, and covered her face with it.

Thor: "???"

Today was unusual.

A ghostly figure with a skeletal face floated into view.

"Welcome..."

"Thor Odinson, son of Odin..."

"Natalia Romanova, daughter of Ivan..."

"I am the guide to the Soul Gem."

Thor and Natalia seemed unfazed, as though they had anticipated this encounter.

Thor knew the plot, and Natalia had experienced it.

A raspy voice emanated from Red Skull: "What you seek is near, accompanied by your fear. The Soul Gem is revered among the Infinite Gems; it possesses its own wisdom. Anyone seeking the Soul Gem must make a sacrifice."

"Sacrifice what?" Natalia inquired.

"A soul. It must be the soul of someone you love most. To obtain the Soul Gem, you must lose your love. It is an eternal bargain. Only through such a sacrifice can the gem's true value be understood."

Natalia gazed at Thor with tenderness. "I've known this moment would come since you brought me here. I didn't expect to understand your heart at the last moment. It turns out that your true love is me. In that case, I have no regrets."

She then ran to the cliff and jumped.

Natalia thought it would be an honor to die as Thor's beloved, just like in her visions.

And she plunged into the golden portal.