6

Chapter 6: The Decision

Temple Banquet Hall

"Why does Father tolerate the Frost Giant's actions like this? It only shows Asgard's weakness!" Thor's emotions surged uncontrollably, slamming his fist onto a large table. "Those damn Frost Giants haven't paid their due!"

The force of Thor's outburst lifted the table, startling Victor awake from his half-dozing state.

"Does Thor have nothing better to do than to overturn tables?" Victor muttered.

"Later, Loki will try to deceive you again, and you will still come to me, this waste!" Thor exclaimed, his frustration palpable.

"No, I need to find a way to get out of this," Loki muttered to himself, eyeing an escape route.

"Thor, you must let go of this anger," Loki said calmly, sitting beside his brother.

"This was supposed to be a day of glory for me," Thor replied sadly, his disappointment evident.

Thor had awaited this day for a thousand years, preparing himself for the momentous occasion, only to have it disrupted by the Frost Giants.

"They always come," Loki remarked solemnly.

Victor, observing the scene with a playful smirk, noted Loki's adept performance.

"Wow, Loki's acting is truly exceptional. He's got the whole theatrics down," Victor thought to himself.

"What's happening?" The Three Warriors of the Immortal Palace and Sif rushed into the hall, bewildered by the commotion.

Loki glanced at them before whispering enigmatically, "I can't say if this will comfort you, but I think Thor is right. If the Frost Giants found a way past Asgard's defenses once, who's to say they won't try again?"

"And next time, they might come with an army," the humble Tolton interjected nervously.

"Yes, but defying your father isn't the solution," Loki added with a knowing look. "Thor, you can't do this."

Thor, with a determined expression, stood up. "Understood. The Frost Giants are waiting for me."

"No, no, Thor, I know what you're thinking, and you can't do that!" Loki protested, feigning concern.

"Loki, this is the only way to protect our borders," Thor retorted firmly, his resolve unwavering.

"Thor, this is madness!" Loki exclaimed, genuinely concerned for his brother.

Observing the scene, Victor couldn't help but admire Loki's acting prowess while inwardly lamenting Thor's impulsiveness.

"Loki's acting is top-notch, and Thor's brain is all brawn. If I don't make a move, I'll end up dragged into Jotunheim," Victor thought to himself, slipping away unnoticed behind a pillar and vanishing from the banquet hall.

---

Victor returned to his quarters, where he found Odin seated by the window, gazing over Asgard.

"Father, what are you pondering?" Victor inquired curiously.

[Father, why did you change clothes so quickly? Is it a superhero thing?]

"I'm worried about Thor," Odin replied with a furrowed brow.

Victor chuckled inwardly at Odin's paternal concern, noting their differing focuses.

"But you're right, Victor. Thor will grow, eventually," Odin continued thoughtfully.

[I have a plan, but revealing it would expose me.]

[Well, I trust you'll figure it out, Father.]

[After all, Thor will have to deal with Jotunheim's issues later, and I'll get to go to Earth.]

"Well, that's an interesting idea," Odin remarked approvingly.

"But you've got to remember that you're only dreaming of salted fish," he added with a laugh.

"Uh..." Victor hesitated, unsure how to respond to Odin's teasing.

[You shouldn't be so naive, Father. This is a good idea.]

[If Thor continues to grow, he'll die by Ragnarok, and Asgard will be gone!]

"Ahem, well, I came here to discuss Thor's training," Odin interjected, changing the subject awkwardly.

After all, he'd gleaned what he needed from Victor's cryptic remarks.

"Huh? Father, Thor needs to see me about something. I'd better slip away!" Victor exclaimed, darting out of the room without looking back.

[They want to crush me with endless snow!]

[I've got to escape!]

"Hey!" Odin sighed, unable to stay angry with his youngest son.

He couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt over Victor's predicament.

"Well, he's quick on his feet. Ah, I suppose I should attend to Thor's affairs first," Odin mused, already formulating a plan.

However, whether Thor could pass this trial would ultimately depend on his own mettle.

---

Rainbow Bridge

As Thor and the others prepared to depart for Jotunheim via the Rainbow Bridge, Victor's voice suddenly rang out from behind.

"Count me in, Thor!"

Gasping dramatically as if out of breath, Victor appeared from his hiding spot, joining the group. "For the glory of Asgard, I'm with you!"

"No, scratch that—for the glory of salted fish!" he quipped with a mischievous grin.