Chapter 98

Buzzing...

Abel followed Thor and the others out of the Rainbow Bridge and looked at Heimdall, who was covered in scars at the console. Everyone immediately walked forward to check Heimdall's condition. Once they confirmed that Heimdall was still alive, they felt a slight sense of relief.

"Thor, there are the bodies of two frost giants over there. Loki really colluded with the frost giants and let them come to Asgard," Fandral reported.

Thor nodded, continuing to assess Heimdall's condition. Although he was still breathing, the Destroyer had severely injured him. He needed immediate medical attention, but it was obvious there wasn't time to find an Asgardian doctor.

Abel didn't say much. He pulled out his wand and pointed it at Heimdall, chanting a low healing spell. Heimdall's wounds began to close rapidly under the influence of the spell, scabbing over and stopping the bleeding. Minor injuries gradually disappeared under the white light emitted from the wand, vanishing completely.

While maintaining the spell, Abel said to Thor, "Leave Heimdall to me. You can leave one person to help, and the rest should go deal with Loki and the frost giants."

"I'll stay!" Sif volunteered.

Sif and Heimdall had a close bond, like brother and sister, having grown up together. Her concern was twofold: she was both worried about Heimdall and cautious of Abel, who she barely knew.

Abel understood this, which was why he had suggested someone stay. If Heimdall didn't make it, it would be hard to explain. This was his chance to gain the trust of Asgard. As the saying goes, you must give to receive. By helping Asgard, Abel hoped to earn their goodwill and the rewards he sought.

Thor thanked Abel and took off, flying towards the palace with Mjolnir, while the Warriors Three chased after him, rushing to face Loki.

Once they left, the black smoky cloak that had been covering Abel slowly disappeared, revealing his true appearance. Sif was shocked—she hadn't expected Abel to be so young. Apart from his height, he didn't look much different from the older children of Asgard.

"You... you're so young," Sif said, surprised.

Abel smiled. "Yes, I've heard that before."

"You really do look too young," Sif replied, still taken aback.

"If you're talking about my age, I suppose I am," Abel admitted. "By the way, take these. Have Heimdall drink them later; they'll help with his recovery." He handed her three potions.

Sif took the potions and hesitated before asking, "Why did you suddenly reveal your disguise?"

"Showing my true face builds trust. If I kept hiding, it might cause unnecessary misunderstandings and doubts," Abel explained with a smile.

Sif nodded, a bit awkward, and fell silent. After a while, Heimdall's breathing became steady and strong. Abel stood up and said, "I've done all I can. Give Heimdall one of those potions in ten minutes. You understand the concept of ten minutes here, right?"

Sif smirked slightly. "Yes, I know what ten minutes is."

"Good. Heimdall's in your hands now. I'll go help Thor." Abel transformed into black smoke and sped off, ready to join the battle alongside Thor and further build his favor with Asgard.

A dark trail of smoke streaked across the skies of Asgard as Abel flew towards the palace. Below, he saw the Warriors Three locked in combat with frost giants and Asgardian warriors.

Without hesitation, Abel descended, landing among the frost giants. Black smoke twisted and curled on the ground as he emerged, wand in hand. With a series of quick taps, frost giants fell one after another, their heads severed as Abel moved forward, calm and methodical. Everywhere he passed, frost giant corpses piled up.

Asgard had mages, but not many who specialized in lethal magic like Abel. The type of magic he wielded was often categorized as dark magic, which was something most in Asgard avoided. Furthermore, Asgardian magic leaned heavily on magic-tech, and combat-focused spells were rare. The most powerful magic users in Asgard were likely Frigga and Loki.

In peace, Asgardians had lost their edge. Few invested the time and energy to master magic, as there seemed little need. However, Abel knew that if Odin passed, there would be no one left strong enough to hold Asgard's position in the universe except Thor—and even Thor had much to learn to match his father.

A dark red bolt of lightning shot out from Abel's wand, reducing a frost giant to ashes. Abel reached Fandral and asked, "Where's Thor? How many frost giants are there?"

"The frost giants that attacked aren't too many. We can handle the rest. Thor has gone to the All-Father's Sleep Chamber—the tallest tower. Loki is there!" Fandral replied.

"Got it! I'll leave the rest to you. I'll help Thor!" Abel turned into smoke once again and shot towards the tower.

As he neared the tower, a golden energy beam suddenly fired from it, striking Thor and sending him crashing into a nearby building, which collapsed in a cloud of dust and debris.

Loki, holding Gungnir, stood in front of the hole in the palace wall. He raised the spear high, and dark clouds began to gather over Asgard. Thunder, lightning, and a violent storm of snow swept across the city. A golden bolt of lightning fell from the clouds, crashing down on Thor, who lay in the collapsed palace.