140

Chapter 140: Odin Appears

The atmosphere grew tense as both sides faced off, prepared for any sudden moves.

Thanos realized that his plan had failed, but he was not willing to retreat without inflicting significant damage. His focus was on Wanda, whose powers were incredibly dangerous. If allowed to fully develop, she could become an even greater threat than Thor or Captain Marvel.

Wanda had initially held him back, leading to Black Dwarf's death and Proxima Midnight's serious injuries. Thor instinctively positioned himself in front of Wanda, knowing that Thanos would likely target her first in any renewed attack.

Thor and Carol lacked the means to decisively defeat Thanos. Wanda was their only hope, provided her mental powers could be fully restored. She needed protection until then.

Unaware of the danger she was in, Wanda was deeply moved by Thor's protective stance and nearly brought to tears.

Suddenly, Thanos attacked with the Tyrant Skyblade, hurling it toward Wanda.

"Get out of the way!" Thor shouted as he pushed Wanda aside and dodged the flying blade.

Carol fired an energy cannon at Thanos. He deflected the energy beam with one hand while catching the blade with the other. Avoiding the attack, he leapt into the air and aimed a strike at Carol.

Ebony Maw conjured spikes from boulders that shot toward Wanda. She activated her powers, enveloping herself in red energy that disintegrated the spikes into dust.

Corvus Glaive, moving in from behind, tried to stab Wanda. Thor grabbed the double-edged spear, kicked Glaive away, and was about to strike when Thanos, having shaken off Captain Marvel, aimed another attack at Wanda. Thor had to turn back to block Thanos's assault.

Thor was growing frustrated. While Thanos was ruthless with his subordinates, Thor couldn't ignore Wanda's safety. The sorceress's vulnerabilities were exposed, and the enemy was clearly targeting her, sensing her weakened state.

"Boom!"

A loud explosion resounded as Bifrost's light illuminated the battlefield. Gungnir, lying nearby, flew into the light.

An ancient voice boomed, "Thanos, you are in a hurry..."

Thanos, caught mid-action, froze in shock. He redirected the Overlord Skyblade to block Ebony Maw and Corvus Glaive, who were about to attack from behind.

Carol, startled, prepared to fire again, but Thor stopped her. "Hold your fire; this is our ally. I don't think we'll be fighting today."

As the light dimmed, Odin emerged, holding Gungnir and radiating divine power. He locked eyes with Thanos with an air of wisdom.

"Thousands of years ago, you were defeated by me in Asgard. Now, as your end approaches, you dare to invade the Nine Realms? I thought the defeat of the dark elves would end the threat, but it seems some are destined to suffer more."

Thanos sneered. "Do you believe you can still defeat me? Your life is waning, and the fall of Svartálfheim is your last stand. Even if you have a few tricks left, you're at your limit, aren't you?"

"Is that so? Then try me," Odin responded, his Destroyer Armor illuminating his form.

"But remember the consequences. You may not have another chance to escape."

Thanos quickly assessed the situation. Odin might not be at his peak, but he still possessed formidable strength. A battle with Odin could be a deadly stalemate, with significant losses on both sides.

Odin's death was inevitable, but Thanos could not afford to lose. Thor and Captain Marvel were formidable opponents, and facing Odin alongside them would be a losing battle. If he fought Odin, the presence of Thor and Captain Marvel would make it a battle he could not afford.

After weighing his options, Thanos decided to retreat. He whispered to Ebony Maw, "Since the mold for the Infinity Gauntlet is destroyed, staying here is pointless. Let's retreat."

Ebony Maw understood and signaled for a small spacecraft to approach.

Thanos gave Odin a cold glare. "I may have lost this battle, but you won't last long. I'm eager to see what becomes of Asgard after you're gone."

He boarded the spacecraft and commanded, "Depart!"

The spacecraft roared into the sky, entering a wormhole and vanishing from sight.