Chapter 77: Kurse

"Jane was invaded by the Aether particles in an abandoned warehouse, and right now the Aether is constantly eroding her life. If we don't quickly remove the Aether from her body, she will soon die.

Since you once told us to come to you if Jane fell ill, here we are. Sure enough, you do have the ability to heal Jane!"

Though he felt a pang of jealousy, Thor still looked gratefully at Alex.

Using precise energy manipulation, Alex continued to separate the Aether particles from Jane Foster.

Perhaps sensing Alex's actions, the Aether began to release energy waves, launching an attack on Alex. However, without a conscious wielder, the Aether's instinctive defensive response was easily neutralized by Alex.

While keeping one hand on Jane Foster, Alex smiled at Thor and said, "You did the right thing by coming to me. Jane's situation is too complex—her body has fused with the Aether particles. Even Odin would have difficulty removing them. The only ones who might succeed are the Dark Elves, who have extensive knowledge of the Aether.

Of course, I can also do it. I can even help restore Jane's body from the damage caused by the Aether, preventing her from developing cancer in the future."

"Cancer? Jane might get cancer?" Thor asked nervously.

Alex nodded and explained, "After all, the Aether has extremely high radiation. But instead of worrying about that, I suggest you turn your attention to Asgard.

With the appearance of the Aether, the Nine Realms will soon align, and the Dark Elves will awaken from their slumber.

The first thing they will do upon awakening is, of course, attack their old enemy, Asgard! Now, with Odin aged and you away from Asgard, there is no one left to confront the Cursed Warriors head-on. Asgard might be in danger."

Thor's expression changed dramatically. He knew the deep enmity between the Dark Elves and Asgard and realized that Alex's warning could very well be true. He shouted towards the sky, "Heimdall, send me back!"

But even after shouting several times, there was no response from Heimdall.

At this moment, a deep sense of unease grew within Thor. He realized that Alex might be telling the truth and that something must have happened to Heimdall; otherwise, he would have responded by now.

"Damn it, what should I do? Without the Bifrost, I can't return to Asgard!"

Thor was frantic. If Asgard were truly overrun by the Dark Elves while he was away, he would be filled with regret forever. As he was panicking and at a loss, Alex placed a firm hand on his shoulder, nearly causing him to fall. It reminded Thor of what he often did to Loki in the past, except now he was the victim.

Alex's voice came from beside him, "I can help you return to Asgard and help you repel the Dark Elves. But after it's over, you must give me the Casket of Ancient Winters, the Eternal Flame, and the Infinity Gauntlet as my fee for helping you."

Hearing Alex's offer, Thor was overjoyed and quickly agreed, "Alright, if you help me defeat the Dark Elves, I will give you these three treasures!"

Hearing Thor agree, Alex grinned. Odin might not be dead yet, and even though he was old and couldn't act easily, that didn't mean he was weak. On the contrary, due to the unique Asgardian physiology where they grow stronger with age, Odin is at his most powerful right before his death!

He can't act easily because his body is too frail to contain his immense energy. If Odin fights with all his might, he will surely die, but not before unleashing an immense amount of power—enough that even the Sorcerer Supreme wouldn't be his match!

So, if possible, Alex would never rob Asgard outright; he would rather make deals to obtain what he wanted. Thor watched Alex closely, wondering how he would help him return to Asgard.

Then he saw Alex lightly touch the space before him, and a portal, sparking with brilliant flames, formed right in front of him. Thor was stunned. He recognized it as the portal that had suddenly appeared before him earlier, and on the other side was the familiar sight of the Bifrost!

He hadn't expected such a portal to connect over such a vast distance. Judging by Alex's expression, this method was both fast and extremely convenient, a more powerful form of teleportation than even the Bifrost!

By opening a portal based on images from movies, Alex didn't need to have visited the location for his Level 3 portal to work. He could open a portal to any place with an image!

At Level 4, he wouldn't even need an image. Knowing what he wanted would be enough to create a portal to his desired destination.

He only needed to wait until then to find Stryker's whereabouts and crush that insignificant worm!

Opening the portal, Alex stepped through, taking Jane Foster with him back to Asgard!

At that moment, Asgard was engulfed in battle. Dark elves with grayish-black skin and pointed ears, along with prisoners released from the dungeon, were wreaking havoc and fighting against Asgardian warriors!

Heimdall, who was guarding the Bifrost, was overwhelmed by a dozen dark elves, making it impossible for him to respond to Thor's requests or open the Bifrost to bring Thor back to Asgard.

When the portal opened, its dazzling brilliance immediately drew everyone's attention. They all turned nervously toward the portal, unsure whether friend or foe was arriving.

They first saw Alex and Jane Foster step out of the portal, and silence fell over the battlefield. They had never seen such a person in the Nine Realms.

However, when they saw Thor emerge from the portal, the Asgardian warriors erupted in cheers:

"Thor! Thor! Thor!"

In contrast, the dark elves and their allies were filled with dread.

Thor's reputation had spread across the Nine Realms for thousands of years; nearly everyone knew his name. Seeing Thor's return, they were anxious, knowing that Asgard had gained a powerful ally!

At this point, a tall dark elf emerged from the ranks, charging directly at Thor!

Kurse.

Faced with the charging dark elf, the hot-headed Thor didn't back down. He charged as well, but as soon as they clashed, Thor—considered invincible by Asgardian warriors—was sent flying with a single punch, clearly at a disadvantage!

After knocking Thor away, Kurse spat heavily toward Alex and the others, making a throat-slitting gesture, shouting loudly:

"Just a mere Thor and two cowardly mortals from Midgard—nothing to fear!"

Encouraged by this, the dark elves behind him shouted loudly:

"Kurse! Kurse! Kurse!"

Seeing this, Alex smiled warmly at Kurse. In his other free hand, terrifying red and black lightning suddenly burst forth!

°°°

Hungry for more chaps? Then check out our pătreon!

Link: Påtreon.com/BaphometFiction

I post 20 advanced chapters of this fanfic there.