199

Hermond is Here to Find

"There." Forseti pointed ahead.

Soransen piloted the spacecraft, adjusting its course as they entered Earth's atmosphere from outer space.

As they descended, air resistance increased sharply.

The ship began to shake violently, and Soransen sweated profusely while trying to stabilize it.

"Are Kree Empire's ships always this poorly made?" Forseti couldn't help but remark.

"There's an issue with the ship's balance," Soransen replied.

"Bang-kacha!"

Before he could finish, a loud crack sounded from above, and something broke off.

"Boom!" The rush of air filled the cabin as the ship spiraled downward.

They soon realized the problem stemmed from the spot where Forseti had cut through earlier. Despite Forseti's attempt to repair it, the ship couldn't hold.

"Can't you do anything?" Forseti asked urgently.

Soransen made some adjustments, but the ship continued its descent. "No, we're going down!"

Forseti swiftly grabbed him, smashed through the bulkhead, and flew out. They spun through the air before stabilizing.

The ship, powerless, plummeted like a meteor, disintegrating mid-air.

"Boom!"

A loud explosion lit up the sky as debris rained down into the Pacific Ocean.

Forseti felt a pang of regret—it had been a fine ship, one he intended to take to Asgard.

"How are you holding up?" He turned to Soransen.

Soransen removed his helmet, wiping sweat from his brow. "I'll manage..."

Forseti took him to the Hong Kong Sanctuary, flying a few hundred kilometers before landing on an island to rest and catch fish for a barbecue.

"How long have you been undercover with the Kree?" Forseti asked.

"Five years," Soransen replied.

"Always stationed on the moon?"

"No," Soransen shook his head. "I trained as a pilot a few years ago, then was sent to the Cree moon base."

Forseti pressed on, "What do you know about the Kree's experiments on the moon?"

"In recent decades, the Kree have abducted numerous humans from Earth for biological experiments, granting them powers. They've made significant progress," Soransen explained. "They aim to create an army of superhumans as weapons for interstellar war."

"The current experiment is called the 'Hive Project.' They're attempting to create a superhuman named 'Hive' capable of controlling other superhumans," Soransen added.

Forseti fell silent.

Hive—the origins of Hydra. Though Hydra was believed to have been founded by the Red Skull during World War II, its history stretches back millennia.

The original Hydra sought to resurrect the exiled Hive, adopting the hive symbol. Over centuries, Hydra evolved independently from the original Hive concept.

"And beware," Soransen continued, "the Kree have bases not only on the moon but also on Earth. You need to be cautious."

"I have friends on Earth," Forseti said tersely. "What are your plans now?"

Soransen hesitated, "My mission isn't complete... If possible, I'd like to return to the Kree base on Earth."

Forseti inquired, "Where's the Cree base on Earth?"

"In Maya."

The next day, Forseti took Soransen onward.

A day later, they finally arrived at the Hong Kong Sanctuary.

"Lord Forseti, you've returned..." A mage greeted them, clearly surprised.

Forseti said, "Where's Agamotto now? Is the London Sanctuary active?"

"The Supreme Sorcerer has gone to Maya to establish the third sanctuary there," the mage replied.

Forseti frowned. After a moment's silence, he said, "Take me there."

The mage nodded, opening a portal.

Observing the glowing teleportation aperture, Soransen was amazed, "How can Earth have such powerful magicians?"

Forseti smiled, "Earth isn't an ordinary planet. Its culture is rich, and its talents are abundant, far beyond what outsiders might expect."

Indeed, Earth and Azeroth shared similarities. When the Burning Legion threatened countless worlds, it was humble Azeroth that nearly vanquished them.

Forseti and Soransen stepped through the portal, emerging in a forest where Agamotto and others were clearing trees.

"Forseti, you've returned," Agamotto greeted with a smile.

"You seem unsurprised," Forseti remarked.

Agamotto didn't reply immediately but turned to Soransen, "Who's this?"

Forseti briefed Agamotto on Soransen's situation, concluding, "Given the Kree's presence on Earth and the moon, it's best you handle this matter."

Agamotto pondered briefly, "Soransen will stay at the Supreme Sanctuary for now."

Forseti agreed.

Although Soransen was a Skrull spy within the Kree Empire—an adversary—they shared a common enemy. But whether he could be trusted remained uncertain. Limiting Soransen's movements was prudent; they could reassess later.

"Is this where you're establishing the Third Sanctuary?" Forseti surveyed the surroundings.

"Yes," Agamotto nodded. "When completed, the three sanctuaries will connect through magical circles, forming a powerful defense network over Earth."

"However, the Third Sanctuary may face greater challenges."

"Why's that?"

Agamotto explained gravely, "It concerns the Kree experiments Soransen mentioned."

"...The Kree have created numerous Inhumans in Maya. While these Inhumans possess abilities, many suffer physical and mental defects, causing unrest across the continent."

"I can't return to Asgard for now. I'll stay here and assist," Forseti decided.

Unexpectedly, as he spoke, a teleportation aperture materialized nearby, and a lean young man in light armor emerged.

Forseti's eyes widened. "Hermond?!"

But this wasn't Hermond who opened portal—it was someone else entirely.

Hermond sighed in relief. "I've finally found you."