200

Asgardian Civil War

A mage followed behind Hermond.

The mage said, "Supreme mage, he claims to be from Asgard, learned our news from the Macedonian Shield, and has come to see Lord Forseti."

Agamotto nodded. "You may leave."

The wizard departed.

Hermond patted Forseti's shoulder and said, "I didn't expect you and a group from Midgard to defeat Apocalypse."

Forseti was stunned for a moment and quickly asked, "What's happening in Asgard?"

Hermond paused, glanced at Agamotto, and said, "He is Agamotto, the Socceror supreme of Midgard and my friend. If it's not highly confidential, please tell us."

"No need, I'll take my leave." Agamotto understood and left discreetly.

Hermond continued, "The current king of Asgard is Lord Odin."

Forseti nodded, realizing there was indeed a civil war in Asgard, and Odin had seized the throne.

Hermond explained further, "It started after the Battle of Vanaheim. Following this conflict, Lord Odin and Cul disagreed. Odin sought to swiftly eliminate the trolls in Nornheim and unite Nornheim under Asgard's rule."

"But Cul distrusted the new Duke of Nornheim, Karnilla, fearing her increased power after the troll threat was removed. This could potentially weaken Asgard's control."

Although Nornheim, under the Duke's authority, belonged to Asgard, it retained a high degree of autonomy and had strong separatist sentiments.

Cul's concerns weren't unfounded. While the trolls in Nornheim were enemies, they also served as a buffer against the Duke's ambitions. With the trolls gone, the Duke of Nornheim would have no external threats and could assert more independence, especially under the less diplomatic leadership of the newly appointed Duke, Karnilla.

"...This disagreement escalated into civil war, which Odin eventually won, partly due to the approval of the Eternal Spear," Hermond added.

Forseti pondered briefly and asked, "How did Odin defeat Cul? Isn't the Asgardian king blessed with the power of Asgard?"

"Lord Odin possesses three Infinity Stones—the Power Stone, the Mind Stone, and the Time Stone," Hermond revealed.

Infinity Stones!

Forseti was astonished, realizing there were few forces in the universe capable of challenging the Asgardian king. Odin's successful usurpation of the throne likely depended on these powerful artifacts.

"Wait, you mentioned partial approval of the Eternal Spear?" Forseti remembered something and asked eagerly.

"The civil war isn't over," explained Hermond. "Though defeated, Cul survived and fled Asgard with a small group. He still holds some recognition from the Eternal Spear and retains a fraction of Asgardian power."

"Currently, he's gathering reinforcements for a counterattack."

After a pause, Hermond continued, "Lord Ullr is under arrest, and Heimdall refuses to resume his role as the gatekeeper. Many warriors have lost contact with Asgard, including you. That's why I was sent to find you."

Forseti fell silent for a moment.

"Let's go. Come with me back to Asgard," Hermond said, glancing sideways. "By the way, your cape is quite impressive."

"I need to speak with Agamotto first."

Forseti approached Agamotto and said, "Agamotto, I'm sorry, but something's happened in Asgard. I can't stay on Earth right now."

Agamotto nodded. "Understood."

After Forseti informed Diops and Shilut, Hermond produced a glowing orb, placed it on the ground, and crushed it underfoot.

"Bang!" The orb shattered, emitting a brilliant light that formed a circle around them.

They stood within the circle as the Rainbow Bridge's light beam descended from the sky, enveloping them in a flash...

...

Deep in the universe, on a desolate planet.

The planet's light was dim, its surface devoid of life except for countless meteorite craters—a barren wasteland where no life could thrive.

Yet, eleven figures stood upon it.

Among them, most were colossal, ranging from several hundred meters to over a thousand meters tall—resembling mountains clad in intricate armor, their bodies covered in metallic plates.

Despite their mechanical appearance, their movements and expressions were surprisingly agile, devoid of the typical stiffness associated with robots.

Two figures among them were notably smaller—around two meters tall, akin to humans. One was shrouded in mist, concealing their features.

The other wore a green robe, their demeanor as serene as still water. This was none other than Cul, the former king of Asgard.

"Cronus, and celestials... I shall inquire further about our retaliation against Asgard," Cul declared, his fists clenched involuntarily. "Odin must pay the price."

...

In an instant, Forseti, Hermond, Diops, and Shilut materialized within Asgard's teleportation hall. Standing beside them was a blond man exuding an aura of radiant light, brandishing a sword.

"Lord Baldur," Hermond greeted.

This person was Baldur, Asgard's god of light. Forseti and Diops also offered their greetings.

Balder smiled warmly but remained silent. "Welcome back."

The group exited the hall.

However, as they stepped onto the Rainbow Bridge, Forseti and Diops' expressions turned grave.

In the distance, Asgard lay in ruins—its towering palaces reduced to rubble, broken walls scattered across the landscape.

"This..." Diops gasped in disbelief.

Hermond sighed softly. "The aftermath of the civil war."

"How many lives were lost?" Forseti asked quietly.

"Many," Hermond replied solemnly, leading the way. "I must report to Lord Odin. You can head home or meet with Odin, our king, as soon as possible."

"I understand," Forseti nodded.

Hermond vanished in a blur, leaving behind a trail of afterimages. Forseti and Diops departed in separate directions.

Forseti didn't head straight home but instead made his way to Peter's Herb Shop in Lifia Town.

Approaching the shop, he found it partially collapsed, sending a chill down his spine.

"Creak..." Just then, the door swung open, revealing a familiar figure in a flowing blue gown. Her demeanor looked worn, her face marked with fatigue.

"Sister," Forseti called out.

Eir's steps faltered, and when she looked up and saw him, her eyes welled with tears.

"Forseti!" She rushed forward, embracing him tightly.