588

The Final Test

Despite his battle-worn suit, Spider-Man's distinct features were unmistakable to Forseti.

At that moment, Peter Parker lay gravely injured, risking infection if not treated promptly.

Without hesitation, Forseti knelt down, placing his palm on Peter's body. Fingertips aglow with holy light, a surge of potent healing energy flowed forth.

*Lay on Hands!*

Under its potent effect, Spider-Man's wounds closed instantly, his lost blood replenished.

Indeed, Lay on Hands defied the laws of mass conservation, able to generate blood from nothingness in living beings.

While fantastical, such occurrences were not unheard of in a world where natural laws often bent.

Peter Parker jolted awake, immediately noticing the headless body of Dr. Lizard nearby. "Dr. Connors..."

Surveying Connors' tragic end, Peter felt a tumult of emotions.

For ages, Connors had been his mentor and friend, offering guidance and support.

Peter had never anticipated that Dr. Connors would become a lizard-like creature, a savage monster who inflicted harm upon the innocent.

Though unaware of Connors' travails, Peter understood that whatever drove him, sympathy could not excuse bloodshed.

Silent for a long moment, Peter Parker finally spoke. "Peter!" Donald and Jane Foster rushed over.

"Thank goodness you're alright," Peter smiled, then turned to Forseti. "You saved us?"

"I simply ensured your safety," Forseti replied, puzzling Peter slightly.

Yet, Donald had no need for Forseti's rescue. Thor's power still coursed within him, latent but ready to erupt in moments of peril, even summoning Thor himself if necessary.

Odin could never truly strip Thor of his might, lest he endanger himself as a mere mortal.

Confronting Dr. Lizard posed no challenge for Thor's lightning bolts, rendering Forseti's intervention moot.

Forseti had come solely to preserve Spider-Man's life.

"Do I know you?" Donald frowned, gazing at Forseti. "You seem familiar."

"You'll come to know," Forseti smiled, then glanced at the girl beside Donald. "Is she your girlfriend?"

"Uh, yes, Jane..." Donald stammered, his face flushing.

"Yes," Jane Foster affirmed suddenly, smiling shyly as she clasped Donald's hand.

Donald stood there, dumbstruck, blinked in disbelief, then slumped unconscious.

"Donald!" Jane Foster cried out, distressed.

Forseti reassured her, "He will recover."

It appeared Thor harbored affection for Jane Foster, while Sif, far off in Asgard, seemed forgotten.

Holding the unconscious Donald, Jane hesitated, then addressed Forseti. "What caused the lightning on Donald just now?"

"Let him explain that in due course. I must depart," Forseti's Eye of Reckoning foresaw approaching police forces.

The Rainbow Bridge descended once more, enveloping Forseti as he vanished.

"Police are arriving. We must leave quickly," Peter urged, and the three departed hastily.

---

*Golden Palace.*

Forseti recounted Thor's recent Earthly trials to Odin and Frigga.

Especially Donald's brave confrontation with Dr. Lizard.

Upon hearing this, Odin nodded approvingly, and Frigga smiled warmly. "This ordeal has surely fostered Thor's growth."

"Yes, finding courage amidst fear... It is a rare lesson," Odin mused.

Loki was present too, listening intently.

Yet, his focus seemed peculiar compared to his parents'. "Does Thor have a paramour?"

Forseti replied, "Indeed. Is that of concern?"

"Just a mortal. Thor will understand upon returning to the realm of gods," Odin remarked casually.

Loki persisted, "Father, when will Thor return?"

Odin fell silent, then sighed. "Soon."

"Very soon?"

Odin nodded, reflecting, "Initially, I intended Thor to live as a mortal for fifty years, but I may not live that long. He has matured sufficiently; it is time for his return."

With Odin's lifespan dwindling, Thor's timely return was crucial.

To prolong Odin's life, Frigga significantly extended his periods of slumber, three months at a time.

Odin pondered, then summoned Mjölnir and dispatched it through the Rainbow Bridge. "Heimdall, send Mjölnir to Midgard."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Heimdall complied, and the Rainbow Bridge opened, delivering Mjölnir to Earth in a blaze of light.

"Forseti, Loki, this matter is in your hands," Odin said. "Arrange Thor's final trial, then guide him to reclaim Mjölnir."

"What trial?" Loki queried, taken aback.

Odin advised, "Decide amongst yourselves. Make it swift; I wish for Thor's swift return to Asgard."

Forseti and Loki exchanged glances, detecting uncertainty in each other's eyes.

After brief deliberation, they resolved to subject Thor to an extended trial of endurance.

New Mexico.

A brilliant cascade of light descended from the heavens, resembling a meteorite, streaking through the atmosphere to crash-land in a desolate wilderness.

*Kaboom!*

Amidst the thunderous explosion, a short-handled warhammer, Mjölnir, emerged from the crater.

---