Chapter 751: Overt Plots and Schemes
Odin naturally couldn't conduct an Interrogation of Laufey in Public. Meeting him beforehand was just a simple greeting.
When the two met again, it was already ten minutes later. The location had also changed to the Asgardian Dungeon. Laufey sat carelessly on the Ground, not at all aware of being a Prisoner.
Odin also removed unnecessary decorations and came to see Laufey wearing only Light Armor. This wasn't because Odin was afraid Laufey would attack him, but because his Daily Life Clothing was basically Armor.
Odin only had one Formal Dress to match with the Queen. He couldn't possibly wear that Formal Dress to see Laufey, could he?
Arriving at the Cell Door, Odin also sat down on the Ground in a commanding manner, staring at Laufey with his remaining Single Eye and asked.
"Speak, what is your Purpose this time?"
Laufey raised his Eyelid and said, "What Purpose could there be? Invading other Worlds, isn't that what I've been doing before?"
"An invasion with just a Team?" Odin sneered. "What invasion are you talking about with a Team of less than ten people? Even if you sent Spies to gather News, you wouldn't only send ten people."
"Laufey, neither you nor I are Idiots. Don't use such low-level Reasons to fool me with, unless you really want to anger me."
Facing Odin's Question, Laufey was silent for a moment before saying, "Don't you already know? Otherwise, why would you personally come to interrogate me?"
"You really are trying to break the Seal of the Serpent?!" Odin's eyebrows shot up, and in his remaining Single Eye, it seemed like rolling Thunderbolts flashed.
"Are you crazy, Laufey? You've experienced that Era. Don't you know what kind of Monster the Serpent is? He doesn't care about anything; he only cares about domination and Fear!"
"What Benefit can you get from his Hands? He will only spew Venom at this World! When that Time comes, none of you will be able to escape!"
"Isn't there still you?" Laufey revealed a cunning Smile that didn't fit his Personality. "Once the Serpent breaks the Seal, the first thing he will do is seek Revenge against Asgard. As long as you both suffer, I will have the Opportunity to seize the Reward."
Odin was silent. What Laufey said was the truth. The Serpent was Sealed by his own Hand. He knew his Brother's Personality best. As long as the other party broke the Seal, he would definitely launch a frantic Revenge against Asgard.
Odin understood. What Laufey and the others needed was not a Leader who could guide them, but a Weapon that could contend with him, a Weapon that could hold him back.
This Weapon could be anyone or anything, and the Serpent, who had a grudge against Asgard and hated Odin to the bone, was undoubtedly the best Choice of Person.
They didn't care about the Serpent's life or Death, as long as he could exert his Value. Even if the Serpent could only perish together with Thor as in the Prophecy, that would still be a weakening of Asgard.
"Who exactly came up with this Plan?" Odin said with a gloomy Face. "With your Brain, you couldn't come up with such a sinister Plan. Is it Malekith?"
"Does it matter who it is?" Laufey leaned against the Wall. "The Wheel of Fate has already begun to turn. None of us can stop it. Even if you kill the person who came up with the Idea now, it's useless."
"Since this matter is bound to happen, then we might as well get involved. Instead of caring about us small Characters, I advise you to pay attention to Mjolnir that Seals the Serpent."
Laufey grinned, feeling happy as long as Odin was frustrated.
"As long as Mjolnir is found, it will represent the arrival of the Day of Destiny. When that Time comes, it will be the Apocalypse of Asgard."
"You will never find it," Odin said in a deep voice. Then, realizing he couldn't Question anything useful, he stood up and turned to leave.
In Odin's view, Laufey had already said everything he knew. This Plan based on Fate was a complete overt scheme. Everyone knew it would happen, so even if Laufey said it directly, Odin couldn't stop it.
Even if Odin killed Laufey, it would be useless. Just as he said, these people were parasites attached to the Day of Destiny, just waiting for the Day Asgard, this Giant, fell ill to jump out and get a share.
Now, the most important Thing was not to eliminate these insignificant Things, but to find a Method to solve the Business of the Serpent.
After all, all their Plans were implemented based on the Serpent. Without the Serpent, these people would just be a rabble. Only by solving the root cause of the Serpent could Everything be solved.
But the difficulty lay in this root cause. When he was young, Odin had prayed for an Answer at the Price of his Eyes, but all of this was in vain.
Odin looked dejected. As the God King who was mighty throughout the Nine Realms, he felt helpless for the first Time.
Laufey leaned back in the Cell, looking calm and collected. Of course, he wasn't captured for nothing. Everything was to complete the Mission Malekith had arranged for him, and this Mission could only be completed by him alone.
Suddenly, the Flames in the Dungeon flickered, as if a Breeze had blown through. Logically speaking, this was impossible, because how could such a strong Wind blow through the Dungeon?
Laufey's Gaze flickered. He knew that the Goal of this Mission had arrived.
Sure enough, a wisp of green Smoke suddenly appeared in front of his Cell Door. A Figure transformed from the Smoke, revealing itself to be Loki, the Princess of Asgard.
Loki blinked her big Eyes and carefully sized up Laufey. After sizing him up for a while, she said with a hint of disdain.
"Just this? I thought the Giant King would have some special Aspect."
Laufey was silent, and in his Brain, he couldn't help but recall the Words Malekith had said to him.
…
"Is there any important Business calling Laufey here?"
Dressed neatly, Laufey stepped into the Back Garden of the Light Elf Castle. The person who had called him was waiting for him here. Sure enough, as soon as he entered, he saw Malekith sitting on a Rattan Chair.
"You came quickly." Malekith closed the Book in his Hand. "I thought you would come Tomorrow."
"Laufey doesn't like to dilly-dally." Laufey walked up to Malekith, his huge Body even blocking the Sun. "If you have Words, say them quickly. Don't force Laufey to get angry."
"Your Personality is not icy at all." Malekith made a harmless joke, and then handed the Book in his Hand to Laufey.
Laufey did not take the Book, but continued to stare at Malekith. The latter had no choice but to put the Book on the Table next to him.
"When I was studying Magic, I also read some of the history recorded by the Light Elves. The historical records of this Nation that hasn't experienced much War are very complete, and it also allowed me to discover some very interesting Things."
"What interesting Things?" Laufey finally showed some interest.
Who knew that Malekith did not directly answer Laufey's Problem, but instead asked.
"Your Child, how many years ago did he die?"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 752: The Truth of a Thousand Years Ago
Silence descended after Malekith spoke those words, and the two fell into a very strange atmosphere.
This was inevitable. Discussing a dead child in front of their father, not getting beaten up already showed the other party's good self-restraint.
Laufey was clearly not the type of person with good self-restraint. It was just that the Frost Giant's way of thinking was not quite the same as other intelligent creatures. Their social system was somewhat similar to Sparta, believing in the education of iron and blood.
Child mortality was relatively common in such a society. Even though the Frost Giant population was small, this tradition had not changed. In that arctic land, only the powerful beings were worthy of survival, even the king's child was the same.
"She died in the great war between Jotunheim and Asgard a thousand years ago." Laufey didn't know what Malekith was asking this for, but he felt that the other party was not the kind of person who spoke without purpose, so he honestly said it.
Of course, if Malekith dared to play games with him, Laufey wouldn't mind letting him taste the rage of a Frost Giant.
"I've found a very interesting record." Malekith opened the book placed on the table. "According to the records of the Light Elves, Odin personally led a raid on a Frost Giant hideout at that time."
Laufey's expression became serious. Of course, he knew about this matter, because his wife and child were in that hideout. It was also Asgard's raid that made him lose his lover and child.
"According to the records of the Light Elves, a small group of them also participated in that raid, and in that battle, Odin took away a child."
"What?" Laufey's expression showed a moment of losing control, but Malekith continued to speak as if he hadn't seen it.
"It's also a coincidence that not long after the victory of that great war, the great God King Odin announced that he had another child, and this newborn was also a girl."
Malekith looked at Laufey with a teasing gaze and said, "Do you think there could be such a coincidence in the world?"
Malekith was like a viper spraying his venom, explosive messages were thrown out one after another, bombarding Laufey's head into a daze and his eyes into a trance.
When Laufey regained his senses again, the back garden with birds and flowers had long disappeared. He returned to the Asgard dungeon where he was imprisoned. Standing in his presence was no longer the cunning elf with a two-toned face, but a figure with long black hair.
Loki looked at the Frost Giant who was obviously distracted. How did she feel that this legendary Giant King didn't seem very smart? Was this big and stupid guy actually an enemy that even her brother had to deal with carefully?
"You are Loki, right?"
Before Loki could ask, Laufey, whom she regarded as a big and stupid guy, spoke first.
"I am. What is your idea?" Loki raised an eyebrow.
Laufey spoke frankly, saying, "I am your father."
The dungeon fell into silence. Only the sound of their breathing could be heard. Among them, Loki's breathing became more and more rapid, until a snap of fingers came.
"Da!"
Two short swords appeared in Loki's hand, with emerald green light winding around the sword blade, full of strange colors, which was worthy of her title as God of Mischief.
"If you only know how to talk nonsense, I think even if I kill your king now, my father wouldn't blame me." Loki said coldly.
Through those emerald green eyes, Laufey knew that the other party was not lying. After he said that sentence, Loki really wanted to kill him.
"It seems Odin has educated you very well." Laufey's expression remained unchanged. "To draw your sword against a powerful being for the glory of your parent generation, truly a good child. It's a pity I couldn't raise you myself."
Loki was silent, but in the next second, she appeared inside the cell, and a pair of short swords stabbed down towards Laufey's eyes. She decided to give this giant in front of her the most painful death.
"You are a Frost Giant." Laufey used the chain to block Loki's attack. "Not some Asgardian Gods, you were taken from my side by Odin a thousand years ago."
"Listen to your nonsense!" Loki had never been so angry. She decided to personally cut off the tongue of the guy in front of her to vent her anger.
"A thousand years ago, there was a great war between Jotunheim and Asgard. My daughter disappeared in that battle, and then Odin announced the birth of his daughter. Don't you find it strange?"
"What does the death of a bastard have to do with me?"
Even though Laufey had lost one hand, Loki was definitely not his opponent in power. Therefore, Loki decided to abandon the short sword restrained by the chain and instead began to use magic.
Laufey was shocked to see this. Slight battle would not attract Odin's attention, but the fluctuations of magic would definitely attract more gaze.
So Laufey dragged his wounded body and rushed to Loki's presence at an incredible speed. At the same time, he uncovered the ice layer frozen on his severed arm. In an instant, blue fresh blood splashed onto Loki's body.
Loki's expression suddenly changed. She still knew about the unique physiological characteristics of Frost Giants. Their body was like a mobile freezer. Their body temperature was normally below zero degrees Celsius, not to mention the fresh blood contained in their body.
Ordinary creatures would get frostbite just by touching it. If it weren't for the small Frost Giant population, then just using suicide attacks could cause Asgardian a lot of trouble.
Just when Loki thought she would be frozen into an ice sculpture, the result was far beyond her expectations. The blue fresh blood did not form ice crystal, but instead slid down her body.
A terrible thought appeared in her head. Loki dispersed the magic that had not yet condensed in her hand and tremblingly touched the fresh blood stained on her clothes.
It was cold and viscous to the touch. In Loki's unbelievable gaze, a slight change appeared in her jade-white right hand.
The finger of her hand that touched Laufey's blood was gradually turning blue. This dazzling blue was still expanding, slowly spreading towards her entire hand.
"How... is it possible?" Loki murmured in a low voice, her body trembling uncontrollably.
"Nothing is impossible. Your hand is the best evidence." Laufey refroze his wound. "You are my daughter, the princess of the Frost Giants."
"A thousand years ago, Odin raided our camp, not only killing your mother, but even abducting you. I only discovered this not long ago. The reason I was captured this time was for you, my daughter."
"You're lying to me." Loki raised her head tremblingly, her tone very firm, but her eyes, which were gradually turning blue, were full of wavering.
"The characteristic of Frost Giants cannot deceive people." Laufey shook his head. "I know it's hard to believe, after all, you have lived in Asgard for thousands of years, but the truth is the truth."
Loki's gaze flickered constantly, as if she was trying to find a method to refute Laufey.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 753 Nidavellir
"Instead of trying to deny me here, why don't you verify it yourself?"
Laufey saw Loki's hesitation, so he decided to deliver the final blow.
These words gave Loki a hint. She pondered for a moment, and then, as if making up her mind, turned to leave. Laufey called out to her at this moment.
"Want to go find Odin and question him face-to-face? Don't be silly, child. He can deceive you for thousands of years, how could there be any truth in his words?"
"I don't believe my father, so why would I believe you?" Loki sneered. "Who knows if you're using some kind of illusion? As long as I go to the Queen to undo the spell for myself, your lies will be exposed."
If you don't believe me, then why bother to verify it?
Of course, Laufey didn't say these words. Loki's thoughts were in chaos now, and pushing her too hard might backfire.
Malekith had said that he needed to give Loki some time to calm down and leave her space to make her own decisions. Of course, this space and time must be given by them.
"Casket of Ancient Winters," Laufey slowly uttered a name.
"That is the divine weapon of our Frost Giants. Only Frost Giants can unleash the most powerful power of this weapon. By the same logic, the Casket of Ancient Winters can also stimulate the potential of Frost Giants."
Loki turned around, looking at Laufey from afar, waiting for his next words.
"The Casket of Ancient Winters is now in Odin's vault. You just need to touch it and you will understand everything."
After Laufey finished speaking these words, he sat back down on the ground and closed his eyes, putting on an appearance of refusing to communicate further.
Seeing this, Loki knew that she couldn't get anything more out of him here. Helpless, she could only turn into a green smoke and leave the dungeon.
After Loki left, Laufey reopened his eyes. The seed of doubt had been planted, waiting for the day it would sprout.
…
"Whoosh~" A green smoke quietly dissipated, and Loki, with a complex expression, appeared in front of the gate of Odin's Vault.
Looking at the gate that resembled a work of art, Loki was in trouble. The space behind this door was the only aspect of Asgard she had never been to. It wasn't that she didn't want to, the reason was simple: she couldn't.
Odin's Vault was impregnable. She had wanted to go in and see what treasures were hidden inside more than once, but these actions had all failed without exception.
Although she really didn't want to admit it, Laufey's words had indeed made her restless. If she didn't personally verify the truth of this matter, Loki felt she would definitely go crazy.
But saying that was one thing, if she couldn't get in, then everything was empty talk. Now Loki didn't dare to confront Odin yet. She needed to verify it herself first before she had the courage.
Her eyes scanned the entire gate inch by inch. Loki racked her brains, thinking about all possible methods, until she saw a flower pattern on the door.
It was mentioned earlier that this gate was like a work of art, because it depicted many plants, animals, and humans. Leaving the first two aside, just talking about the humans at the end, they provided inspiration to Loki.
Some of these humans Loki could recognize, and some she couldn't. Among them, the most famous was naturally Odin, the master of the treasury. Similarly, he was also the only known human who could open the treasury.
But there was also one human who could theoretically open the treasury, and that was the dwarves who built this treasury, or rather, the Dwarf King.
Thinking of this, Loki's eyes lit up. Yes! As the designer of the treasury, the Dwarf King naturally knew the treasury very well. If there was any other method to open the treasury, he would definitely know.
The more Loki thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. She immediately turned into a smoke and disappeared without a trace.
After a while, Loki reappeared, but this time she did not return to Odin's Vault, but appeared on the Rainbow Bridge.
"Is something the matter, Little Princess?" Heimdall greeted Loki with a kind face. "Want to go find Thor again?"
"Almost, Heimdall," Loki said with a normal expression. "I want to go to Nidavellir. Please activate the Rainbow Bridge for me."
"Nidavellir? The territory of the dwarves?" Heimdall frowned slightly. "What are you going to that aspect for? It's all ashes and iron filings there, not suitable for you. Besides, Thor isn't there either."
"I'm going to find the dwarves there to help me forge some things. I'm preparing a big surprise for Thor."
Speaking of the word surprise, a standard prank smile appeared on Loki's face. This was almost becoming her symbol. Whenever she showed this smile, Thor was about to be in trouble.
Heimdall thought it would be the same this time, and didn't say anything more. He turned around and honestly prepared to open the Rainbow Bridge to Nidavellir, but he still asked one more question.
"Then there's no need to go so far, right? Aren't there a bunch of dwarves in Asgard? Their technology isn't bad either."
Loki answered without even thinking, "I'm afraid they'll leak the secret."
Heimdall thought about it and agreed. Those big-bearded guys didn't have any restraint on their mouths. Once they drank wine, they could really say whatever came to mind. Only the Dwarf King's mouth was slightly tighter, but of course, that was just choosing the taller one among the dwarves.
Therefore, he didn't say anything more. He opened the Rainbow Bridge and turned around, just wanting to say a few words to Loki, but found that the figure of the other person was long gone behind him. Obviously, Loki had already left.
"Is there a need to be so anxious?" Heimdall muttered to himself.
Ignoring Heimdall, Loki had already arrived at Nidavellir through the Rainbow Bridge. There wasn't much difference between here and Asgard, except that there were no magnificent buildings like in Asgard. What existed were buildings of various styles with full practical value.
Dwarves are not only good at forging weapons, they can do any craftsman's work. This naturally includes building houses. Houses are also considered their works, so the houses here are so different.
This is because the styles of the dwarves are different. Even if they are taught by the same master, there will be many differences in the details.
However, none of the humans here were the ones Loki was looking for. Her goal was only one, and that was Dwarf King Eitri, who lived in the Dwarf Iron Fortress.
Loki didn't want too many humans to know of her arrival, so she turned into a smoke and floated towards the Iron Fortress.
Loki's thoughts were in chaos. She didn't know what was wrong with herself, she only knew that when she came back to her senses, she was already in front of the door of the Iron Fortress.
Loki didn't knock on the door, but slipped in through the door seam. As soon as she entered, she saw a "giant" with a very disproportionate head-to-body ratio sitting on the throne looking at her.
"I thought who had come, it turns out to be the Little Princess of Asgard." Dwarf King Eitri held a wine glass the size of a wine barrel in his hand, and while speaking, poured the wine into his mouth.
Seeing this, Loki no longer hid herself, and openly revealed her true form, landing in Dwarf King Eitri's presence.
"Long time no see, Uncle Eitri. I have a business to ask of you here."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 754 Open the Treasury
"Beg me?"
Dwarf King Eitri burst into loud laughter as if he had heard the funniest joke. His beard, soaked with liquor, trembled incessantly. Perhaps due to his drunkenness, he couldn't even hold onto the flask in his hand, dropping it to the ground with a shattering sound.
Loki subtly sidestepped, avoiding the splashing liquor.
"The Little Princess of Asgard actually has a day to beg me? This is Big News, hahaha!"
After a while, seemingly done laughing, Eitri wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, still chuckling as he asked, "Alright, alright, tell me, what exactly do you want me to forge for you? This is the only aspect you'd ever need to beg me for, isn't it? Are your pair of short swords not working well anymore?"
"That's not it." Loki shook her head. "I just want you to forge something that can help me prank Thor."
"Prank the God of Hammers? That's a good idea." Eitri propped his hands on the armrests, looking excited. "Quick, quick, tell me all about it!"
Loki revealed a sly smile, but anyone who knew her well would see that there was no amusement in her eyes, and not a trace of her unique trickery was visible.
"That's not urgent, Uncle Eitri…" Loki snapped her fingers, and a green smoke rose from the ground, forming a vortex. When the smoke dissipated, a wine jar half a person tall stood beside them.
"A small token, not worth much, but etiquette must be observed when asking for favors. This is fine wine from Asgard, I remember Uncle Eitri, you crave this."
"Oh~" Eitri's eyes widened like copper bells. "Quick, quick, Little Princess, as long as you give me this treasure, don't even mention pranking Thor, I can even forge another Gungnir for you."
Loki didn't speak, she touched the wine jar, hesitated for a moment, and then used magic to send the wine jar into Eitri's hand.
The wine jar had just floated in front of Eitri when he grabbed it with both hands, slapped off the mud seal on top, and then tilted his head back, gulping down large mouthfuls.
Watching Eitri drink heartily, a hint of guilt flashed in Loki's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a resolute look. She quietly waited for Eitri to finish drinking the liquor.
"Hah!" Eitri drank half of the wine jar in one go. He wiped his mouth and asked with curiosity, "This isn't like you, Little Princess. You weren't this rule-abiding before. Today, you not only gave me the remuneration first, but you're even standing there obediently waiting for me to finish drinking. How strange."
As soon as he finished speaking, Eitri felt his head spin. He figured it must be the wine taking effect. After all, he had already drunk quite a bit of wine before this wine jar, and he was well aware of how potent Asgardian wine was.
Eitri shook his head, wanting to clear his mind. After all, he couldn't just take someone's gift and not do the business. If he passed out drunk like this, he'd probably be out for two or three days.
But it would have been better if he hadn't shaken his head. With that shake, Eitri felt even dizzier. Even Loki in front of him seemed to multiply into three or four, and that was definitely not right.
"What…'s going on?" Eitri clutched his head, feeling the world spin around him, and finally collapsed onto the throne.
Loki walked to the throne, and whispered softly, "I'm sorry, Uncle Eitri…"
…
"Boom!"
The colorful light curtain dissipated, and Loki returned to Asgard once more. Waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge was still the ever-present Heimdall.
"Back so soon?" Heimdall clicked his tongue in wonder. "I thought you'd be staying there for three or four days."
"Uncle Eitri got drunk again." Loki wore a helpless expression. "You know, Heimdall, once dwarves get drunk, even Thor can't wake them up, especially Uncle Eitri, he's even more thick-skinned. I had no choice but to come back first."
Heimdall deeply agreed. The dwarves were indeed skilled craftsmen, but their personalities and attitudes were not good. They were all quirky guys. Those staying in Asgard were already the most agreeable outsiders.
"Well, it seems your prank is going to fall through this time." Heimdall thought to comfort Loki, but unexpectedly, the latter hurried past him, not giving him a chance to continue.
"Let's talk about it next time, Heimdall, I have some business to attend to."
After speaking, without waiting for Heimdall's reply, she transformed into a green smoke and vanished without a trace.
Heimdall looked surprised and doubtful. In the past, although Loki was mischievous, she was still a good girl. Her etiquette was taught by Frigga, and she rarely behaved so rudely.
'Perhaps she really does have business to attend to?' Heimdall could only comfort himself in this way.
The visuals shifted, and Loki had once again arrived at the gate of Odin's Vault. From going to the dungeon to see Laufey, to going to Nidavellir to find the Dwarf King, quite a bit of time had passed.
It was already evening in Asgard, so Asgard was much quieter than daytime, especially around Odin's Vault. Because of its special nature, Odin's Vault was always lightly guarded.
Because the protective magic set up in Odin's Vault was too numerous, not to mention the two rows of statues along the Vault Corridor leading to Odin's Vault, all of which were magic puppets. Once someone tried to force their way into the treasury, these puppets would be activated.
Loki didn't need to worry about these puppets because she was the Princess of Asgard. No one would interfere no matter where she appeared in Asgard, so she wouldn't trigger the attack of these puppets either.
For her, the only problem was the gate of Odin's Vault, and this problem could also be solved today.
The key to Odin's Vault on the surface was only Odin himself, but Odin's Vault also needed maintenance regularly, and once maintenance was needed, the Vault Door had to be opened. You couldn't expect Odin to be present every time.
So the second key hidden in the dark was in the hands of the Dwarf King. Every time Odin's Vault was repaired, the Dwarf King, as the creator, would be present, firstly to open the Vault Door, and secondly to carry out repairs, after all, he built it, surely no one understood how to repair it better than him.
Some might think that this would leave a weakness? In fact, it wouldn't, because the protective magic in Asgard would not allow outsiders to wander around inside. Dwarves were in the ranks of outsiders.
To enter Asgard, one must have the consent of Odin, the God King. Anyone who entered Asgard without his approval was an invasion. Once someone invaded, a pile of protective magic would be triggered. At that time, let alone opening the Treasury, even surviving would be a problem.
It could be said that Odin had done everything for protection, even being wary of the dwarves who were on good terms with Asgard, but he had never imagined that his own family would betray him one day.
Loki looked complexly as she stroked the Vault Door in front of her. She sighed softly, and finally made up her mind, using her finger to draw and write on the gate.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 755 Beginning of Prophecy
Loki's fingertips glowed with fluorescence, sketching out words on the Gate bit by bit. As Loki wrote, the Gate began to change.
This was the Password she had pried from Eitri's lips with that jar of Wine. She had imbued the Wine with Magic; once consumed, it would cloud the Mind. In that state, Eitri would truthfully reveal anything Loki wished to know.
Fortunately, Eitri hadn't suspected her, or Loki wouldn't have obtained the Treasury Password so easily.
But Loki felt no joy. This entire Action, from start to finish, had relied on exploiting the Confidence others placed in her. This Feeling wasn't like her usual Prank; it was a betrayal.
Loki felt as if a knife had pierced her Heart. She knew it was wrong, but to understand her origins, she had to do this. She couldn't bear to live a lie forever.
Loki withdrew her Right Hand. The Password was entered, and the Treasury Door slowly began to open. Thanks to the Dwarves' masterful Craftsmanship, even such a massive Doorway opened without a sound.
Finally, the Door she had yearned to open for a millennium was now ajar. Yet, her Heart was devoid of happiness, filled only with overwhelming tension.
Stepping into the Treasury, Loki's eyes immediately found her Goal amidst the orderly array of Spoils – the Casket of Ancient Winters.
It was a red Casket, its Keyhole replaced by a Skull. Though undeniably exquisite, no one would suspect it to be a Divine Weapon capable of freezing a Planet.
Gazing at the Casket of Ancient Winters resting silently on its Display Stand, Loki felt an inexplicable urge to flee. But ultimately, she steeled herself and reached out.
After a moment of hesitation, Loki's Finger finally touched the Casket of Ancient Winters.
Loki's Eyes widened. The instant her fingertip brushed the Skull, a change occurred. Her fingertip turned ice-blue, and the color rapidly spread across her Body.
Startled, Loki stumbled backward, inadvertently stepping on the Cloak draped over her shoulders. She lost her Balance and landed heavily on her Butt on the Ground. Normally, she could use Magic to regain her footing, but in her distraught state, Loki simply allowed herself to fall.
Seated on the Ground, Loki shakily raised a Hand and traced a Lap in the Air before her. A Ripple shimmered into existence, forming a Mirror-like surface that reflected her Face.
She was drastically changed. Her Skin was now ice-blue, strange patterns marked her cheeks, miniature Fangs protruded from the Corner of her Mouth, and even her emerald green Eyes, once praised by Thor, had turned blue.
"What he said… it's all true…" Loki propped herself up with a Hand, her Head tilting listlessly to the side, allowing her black Long Hair to veil her Face.
Loki's thoughts were a whirlwind. She didn't know how to face Asgard. Odin, the Father she had revered, was now her Enemy. Her beloved Mother was not real, and even her cherished… brother…
Well, that relationship might actually improve. But then Loki remembered that Frost Giants and Asgardian had been eternal Enemies. Could her brother truly accept her like this?
Loki felt as though her entire Life had been built on lies. Why had Odin brought her to Asgard? Was it to Control the Frost Giants?
No! Perhaps she shouldn't assume the worst. She didn't believe the love Odin and Frigga had shown her was false. There must be a deeper Reason. Instead of wallowing in speculation, she should ask them directly.
Having made up her Mind, Loki struggled to her feet. Despite her resolution, uncertainty gnawed at her. Confronting the truth Laufey had revealed, she dreaded what lay ahead.
Lost in thought, Loki failed to notice a wisp of purple Smoke drifting towards her, perhaps carried by the Airflow from the opened Gate.
Suddenly, Loki felt a pull, a stirring in her Heart. She turned towards the deepest part of the Treasury, sensing something calling to her.
Lost in her Idea, Loki moved as if in a trance, her Footsteps leading her deeper into the Treasury.
"Tap, tap, tap, tap."
When Loki regained awareness, she stood before a new Display Stand. Upon it rested a Hammer of exquisite, almost artistic Design, unlike anything she had seen before, and certainly not in the Style of the Dwarves.
'Pick me up… I will give you the Answer… I will give you… Courage…'
A faint whisper reached her ears. Loki clutched her Head in Pain. In her memory, Thor's Hammer had been retrieved from Treasury. Could this Hammer be similar to Thor's Hammer?
After obtaining the Hammer, Thor had become the invincible Thor. Could picking up this Hammer grant her the Courage to Question Odin face-to-face?
With these thoughts swirling in her Mind, Loki reached out as if compelled, grasping the Hammer Handle.
The instant Loki's Hand closed around the Hammer Handle, a thick purple Smoke erupted from it, coiling around her Right Hand and surging up her Body like a Python.
In a timeless instant, a torrent of unfamiliar Knowledge flooded Loki's Brain. She relived the history of Asgard from its inception to the present as if she were there, even witnessing unrecorded events.
In the haze, a Figure materialized before her – an old man, withered and gaunt, with silver-white Long Hair and colossal Armor. The newfound Knowledge in her Brain allowed her to recognize him.
"Great Serpent…" Loki murmured, her voice barely audible. "My… Father…"
"Seek me out, Skadi, my Daughter," the Great Serpent rasped, lifting his Head to reveal a face etched with age. "The time has come."
"Boom!"
Loki snapped back to reality, the War Hammer firmly in her Hand. The Leather Armor she had worn was gone, replaced by Light Armor in the Asgardian Style, a Fluorescence Green Symbol emblazoned on the Breastplate.
The last vestiges of Confusion vanished from her Eyes, replaced by an endless Light. No trace of her former self remained.
"Whoosh!"
Loki lifted a Foot and transformed into Green Light, bursting out of Odin's Vault in an instant. The Gate slammed shut behind her, leaving the Corridor seemingly unchanged, save for the gust of Wind that swept through it.
…
"Hmm?"
Leaning on his desk, Odin sensed something. He looked up, gazing towards Outside the door. An inexplicable Feeling of Panic washed over him, as if something had transpired without his knowledge.
(End of chapter)