Chapter 111: Asgard Gossip Weekly
In the Kingdom of the Dead, a land where day and night are indistinguishable, the concept of time becomes blurred and elongated.
But ever since Arthas arrived, the originally lifeless atmosphere here had been completely shattered.
It was like a drop of golden ink falling into a pool of stagnant water; though out of place, it bled through and colored everything unstoppably.
Hela originally thought she could endure this harassment, or use the cold shoulder to force this thick-skinned younger brother to retreat.
But she soon discovered she was dead wrong.
Arthas's skin was definitely thicker than the city walls of Asgard.
No matter how much she lost her temper, how much she tried to drive him away, or even occasionally couldn't resist throwing a few night sky swords at him...
This fellow would dodge with a grin and then lean back in as if nothing had happened, always holding various delicacies in his hands that she found impossible to refuse.
"Sister, get up and eat breakfast!"
"We're having whole roasted lamb today. I specifically brought seasonings from Earth; it smells amazing!"
Early in the morning, Arthas's energetic voice echoed through the Great Hall of the Dead.
With a dark face, Hela sat up from her hard stone bed, watching the figure squatting by the hall entrance starting a fire to roast meat, the veins on her forehead throbbing.
"Shut up!"
"I'm not hungry!"
"And, don't call me sister!"
She grabbed her pillow—which was actually just a relatively flat rock—and threw it at him.
Without even turning his head, Arthas reached out and caught the rock steadily, then placed it under his rear to use as a stool.
"Oh, don't be so angry."
"Girls get wrinkles easily when they're angry."
"Come, come, try this lamb leg. It's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside."
He tore off a sizzling, oily lamb leg and teleported directly to Hela's bedside, holding it up to her mouth.
Hela glared at him, her eyes looking like she wanted to roast and eat him instead, but the wafting scent of cumin made her throat involuntarily twitch.
A stalemate lasted for three seconds.
She snatched the lamb leg and took a vicious bite, as if she were biting into Arthas's own flesh.
After finishing breakfast, Hela thought Arthas would settle down for a while, but she didn't realize this was just the beginning of the nightmare.
Arthas pulled up a small folding stool and sat next to her, beginning his 'Asgard Daily Gossip Broadcast.'
"Sister, let me tell you."
"That brother of yours named Thor is a complete blockhead."
"Did you know? When he was little, in order to lift mjolnir, he actually came up with the stupid idea of using a rope to hoist it up."
"In the end, he didn't lift the hammer; instead, he ended up getting smashed black and blue."
"Hahaha, the Old Man's face turned green at the time."
Hela gave a cold snort, still maintaining her aloof expression.
But her ears twitched slightly; she was clearly listening.
"Thor? The youngest son of that dog Odin? That God of Thunder?"
"Sounds like a fool with all muscle and no brains."
"That old thing Odin actually has a son like that?"
"Just as stupid as he is."
Though she cursed with her mouth, her tone lacked some of its previous hostility and gained a hint of curiosity about this brother she had never met.
"There's also one named Loki,"
Arthas continued, completely ignoring Hela's sarcasm.
"That kid is much more shrewd—full of bad ideas."
"All he knows is playing pranks all day."
"Once he turned into a snake to scare Thor, but Thorgrabbed him and used him as a rope."
"The two of them fought so hard they ended up tearing down a pillar in the Golden Palace."
"The Old Man was so angry he made them sweep the Bifrost for a month."
Hearing this,
the corner of Hela's mouth actually curled into an imperceptible arc.
Though it vanished quickly, it was still caught by Arthas, who had been observing her.
"Two idiots,"
she commented.
"If it were me, I would have hung them up and beaten them long ago."
"Who pampers children like that?"
"Odin really is a failure of a father."
"Yeah, the Old Man really is quite a failure,"
Arthas agreed with her.
"That's why he regrets it now."
"He mumbles all day about how it would have been better if he hadn't been so stubborn back then."
"And also..."
Arthas lowered his voice, looking mysterious.
"The Old Man's hairline has been receding terribly lately."
"I see that golden helmet of his can barely cover it anymore."
"I reckon in a few more years, he'll become the Mediterranean God King."
"Pfft."
This time, Hela couldn't hold it in and actually laughed out loud.
Though it was just a brief sound, it was her first heartfelt laugh in thousands of years in the underworld.
That once majestic, invincible Odin.
That cold father who had sealed her here.
In Arthas's description, he had actually turned into a crummy Old Man worried about hair loss.
This sense of contrast somehow dissolved part of the hatred in her heart, or rather, made her feel that the high-and-mighty God King wasn't so terrifying after all.
After laughing, Hela seemed to realize her loss of composure and immediately restrained her smile, putting on a stern face.
"Boring."
"What do these things have to do with me?"
"I only want to know when he will die."
"When he dies, I'm definitely going to dance on his grave."
Though her mouth was still stubborn, her tone had softened significantly.
That icy feeling of keeping everyone at a distance was melting away bit by bit.
Having finished the gossip,
Arthas suddenly stood up and circled Hela twice, sizing her up from top to bottom, shaking his head as he looked.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk."
"Sister, this look of yours..."
"While I know this is the death metal style,"
"these clothes are torn into rags, and your hair is tangled like a bird's nest."
"It really affects the image of our Eldest Princess of Asgard."
"No, it must be changed."
Hela looked at him warily, crossing her arms to protect her tattered clothes.
"What do you want to do?"
"I'm warning you, don't try anything funny."
"I'm fine like this."
"This is called domineering; it's the battle-damaged look. What does a little brat like you know!"
Arthas chuckled, completely ignoring her protests, and directly pulled a full set of equipment from his storage space.
A comb forged from some rare metal, a full-length mirror as clean as new, a basin of fresh water, and several sets of brand-new clothes.
These were specifically prepared by Frigga before he came, all custom-made according to the highest standards for an Asgardian princess's formal wear.
There were noble and elegant Dark Green Gowns, as well as capable and handsome Dark Green Valkyrie Armor, and even a few sets of Earth-style casual wear.
"Come, come, sit down."
"Today, your brother will play the role of a stylist."
"I guarantee you'll look brand new."
Arthas pressed Hela's shoulders, forcing her down into a chair.
Hela was just about to resist, even thinking of summoning a night sky sword to stab him.
But a gentle golden light suddenly lit up on Arthas's hand.
It was the binding effect of the Divine Power of Light; although not strong, it was enough to make Hela temporarily unable to move.
Chapter 112: Hela's Image Makeover Plan
"Let me go!"
"Believe it or not, I'll kill you!"
Hela roared loudly.
But her body could only sit there obediently, letting Arthas wipe her face with a hot towel.
"Don't move, don't move."
"Look how dirty this face is."
"Look at these dark circles, the smoky makeup is all smudged."
"Anyone who didn't know better would think you just came back from mining coal."
As Arthas wiped meticulously,
the thick layer of grime and smoky makeup on Hela's face was finally cleaned away, revealing a face that was originally fair, delicate, and even held a hint of softness.
Although it appeared somewhat pale from a long lack of sunlight, the noble temperament emanating from her bones could not be hidden no matter what.
This was no terrifying Goddess of Death; she was clearly a stunningly beautiful princess in distress.
"Look, how pretty."
Arthas held the mirror up in front of her.
Hela looked at herself in the mirror.
She was momentarily stunned.
That face...
It was both familiar and strange.
It was her self from thousands of years ago.
The self who had not yet been consumed by hatred, who had not yet become a War Machine.
The eldest princess of Asgard who used to act spoiled in front of Odin and pick out clothes with Frigga.
"This..."
Hela opened her mouth.
The curses she originally wanted to scream were stuck in her throat, unable to be uttered.
Her gaze became complex.
There was nostalgia, sadness, and a faint, imperceptible joy.
What woman doesn't love beauty? Even the Goddess of Death is no exception.
"Next is the hair."
Arthas did not stop.
He picked up a comb and began to carefully untangle Hela's severely knotted long hair.
His movements were incredibly gentle, for fear of hurting her.
When he encountered a place that really wouldn't comb through, he used a bit of divine power to lubricate it.
"Bear with it, it might hurt a little."
"Look at you, not taking proper care of your hair."
"The hair quality is so withered."
He kept muttering while combing, just like a nagging old mother.
Hela didn't speak, nor did she struggle anymore.
She sat there quietly, feeling the sensation of the comb passing over her scalp and the warmth of Arthas's fingers occasionally touching her neck.
This feeling of being cared for and protected...
It had truly been too long.
So long that it made her want to cry a little.
In her memory, the last time someone combed her hair like this was when Frigga took care of her thousands of years ago.
Back then, she was still a pampered young girl, not burdened by those heavy wars and slaughters, nor imprisoned in this dark, sunless cage.
Arthas's appearance was like a key, unlocking her long-sealed heart.
It awakened the personality belonging to the original "Hela" that had been buried deep beneath her dark persona.
That well-behaved, proud, yet warmth-craving eldest princess was slowly reviving.
After finishing the hair,
Arthas took out a dark green off-the-shoulder gown.
It was in a typical Asgardian court style, embroidered with intricate patterns in gold thread, both noble and sexy.
"Come, put this on."
"Hurry up and throw away these tattered clothes."
"They've gone sour."
Arthas pointed at the Battle Armor on Hela's body with a look of disdain.
This time Hela did not refuse; she took the clothes, her hands trembling slightly, the silk-like smooth touch making her feel a bit dazed.
"Turn around."
She whispered, her face turning red.
Although her voice was small, it carried an unquestionable command, the last bit of reserve belonging to a Queen.
"Alright, alright."
Arthas obediently turned around and even covered his eyes.
"I'm not looking, I'm definitely not looking."
"Fenrir, you turn around too!"
He didn't forget to kick the giant wolf watching the fun nearby.
Fenrir gave a wronged whimper and buried his head in the dirt.
After a rustling sound of changing clothes,
"Alright."
Hela's voice came from behind him.
Arthas turned around.
He was instantly stunned by the sight before him.
Hela stood there elegantly in that dark green gown.
Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall, revealing delicate collarbones and a slender neck.
The original gloomy and terrifying aura had vanished, replaced by a nobility and cold elegance that one couldn't look away from.
This was no longer an evil ghost crawling out of hell.
This was clearly a goddess stepped out of a painting!
"Wow..."
Arthas praised from the bottom of his heart.
"Sister, you are too beautiful!"
"If you went back to Asgard, those male gods would be lining up to propose!"
"I'm almost falling in love with you!"
He clutched his chest exaggeratedly, looking completely captivated.
Hela's cheeks flushed slightly at his praise, and she tugged at her hem uncomfortably.
"Stop your glib tongue."
"The clothes... are passable."
"A bit better than those rags."
Although she said that,
she still couldn't help but steal a glance at herself in the mirror.
The satisfaction and joy in her eyes could not be hidden.
She looked at the woman in the mirror—that clean, beautiful woman in fine clothing.
Suddenly she felt that this kind of life didn't seem bad—no slaughter, no hatred.
Just a brother who, though noisy and a bit of a rogue, was truly good to her.
If...
If things could stay like this forever, it seemed quite nice.
The dark voice that had been roaring in her mind to destroy everything and kill everyone,
at this moment, actually quieted down miraculously.
It was suppressed by the long-lost warmth of "family."
"Hey."
Hela suddenly spoke.
Looking at Arthas, her eyes shimmered with a complex light.
"You said just now..."
"That you'd take me home?"
"Is it true?"
Arthas paused for a moment, then showed that signature sunny smile.
He reached out his hand.
"Of course it's true."
"I, Arthas, never go back on my word."
"Let's go, sister."
"I'll take you to see the current Asgard."
"And those two idiot brothers."
Hela looked at that hand.
Silenced for a moment,
finally, she slowly reached out her own hand and grasped that warm, large hand.
"Fine."
"If it's not as fun as you say,"
"I'll kill you."
Although they were still harsh words,
her tone was full of dependence and trust.
Just as Hela's fingers touched the warm skin of Arthas's palm,
the desolate scenery of the underworld around them, along with Arthas's bright smiling face, was like a shattered mirror.
With a "crack," it instantly fell apart.
Darkness, boundless darkness, surged in like a tide, completely swallowing Hela's consciousness.
When she opened her eyes again,
she found herself standing amidst a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, with piles of bodies beneath her feet and a sky burning with the fires of war overhead.
Here was her Inner World.
It was the nightmare battlefield she could never escape from during countless midnight dreams over thousands of years.
Chapter 113: The Goddess of Death with a Dual Personality
Not far in front of Hela stood another "Hela."
It was a version of herself wearing tattered battle armor, with disheveled hair, exuding a thick bloody aura and a desire for slaughter.
That was her dark personality.
It was the executioner Hela, once known as the "War Machine" who followed Odin to conquer the Nine Realms.
At this moment, that Dark Hela was looking at her with an extremely mocking, even pitying gaze, a heart-palpitating sneer hanging on her lips.
"Do you really believe him that much?"
Dark Hela spoke, her voice hoarse and harsh, like two rusty blades rubbing against each other.
"That bastard who popped out of nowhere."
"That so-called 'brother' who is full of sweet talk and only knows how to use small favors to buy people's hearts."
"Did you really believe him so easily?"
"My... 'good sister'?"
Hela looked at this hideous version of herself and did not shrink back.
She took a deep breath and straightened her back with the pride belonging to the First Princess of Asgard.
"I do."
She answered firmly.
"That kind of look, that kind of warmth."
"And that... light on him that can illuminate everything even in this Hell."
"That cannot be faked."
"My intuition tells me that he truly wants to take me home."
"Hahahaha!"
Dark Hela burst into wild laughter as if she had heard the world's biggest joke, laughing so hard she leaned back and forth, almost to the point of tears.
But in that laughter, there was no joy, only endless desolation and irony.
"Intuition?"
"You're actually talking to me about intuition?"
"You are still so weak, so naive!"
"But..."
She suddenly stopped laughing, her gaze instantly becoming incredibly cold.
"It's precisely because of your weakness..."
"...that I could be born."
"To survive in this cruel world for you."
"To pick up that heavy butcher's knife for you, to go to war, to slaughter."
"Because this is what our great 'father' expected!"
Dark Hela approached step by step, each step leaving a deep footprint in the sea of blood.
"But what was the result?"
"When he secured his throne, when he no longer needed war..."
"...he turned around and abandoned us!"
"Like throwing away a broken tool, he sealed us in this dark, godforsaken place!"
"It's been so many years."
"Thousands of years!"
"Can't you still see the hypocritical face of that Old ManOdin?"
Dark Hela grabbed Hela's collar and brought her face close, her bloodshot eyes staring intently at her.
"Since the man in front of us is Odin's seed."
"Since the blood of that hypocritical Old Man flows through him."
"Then what makes you think he'll be any different?"
"He must be just as hypocritical!"
"All of this is just to trick you into leaving, only to lock you up again in another, more exquisite cage!"
Hela's ears buzzed from her shouting, but she was not intimidated by these words.
She looked at Dark Hela's distorted face, a trace of sadness flashing in her eyes.
"No."
"Odin is Odin, Arthas is Arthas."
"That Old Man is indeed a bastard."
"But that doesn't mean his son is too."
"I believe in Arthas."
"I believe in the boy who combs my hair, cooks for me, and calls me sister."
"Humph!"
Dark Hela pushed her away, her face full of frustration at her lack of resolve.
"You really won't give up until you see the coffin."
"Since you're so stubborn..."
"...then let me shatter your illusions."
"Believe me."
"You will definitely be betrayed again."
"As long as it involves interests, as long as it involves the so-called 'big picture'..."
"...he will definitely sacrifice you without hesitation, just like Odin!"
Terrifying black energy suddenly erupted from Dark Hela.
It was the pure power of death and slaughter, instantly suppressing the faint light that had just begun to recover in Hela.
"Give me the body and let me prove it to you."
"When death truly descends before him."
"When he discovers you are no longer that obedient sister, but a monster that could lose control at any time."
"He will definitely betray you too!"
"Only power, only fear, is Eternity!"
Actually.
There were some things Dark Hela didn't say out loud, and didn't dare to say.
And that was—she was afraid.
She was afraid of returning to that so-called "peaceful" Asgard.
The current Asgard was full of singing and dancing, with no need for war or slaughter.
So, as a "War Machine" born for war and knowing only slaughter...
...would she still have a reason to exist?
If Hela was really taken back by Arthas and became that gentle First Princess...
...then would her dark personality disappear completely?
This was what she feared most, and the real reason for her frantic counterattack.
"No! I won't let you go!"
Hela tried to resist.
But here, in this inner world filled with negative emotions...
Dark Hela's power held the absolute advantage. Black chains surged from all directions, binding Hela tightly.
"Watch closely."
"Watch how I tear off that hypocrite's mask!"
Dark Hela sneered, her figure gradually becoming transparent before finally merging completely into the darkness, seizing control of the body.
And in the outside world.
In front of the Temple of the Kingdom of the Dead.
Arthas was holding Hela's hand with a gentle expression, preparing to take this newly won-over sister home.
However, in the next second, he keenly sensed something was wrong.
The originally warm touch in his palm suddenly became bone-chillingly cold, as if he were holding a piece of Ten-thousand-year Mysterious Ice.
Moreover, Hela's palm was tightening with an abnormal force, even digging into his flesh.
Arthas suddenly looked up and met a pair of eyes.
They were no longer the eyes from just now, filled with shyness, dependence, and tenderness, but a pair of eyes as black as ink, filled with pure madness and bloodlust.
That originally fair and delicate face was now covered with sinister black energy, a cruel sneer hanging on her lips.
"Die!!"
A roar like that of an evil ghost erupted from her throat.
*Swish!*
Without any warning.
Several incredibly sharp night sky swords appeared out of thin air between the two of them.
The distance was only a few centimeters, carrying the will to kill, heading straight for Arthas's heart and throat.
This was a sneak attack completely intended to take his life!
And it was at such an unguarded moment of intimate contact.
Fortunately, Arthas was not the type to be completely blinded by beauty—well, he was close.
But his innate combat instinct and alertness as the God King saved his life.
The moment he sensed the killing intent.
His body reacted faster than his brain.
He suddenly let go, kicked off the ground, and his whole body shot back ten-odd meters like a teleportation.
*Puff, puff, puff!*
Several night sky swords flew past the tip of his nose and chest.
Although they didn't hit any vital points, the sharp Sword Qi still cut his clothes and left several shallow bloody gashes on his chest.
A few strands of severed hair slowly drifted in the air.
If he had been even 0.01 seconds later...
...he would probably have been turned into a sieve by now.
Chapter 114: Only Children Make Choices, I Want It All
After Arthas landed, he immediately summoned a light shield to protect his body, looking at the "sister" who had suddenly changed her face with a shocked expression.
"What's the situation?!"
"Sister, what's wrong with you?"
But when he saw the look in her eyes again, the smile on his face vanished instantly.
That wasn't Hela.
At least, it wasn't the Hela who had just been moved by him and was willing to go home with him.
That kind of look...
It was too familiar.
It was the "War Machine" whose mind was filled only with slaughter and who would start fighting at the slightest provocation when he first arrived in the Underworld.
That was a soul completely consumed by hatred and darkness.
"No..."
Arthas frowned, his gaze becoming solemn.
"You are not her."
"Though you look the same and share the same body."
"But you... are the person who fought me at the very beginning."
Nyx's previous warning instantly flashed through Arthas's mind.
"Hela's problem might not just be power, but a Inner Demon."
So that was it.
Is this what they call a Inner Demon?
Under the influence of years of brutal war and the long, lonely centuries of the Seal.
Hela's psyche had long been overburdened; to protect that fragile self...
She had actually split off a dark personality specifically designed to endure pain, to kill, and to fight.
Just now, under his companionship and influence...
The long-dormant primary personality representing beauty and hope, eldest princess Hela, had finally awakened.
But this clearly crossed the line for the dark personality.
She was unwilling to disappear just like that, or rather, she didn't believe in the existence of such beauty.
So at this critical moment, she forcibly seized control of the body, wanting to destroy everything.
"Hmph."
Dark Hela looked at Arthas coldly.
She didn't deny it.
She twisted her neck, letting out a series of crisp cracking sounds as the night sky sword condensed in her hand again, emitting an even denser black Qi.
"Your reactions are quite fast."
"As expected of the 'new favorite' meticulously cultivated by Odin."
"However, it ends here."
"I will let you know that so-called love and so-called family affection..."
"Are how ridiculous and fragile in the face of absolute power and death!"
"I'm going to tear you to pieces!"
"Then I'll throw your corpse in front of that idiot."
"Let her see exactly what kind of trash the brother she trusts really is!"
Dark Hela let out a shriek.
Her entire being turned into a black whirlwind as she charged toward Arthas.
This time her attacks were even more frenzied and disorganized, a completely suicidal fighting style.
Every sword strike seemed desperate to cleave Arthasalong with this world apart.
Facing this storm-like assault.
Arthas fell into a passive state; he didn't dare to strike back, or rather, he didn't dare to use heavy hands.
Because that was his sister's body; no matter which Hela it was, there was only one body.
If it got broken, he would be the one feeling heartbroken.
"Hey, hey, hey!"
"Let's talk this out!"
"Don't just start hacking at people!"
While dodging clumsily, he tried to use words to wake her up.
"Shut up!"
"You hypocritical liar!"
Dark Hela couldn't listen at all; instead, her offensive grew even fiercer.
"You don't dare to fight back, do you?"
"Are you playing the victim?"
"Or are you trying to win that idiot's sympathy?"
"Disgusting! So disgusting!"
"Odin's bloodline is indeed so nauseating!"
Arthas sidestepped, dodging a horizontal sweep, and then used Space Magic to teleport over ten meters away.
He looked at that figure who seemed like a crazed demon and sighed.
There was no anger in his eyes, but rather a hint of pity.
"Are you done cursing?"
"If you're done, listen to me for a bit."
He dropped his playful grin, his tone becoming exceptionally serious.
"You keep calling me a liar and saying Odin is hypocritical."
"You say you'll protect her."
"But in reality?"
"Are you really protecting her?"
Arthas looked directly into Dark Hela's pitch-black eyes, as if trying to see through her soul.
"You're just afraid."
"You're afraid that if she goes back, if she becomes that beloved princess again..."
"Then Asgard will no longer need you."
"No longer need a War Machine who only knows how to kill."
"You will lose your reason for existing, and you will disappear."
"Am I right?"
Dark Hela's movements suddenly halted, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, her pupils contracting violently.
"You... shut up!!"
"What do you know!"
"I am her! She is me!"
"I was born for the glory of Asgard!"
"Without me, where would Asgard be today!"
She roared hysterically, her voice filled with the panic and anger of being exposed.
"That's true."
"Without you, there would be no Asgard today."
Arthas nodded, his tone surprisingly gentle.
"No one can deny that."
"But..."
"Who says you're not needed in times of peace?"
"Who says Asgard can only have light and not darkness?"
"Who says I can't have two sisters?"
Arthas opened his arms.
A warm light that seemed to embrace everything radiated from his body.
"Whether it's that gentle eldest princess..."
"Or this War Machine who fought bloody battles for her home."
"You are both Hela."
"You are both my sisters."
"Only children make choices."
"I, Arthas..."
"Want them both!"
"Even if you are Hell, I'll take you as you are!"
"Ha? Are you sick?!"
Hearing Arthas's overbearing declaration of "wanting them both," an unnatural flush actually appeared on Dark Hela's originally pale and hideous face.
The hand holding her sword shook slightly, and that indomitable killing intent developed a crack in that instant.
But she quickly used even greater rage to cover up this inexplicable sense of shame.
"Who wants to be your sister!"
"Stop being so self-indulgent over there!"
"I am the Goddess of Death, the existence destined to bring destruction to the Nine Realms!"
"Who cares about being a sister in your little house-playing games!"
She screamed hysterically, as if by making her voice louder, she could drown out that sliver of wavering deep in her heart caused by being accepted.
"You do, of course."
Arthas responded loudly while nimbly dodging the Sword Qi that was enough to shred space.
There was not the slightest hesitation in his movements, even as those black blades flew past his scalp, shearing off a few strands of hair.
His tone was as firm as if he were stating an indisputable truth.
"And that gentle sister inside you."
"You both do."
"Whether you admit it or not, I've already decided."
"You bastard, can't you understand human speech?!"
Dark Hela was completely infuriated by his stubborn attitude—or perhaps she was lashing out in shame because he had touched the softest part of her heart.
"Go to Hell!!"
Chapter 115: To Save My Sister, I Can Only Go "Hard"!
She let out a sharp screech.
The black mist on her body suddenly surged, and the already terrifying Divine Power fluctuations climbed to a new height once again.
Even the surrounding space began to collapse under this force, letting out a series of tooth-aching cracking sounds.
She was burning her own life force!
In order to defeat the man before her and prove her value, she did not hesitate to overdraw the Origin of this body, even if the price was Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering.
"As long as I kill you..."
"As long as I prove that I can also protect Asgard..."
"I won't disappear! I will still have a reason to exist!"
Black tears of blood flowed from Dark Hela's eyes.
That was a sign of a damaged Divine Soul; every drop that fell corroded a deep pit into the ground.
But she didn't care at all.
Countless night sky sword merged in the air, transforming into a massive black storm that swept toward Arthas.
This was a suicidal fighting style, the final roar of the desperate.
Arthas looked at the black storm and the figure in the center of the storm who was destroying herself.
His expression instantly darkened.
His original playful grin completely disappeared, replaced by an unprecedented rage.
It was the kind of anger that only comes from seeing a cherished person harm themselves.
"You bastard!"
"You're the bastard!"
He roared, and surprisingly, he no longer dodged nor used any defensive magic.
Instead, he charged directly into the storm like a golden cannonball.
"What do you think your body and your life are?!"
"Are those things you can just throw away?!"
"That is my sister's body! No matter which sister it is, I won't allow you to do this!"
"I won't allow you to waste it like this!!"
His voice exploded like thunder, causing Dark Hela's movements to freeze for a split second.
She looked at the man charging recklessly toward her, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes.
Why?
Why was he more worked up than she was?
Why would he get angry over something like this?
No one... no one had ever cared about her life or death like this before.
In Odin's eyes, she was just a tool to be discarded when broken.
But in this man's eyes... she seemed more precious than anything, even more important than his own life.
In that moment of her distraction,
the originally violent offensive unknowingly weakened slightly.
She didn't understand why either.
Clearly, she was a monster born for war and existing for slaughter.
Why was she now, in the middle of a battle, repeatedly softening her heart and losing focus because of the man in front of her?
This feeling... was too strange.
Too unfamiliar.
It was as if boiling lava had suddenly been injected into cold steel, making her feel afraid, yet inexplicably... craving that warmth.
Arthas didn't give her time to contemplate life.
He seized this opening.
The Divine Power within his body erupted without reservation.
"Trinitium Light Wheel!!"
A massive seven-colored light wheel condensed in his hand once again.
But this time, he didn't throw it, nor did he use it to cut.
Instead, he held it in front of him like a giant chainsaw.
His entire being turned into a stream of light, forcefully crashing into that storm of black blades.
"Sizzle sizzle—Boom!!"
The colored light wheel and the black Sword Qi rubbed together violently, producing a tooth-aching sound.
Countless tiny blades cut through Arthas's clothes, leaving dense bloodstains on his skin.
But he seemed unable to feel the pain.
His eyes were locked firmly onto the woman at the center of the storm.
"Break... open!!!"
He roared, and the light wheel in his hand suddenly exploded.
The massive impact instantly shattered all the surrounding night sky sword, forcefully tearing a path through the storm of death.
The next second,
he had already rushed in front of Dark Hela.
Without any hesitation or any fancy move,
he directly opened his arms and hugged her fiercely.
Tightly, with all his strength.
He locked this self-destructing woman firmly in his embrace, using his own chest to block the outlet of her venting death.
"Mm..."
Dark Hela only felt an aura filled with sunlight, sweat, and male hormones wash over her.
Immediately after, her entire body was surrounded by a burning embrace.
Arthas held her too tightly.
So tight that she felt a bit breathless.
What made her feel even more ashamed was...
She could clearly feel that the two proud mounds of softness on her chest were being pressed tightly by Arthas's solid chest, squeezed into a shameful shape.
That never-before-felt sensation spread through her body like an electric current, leaving her mind a complete blank.
"Ah!"
Dark Hela's face instantly turned red to the tips of her ears.
Her originally pale skin now became as red as a cooked shrimp.
"What are you doing?!"
"Get off me right now!"
"You rogue! Pervert!"
"Or else I'll stab you!!"
She cried out in panic, still holding a fragment of a night sky sword in her hand.
The tip of the blade was pressed against the small of Arthas's back.
With just a little force, she could pierce through this man's kidney.
But...
Her hand was trembling violently.
That short distance of a few centimeters now felt like an insurmountable chasm.
She simply couldn't bring herself to stab him.
That feeling of being surrounded by warmth, of being cared for by someone.
It caused her heart, which had been cold for thousands of years, to fall into complete chaos.
She struggled several times, but finally lowered her hand weakly, the sword fragment hitting the ground with a "clang."
She had lost.
She lost to this scoundrel, and she lost to this long-craved warmth.
Arthas didn't notice any of this; he had only one goal—to save her.
Taking advantage of this moment when Dark Hela's mind was in turmoil and she was completely defenseless,
he immediately mobilized the vast Mental Strength within his body.
A golden light shot out from between his brows, drilling directly into Hela's brow.
His consciousness instantly dived into Hela's mental world.
This was a chaotic and desolate battlefield, filled with ruins and burning black flames, under an oppressive blood-red sky.
And in the center of the battlefield, two Helas were facing off.
One was eldest princess Hela, bound by black chains, her face covered in tear stains, wearing a dark green long dress.
The other was Dark Hela, her form somewhat illusory, wearing tattered battle armor, looking stubborn but with panicked eyes.
They were two sides of the same soul and two independent consciousnesses; in this mental world, they existed simultaneously.
"Found you."
Arthas's consciousness body appeared out of thin air.
He radiated a warm and soft golden light, looking exceptionally dazzling in this dark world.
He didn't waste any words and rushed straight over.
He pulled Light Hela into his left arm and Dark Hela into his right arm.
Like a greedy child, he took both sisters into his embrace.
He even deliberately pressed their heads against his shoulders.
"Don't be afraid."
"I'm here."
"No matter who it is, I won't let either of you disappear."
He said softly.
Chapter 116: Entanglement of souls
At the same time, he fully released the power of light and love within his body, which was fused with the "Echo of Love."
It was a power purer and warmer than any Divine Power.
Like a golden torrent, it instantly washed through the entire mental world, intertwining and wrapping together with the violent death Divine Power on the two Helas.
"Mm-hmm..."
"Ah..."
The two Helas simultaneously let out an uncontrollable low moan.
That feeling... was too strange.
It wasn't just warmth.
It was more like a touch and caress from the depths of the soul.
Arthas's power did not reject their death Divine Power; instead, it was embracing, accepting, and guiding it.
Light and darkness, life and death.
These two diametrically opposed powers actually merged together miraculously at this moment.
The impact of that soul Fusion was extremely intense.
Light Hela felt a current of electricity surge from the soles of her feet straight to the crown of her head, making her entire body go limp.
Her memories and her emotions were opening up to Arthas without reservation.
And Arthas's memories and emotions also flooded into her mind.
She saw Arthas's desperate determination to save her and his longing for family.
This naked soul contact made her toes curl in shame, yet she was so indulged in it that she couldn't pull herself away.
Dark Hela's reaction was even more intense; she had never experienced this feeling of "love" before.
This pleasure of being completely embraced, understood, and needed caused her originally tense nerves to completely collapse.
She no longer struggled and even proactively leaned into Arthas's embrace.
Like a drowning person clutching a piece of driftwood, she greedily drank in this warmth.
She was still muttering, "You bastard... who told you to do this..."
But her body honestly pressed even closer.
Gradually.
The surrounding black flames died out.
Golden green grass and fresh flowers actually grew on the desolate battlefield.
The blood-red color in the sky faded, turning into a warm azure.
The two Helas' emotions gradually calmed down, and that sense of sword-drawn confrontation vanished.
It was replaced by a subtle harmony and... ambiguity.
The two sisters leaned against Arthas's chest, one on each side. They glanced at each other and actually looked away with blushing faces.
Arthas felt it was settled.
The Inner Demon had been resolved, and both sisters were pacified.
However...
"Eh?"
"Why does this entanglement between souls... feel so comfortable?"
"It's like..."
An unhealthy metaphor suddenly popped into Arthas's head, but he quickly shook his head to toss the thought out.
This is a sacred redemption! I can't have wild thoughts!
But he could feel that an extremely deep, unbreakable bond had been established between him and these two sisters.
Arthas breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed it was really settled this time.
Finally.
The Fusion of the mental world ended.
Arthas's consciousness withdrew.
He let go of her hands and smacked his lips, feeling a bit of lingering desire.
Then he looked at Hela in his arms.
At this moment, Hela was in an extremely subtle state.
Of her two eyes, one was still as pitch-black as ink (the dark personality), while the other had returned to Amber(the Eldest Princess Personality).
Clearly, both personalities were now online simultaneously and sharing this body.
"Um..."
"Sister, are you... alright now?"
"How do you feel?"
Arthas asked cautiously.
Hela's face was currently so red it was hard to look at.
Even her neck, the base of her ears, and her collarbones were completely flushed.
With somewhat weak legs, she backed out of Arthas's embrace.
Her hands covered her chest, and her eyes darted around, not daring to look at Arthas at all.
That appearance was the spitting image of a bashful young girl who had just been trifled with.
"You!!"
Hela suddenly looked up, glaring at him with shame and indignation.
Tears were even welling up in her eyes.
"How could you do that!"
"Even if... even if you wanted to..."
"If it's you... it's not like it's impossible..."
"But how could you just jump right in!!"
"That's the soul! It's a place even more private than the body!"
"You actually... actually did that inside..."
She couldn't go on. Covering her face, she crouched on the ground, feeling like she had lost all the face she'd ever have in her life at this moment.
A huge question mark appeared over Arthas's head.
"Huh?"
"What do you mean jump right in?"
"I just went in to pacify you a bit?"
"Just a hug, it's nothing, right?"
"When I was little, Mother Frigga also used to hug me often."
"Are you an idiot?!"
The dark personality inside Hela couldn't help but roar through her mouth, her voice turning raspy and filled with shame.
The entanglement of souls is no less than the entanglement of bodies! It's even more excessive!"
"What you were doing was..."
"Doing... that kind of thing with our souls!!"
"And with both of us at the same time!!"
"You bastard!!"
"You took away our most precious thing, and you're actually playing dumb!"
"Exactly..."
Light Hela's gentle voice also rang out weakly.
"And... and it felt... so strange..."
"How can we ever get married in the future..."
The two personalities took turns in the body, scolding Arthas mercilessly.
But there was no hatred in their tone at all, only pure shyness and... acting spoiled?
Boom!
Arthas felt a loud bang in his head, completely exploding.
What's going on?
No one told me about this!
Master Ancient One never taught me this!
She only taught me how to enter the mental world to fight or defend; she didn't teach me that going in for a hug would have this kind of side effect!
And... with two sisters at the same time?
What does this count as?
A mental threesome?
Far away in Kamar-Taj, the Ancient One, who was drinking tea, suddenly sneezed, looking bewildered.
She indeed hadn't expected Arthas to operate like this.
After all, normal mages are cautious when entering the mental world. Who would be like him, directly using a rule-breaking power like the "Echo of Love" to "embrace" someone else's soul?
That really wasn't any different from doing that thing...
Arthas stood there stiffly.
Looking at Hela, who was crouching on the ground in shame and indignation.
He suddenly felt... like he had really done something incredible.
Well, this is great.
Not only did he save her.
He also happened to have cooked the rice (on a soul level).
How was he supposed to face this sister in the future?
Did he really have to... take responsibility?
Just as he was thinking wildly.
A cheerful wave of energy suddenly came from the "Echo of Love" within him.
[Ding!]
[Target Detected: Hela (Goddess of Death) capture complete!]
[Affection Level: Exceeded the limit (Soulmate)]
[death Divine Power copied...]
Arthas felt this new power.
He then looked at Hela in front of him, who was still calling him a bastard but no longer had any killing intent, and was even peeking at him through the gaps in her fingers.
The corner of his mouth couldn't help but twitch.
"What is this?"
"A blessing in disguise?"
"Or... being forced to open a harem?"
Chapter 117: The Return of Asgard's eldest princess
There is no sunlight in the Underworld.
But for a god, the biological clock remains punctual.
When Arthas opened his eyes dazed, his first sensation was a soft, warm feeling in his arms.
Looking down, Hela was curled up in his embrace like a kitten, sleeping soundly.
That face, which was usually cold and filled with Killing Intent, now appeared exceptionally tranquil, with even a faint trace of a smile hanging on the corner of her lips.
She had completely lost the majesty of the "Goddess of Death," looking more like a little woman who had finally found a safe harbor.
Arthas had just moved slightly.
Hela's long eyelashes fluttered a few times, and then those dark green eyes slowly opened.
Their eyes met, their faces so close that they could hear each other's breathing.
The air seemed to freeze in that instant.
Those wild, shameful memories from last night instantly flooded her mind.
From the entanglement of their souls to the blending of their flesh, every detail was crystal clear.
Whoosh!
Hela's face instantly turned red down to her ears, like a ripe tomato.
She suddenly bounced away from Arthas's arms, grabbed the quilt to cover her chest, and pointed at Arthas somewhat incoherently.
"You... you're awake?"
"About... last night..."
"Nothing happened last night! Do you hear me?!"
"That was just... just treatment! Yes, a necessary means to suppress the Inner Demon!"
This explanation was so pale it couldn't even fool Fenrir.
Arthas looked at her tsundere appearance and couldn't help but laugh.
He didn't expose her, but instead sat up openly and nodded with a doting look.
"Yes, yes, yes, whatever Sister says goes."
"Last night was indeed just... treatment."
"The effect was very significant; look how good your complexion is now."
Hela glared at him, but there was no Killing Intent in her eyes, only a hint of reproach.
"Get out!"
Hela pointed at the entrance of the hall.
"I need to change my clothes."
"You aren't allowed to look!"
"Get out now!"
Arthas shrugged, took his clothes out of his storage space, and began to dress unhurriedly before walking up to Hela.
Taking advantage of her distraction, he gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead.
"I'll wait for you outside."
"My... eldest princess."
With that, he dashed out before Hela could explode.
Half an hour later, the hall doors opened again.
Hela walked out.
At this moment, even Arthas, who was used to seeing goddesses, couldn't help but have his eyes light up.
She wasn't wearing that dark green court dress, but had changed into a modified version of Asgardian Valkyrie Armor that Arthas had left for her.
The black tight-fitting leather armor outlined her perfect S-curve.
Golden pauldrons and a cape displayed her royal dignity.
Her originally loose long hair was tied into a high ponytail, revealing her smooth and full forehead.
She wore light makeup, which preserved Hela's unique cold beauty while reducing the gloomy ghostly air.
The whole person looked heroic and valiant, with an overwhelming aura.
This was the true eldest princess of Asgard, the Goddess of Death!
Hela walked up to Arthas.
Although she tried hard to remain calm, her slightly trembling fingers betrayed her inner nervousness.
After all, she was about to face the home she hadn't seen in thousands of years and the father who had once betrayed her.
"Let's go."
She reached out her hand, her voice as calm as possible.
"Didn't you say... you were taking me home?"
"If it's not as good as you said."
"I will be angry."
Arthas looked at that hand and didn't take it directly. Instead, he took half a step back and slowly dropped to one knee, like the most loyal knight facing his queen.
He gently lifted Hela's hand and placed a reverent kiss on the back of it.
"As you command."
"My eldest princess."
"You will see."
"A brand new Asgard that welcomes you."
Hela was stunned, looking at Arthas kneeling before her, her eyes suddenly felt warm.
This gesture, this kiss, represented not just love, but respect.
It was helping her reclaim the dignity she had lost for thousands of years.
Arthas was telling her: You are not a prisoner, not a monster.
You are a noble princess, a queen worthy of being revered by thousands.
"Fool..."
She cursed in a low voice, but the corners of her mouth curled up high as she tightly gripped Arthas's hand back.
"But, how are we going?"
Hela glanced around.
"Use that Portal of yours?"
Arthas shook his head, stood up, and looked up at the grey sky.
"No."
"What's the point of sneaking back?"
"Since it's the eldest princess returning to the palace, there must be a grand entrance!"
"We must let all of Asgard know that you have returned!"
He took a deep breath.
He shouted toward the sky.
His voice, infused with Divine Power, penetrated the barrier of the Underworld and reached Asgard directly.
"Heimdall!!"
"Open the gate!!"
"Pick up your eldest princess and take her home!!"
After a few seconds of silence.
Rumble!!
The sky suddenly split open.
An extremely dazzling rainbow beam of light descended from the heavens.
In an instant, it dispelled the perennial gloom of the Kingdom of the Dead.
It illuminated the entire temple and Hela's shocked and moved face.
"Let's go."
Arthas pulled Hela and stepped into the brilliance of the Bifrost.
Fenrir originally wanted to follow.
But he was stopped by a look from Arthas.
"You're too big, and you look too scary."
"Watch the house here first."
"I'll build you a big doghouse and come back for you later."
Fenrir whimpered aggrievedly and could only watch his Master ascend away.
Meanwhile.
In Asgard, the plaza at the end of the Bifrost was already packed with people.
Odin had long since received Arthas's prior notice and was now wearing his full God King armor, holding the Gungnir, standing at the very front.
Frigga stood beside him, her expression nervous yet expectant.
Behind them followed Thor and Loki, the two bewildered brothers.
And then there was Arthas's luxurious harem—Diana, Sif, and Brunhilde.
Along with the group of Olympus goddesses who loved to watch the drama—Aphrodite, Hera, Athena, and so on.
"Hey, Loki."
Thor nudged his brother with his elbow and asked in a low voice.
"The Old Man said we have a sister?"
"Is it true?"
"How come I've never heard of her?"
"Could it be that he... outside again..."
At this point, he quickly shut his mouth and looked at Frigga in front.
Loki rolled his eyes.
"Who are you asking? Who would I know?"
"I just found out too, but looking at this formation..."
He glanced at the fully armed Golden Palace guards and Odin's expression, which looked like he was facing a formidable enemy.
"This sister is probably not someone to be trifled with."
"I suddenly feel that my parentage issue is child's play compared to this."
"At least I've never made the Old Man this nervous."
Chapter 118: A Reconciliation Across a Thousand Years
"Boom!!"
The beam of light from the Bifrost crashed to the ground.
As the intense light dissipated, two figures appeared before everyone.
Arthas stood there with a relaxed expression, still holding the hand of...
...a woman whose aura was so powerful that everyone couldn't help but hold their breath.
Hela let go of Arthas's hand and took a step forward.
Her high heels clicked crisply against the crystal floor of the Bifrost.
She looked around.
Looking at these familiar yet strange buildings, and those guards in golden armor.
Finally, her gaze passed over the crowd and locked firmly onto the one-eyed old man.
Odin.
The entire plaza fell silent instantly.
One could even hear the sound of a pin dropping on the ground.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for this reunion between father and daughter spanning a thousand years.
Would it be a hug?
Or a declaration of war?
The atmosphere was so tense it felt like it was about to explode.
Arthas silently moved two steps to the side, giving Dianaand the others a look: Stay still, watch the show.
Hela took a deep breath and pointed her hand directly at Odin's nose.
Without any pleasantries or preamble, she started cursing.
"Odin!!"
"You old bastard!!"
"Is this what you meant by 'for Asgard'?!"
"Is this what you meant by 'necessary sacrifice'?!"
"Throwing me like trash into that dark, sunless pile of dead bodies for thousands of years!"
"While you yourself enjoyed peace and prosperity here?!"
"Look at yourself now!"
"Your hair is White! Your beard drags on the floor!"
"Even that eye hasn't healed yet!"
"Who was it back then that said, 'We want to conquer the Nine Realms,' 'We want to build an eternal Empire'!"
"It was you! It was you who said it to me personally!"
"For those words of yours, how many people did I kill? How much blood did I shed? I even sold my soul to death!"
"And the result?!"
"With one sentence of 'we want peace,' you kicked me aside!"
"Discarded after use—is this your Dao of the God King?!"
Hela grew more agitated as she cursed, tears flowing uncontrollably.
But her voice remained loud and full of power; it was the grievance and anger accumulated over thousands of years.
"Hypocritical! Selfish! Heartless!"
"You don't deserve to be a father at all!"
"You don't even deserve to be a king!"
"If you really thought I was wrong, that I was too bloodthirsty..."
"Why didn't you teach me? Why didn't you guide me?"
"Why did you just give up on me?!"
"In your eyes, am I just a useful blade?!"
There was a dead silence on the scene.
Thor's and Loki's jaws nearly hit the floor.
They had never seen anyone dare to point at Odin's nose and curse him like this in their lives.
And to curse so... reasonably and logically.
Even the guards didn't dare to move.
Because they could feel that the sadness and despair emanating from this woman were even more suffocating than her Killing Intent.
Facing Hela's accusations,
Odin did not refute her, nor did he get angry, and he didn't even use his majesty as the God King to suppress her.
He just stood there quietly.
Letting Hela's spittle spray onto his golden armor.
His head slowly lowered.
In that cloudy single eye, a flash of deep pain and guilt appeared.
He looked at the daughter before him, who had grown up and become so beautiful.
It was as if he saw the little girl from thousands of years ago, riding Fenrir and following behind him with high spirits.
Back then, she was his pride, the sharpest sword in his hand; he was the one who personally turned her into a sword that knew only slaughter.
And then, because the sword was too sharp and he feared it would hurt him, he broke her with his own hands.
Hela was right.
He was a failed father and a hypocritical king.
"Are you finished cursing?"
When Hela's voice became slightly hoarse and her emotions calmed down a bit,
Odin finally spoke, his voice old and raspy, without any of the airs of a God King.
Just like an ordinary old father who had done something wrong.
He sighed.
It was a sigh so heavy it seemed it could crush all of Asgard.
"You're right."
"Hela."
"I am a bastard."
"A selfish, hypocritical, and incompetent father."
"Back then, I was too young, too arrogant, thinking I could conquer everything with force."
"By the time I realized my mistake, I was too cowardly to face the sins I had committed."
"I could only choose the simplest and most cruel way—to Seal you."
"To escape my guilt."
Odin took a step forward, reaching out his hand as if to touch Hela, but then stopped in mid-air with some hesitation.
"In these thousands of years,"
"not a day has gone by that I haven't regretted it, not a day that I haven't missed you."
"But I didn't have the courage to see you."
"Because I knew I didn't deserve your forgiveness."
As he spoke,
this God King who ruled the Nine Realms,
this tough man who wouldn't bow even when facing the most terrifying enemies,
actually, in front of everyone, slowly bent his noble waist and gave Hela a deep bow.
"I'm sorry."
"My daughter."
"Dad... was wrong."
At this moment,
Hela was stunned.
The bellyful of even harsher words she had prepared was instantly stuck in her throat.
She looked at the old man before her, bowing his head in apology.
Looking at that White hair and those trembling shoulders.
Her tears could no longer be held back, gushing out like a burst dam.
All the resentment, all the grievances, all the unwillingness,
before this 'I'm sorry' that was thousands of years late,
seemed to no longer matter.
She bit her lip, trying desperately not to let herself cry out loud.
But her body was trembling violently.
Beside them, Frigga was already in tears, rushing over to pull Hela into a hug.
"Child... my child..."
"You've suffered..."
Hela's body stiffened for a moment, but eventually softened.
She buried her head in Frigga's embrace.
Like a child who had been wronged and finally came home, she began to wail loudly.
"Waaah..."
"Mom..."
This call of 'Mom' made everyone present tear up.
Even that Big Lug Thor was secretly wiping away tears.
Arthas stood to the side, watching this scene with a gratified smile.
This is what a happy ending should look like.
Although the process was a bit convoluted, the result was good.
The crying in the plaza gradually subsided.
Hela lifted her head from Frigga's warm embrace.
Although her eyes were still red, the pride belonging to the Goddess of Death had returned to her face.
She casually wiped the tear stains from her face.
She turned to look at Odin, who was standing to the side, still with his head bowed and not daring to speak, and let out a cold snort.
"Fine."
"Don't think that just because you shed a few crocodile tears, this matter is over and done with."
"The anger in my heart hasn't dissipated yet."
"If it weren't for the face of this silly brother who risked his life to bring me back,"
"I would send you to see your ancestors right now."
Chapter 119: The Overbearing Daily Life of the Brother-complex Hela!
Odin gave a bitter smile; not only was he not angry, but he actually seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
He knew that as long as Hela was still willing to scold him, it meant there was still room for maneuver.
If she truly ignored him, then it would be completely over.
"Yes, yes, yes."
"As long as you're willing to come back, I'll accept whatever punishment you see fit, whether it's being killed or flayed."
This God King, who once struck awe into the Nine Realms, was now as humble as a schoolboy who had made a mistake.
"Humph."
Hela smoothed her slightly messy hair, regaining her high-and-mighty queenly posture.
"First, restore my status as the eldest princess."
"The announcement must be broadcast throughout the Nine Realms for three days and three nights."
"Not a minute less."
"And another thing."
She glanced around the surrounding palace complex.
Finally, her gaze landed on the most magnificent and trendily decorated palace—Arthas's Private Chambers.
"I want to live in the best palace."
"That one looks pretty good."
"I'll stay there."
She pointed at Arthas's palace, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
Odin froze for a moment.
"That... that's Arthas's..."
"What? Is there a problem?"
Hela raised an eyebrow, her gaze instantly becoming sharp.
"Is there an issue with me living with my brother?"
"Or do you want to lock me in the dungeon again?"
"No problem! Absolutely no problem!"
Odin quickly waved his hands.
Are you kidding? Who would dare say no at a time like this?
Forget living in Arthas's palace; even if Hela wanted to live in his Golden Palace, he would have to pack his bags and leave immediately.
Arthas rubbed his nose from the side.
Although he had expected this, he still felt a little excited inside.
This was great.
Now the household had not just two mothers, three wives, and a group of Olympian Goddesses, but also an overbearing elder sister.
Life was probably going to get incredibly lively.
And so.
Hela moved into Arthas's palace with great fanfare, and the room she designated was right next to Arthas's master bedroom.
What was originally a luxury suite for guests had now directly become the eldest princess's bedroom.
On the first day of moving in.
Hela demonstrated her suffocating dominance.
"This vase is too ugly, replace it."
"The color of these curtains is too tacky, change them to black."
"And this carpet is uncomfortable to step on; go get me a few Snow Bear skins."
Like a queen inspecting her territory, she pointed and critiqued the decorations in the palace.
And behind her.
Thor and Loki, the two Asgardian Princes, were miserably moving vases and carrying carpets, acting as free labor.
"Brother..."
Loki complained while panting.
"Why are we doing this kind of work?"
"We are princes!"
"And on what grounds is she so arrogant?"
Thor wiped his sweat and gave him a "you know why" look.
"Stop talking nonsense."
"If you don't want to get beaten, work faster."
"Didn't you see the Old Man has already made himself scarce?"
Although Hela ordered her two biological brothers around and even looked down on them, thinking they were too weak and stupid.
But for the people around Arthas, her attitude had a subtle difference.
For example, Diana, Sif, and Brunhilde.
When she first formally met these three younger sisters-in-law, she didn't use her sharp tongue; instead, she gave a rare nod of approval.
"Hmm."
"His taste isn't bad."
"Though your strength is just so-so, at least your looks are worthy of my brother."
She even took some rare jewelry she had swiped from Odin's Vault and gave them to the three women.
This allowed the three women, who were originally nervous, to suddenly breathe a sigh of relief.
It seemed this eldest sister-in-law wasn't that difficult to get along with after all.
Toward Frigga and Aphrodite, Hela showed a rare submissiveness.
She called them "Mom" one after another, and it sounded quite affectionate.
Especially Aphrodite.
As the Goddess of Beauty, she and Hela were surprisingly aligned in their aesthetics.
The two often sat together discussing skincare and outfits.
This completely put Arthas's mind at ease, as he had originally worried about the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships.
But toward the other group of residents in the palace—those Olympian Goddesses.
Hela's attitude was completely different.
In her eyes, these women were just a bunch of "Vixens" who thought about seducing her brother all day long.
Although Asgard and Olympus had merged.
One mountain cannot hold two tigers, unless one is male and the other is female.
But now, there were a bit too many tigresses.
One afternoon.
In the side hall of Arthas's palace.
Hera, Athena, Artemis, and other goddesses were gathered for a small meeting.
The atmosphere was a bit oppressive.
"This is too much!"
Hera slammed her teacup onto the table, her exquisite face full of dissatisfaction.
"That Hela is simply a tyrant!"
"Since she arrived, it's been hard for us to even see Arthas once!"
"Yesterday, I was just about to use the chance of delivering fruit to go to Arthas's room."
"But before I could even enter the door, she blocked me."
"That look... it was like she was looking at a thief!"
"She even said something like 'My brother is resting, no unauthorized personnel allowed'!"
"Am I 'unauthorized personnel'?! I am the Olympian Queen of Heaven!"
Athena calmly analyzed.
"Indeed."
"This Hela's possessiveness is extremely strong."
"Moreover, she is Arthas's sister, which gives her a natural status advantage, and combined with her great strength, it's hard for us to go head-to-head with her."
"Our current Conquest progress has been forced to a standstill, or even regressed."
"Before, there was only little Sif guarding against us; now there's someone even more ruthless."
Artemis irritably toyed with the dagger in her hand.
"Then what should we do?"
"Are we just going to watch?"
"I think the way Hela looks at Arthas is just not right."
"That's not the look of a sister looking at a brother at all; it's clearly the look of someone looking at a lover!"
"Yesterday I even saw her having Arthas comb her hair!"
"That level of intimacy... humph!"
"If this continues, Arthas will eventually be devoured by her completely!"
Just as the goddesses were discussing heatedly.
A cold voice suddenly came from the doorway.
"Speaking ill of others behind their backs is not the behavior a goddess should have."
Everyone was startled.
Looking back.
They saw Hela leaning against the doorframe.
Wearing her signature dark green gown, her arms crossed.
She looked at them with a playful gaze.
Hera's face stiffened, but being the Queen of Heaven, she still had her aura.
She stood up and smoothed her skirt.
"We were just discussing some domestic matters."
"Isn't the eldest princess being a bit too meddlesome?"
Hela walked in, her high heels clicking rhythmically on the floor.
With every step, the invisible pressure grew stronger.
She walked up to Hera.
Being slightly taller than Hera allowed her to look down on the Queen of Heaven.
"This is Asgard."
"This is my brother's palace."
"Whether I'm being meddlesome or not is not for you to say."
"Also."
She leaned close to Hera's ear and spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear.
"Put away those little schemes of yours."
"Arthas is my silly brother."
"Only I can bully him."
"If you dare try anything funny with him..."
"I don't mind letting you see why I am called the Goddess of Death."
Chapter 120: An Honest Child
After speaking, Hela straightened up, revealing a brilliant yet dangerous smile.
"Of course."
"If it's a normal exchange, I'm still very welcoming."
"After all, we'll all be one family in the future."
"Heh heh."
Leaving behind a string of meaningful laughter, Helaturned and departed.
Leaving behind only a room full of ashen-faced Olympian Goddesses.
Hera was shaking with rage.
"Too much! This is simply too much!"
"Who does she think she is!"
"Isn't she just relying on the fact that Arthas dotes on her!"
Athena sighed.
"Calm down."
"The current situation is stronger than we are."
"We need to plan this out carefully."
"Since we can't win in a direct confrontation, we can only... use our wits."
And at this moment.
Our protagonist, Arthas, was sitting in his study with a look of utter despair.
He held a book in his hand, but hadn't turned a single page for half a day.
Because lying across his lap was a languid beauty—Hela.
Hela was using his thighs as a pillow.
While eating grapes peeled by Arthas, she rested with her eyes closed.
She showed none of the overbearing dominance she had displayed outside just now.
She was the spitting image of a clingy big cat.
"Sister..."
Arthas spoke up helplessly.
"You've been lying there for an hour."
"Can you let me change my position?"
"My legs are numb."
Hela opened one eye.
She glanced at him lazily.
"What?"
"Are you complaining that your sister is heavy?"
"Or do you want to go find those little vixens from Olympus?"
"I just helped you block a wave of unwanted attention, you know."
"Forget about thanking me, you actually dare to have an opinion?"
Arthas quickly shook his head.
"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. Sister, you're the best."
"I was just afraid you'd be uncomfortable lying like that."
"How about I give you a massage?"
Hela gave a satisfied hum.
"That's more like it."
"My left shoulder is a bit sore, use more strength."
Arthas resignedly reached out and began massaging this young lady's shoulders.
His technique was so skilled it was heartbreaking; after all, he often massaged Frigga and Aphrodite.
"By the way."
Hela suddenly spoke.
"That Hera."
"The way she looks at you is very far from pure."
"You haven't got anything going on with her, have you?"
She turned over, looking up at Arthas with a hint of scrutiny and jealousy in her eyes.
Arthas's hands didn't stop, and he even more gently pressed on Hela's acupoints.
Looking into Hela's eyes, which seemed able to see through people's hearts, he smiled.
"Sister, she's the Queen of Olympus."
"She's so beautiful, has such a good figure, and she's so proactive toward me."
"If I said I didn't have a single thought about her, wouldn't that be too hypocritical?"
"I'm a normal man, too."
Hela was stunned for a moment.
She seemingly hadn't expected Arthas to answer so bluntly.
The interrogation she had prepared was suddenly choked back.
She stared at Arthas for several seconds.
Finally, she gave a light snort and reached out to pinch Arthas's cheek.
She used a bit of force, but that was all.
"I'll count that as you being honest."
"If you had dared to lie to me and say you weren't interested in her, I would have thrown you out to feed Fenrir."
"Men, it's normal to have a few wandering thoughts."
"Especially a guy like you, whose surrounding women could almost form a legion."
Arthas let her pinch his face, that candid smile still hanging on his features.
"However."
Hela's tone shifted, and her gaze became sharp.
Her fingers slid from Arthas's cheek to his Adam's apple, gently stroking it.
"Having thoughts is one thing."
"You have to maintain your self-control."
"Don't be fooled by those old women's sweet words."
"Remember."
"Your status is different now."
"You are the future God King, the man recognized by me, Hela."
"Don't let just any random cat or dog gather around you."
"If you're going to find someone, find someone like Dianawho is worthy of you."
"As for those old women from Olympus..."
"Hmph, if they want to be my brother's wife, they aren't qualified yet."
Arthas could only nod like a woodpecker, while inwardly mourning for Hera and the others.
The difficulty had truly soared from Normal Mode directly to Hell Mode.
Passing Hela's test was even harder than passing Odin's.
But...
Looking at Hela's stunning face so close at hand.
And those eyes that, while carrying a warning, hid a deep attachment in their depths.
A warm current surged in Arthas's heart again.
This feeling of being protected by a powerful elder sister...
Was actually quite nice.
Just then, the study door was pushed open.
Diana walked in.
Seeing this ambiguous scene, with Hela lying on Arthas's lap and her hand still hooked under his chin.
Her footsteps faltered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.
After all, she had grown accustomed to such sights over the past few days.
Hela's level of clinginess toward Arthas had already redefined her understanding of the word.
"Sister Hela, Arthas."
"The banquet is ready."
"His Majesty Odin sent me to call you."
"Tonight is the formal banquet to celebrate Sister Hela's return home."
Hela let go of Arthas, sat up, and straightened her skirt.
She gave Diana a reasonably gentle smile.
"Understood."
"Thank you for your hard work, Diana."
"Let's go, silly brother."
"Let's go see what delicious food that Old Man has prepared for me."
She took Arthas's arm.
The movement was as natural as if she were taking her husband's arm.
Diana saw it but said nothing.
She simply walked over and took Arthas's other arm.
The intent to declare her sovereignty was obvious.
Arthas was sandwiched in the middle.
On his left was the overbearingly dominant eldest princesssister.
On his right was his heroic main wife.
Though they were polite on the surface, the faint scent of gunpowder permeated the air.
He only felt a chill down his spine.
This kind of 'blessing' of having multiple wives...
Was really not something an ordinary person could endure.
The three of them walked out of the study.
They happened to run into Hera and the others lingering in the corridor, who saw this harmonious scene of one emperor and two queens.
Hera's eyes were nearly spitting fire, and the handkerchief in her hand was about to be torn to shreds.
"Dammit..."
"I can't find a way in at all!"
"This Hela... is indeed the biggest obstacle!"
Hela walked past them without a sideways glance, a victor's smile playing on her lips.
As she passed by Hera.
She deliberately tightened her grip on Arthas's arm and leaned her head on his shoulder.
In a voice that wasn't loud but was just enough for Hera to hear, she said,
"Brother."
"When the banquet is over tonight, come to my room."
"I have a new outfit I want you to see."
"The kind... that only you can see."
Hera shook with rage.
The goddesses looked at each other in bewilderment.
Arthas only felt his scalp tingle. Sister, you're playing with fire!
Diana's eyes narrowed slightly. It looks like I need to prepare some new clothes tonight as well.
A grand palace drama centered around Arthas.
In this magnificent palace of Asgard.
Had only just begun.
And Hela had clearly already taken the absolute center stage.
The Tsundere Brother-Complex Queen vs. The Olympian Goddess Team.
This plot was getting more and more exciting.