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Chapter 58 - Chapter 58: The Destroyer Descends

The moment Nolan gave the order, Frank's expression turned grim.

"Prepare!"

Dozens of armored exoskeletons APU combat units slammed their mechanical pylons into the earth. The metallic clang rang across the battlefield as they locked themselves in place, their cannons swiveling to fix on the center of the warzone.

Today, the so-called gods of Asgard would learn what true terror looked like. They would witness a storm born not of magic, but of steel and firepower a storm crafted by human hands.

"Open fire!" Frank roared.

The command ignited the battlefield.

From every exoskeleton came the thunder of cannons, their barrels glowing as a storm of 25-millimeter shells screamed toward the center of the field. The noise alone was deafening, a constant boom that shook the ground like the march of a thousand war drums.

The rounds tore through everything in their path. Even the remaining Terminator units, machines designed for war, were shredded like paper in the torrent. Their metallic bodies burst apart mid-stride, torn into smoking fragments before they even hit the ground.

The display was so overwhelming that the agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., watching from a distance, froze in shock. Their eyes widened to the size of saucers.

What kind of power was this?

They were certain that not even a main battle tank could withstand such concentrated firepower. Yet here Nolan's army was, casually unleashing it as if it were routine.

But… even this storm of bullets had its limits.

Amidst the cloud of dust and smoke, four figures still stood. Bloodied, pale, but alive the Asgardian warriors had survived.

It was only a matter of time before their defenses gave out, but for now, they endured.

Thor's face darkened. No one knew the limits of his comrades' magical wards better than he did. They were almost gone.

"Damn it!" Thor cursed under his breath. Panic surged in his chest.

"Cease fire! Stop the barrage!" he shouted, desperation cracking his usually commanding voice.

If the attack continued, his friends would die. He had no choice but to swallow his pride. For all his arrogance, Thor could not watch his brothers- and sisters-in-arms be slaughtered in front of him.

Smoke billowed thick and heavy, the stench of burnt metal choking the air. Thor's cries were lost in the thunder, but Nolan, watching closely, could read his lips.

Nolan had never intended to kill them. Death, after all, was a matter of profit. Right now, his profit came in the form of combat data, and he had gathered more than enough. It was time to change roles from executioner to negotiator.

"Frank. Cease fire," Nolan ordered calmly.

At once, the exoskeletons fell silent, barrels glowing red-hot, smoke curling from their tips. The silence that followed was almost more terrifying than the barrage.

Nolan stepped forward, standing tall in front of the APU line. The presence of such overwhelming firepower behind him brought a rare sense of peace to his heart. For a man plagued by fear of insufficient firepower, overwhelming force was the only cure.

Still, he knew this was only the beginning. For now, this was all he could unleash.

The Asgardians staggered back to their feet, weapons clutched tightly in trembling hands. Their faces were pale, sweat dripping down their brows. They no longer bore the same arrogance as before. The lesson had been taught: Earth was not weak.

Thor stood not far from Nolan, his usual confidence tempered by the heavy toll on his friends. Nearby, Agent Coulson shifted uncomfortably. This confrontation had been his operation to lead, yet now, somehow, he had become little more than a spectator.

Thor took a step forward. His booming voice carried a different tone this time measured, almost humble.

"Friend, my companions acted rashly. I must apologize on their behalf."

The sudden tact was almost surprising, considering Thor's rough, battle-hardened demeanor. Yet the urgency in his eyes betrayed his desperation.

"There is a reason for their actions," Thor continued, voice heavy. "My brother, Loki, the God of Mischief, has seized Asgard's throne while my father, Odin, lies in the Odinsleep. Loki's treachery will bring ruin if unchecked. To stop him, I must reclaim Mjolnir. Without it, I cannot return to Asgard and halt his schemes."

Nolan's gaze lingered on him.

"We have never forbidden you from touching the hammer," he said coolly. "But it seems clear… the hammer does not recognize you."

Thor stiffened at the words. It was true. He could not deny it. Odin had told him plainly: until he proved himself worthy once more by showing mercy, wisdom, and true courage Mjolnir would remain beyond his grasp.

As the two spoke, a tremor rippled across the sky.

Far above, in Asgard, Loki's lips curled into a cruel smile. With Odin in slumber, he now held the keys to Asgard's weapons. And among them was the Destroyer.

A surge of magic tore through the heavens. Moments later, a column of light split the sky open. From it descended a towering figure of blackened steel the Destroyer had come to Midgard.

The ground trembled as it landed outside the town. The air grew heavy, suffused with dread.

Nolan's expression hardened.

The Destroyer.

Compared to that, the Terminators were little more than toys.

Thor's companions turned pale, their fear written plain across their faces.

"Thor!" Sif shouted, eyes wide. "Loki has sent the Destroyer. He means to kill you!"

Without hesitation, Sif and the Warriors Three surged forward, weapons raised.

"Take Thor and get him out of here," Sif cried over her shoulder. "We will hold it back!"

Thor's heart wrenched. Exhausted and battered as they were, they stood no chance. Even at their peak, they could not defeat the Destroyer.

Nolan's brow furrowed. This enemy was a different matter entirely.

"Frank!" Nolan barked.

At once, Frank understood. The exoskeletons roared back to life, cannons blazing once more. A storm of metal rained upon the Destroyer, forcing the massive construct to stumble back a step.

But only a step.

The reprieve lasted mere seconds. The Destroyer's helm glowed, and twin beams of searing energy erupted from its eyes. Buildings crumbled in their path. Several exoskeletons exploded instantly, fireballs lighting up the battlefield.

Nolan clenched his teeth. The disparity was staggering.

Inside each destroyed machine were his people employees of Rock Technology. Luckily, the armored cockpits he had designed held strong, and casualties were minimal. But the sight was still infuriating.

Nolan activated his powered suit, mechanical plates locking into place around his body. He glanced at Thor.

"That thing… only you can stop it," Nolan said coldly. "Do you think anyone else here can? This is not Earth's battle it is Asgard's. You must reclaim the hammer."

With that, he turned on his heel. Retreat was not weakness; it was strategy.

Frank and the others followed, falling back while the expendable Terminators rushed forward to buy time.

Coulson stood frozen, aghast.

"They're just leaving? What about the Destroyer?!" he muttered, gripping his pistol uselessly. Compared to the might of Nolan's machines, the weapon in his hand felt like a toy.

"Damn it!" he cursed, knowing it was hopeless.

Thor's eyes fell on his friends. Sif and the others fought bravely, charging the Destroyer with all they had. Robots fell one after another. None of it mattered. Against the Destroyer, they were gnats before a hurricane.

Unless…

Thor's chest tightened. He knew the answer.

Far away, Nolan looked skyward.

"It won't matter if we stay or leave," he said to Frank. "Only one man can end this." His eyes drifted toward Kamar-Taj. If the Ancient One willed it, she could reduce the Destroyer to ashes with a flick of her wrist. The fact she had not intervened meant one thing: this was Odin's design. A test for Thor.

And then, it happened.

A great surge of energy burst across the battlefield. The ground quaked, the air itself trembling with power.

Nolan's eyes narrowed.

At last… Thor was awakening.

The God of Thunder had returned.

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