In the rain-soaked night.
Thor, set down on the ground by Android 16, scratched his head in confusion.
"Great Sage? I've never heard of someone like you," Thor asked doubtfully.
He had battled across countless realms and witnessed innumerable powerful beings.
Yet he had never once heard of this so-called "Great Sage", nor of any legend associated with him.
"That's perfectly normal," Renjie replied calmly.
"But that doesn't stop you from calling me Uncle… or Master."
Renjie stepped toward Thor, pressing a hand firmly onto his shoulder. Then, without warning, he raised his head and roared toward the stormy heavens—
"Heimdall! By the authority of the Great Sage, I command you—open the Bifröst!"
His voice was filled with unquestionable authority.
The Gatekeeper had been watching Renjie all along.
He knew of the conversation between Odin and Renjie.
And so, he would never dare ignore Renjie's command.
The moment Renjie's voice rang out, a dazzling cascade of seven-colored light descended from the sky, enveloping Renjie, Thor, and Android 16.
Android 18 frowned and stepped forward, intending to teleport with them.
But Android 16 shook his head, stopping her from charging into the Bifröst.
Android 18 was a human-modified android, still retaining human instincts.
Without proper protection, she simply could not adapt to combat in outer space.
Because of that
The purely mechanical Android 16 was far better suited to deal with such sudden situations.
Perhaps… that was the very reason he had been created.
Android 18 sighed softly, slipping her hands into her pockets.
She could only watch as the three figures vanished before her eyes, heading toward the legendary realm—
Asgard.
...
The Bifröst.
Heimdall raised his head, gazing deeply at Renjie.
He knew all too well just how terrifying this Earth-born powerhouse truly was.
"I'm finally home…"
Thor spread his arms wide, breathing in the sweet air of his homeland.
Knock.
Two armored fingers rapped sharply against his forehead.
Thor yelped in pain, crouching down and clutching his rapidly swelling forehead.
"Don't forget why we're here," Renjie said coldly.
"Where is Loki?"
He withdrew his fingers and turned his gaze toward Heimdall.
"He just left for Jotunheim," Heimdall answered respectfully.
"However, he has cast a concealment spell. I can no longer see him."
The wise Gatekeeper showed deep respect toward the Great Sage before him.
For Odin had once warned him—
The Nine Realms required a new power to maintain balance.
Before Thor fully awakened, this Great Sage would replace Odin.
He would become Asgard's temporary ruler.
All must obey his command.
"I see…"
Renjie sighed softly.
He grabbed Thor by the cape and hauled him up from the ground.
Then he lifted a hand, gripping Thor's chin and forcing him to look directly at him.
His voice turned stern.
"Thor, this is your first lesson."
"When a nation stands on the brink of disaster, what it needs is not a benevolent ruler—
but a tyrant with absolute authority."
"Against enemies, mercy is a luxury you cannot afford."
He paused, eyes sharp.
"Do you have the courage to go with me to Jotunheim… and put an end to the chaos?"
Thor's pupils shrank violently.
He had been banished precisely because he acted on impulse.
And now
This Great Sage was asking him to repeat the very mistake he once made?
"I'm willing… but Father has already punished me," Thor said hesitantly.
"I think… there might be another way."
Thor shrugged bitterly.
He had only just regained his power—
Was he really meant to lose it again?
From within the dark-gray helmet came Renjie's low, suppressed laughter.
"Thor, you are standing before two choices."
"The first—
Stop your brother, quell the rebellion… and lose your divine power once more."
"The second—
Do nothing."
"Wait until the crisis reaches its peak."
"Then descend as a hero… and personally execute the traitor—Loki."
"Under the people's worship, you will rightfully ascend the throne."
"Now…"
"Tell me your choice."
Renjie's words were no different from a devil's whisper.
Thor let out a bitter smile.
Even Heimdall opened his eyes wide, watching Thor intently, awaiting his answer.
Thor scratched his head awkwardly, glancing toward the distant Bifröst.
"Is there really anything to choose?"
"Someone like me… who can't even discipline his own brother…"
"Even if I sat on the throne, I'd just become a laughingstock."
He tightened his grip on Mjölnir.
"Heimdall—open the Bifröst to Jotunheim."
"This is my final command… as Odin's son."
"When a younger brother commits a mistake,
it's the older brother's duty to drag him back and hand him over to their parents."
Thor spun Mjölnir in his hand, reluctance flickering in his eyes.
Perhaps…
This would be the last time he ever wielded the Hammer of Thunder.
Renjie smiled as well, nodding toward Heimdall.
Thor had passed the test.
He was now worthy of continuing as the God of Thunder.
The Gatekeeper's lips curved upward slightly.
He plunged his great sword into the Bifröst.
Brilliant light shot straight into the heavens.
Next stop—
JOTUNHEIM!!!
END OF CHAPTER
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