250

Odin's Executioner

Forseti used the pyramid to absorb a small amount of the sun's power. Over the past few years, his flame power had only improved slightly. In contrast, Khonshu's transformation was astonishing, making Forseti wish he could harness the power of the moon.

Unfortunately, Khonshu's ability to control lunar power was a rare talent. According to him, he was the only one on Earth with this ability, and it couldn't be learned by others.

"I'm ready to return to Earth," Khonshu said.

"Shall I drive a spaceship to see you off?" Forseti asked, pointing to the stone hall.

Khonshu shook his head. "No, I am stronger than ever before and fully capable of returning on my own."

Forseti nodded and said, "In that case, let's leave it to fate."

"I'll be on Earth or the Moon, so we'll meet again," Khonshu assured him.

Moonlight surged around him, transforming into a bright rainbow that flew towards Earth and soon disappeared.

With only Forseti left, the moon became eerily silent and boring.

Forseti stood in place for a moment before transforming into a streak of light and flying to a nearby cave, which housed the space passage.

He had renovated this cave over the years, constructing a thick stone room to conceal the space tetrahedron.

Upon reaching the end of the cave, Forseti encountered an ordinary stone wall. He lit the holy light in his hand and placed it on the wall, causing it to tremble slightly and separate, revealing the stone room behind it.

The space tetrahedron hovered within the stone chamber.

Forseti closed the stone door, passed through the space tetrahedron, and returned to Asgard.

On his way home, he saw a group of people rushing in a particular direction, as if to witness something exciting.

He approached to inquire.

Asgard was small, and Forseti's military exploits had made him quite famous. The people recognized him.

"Forseti, haven't you been in Asgard recently?" one asked.

"What are you going to see?" Forseti avoided answering.

"We're going to see Udu's execution."

"Udu!" Forseti was startled. "Udu blood eyes from Badong?"

The passerby smiled. "That's right, Udu blood eyes from Badong. But now he's the one being executed."

"His Majesty Odin personally sentenced Udu to death. Today is the day of his execution. Would you like to come and see, Forseti?"

After a moment's thought, Forseti nodded. "I'll go."

They went to the execution ground, where a crowd had already gathered, buzzing with discussion.

In the middle of the execution ground, a sturdy green-skinned man knelt bound by chains on the execution platform, his head lowered.

"So, this is the legendary Udu blood eyes..."

"When will His Majesty arrive for the execution?"

"Udu seems no different from other Badong people." The onlookers continued their chatter.

Soon, a team of Einherjar in golden armor arrived from the direction of the Golden Palace, led by Hela.

"Your Highness," everyone saluted.

Hela nodded and said, "His Majesty Odin appointed me as the executioner, so I will carry out Udu's death sentence."

Asgard had a tradition that those who sentenced others to death should perform the execution themselves. Since Odin had sentenced Udu to death, it was expected that Odin would execute him. However, the king could appoint an executioner, provided they were of significant status.

As Odin's current heir, Hela's status was sufficient.

"Your Majesty." Hela now represented Odin, so everyone addressed her accordingly.

It was time for the execution.

Hela approached Udu and asked, "Udu, are you willing to repent?"

Udu sneered. "Odin is a man of all evils. He will meet his end for his sins!"

A sharp axe, glowing with light, formed in Hela's hand.

"Do you know what fate has told me, Odin's heir?" Udu continued, speaking faster and more fervently, as if trying to finish before his head fell. "When Odin's hands are stained with the pure blood of his heirs, all evil will be gathered—"

He couldn't finish his sentence.

Upon hearing "when Odin's hands are stained with the pure blood of his sons," Hela's face turned pale. Anger and fear flashed in her eyes as she swung the axe.

Udu's words stopped abruptly, his body splitting in two, a column of blood spurting from his neck.

The execution was over.

Several soldiers stepped forward to clean the execution ground, while Hela left silently, her hand still trembling.

Forseti, noticing her distress, quickly approached her.

"What's the matter, Your Highness?"

Hela saw him, and the bloody axe in her hand vanished.

To Forseti's surprise, Hela suddenly hugged him, burying her head in his shoulder, her body trembling.

Forseti was stunned but gently placed his hand on her back, comforting her. "What happened, Your Highness? Was it something Udu said?"

Hela remained silent.

Forseti continued, "He was just a condemned prisoner. Don't take his words to heart."

"I think what he said is true..." Hela released him, looking calmer.

"What did he say?" Forseti asked again.

Hela hesitated before finally saying, "He said... Odin's hands will be stained with the blood of his heirs."

Forseti was silent, unsure of what to say.

Could it be that Odin and Hela would turn against each other?

It seemed likely...

"What else did he say?" Forseti asked after a while.

Hela shook her head. "I didn't hear the second half of his sentence, but I remember one word."

"What word?"

"Assemble."

Forseti was puzzled but didn't press further. "Prophecies are often vague and unexpected. Who knows what will happen? History is full of such examples."

Despite his words, he couldn't help but wonder.

What was the second half of Udu's sentence? What did it have to do with "Assemble"?