309

For Wakanda

As the atmosphere settled, Karnilla, Duchess of Norn, suddenly knelt down, unable to conceal her sorrow as tears streaked down her face.

As Baldur's wife, she had suffered a great loss when Ulik slew Baldur during the battle.

"Your Majesty, I request permission to execute Ulik," Karnilla said solemnly.

Previously, Odin had defeated Ulik, the troll king, due to Mangog, but chose not to execute him immediately.

Killing Ulik would have strengthened Mangog significantly upon his death, creating further disadvantages.

However, Odin unexpectedly replied, "Since when did I decide on Ulik's death sentence?"

Karnilla was taken aback for a moment, then lifted her head hastily, "Ulik is Asgard's archenemy, responsible for countless Asgardian deaths, including my husband Baldur's. Shouldn't he face execution?"

Odin paused for a moment, "Karnilla, I understand your pain. Baldur's death saddens me deeply as well..."

After a brief silence, he continued, "However, killing will not resolve issues but exacerbate them. It took the appearance of Mangog for me to realize this. Asgard must refrain from unnecessary killing. I intend to imprison Ulik indefinitely instead of sentencing him to death."

Forseti couldn't help but think the old man was being overly lenient...

He couldn't fathom the logic behind sparing Ulik. Mangog had arisen primarily due to Odin's excessive bloodshed. Ulik, though guilty, was merely an individual and hardly innocent.

Thus, Odin decided to spare Ulik's life out of a newfound reluctance to kill.

Karnilla's breath caught, her eyes reddening once more, "Your Majesty... How can the souls of our fallen warriors find peace without Ulik's execution?"

"We owe it to the living to be more responsible. Another Mangog could arise, claiming even more lives," Odin shook his head, steadfast in his decision not to execute Ulik.

Karnilla grew emotional, "Your Majesty, then permit me to duel Ulik. I will end his life in combat!"

"Don't be foolish, Karnilla. You are no match for Ulik," Odin replied. "Permanently imprisoning Ulik is a harsher punishment than death; he will languish in solitude and boredom for millennia."

Despite Karnilla's protests, Odin remained resolute in sparing Ulik's life. The tension in the room lingered until Karnilla reluctantly backed away, wiping her tears in silence.

Odin sighed deeply, "Mangog's existence stems from our past deeds. I hope you understand this. As of today, Asgard will cease aggressive acts and senseless killings."

Forseti stepped forward, "Your Majesty, the Frost Giants are invading Midgard. Should we intervene and stop them?"

Odin pondered briefly before nodding, "It is our duty to quell conflicts across the Nine Realms. Forseti, you've been to Midgard numerous times. Lead ten squads to Midgard immediately. Asgard's main forces will follow shortly after a brief respite."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Rowe acknowledged.

The following morning, Forseti led ten squads, comprising over a hundred soldiers, towards the Rainbow Bridge.

Among them was his old friend Ander, significantly older than Forseti. Despite a mere few months spent by Forseti on Sakaar, Ander had aged thirteen centuries. Their conversations often carried an unusual weight.

"Do you recall what I told you thirteen hundred years ago?" Ander asked.

"For me, that was only a few months ago," Forseti replied.

Ander nodded knowingly, "Then surely you remember."

"No, I've forgotten."

A pregnant pause followed before Ander said, "It was about healing spells. You teach me healing spells, and I'll pledge myself to your service."

Forseti considered, "Teaching Holy Light healing spells isn't a simple task. Besides, Ander, your strength is formidable now. Do you truly wish to pursue healing spells?"

Ander had yet to awaken his divine powers. However, over thirteen centuries, he had honed his physique, combat skills, and even acquired some proficiency in magic. His strength surpassed that of many first-tier divine beings.

"Perhaps I no longer require it, but my loved ones do. They need it now more than ever," Ander sighed. "Had you not intervened yesterday with your healing, my son might not have survived."

Their conversation carried them to the teleportation hall of the Rainbow Bridge.

"Heimdall?"

Heimdall seemed momentarily lost in thought, silently contemplating the Guardian Sword in his grasp. Upon Forseti's call, he snapped back to attention.

"Here, Forseti," Heimdall responded.

Forseti inquired, "What's the situation in Midgard?"

Heimdall reported, "It's manageable. The humans of Midgard have organized resistance forces that haven't succumbed easily to the Frost Giants."

"How many Frost Giants have been deployed in Midgard? Is Laufey leading them?" Forseti pressed.

"Approximately a thousand Frost Giants. Laufey isn't present; apparently, his wife, Farbauti, is in labor," Heimdall replied. "But Laufey carries the Tesseract, capable of opening portals. He could arrive in Midgard at any moment. Remain vigilant."

"I'll teleport you immediately. I spotted a group of humans in dire straits under Frost Giant assault," Heimdall tightened his grip on the Guardian Sword, poised to initiate teleportation.

"Prepare yourselves."

With over a millennium of experience, Heimdall proved a competent gatekeeper for Asgard. He plunged the Guardian Sword downwards, instantly opening the Rainbow Bridge and transporting them all to Midgard.

A radiant rainbow flashed by, and upon closer inspection, they found themselves standing on a vast grassland.

Accompanying them were twenty Asgardian airships, silently hovering nearby.

"Clang! Clang!"

"Charge! For the kill!" Upon arrival, the air resonated with battle cries and clashing weapons.

Forseti soon caught wind of a few slogans that caught him by surprise.

"The Panther God protects us!"

"For Wakanda! Long live Wakanda!Wakanda Forever!"

Across the expansive prairie, a group of dark-skinned warriors, steadfast and resolute, shouted slogans as they engaged Frost Giants in fierce combat.

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