312

Battle Lines

"Using Wakanda's power to confront the Frost Giants..." Forseti paused, the implication clear.

Wakanda lacked advanced technology; there were no suits made of Uru here, only vibranium spears. However, their individual strength was inadequate against the Frost Giants.

"We will dispatch our most elite warriors. Though few in number, every bit of assistance counts," Bassanga declared. "The Frost Giants threaten all of humanity, and Wakanda must defend its homeland."

"How many will you send?" Forseti inquired.

"Fifty, led by myself," Bassanga replied confidently.

"You are the King of Wakanda. Venturing into battle personally leaves who in charge of your kingdom?" Forseti questioned.

"My wife and brother. They are my most trusted advisors. With them, Wakanda will remain in capable hands even in my absence," Bassanga assured.

"As Black Panther and King of Wakanda, charging into battle is both my duty and honor," he added.

Throughout history, Wakanda's kings had been warriors, their courage and valor renowned. This tradition persisted even into this age of technological advancement, shaping Wakanda's identity and policy of non-expansionism.

"We must depart promptly, aiming to reach the London Sanctuary before nightfall. Frost Giants are most active under the cover of darkness," Forseti advised.

"Today?" Bassanga seemed taken aback, evidently surprised by the prospect of traveling from Africa to Britain in a single day.

Forseti gestured towards the Asgardian flying boats hovering nearby. "We have brought flying boats. One day's journey is sufficient."

"Very well. I will make the necessary arrangements," Bassanga nodded, swiftly setting things in motion.

True to his word, soon after, he returned with fifty elite Wakandan warriors.

Compared to regular soldiers, these elites were larger in stature, more aggressive, and better equipped. Each wielded a vibranium spear and shield.

Forseti observed the group, acknowledging their capability yet knowing they could only handle a limited number of Frost Giants.

"Let's depart," Forseti directed, prompting everyone to board the flying boats.

With twenty flying boats accommodating over a hundred individuals from Asgard and Wakanda, the vessels ascended into the sky. Accelerating swiftly, they soared towards their destination.

As the flying boats gained speed, Wakandan warriors marveled at the spectacle.

After half a day's journey, they arrived in the evening at their destination—the City of London on the British Isles, known today as London, England.

Centuries ago, the inhabitants of the British Isles spoke Old English, marking the region as Britain.

It had been approximately 965 years since Forseti last visited Earth. During this millennium, humanity had undergone significant changes.

The rise of the Roman Empire had reshaped the world and London itself.

When Forseti last visited, London had been a small town safeguarded by the Supreme Sanctuary against rogues—a peaceful haven.

Subsequently, the Romans had expanded the town into a significant European city. Though dynasties had come and gone, London remained prosperous under the rule of the Wessex Dynasty.

Approaching London, they spotted the ancient London City Wall—a sturdy structure from the Western Roman era, albeit breached in several places, revealing the city within.

Rather than signs of ordinary warfare, these breaches showed evidence of ice and snow, a stark contrast to the surroundings.

The closer they drew to London, the chillier the air became.

"Swoosh!"

Suddenly, a sharp sound pierced the air as dozens of golden-red magical chains materialized, barring the flying boats' path above the London City Wall.

The flying boats halted immediately.

"Who goes there!" A group of mages stood atop the wall, led by an elderly man with a long beard, his voice echoing across the air.

Forseti disembarked and approached the wall. "We are warriors from Asgard and Wakanda, here to aid in the fight against the Frost Giants."

"Asgard!" The elderly mage exclaimed, eyeing the magical cloak behind Forseti. "Are you... Are you one of the founders of the Supreme Sanctuary?"

"I am Forseti Garrison," Forseti confirmed.

The mage was momentarily stunned, scrutinizing Forseti and the cloak before swiftly ordering the magical chains to disperse. The twenty flying boats proceeded into London, and warriors from Asgard and Wakanda disembarked.

"Mage Floccari," Bassanga greeted the elderly mage.

"Bassanga, a pleasure to see you," Floccari smiled warmly. "I did not expect you to bring Asgardian warriors to aid us."

"Without these warriors, I doubt we would have survived the encounter with nearly a hundred Frost Giants," Bassanga admitted.

Forseti turned to Floccari. "Are you the current Supreme Mage?"

"Yes," Floccari replied, hesitating slightly before adding, "Lord Forseti."

Forseti's youthful appearance contrasted sharply with Floccari's aged demeanor, a testament to the passage of time.

"Is Agamotto's Cloak of Levitation still within the Sanctuary?" Forseti inquired.

"Yes, it remains in the London Sanctuary," Floccari confirmed.

"Why has it not been worn?" Forseti wondered aloud.

"Fear not, it has developed a consciousness over time. For millennia, none have been able to gain its approval, including myself," Floccari explained.