393

Twilight of Ulic

The dagger, as sturdy as Uru metal, easily pierced through the ground towards the figure lurking below.

The figure seemed to sense it, attempting to evade, but was a fraction too slow. Forseti's dagger struck him hard, leaving no room for sound.

Withdrawing his hand, Forseti nodded slightly, satisfied with the lethal efficiency of his enchanted arm.

However, he couldn't ignore the discomfort. Based on his medical instincts, Forseti knew that relying too much on this arm would have adverse effects.

Reverting the Sulfuron Hammer to its warhammer form, he gripped it firmly once more.

At that moment, several figures cloaked in blood approached within the Eye of Reckoning's view.

The fugitives hiding in the cave sensed the intruder's presence and attacked, emerging from the depths.

Forseti's expression remained stoic as holy light flickered on the Sulfuron warhammer, casting a blinding glare.

Blinding Light!

The intense burst caught the cave's inhabitants off guard, leaving them temporarily blinded.

Seizing the opportunity, Forseti swung the Saffron warhammer, engulfing the enemies in raging flames.

Blessed Hammer!

"Boom boom-"

Screams echoed through the narrow depths of the cave.

Most of the dangerous fugitives fell in battle, their lives claimed swiftly. Only a few were captured and transported back to Asgard via the Rainbow Bridge.

"Heimdall, what's the current status?" Forseti inquired of Heimdall after dispatching the fugitives.

"Most of the fugitives have been neutralized. You can focus on locating Ulic without immediate concern," Heimdall reported.

Forseti pondered, "Can we locate Ulic? Given the destruction of his cell and assistance in his escape, it's likely he's fled Vanaheim."

"Indeed," Heimdall paused briefly, "if Ulic isn't found within three days, consider returning."

Forseti nodded, addressing his companions, "Most of the fugitives have been handled. We can rest easy tonight."

"I suggest we have a barbecue," Brunnock proposed.

Vorstag readily agreed, patting his rounded belly, chuckling, "Yes, excellent idea!"

Forseti, adept at handling the barbecue with the Sulfuron Warhammer, made the process effortless.

Once the ingredients were prepared, he placed the Saffron Warhammer on the ground, its flames swiftly cooking the meat without smoke.

Night fell as they sat around, enjoying the barbecue. Vorstag devoured nearly five portions, occasionally nudging Thor to eat more.

"Eat up, Thor. I assure you, the Roast of the Sun God is among the universe's finest delicacies," Vorstag enthused, offering a succulent roasted leg of lamb.

"Notice the golden specks? It's Midgard's magical cumin seasoning!"

"No, I'm not falling for it again," Thor shook his head firmly, "Vorstag, I suspect you're trying to out-eat me. But as Odin's son, I won't be swayed by food."

Following the meal, the night progressed with conversation, weapon maintenance, and contemplation, settling into tranquil silence.

After some hesitation, Thor approached Forseti with a shy smile.

Forseti greeted him, "Is something amiss, Your Highness Thor?"

"Yes," Thor hesitated, gathering his thoughts, "I have inquiries about my sister. You knew her well, being her lover."

Thanks to Forseti's presence, Hela hadn't succumbed to rebellion, retaining a lingering presence despite her prolonged absence from Asgard.

Considering Thor's age of several centuries, such queries were expected.

Thor continued earnestly, "I wonder why she left Asgard."

Forseti remained silent for a moment, then simply shook his head, choosing not to elaborate.

"Why?" Thor pressed on, frustrated, "I've asked my father, my mother, my teachers... None would divulge the details."

Forseti had contemplated discussing this with Thor earlier but decided against it, aware of Thor's lack of understanding and Odin's sentiments.

Instead, he patted Thor's shoulder reassuringly, advising, "Your Royal Highness Thor, finding happiness is paramount."

"It's late; time to rest. Perhaps we'll apprehend Ulic tomorrow," Forseti declared before departing.

---

Forseti and his comrades remained in Vanaheim for two more days. With most fugitives either detained or eliminated, they enjoyed a relatively leisurely period.

Aside from rest, they awaited news from Heimdall regarding Ulic.

To their surprise, Heimdall's afternoon message on the third day brought news of Ulic, the Troll King.

"...There are magical barriers nearby, likely Ulic's location. I'll send you there immediately," Heimdall's voice resounded.

"Ulic, former king of trolls, despite his age, remains formidable. Exercise caution," he cautioned.

"Prepare; the Rainbow Bridge opens imminently."

With Heimdall's directive, a rainbow beam descended from the sky, whisking Forseti and his companions away.

Meanwhile, Ulic, accompanied by several followers, traversed the forest with solemn purpose.

"Your Majesty, perhaps we should align with the young man. We share a common adversary: Asgard," an elder, long-haired troll suggested.

"That arrogant traitor used us as pawns; I'll never cooperate," Ulic snarled disdainfully.

"I constructed a secret underground fortress nearby. If cautious, we can reach it in two days."

"From there, we'll return to Nornheim using the fortress's spacecraft," Ulic added wistfully, "Nornheim..."

Suddenly, a thunderous boom interrupted their conversation as a rainbow beam materialized nearby.

"The Rainbow Bridge..." the elderly troll murmured, aghast.

Ulic's expression darkened; his fists clenched involuntarily at the sight.

The light dissipated, revealing Forseti, Thor, and their comrades.

Forseti, holding the Saffron warhammer, eyed Ulic, the Troll King, a distant figure. Memories of Ulic's former strength flashed through his mind.

High-level beings with extended lifespans and robust physiques often experience abrupt, rapid aging at the end of life.

For example, Odin, once vibrant with black hair, aged swiftly to gray upon Hela's departure, indicating limited remaining years.

Ulic appeared similarly affected.

Centuries ago, Ulic was a fierce, mighty Troll King; now, he appeared aged and withered.

Despite this, as a third-tier divine power, Ulic remained formidable, evident to Forseti's Eye of Reckoning.

---