405

Odin's Nightmare

With these words, Forseti placed his hand on Harrokin's chest, channeling Lay on Hands.

Typically, Holy Light spells, designed to punish evil, cannot heal souls stained with sin—those appearing red to the Eye of Reckoning.

However, Lay on Hands, the most potent healing spell, boasts a broader reach than others. Barring demons, it theoretically heals all living beings, albeit with varying efficacy.

In the current scenario, treating Harrokin taxed Forseti's sacred mana more than usual. Despite his efforts, Harrokin remained critically injured, barely clinging to life.

"I'll kill you! Reduced to ashes!" Harrokin, stirring awake, growled weakly and angrily.

Deprived of the Warlock's Eye and severely wounded, bound tightly by Hela's metal, he could only struggle feebly.

"Well done, Sun God," Hogan chuckled.

Thor nodded, patting Loki's shoulder. "Loki, thanks to the Sun God's holy light. If not for his intervention, killing Harrokin without consent would have earned your father's reprimand."

Loki, addressed so directly, swayed like a puppet but offered no reply.

"What are you thinking, brother? You should thank the Sun God," Thor asked, puzzled by Loki's silence.

At last, Forseti glanced at Loki, who managed a strained smile. "Thank... thank you."

Forseti replied nonchalantly, "You're welcome."

"..."

Fandral summoned soldiers, pointing to Harrokin. "Take him away for interrogation, especially about the Warlock's Eye."

"Wait," a woman's voice interrupted. All turned to see Queen Frigga exit the Golden Palace, halting the soldiers set to escort Harrokin.

"Your Majesty," the people saluted.

Frigga scanned the assembly. Her gaze lingered slightly longer on Hela upon spotting her.

"I will question Harrokin myself."

Thor was puzzled, about to interject, when Loki spoke first. "Mother's memory-absorption magic is more effective than any interrogation. Leave it to her."

Thor nodded in agreement, and the others voiced no objections. Frigga directed soldiers to transport Harrokin as she directed.

Loki breathed a sigh of relief.

Frigga smiled at Hela and Forseti. "Welcome back to Asgard."

"It's been a while, Lady Frigga." Hela nodded, inquiring further. "How is my father?"

"Fret not, Odin rests within the Golden Palace. His Odin's Sleep will last several days."

"Odin's Sleep?"

Frigga elucidated, "A magical slumber that halts aging and restores divine vigor. Originally crafted by my mother."

After brief exchanges, Frigga returned to the Golden Palace, while the battle continued outside.

Though Harrokin was captive, the conflict endured. Invaders still roamed Asgard's halls, leaderless and faltering.

Meanwhile, Frigga arrived at Harrokin's cell, asking, "Who informed you of Odin's Sleep?"

Shackled to the wall, Harrokin panted, raising his head with a sardonic smile. "Queen Frigga, I recall you as the adopted daughter of the former Norn Duke."

Frigga frowned.

"Who else but you understands Odin's Sleep? Must I spell it out?" Harrokin sneered.

"Karnilla…" Frigga's voice trembled.

"Hahaha!" Harrokin erupted, "Under Odin's rule, Asgard rots. Even your sister desires Odin's throne! And what of the Goddess of Death and the Sun God? Do you believe they'll serve Odin, you, or your son? Hahaha... Ragnarok looms closer, inevitable for all! Asgard, its people, shall face the Twilight Judgment!"

Madness painted Harrokin's features as he spoke.

"Asgard is not what it once was. Times change, Your Majesty!"

...

Upon Sleipnir, Odin approached the Golden Palace. Asgard's avenues lay pristine and grand, the Aesir prostrating in homage to their revered king.

"Hail the King of Gods, All-Father!" the chorus rose.

Odin smiled, surveying Asgard's resplendence, the magnificent Golden Palace behind him.

Amidst cheers and brilliance, Odin advanced when a familiar figure appeared ahead.

"Father." Thor knelt, head bowed, Mjölnir beside him.

"My son, Thor." Odin regarded his stalwart son, pride shining in his eyes, stepping forward to assist Thor.

Yet as Thor raised his head, Odin recoiled in shock. "You—"

But as Odin confronted him, Thor's visage transformed not into the jovial figure he knew, but into Asgard's God-King from over two millennia past—the elder brother whom Odin had dethroned, the God of Fear, Cul!

"Long time no see, my brother." Cul's smile was grim.

"Cul, you..." Odin's voice wavered as he retreated.

The vibrant scene dulled, replaced by shadows and discord.

"Why this trepidation, Odin? Delighted to see your brother?" Cul, undeterred, approached slowly.

Odin's demeanor shifted. He clenched his spear, prepared to strike Cul.

Unexpectedly, Cul's form flickered, morphing into Thor once more, staring at Odin in horror. "Father! It's me, Thor! What are you doing?"

Startled, Odin retracted his spear, staring at his son in bewilderment. "Thor..."

Thor transformed back into Cul, mocking. "Odin, why hesitate? Kill me, your brother, your king! Ascend as God-King, won't you?"