580

Soul Mark: Arthas

Upon hearing the news, Forseti and Hela were taken aback, caught off guard by the sudden announcement. Compared to the customary age at which Asgardians wed, they were undeniably younger.

Given their experiences across the Nine Realms, Forseti and Hela were only a few hundred years old, much younger than Thor and Loki. However, this perception was theirs alone, as others often overlooked such nuances.

In Odin's eyes, Hela, born nearly 3,000 years ago, had long reached the age of marriage, and any further delay was unacceptable.

Putting aside personal views, Odin also wished for Hela to marry soon. With his advancing age, he realized that his time might be fleeting, and he yearned to witness his children settled before he passed.

Forseti and Hela, though taken aback at first, understood Odin's desires upon reflection.

"Father, we will follow your guidance," Hela and Forseti affirmed, exchanging a meaningful glance.

Odin smiled warmly, articulating his plan: "My proposal is to first arrange an engagement. When Thor returns to Asgard in a few years, we shall hold the official wedding. The festivities will be grand, inviting guests from across the cosmos, surpassing even the splendor of my own wedding with Frigga."

After a pause, he continued, "Following that, it will be time for me to step down. The future of Asgard belongs to you, my daughter... You will inherit my power and, of course, my responsibilities."

"Yes, father. I will be a worthy successor," Hela replied. Over the years, the rift between her and Odin had softened. As Odin aged, their relationship had gradually regained its familial warmth.

Odin nodded approvingly, and the family strolled through the garden, continuing their conversation.

"Speaking of which, where is Loki?" Odin suddenly inquired.

Frigga shook her head, troubled. "He has been absent frequently lately, and he hasn't mentioned where he goes."

A furrow formed on Odin's brow, a hint of concern in his eyes, a brief moment of silence passing between them...

After their stroll, Odin and Frigga returned to the Golden Palace, while Forseti and Hela remained in the garden, sitting together on a bench.

Shielded by the shade of an ash tree, the usual sunny atmosphere of Asgard appeared somewhat subdued here.

"Hela, soon you will be my wife," Forseti said, looking into Hela's eyes.

"And your queen" Hela replied, smiling as she placed her hands on his neck.

Forseti leaned in, and the two shared a kiss.

Initially, they felt they should find a more private moment. However, in the end, the inconvenience of returning to their chambers led them to continue kissing, finding the experience not altogether unpleasant...

...

Several days later, Forseti once again entered the realm of the Lich King Arthas. The throne room was frozen, ice and snow dominating the scene, with cold winds howling throughout.

At the far end of the icy platform, Arthas sat upon his throne, leaning on Frostmourne. Behind him hung Bolvar Fordragon, the Archduke of Stormwind City, scorched black by the fire of a red dragon.

"We will end you, Arthas! For the many crimes you've committed, death is the kindest fate you deserve!" Tirion Fordring declared, tightening his grip on his warhammer, ready to confront the Lich King.

Forseti summoned King Bronzebeard and General Feathermoon once more, and the battle commenced.

As always, he wielded his frost powers, with King Bronzebeard roaring into the fray, leading the charge before striking with thunderous force against the Lich King.

Once a mediocre paladin, Arthas had ascended to become a formidable death knight after the fall of Lordaeron. Empowered by the Helm of Domination, Arthas now wielded Ner'zhul's unholy might, mastering the scourge of undeath.

Facing the onslaught of Forseti, King Bronzebeard, and General Feathermoon, Arthas remained composed, dealing with them confidently.

However, a turning point approached. Under Frostmourne's influence, the biting cold of winter intensified, severely weakening Forseti and his companions.

At that critical moment, the ice trapping Fordring began to fracture, its cracks rapidly spreading across the surface.

Witnessing this, Arthas summoned a group of ghouls, while General Feathermoon invoked the Moonlight Goddess's blessing.

Fordring finally broke free, bellowing, "Arthas, your atrocities against the living end today!"

Raising his warhammer high, Fordring leaped and struck Frostmourne directly. Yet, his warhammer, inferior to the Ashbringer, failed to shatter Frostmourne, only forcing the Lich King back a step.

"Avatar!"

Simultaneously, King Bronzebeard invoked divine power, his form swelling with thunder and wind, before striking down the Lich King once more.

Forseti transformed into his four-winged angelic form, radiating holy light as he unleashed his full strength.

The battle intensified, with all four warriors engaging the Lich King without restraint. The ensuing chaos tore through the Frozen Throne, half the platform crumbling under the onslaught.

"I shall freeze your blood and body!" Arthas roared, Frostmourne's power unleashed in blinding brilliance, its cold light rivalling the sun.

Frostmourne's Fury!

Forseti recognized this as their greatest trial, swiftly conjuring a dozen sacred prisms with Fordring. Spinning at high speed, these prisms intercepted the Lich King's onslaught.

"Boom!"

Frostmourne's wrath clashed with the holy prisms in a cataclysmic explosion of icy blue and golden energy, blinding all who beheld it.

When the dust settled, Shandris Feathermoon lay slain, Forseti and his comrades gravely injured, while Frostmourne itself showed cracks.

After a final grueling struggle, they prevailed, the Sulfuron Hammer smashing the Helm of Domination. Arthas collapsed, a pale, bewildered figure.

Before him materialized an ethereal figure—his father, Terenas Menethil, whom he had slain.

"Is it over..." he murmured.

"It is," replied Terenas' spirit. "Kingship knows no eternal reign, my son..."

Exhaling deeply, Forseti knew he had triumphed over the Lich King's challenge.

Now, he awaited his reward.

The first reward left Forseti astonished: "This..."

[Soul Mark: Arthas]