Chapter 203: The Fall of Odin

The two figures passed through the empty palace hall, emerging onto the square outside. The towering cloud pillars connecting heaven and earth had vanished, signaling that the invading enemy had been repelled. However, the destruction wrought upon the city remained irreversible.

Surveying the ruined landscape, Loki's face retained its usual air of indifference.

"Brother, what kind of enemy did this? Did you bring me out here to help?"

"Enough nonsense. I simply didn't want you to die in prison. Now follow me." Thor gave him a shove from behind. "We're heading to the refuge."

Thor grabbed Loki by the scruff of his neck, spinning Mjolnir in his other hand. Ignoring Loki's flailing limbs and protests, he soared into the sky.

"If you don't want to die, stop squirming."

A gust of wind carried them into the air.

By the time they landed before the gates of a mountain fortress, Loki was thoroughly disoriented, struggling to distinguish north from south.

"On your feet." Thor gave him another push.

Sif and the Warriors Three were already waiting, their expressions sour at the sight of Loki.

"The outside seems calm now," Thor announced. "The enemy should be defeated. Shouldn't we return?"

"We'll see for ourselves." Heimdall rose and headed toward the exit. The palace's runes blocked even his all-seeing gaze, making it impossible to discern what lay beyond.

Clop-clop! Clop-clop!

Before they could leave, the sound of approaching hooves echoed from outside.

Odin appeared at the doorway, his once-gleaming armor blackened by soot, hair singed and curled. His weariness was plain.

"Odin…" Frigga hurried forward.

Odin raised a hand to stop her. He turned to Thor. "Thor, come with me."

Thor cast a curious glance at his father but followed without question.

As they left, Odin's gaze flicked back, as if something unseen lurked in the shadows.

"Ragnarök is coming," Odin said the moment they stepped outside.

Thor's heart clenched. The prophecy foretold that one day, Asgard would fall—consumed by the fire giant Surtur.

"Come out, Loki," Odin suddenly called.

A minute passed before Loki's sly figure slinked from the corner.

"Father, shall I take him away?" Thor grabbed his brother's collar.

"Hey, Thor, let go. I'm sure Father wanted to speak to both of us. Unlike you, he noticed me right away."

Odin shook his head, and Thor reluctantly released Loki.

"I know of Ragnarök," Thor declared, lifting Mjolnir. "Father, I'll destroy Surtur before he threatens Asgard."

Loki snorted. "Still solving problems with your fists, brother? Without the Eternal Flame, Surtur couldn't even defeat me."

"No, the prophecies have never been wrong," Odin said gravely, hesitating before choosing not to reveal the truth about Hela—his shameful secret.

He placed a hand on Thor's shoulder. "You are still too reckless. Return to Midgard. Stay close to Garus. He is a remarkable human. You will learn much from him."

"Father, I…" Thor faltered. Though he respected Garus, the thought of following a mortal's lead chafed him. He longed for adventure and to defend Asgard from its fate.

"No more. You cannot stop this alone. Asgard needs a wise king, not a warrior. And you are not yet ready."

Loki's eyes flickered with resentment. He had always believed himself more suited to rule. "Because I was adopted? Because I am Laufey's son?"

Odin's gaze hardened. "Not because of Laufey. Once, I might have chosen you. But your scheming will be your downfall. Wisdom is valuable, but raw power will one day leave you without recourse."

"Father, are we to do nothing while Surtur destroys Asgard?" Thor demanded.

"As long as Asgard's people live, the Aesir will endure. And there are others who will help."

A mysterious smile played on Odin's lips. He produced a crystalline object, its surface wrapped in magical seals.

"Give this to Garus. He will understand."

Thor accepted the crystal, puzzled.

"I've spent too much strength. I must sleep once more," Odin said wearily.

Even Thor, for all his bluster, sensed his father's finality—as if preparing for death.

As Odin retreated into the fortress, Thor called out, "Father, can everyone return now? The crisis should be over, right?"

Before the words left his lips, a dull boom echoed across the sky. Blue and red energies clashed, their shockwaves flattening trees across the land.

"A remarkable mortal…" Loki murmured, eyes wide.

"The battle between the Midgardian and Galactus rages on. Only here is safe," Odin said, exchanging a glance with Heimdall. "I must sleep. Thor will return to Midgard to train. Asgard will be under Loki's care."

Loki's heart swelled, though he kept his face impassive. At last, a legitimate claim to the throne.

Heimdall's keen eyes saw the truth—Odin's body was failing.

Frigga helped her husband toward the inner chamber, the safest place in all of Asgard.

"Leave me," Odin whispered, pushing her away.

His form flickered as his body unraveled into radiant light, dissolving into the bed of stone.

Only Frigga and Heimdall knew: Odin was truly gone.

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TN: This fanfic has been fully translated and is available on my Patreon —— PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON