Chapter 29: I Hate When People Point Weapons at My Head

"All squads, be advised: an unknown enemy has infiltrated."

"All squads, be advised: an unknown enemy has infiltrated."

"All squads, be advised..."

The once serene Frost Palace was instantly thrown into chaos. It had been a long time since anyone dared to trespass into the heart of the Frost Giants' domain. The last fool who attempted such a feat had his corpse turned into an ice sculpture, still standing as a grim warning near the execution platform outside the palace.

"Interesting. Where did this rat come from?"

Within the grand and majestic ice-crystal hall, King Laufey sat upon his throne, listening to his subordinates' reports. Yet, rather than anger, amusement flickered in his cold eyes.

Ever since his infamous clash with Odin on the battlefield of the Nine Realms, Laufey had rarely encountered outsiders foolish enough to sneak into his domain. His reputation, forged through war, had seen to that.

"A commendable display of courage. But that is all."

Regardless of the intruder's intent, Laufey could at least respect their audacity.

"Handle this yourselves," he instructed dismissively. Laufey had more pressing concerns. His alliance with the Dark Elves was already set in motion, and Malekith had begun his offensive. Laufey could not afford to lag behind.

Ensuring Odin's delayed return to Asgard was Laufey's priority.

Despite his outward disdain for the war-mongering Allfather, Laufey knew full well that if they clashed at full force, he could, at best, stall Odin for a short time using certain special methods.

His real hope lay in the Dark Elves, who, with inside assistance, had already launched an assault on Asgard. If they could bring the horrors of war to Odin's doorstep, forcing the Allfather to witness his homeland consumed by fire and blood, then perhaps—just perhaps—fate would tip in Laufey's favor.

Then, he would make his move.

"My King, Odin has already broken through the third line of defense formed by our allied forces."

As the palace guards withdrew to deal with the intruder, a battlefield report arrived, wiping the smirk off Laufey's face. His brow furrowed deeply.

Odin was advancing far faster than anticipated.

...

"Prince Lothar, it seems the Frost Giants are in the midst of a war."

In a secluded section of the Frost Palace, The Other planted the butt of his scepter against the chest of a fallen guard. His mind replayed the fragmented conversations he'd overheard from the four waves of security forces they'd encountered so far. His eyes gleamed with curiosity as he turned toward Lothar.

The prince leaned casually against an icy pillar, watching a glowing screen before him. He made no effort to hide his presence.

"That has nothing to do with us."

Confirming that the red markers on the screen were now a safe distance away, Lothar resumed his advance toward his objective. The Other followed closely behind, ensuring that no evidence remained of their passage.

As Lothar had said, this war was not their concern. They had only one goal—retrieve what they came for and vanish.

Elsewhere, due to her hazy recollections, Hela had unknowingly followed Lothar's trail. After circling through several corridors, she finally arrived at the perimeter of Laufey's treasure vault.

The heavy guard presence prompted her to instinctively conceal herself behind a pillar, carefully observing the patrol patterns of the sentries.

Compared to three years ago, the security had lessened somewhat. Once she memorized their movements, Hela raised a hand. Instantly, a barrage of weapons materialized behind her, launching like a storm of arrows toward the guards at the vault entrance.

"Wha—?!"

The newly rotated guards barely had time to react before they were impaled, their bodies crumpling to the icy ground.

"It seems my strength has indeed increased."

Dressed in her signature black battle attire, Hela stepped over a fallen Frost Giant, flexing her wrist thoughtfully.

Destruction and rebirth—there was truth to that philosophy.

If only she were in Asgard. There, her connection to the realm would allow her to grow even stronger.

"Now then, Laufey's vault belongs to me."

Using the Frost Giant corpses as leverage, Hela shoved open the massive doors. Unlike Odin's treasure hall, Laufey's vault had a distinct layout.

Inside, she found a cloak woven by Wind Giants, said to allow even the colossal Frost Giants to soar freely upon the gales.

A massive battle-axe crafted by the Mountain Giants also stood on display. Rumor had it that Laufey had commissioned it as a replica of Odin's Mjolnir, attempting to harness its boundless power. Yet, Laufey had never wielded it in battle, leaving its true might uncertain.

Unlike Odin, who hoarded war spoils, Laufey's collection largely consisted of relics from the Jotunheim Giants' long history—testaments to their ambition.

"Mediocre trinkets…"

Her gaze swept across the artifacts, unimpressed.

"Where's the Casket of Ancient Winters?"

A sense of unease settled in her mind. Laufey's treasure vault felt… lacking. For a king of his stature, the collection was pitiful.

Laufey had unified all of Jotunheim's clans. His hoard should reflect that power.

Then—

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The sharp sound of boots echoed through the chamber, sending a chill down Hela's spine.

She had accounted for the guards' shift changes. No one should be here at this moment.

Two figures emerged from the shadows.

One was clad in a loose black combat uniform, a silver metallic bracelet adorning his wrist—Lothar.

The other was The Other, the Chitauri commander, leering at her.

"...Lothar?!"

Recognizing him, Hela narrowed her eyes, her voice a low growl.

"Impossible. How did you find this place?"

She had even discarded her fur cloak to cover her tracks.

"This is fate."

"Whenever I desire something, fate stands beside me."

Raising his left hand toward Hela, Lothar's expression remained unreadable.

A surge of energy erupted from his palm, shooting straight toward her!

Damn it!

Reacting instantly, Hela summoned a magical shield. But before she could counterattack, Lothar's energy blast shattered the barrier, slamming into her!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Her body crashed through the vault's displays, destroying nearly two-thirds of them.

"Tell me, did your father ever teach you what happens when you trespass in another's vault without permission?"

A voice interrupted from behind Lothar.

A Frost Giant warrior, armed with a magic-infused rifle, stepped forward, his weapon's dark muzzle aimed squarely at Lothar's head.

Lothar paused mid-step, turning to face the scene.

Under the Frost Giant's foot lay The Other, his face contorted in agony.

Lothar exhaled, his expression unchanging.

"I hate when people point weapons at my head."

Raising his right hand, he placed a single finger against the gun's barrel, his face devoid of emotion.

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