Reborn with Steve Stand

Chapter 34:

Loki was convinced that Fang Mo had deliberately targeted him, but he couldn't understand how Fang Mo had discovered his true identity.

Recently, during Thor's ill-fated invasion of Jotunheim, Loki had learned that he was actually a Frost Giant. The magic of the Frost Giants had revealed his lineage, showing that he was not Odin's son but rather a despised enemy of Asgarda Frost Giant.

Instead of sharing this revelation with Thor and their comrades, Loki had chosen to confront Odin directly. To his surprise, the elderly Odin had succumbed to Loki's scolding and entered a deep slumber known as Odin's Sleep. Witnessing Odin's collapse, Loki realized the depth of his affection for the old king. Despite his resentment towards Odin's favoritism towards Thor, Loki had never harbored thoughts of harming him.

However, a kingdom required a ruler, and with Odin incapacitated, Asgard urgently needed a temporary replacement. Since Thor was in exile, all eyes naturally turned to Loki. Being Odin's son and with no one else aware of his Frost Giant heritage, they believed him to be a suitable candidate. Consequently, Loki seamlessly and logically assumed the role of the acting king of Asgard.

Nevertheless, just because others were not oblivious to his true identity, that didn't mean Loki wasn't anxious. He dreaded the exposure of his secret.

While Odin had accepted his Frost Giant lineage, Asgard was not defined solely by Odin's acceptance. If his true nature were to be unveiled, Loki risked becoming a pariah, despised by all.

As the god of mischief, Loki swiftly devised a cunning plan. Thor's reckless incursion into Jotunheim had shattered the peace treaty, pushing Asgard to the brink of war with the Frost Giants. Seizing this critical moment, Loki resolved to annihilate Jotunheim and exterminate every Frost Giant, sparing only himself. By eliminating all other Frost Giants, his heritage would lose significance even if exposed.

After all, wouldn't his actions demonstrate unwavering loyalty to Asgard? The king, Loki, sacrificing his own kin to protect the realmwasn't that the epitome of righteousness? By doing so, he would ascend as the greatest hero in Asgard, beyond reproach.

Of course, in the event of failure, Loki could conveniently shift the blame onto his brother, Thor, who was responsible for his impulsive actions. And he, Loki, would merely be covering for him.

Lost in his thoughts, Loki couldn't help but revel in his own cleverness.

However, he hadn't anticipated that his plan had only just begun when he encountered Fang Mo. Loki struggled to comprehend why someone as peculiar as Fang Mo would appear in Midgard, a realm intended for mortals. From every angle, Fang Mo appeared far from ordinary.

"Who are you?" Loki fixed Fang Mo with a stern gaze and inquired, "I am the king of Asgard, entrusted with protecting the Nine Realms. Clearly, you do not belong to Midgard. Pray, tell mewhat are you?"

To boost his confidence, Loki brandished Odin's weapon, Gungnir.

"Isn't Odin the King of Asgard's weapon?" Fang Mo asked cheerfully. "When did it become yours?"

"Our father is already dead," Thor replied, bowing his head in deep remorse. He explained on Loki's behalf, "It's all because of my foolish recklessness that led to these consequences. According to our mother's wishes and everyone else's, I will forever be banished here as a sinner, and Loki should rightfully become the new King of Asgard..."

Thor's straightforward and simple nature made him particularly susceptible to deception. His brother, however, was the god of mischief, and Thor had yet to realize he had been tricked. He still believed Odin to be truly dead and, despite his own anguish, he spoke up for Loki.

"Odin is truly dead?" Fang Mo rubbed his chin and deliberately inquired, "He is the great king of the gods. Can't he be killed just because of a little disagreement with his son? Could there be some hidden information behind this?"

Thor was suddenly stunned by Fang Mo's words.

"For example, a malicious plot devised by the Frost Giants," Fang Mo smiled and continued, "Because they feared the power of the Allfather Odin, they resorted to these underhanded methods... And Odin, perhaps due to excessive concern for you, the absence of his first warrior by his side, fell for it out of carelessness."

"Nonsense!" Loki couldn't hold back and yelled, interrupting Thor.

"Loki...?" Thor looked at his brother with confusion, wondering why he had suddenly become so agitated.

Loki was genuinely frightened now. He had a strong intuition that Fang Mo was specifically targeting him, especially with his continuous mention of plots devised by the Frost Giants. Wasn't that an indirect accusation against himself?

"Is the greatness of our father so easily trampled upon by the Frost Giants?" Loki exclaimed. "He only thought Thor was too impulsive, which led to turmoil in the Nine Realms. He was already old and frail, yet anxious, and that's why he collapsed!"

With his words, Loki forcefully struck the ground with Gungnir.

The powerful divine energy created a shockwave, pushing the mortals present several steps backward.

Fang Mo, however, remained unaffected. After devouring a whole group of Essence Berries, a punch from Loki wouldn't even make him flinch. He wasn't intimidated by Loki.

"Brother, I'm sorry, but I'm powerless in this matter as well," Loki said, dismissing the crowd. He turned to Thor and added, "One of the conditions for the ceasefire with Jotunheim is your permanent exile."

"I..." Thor's face displayed sorrow and remorse. "I'm sorry... Loki..."

Loki couldn't bear to stay another minute. He had to quickly return and devise a plan to counter Fang Mo; otherwise, his own scheme would undoubtedly fail.

With that in mind, Loki bid farewell to Thor. "Brother, I have to go."

After his words, Loki struck the floor with Gungnir, and the energy of the Bifrost Bridge pierced through the ceiling. In an instant, he disappeared from sight.