Reborn with Steve Stand

Chapter 40:

Fang Mo was utterly bewildered, struggling to comprehend the current module he faced. His system remained frustratingly unresponsive, activating only under specific trigger conditions, regardless of how vehemently one cursed at it.

"Damn, unbelievable."

With a sense of numbness, Fang Mo fixated on the meager 20% progress bar lingering in his mind.

Regarding his ability to unlock new modules using his Stand, Fang Mo grappled with uncertainty. Was his current predicament a mere impasse in progress, or did it require unlocking one module before accessing others? Could he possibly unlock multiple modules simultaneously?

For instance, if he inadvertently triggered an inaccessible technology-related module, could a visit to the Sorcerer Tower of Kamar-Taj and random interactions with objects unlock a magic-related module?

Engrossed in these ruminations, a sudden sound jolted Fang Mo from his thoughts.

"Hmm?"

He gazed upward and beheld a small dot hurtling through the sky, veering towards Asgard. In a flash, a lightning bolt crashed down, engulfing the town in a blaze of blinding white light. Rising from the ground, the thunder transformed into resplendent armor and a majestic cape.

It was unmistakably Thor, having reclaimed his divine power.

Radiant with lightning, Thor wasted no time on pleasantries. He brandished his hammer and soared towards the town's outskirts, emanating an aura of formidable divine.

However, upon reaching his destination, Thor was dumbfounded by two colossal boulders sprawled on the ground.

"What...?"

Thor stared at the bewildering sight, his countenance marked by sheer confusion. "Where is the Destroyer?"

In that moment, a voice reverberated through the air.

"You're too slow. I've already dealt with that abominable thing."

Startled by the voice, Thor instinctively looked downward, catching sight of Fang Mo engrossed in a search within a sizable pit. Thor hesitated before inquiring, "Is that you, Sorcerer?"

"Just call me Fang Mo."

As he spoke, Fang Mo continued his examination of the pit.

"Fang Mo."

Thor descended gradually, captivated by the enigmatic figure. "Did you truly vanquish the Destroyer, my father's armor? And what task occupies you now?"

"I'm retrieving my weapon."

Fang Mo extended his hand and pointed towards the ground.

During their clash with the Destroyer, Fang Mo had exerted immense force, embedding his Hellish Cleaver deep within the earth. Fortunately, he activated the Ender Hand Force Field, causing the ground to tremble.

In the next instant, the colossal Hellish Cleaver, as wide as a door panel, emerged from its subterranean abode, finding a firm grasp in Fang Mo's hands.

"Uh..."

Thor stood dumbfounded, beholding the spectacle. "Is this your weapon?"

"It is forged from a unique alloy of Adytite ore and Cobalt Blue, found exclusively in the depths of Hell. I call it the Hellish Cleaver." Fang Mo nonchalantly rested the weighty blade upon his shoulder. "Moreover, I have bestowed upon it an indestructible magical blessing, rendering it on par with Asgard's weaponry."

"But..." Thor appeared puzzled. "Aren't you a Sorcerer?"

"Do you possess knowledge of magic? Are you a sorcerer?" Fang Mo countered directly. "Although magic casting usually requires specific mediums like rings or small accessories at Kamar-Taj Tower, or wands at Hogwarts... Who's to say that a magical medium cannot take the form of a sword?"

"Well..." Thor was left dumbfounded.

For some reason, he found himself strangely inclined to agree with the other's words.

Yes, his younger brother Loki was indeed a mage. Due to his physical frailty, he couldn't become a mighty warrior like Thor.

Their mother, Frigga, took pity on Loki and passed down her magic to him. However, Loki didn't exhibit the typical behavior of a mage. Among the vast repertoire of powerful spells, he focused solely on illusion magic, using it to deceive enemies directly in combat while launching hidden attacks with a small dagger from behind.

That small dagger was a gift from Frigga to Loki, and it possessed genuine magical properties.

Upon reflection, it seemed plausible that magical mediums could take the shape of a sword. Perhaps Loki's powers were too feeble to wield a massive sword, so he opted for a smaller blade instead.

But weren't mages supposed to possess weak physical strength and formidable spells?

What was the true nature of the person standing before him?

Could anyone truly wield such an enormous blade?

"Well, perhaps I have been ignorant," Thor eventually relinquished his ponderings. "Regardless, I appreciate your assistance, Fang Mo. However, I must return now and have a serious conversation with my brother. If an opportunity arises in the future, I will extend an invitation for you to visit Asgard as an honored guest."

Upon uttering these words, Thor began to spin his hammer, preparing to take flight.

"Wait."

Fang Mo suddenly interjected.

"Hmm?" Thor halted, ceasing his movements. "What is it?"

"No need to wait for the future," Fang Mo smiled and remarked, "Who knows when the Bifrost Bridge might be destroyed? So, I have decided to accompany you back to Asgard now..."

"This..." Thor hesitated, "While we gods are indeed hospitable, I am returning this time to confront a crisis. My brother intends to kill our father and seize the throne of Asgard..."

"Don't worry, your brother isn't as malicious as you believe," Fang Mo waved his hand dismissively. "He still cares about all of you. He simply desires to eradicate Jotunheim and eliminate all the Frost Giants."

"Huh?" Thor was utterly perplexed. "No, why would he do such a thing?"

"Because he himself is a Frost Giant. When Odin was conquering Jotunheim, he discovered an abandoned baby in the Ice Palace. That child was Laufey, the king of the Frost Giants' offspring, left to perish in a corner due to his feeble condition."

Fang Mo shrugged. "Now Loki knows the truth, and his mental state is unstable... But to be fair, his actions are somewhat understandable."

"It's akin to living as a demon in the human world, only to find out through exposure to demon magic that you belong to the same race as the enemy of humans (in your case, the Asgardians) who committed unspeakable atrocities. If that doesn't shatter your mentality..."

"Are you saying Loki is a Frost Giant?"

Thor widened his eyes in disbelief and exclaimed, "How is that possible? His skin is not blue!"

"I've been saying... ugh, I mean, Odin bestowed him with magical blessings," Fang Mo sighed, rubbing his forehead. "When he comes into contact with the power of ice, his true heritage awakens. Initially, he had no knowledge of his true identity. It was you who insisted on bringing them to invade Jotunheim, leading Loki to encounter the Frost Giants' magic and learn the truth."

"This..."

Hearing this revelation, Thor staggered back two steps, shocked. "Could it be that I am the cause of all this?"