Capítulo 263: Grand Show
If Zane were not still an ally of Asgard, Heimdall would have sounded the highest-level war alarm at the mere sight of Zane and his group's sudden visit. After all, the things Zane had done in the universe over the past five years were anything but reassuring. A man who destroys civilizations at the drop of a hat—aren't you afraid?
When Odin, in the temple, received Heimdall's message, a flicker of surprise and suspicion crossed his eyes. He wasn't shocked by Zane's arrival; after all, they were allies, and it was normal for allies to visit. Moreover, Zane's wife was a disciple of Odin's queen.
But the timing of Zane's visit was simply too coincidental. The Nine Realms were about to align in a straight line, and when that happened, it would mark the return of the Dark Elves, as Zane had predicted five years ago.
In an instant, a thought flashed through Odin's mind: Aether (Reality Stone).
However, since Zane had already arrived in Asgard, the necessary formalities had to be observed. The now even more aged Odin raised the Eternal Spear high in his hand and then brought it down heavily on the temple floor.
In that moment, a deep rumble swept through the entire temple. The once splendid and majestic Asgard seemed to have flipped a switch with the strike of the Eternal Spear.
Countless anti-aircraft turrets across Asgard turned their barrels toward the sky. The muzzles glowed with a faint blue light, and then countless energy shells shot into the sky above Asgard. In an instant, the skies above Asgard were filled with a luxurious rain of energy fireworks.
Multicolored halos reflected off the polished walls of the palace, forming rings of light that surrounded the entire Asgard, making the already breathtaking city resemble a heavenly paradise.
Hundreds of towering statues in the palace suddenly opened their once-closed eyes, emitting a faint glow. They then began to move, stepping forward with earth-shaking tremors, until they stood on either side of the Bifrost.
The statues raised their massive swords, each over ten meters long, high into the air. As the swords collided, they emitted a series of clear, metallic clashing sounds that echoed across Asgard.
The citizens of Asgard were astonished to see the statues move. In their memory, these statues had never moved before. They had always assumed they were merely monuments to commemorate warriors of great deeds.
Only a few elderly individuals, nearing the end of their lives, looked at the neatly arranged statues along the Bifrost with a sense of nostalgia in their eyes. In their memory, these statues had only moved once before, during the reign of the previous king, Odin's father Bor, when the Dark Elves were vanquished.
These statues were the result of countless artisans' painstaking work. They not only commemorated the heroes who died for Asgard but also served as formidable war fortresses. Only the King of Asgard had the authority to command them. When they moved, it either meant Asgard was on the brink of destruction, or that the most distinguished guest had arrived.
Dozens of towering statues at the end of the Bifrost formed a pathway leading directly to the royal palace with their bodies and swords. Sweet-faced maidens unrolled a red carpet, several kilometers long, onto the spotless, gleaming ground. They then stood respectfully in pairs at the feet of the statues, holding flower baskets and wearing radiant smiles.
The Asgardian army also took to the skies in their ships, forming impeccably neat ranks on either side of the statues. Two burly soldiers struggled to lift massive horns, almost twice their height, and blew them with all their might. The solemn sound of the horns echoed throughout Asgard.
At the other end of the Bifrost, Zane and Lorna weren't surprised by Asgard's grand display. After all, their status had significantly changed compared to five years ago.
However, Rocket and Groot, who were visiting Asgard for the first time, were left speechless, their mouths hanging open as they stared in awe at the magnificent scene arranged in honor of Zane's arrival.
"Let's go, no need to stand there gaping," Zane calmly said as he patted Rocket's small head and took the first step forward. At the other end of the path, King Odin and Queen Frigga were already waiting for them.
With each step Zane took, a magnificent suit of armor gradually appeared on his body, replacing his casual wear. The Crown of Death also manifested above his head, instantly transforming him from a sunny youth into a king exuding overwhelming authority.
This armor, forged by Skynet from rare metals it had scavenged, was not only imposing in appearance but also had unparalleled defensive capabilities.
Zane had never worn it before because he hadn't encountered anyone worthy of seeing him in it. But now, with Asgard going to such lengths to welcome him, it would be inappropriate to show up in casual clothes.
Lorna, watching Zane's back, let a proud smile touch her lips. In the next moment, her entire demeanor changed. She transformed from the delicate city girl she usually was into a fierce warrior queen.
A resplendent crown and stunning royal attire appeared on her as well. She then gracefully stepped forward, exuding an aura of unapproachability, and caught up with Zane to walk beside him.
Seeing this, the others exchanged glances before releasing the formidable presence they had honed during Zane's four years of seclusion and their harsh experiences in the universe. They followed closely behind the couple, their combined aura so powerful that it was impossible to look directly at them.
Even the clear skies over Asgard began to darken as thick clouds gathered in response to Zane's steps, casting half of Asgard into shadow. The entire scene was reminiscent of the end of the world, causing some Asgardian soldiers to grip their weapons tightly, swallowing nervously.
Countless bolts of lightning flashed and intertwined within the clouds, making Zane and his group's faces appear and disappear in the light, as if warning everyone that the faces of gods were not to be looked upon.
This apocalyptic display made Odin, standing at the other end, twitch involuntarily at the corners of his mouth. What's with this battle-ready stance? But a hint of seriousness flickered in Odin's eyes as well.
From the aura Zane inadvertently emitted, Odin, a seasoned five-dimensional being, could tell that Zane was now on the same level as him—perhaps even venturing into realms Odin had never reached.
Meanwhile, Queen Frigga's gaze was focused on Lorna. She had a deep, genuine fondness for this young woman who had studied magic by her side five years ago.
*************************************
You can get access to early chapters on patr*on
If you like my work and you want to support me then you can become my patron on patre*n.
My patr*on account is Lord_Immortal_0170
Or you feel like tipping me for my hardwork you can do so on Ko*fi
ko-fi.com/lord_immortal_0170
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder