บท 27: CHAPTER 27

One can only imagine the intensity of the battle.

Given Hela's noble status, she should be able to use the recuperation chamber.

Even after being treated in the recuperation chamber, Rhodes could still see the significant scars on Hela's body, indicating the severity of her injuries.

Hela is known for not shying away from the front lines even with minor injuries. She continued to fight, and under Rhodes' encouragement, she pushed herself to heal.

Rhodes, observing Hela in this condition, felt a growing anger.

Having been Hela's bodyguard in the past, Rhodes didn't want to see her hurt.

Hela noticed Rhodes entering the room.

A faint smile appeared on her pale face.

Hela asked in a weak tone, "Why are you here? Aren't you training the warriors of the Hall of Valor?"

"Yeah, the Temple of Valor has returned to normal order. Even without me, they can perform well."

Hela nodded, "That's good."

There was a slight awkwardness in the atmosphere between Rhodes and Hela in the luxurious palace.

Rhodes decided to break the silence with small talk, "What's the situation at the front?"

At the mention of this, Hela's expression turned somewhat desolate.

Hela shook her head, "It's dire. The Frost Giants have been demanding Laufey's release, constantly attacking cities in the Nine Realms. On the other hand, the Flame Giants are stirring up trouble."

"We were even ambushed by both Frost Giants and Flame Giants on the plains. It's unimaginable."

"These two races are attacking our Asgardian army in turns, without any coordination. I later led our forces to break out of the encirclement, but we suffered heavy casualties. We lost 40% of our troops in that battle."

"Three thousand Asgardian warriors lost their lives, and most of the remaining fighters are severely wounded, sent back to Asgard for healing. The front line is gradually turning into a stalemate. Initially, we had the upper hand, but the Frost Giants and Flame Giants have taken turns."

"Our military strength is stretched thin. If this continues, things in the Nine Realms will worsen. I don't know how to proceed with this battle."

Hela's once proud and cold demeanor was now tinged with pain and uncertainty.

Clearly, in a one-against-two situation, the Asgardian forces were being exhausted by the Frost Giants and Flame Giants in succession, leaving no room for recovery.

Such high-intensity warfare was even challenging for the formidable warriors of the Asgardian Protoss, let alone venturing into the home territories of the Frost Giants and Flame Giants.

In away games and the relentless harassment of a guerilla-style war, the Asgardian army was becoming fatigued.

Their combat effectiveness was undoubtedly decreasing rapidly.

Rhodes offered, "I'll assist you once you've recovered from your injuries."

Hela was surprised by Rhodes' offer. She hadn't expected Rhodes, who had a comfortable life as the Guardian of the Nine Realms, to willingly put himself in harm's way on the battlefield.

For some reason, a warmth swelled in her heart, and she hesitated about letting Rhodes go, fearing for his safety.

Hela shook her head, "No need. Isn't your task from God King Odin to train those heroic warriors? I'll manage things on the battlefield."

Rhodes insisted, "Your injuries require assistance. Can I see your wounds? You're still quite weak."

Blushing slightly, Hela hesitated. Her body was covered in wounds, and showing them to Rhodes would mean exposing herself entirely.

"Forget it, these injuries can't be fully healed even in the recuperation chamber. They are minor, and I'll recover in due time."

"No!" Rhodes persisted, and Hela reluctantly removed her outer robe, revealing a form-fitting undergarment. Although it was somewhat translucent, Rhodes' keen eyesight allowed him to see Hela's graceful figure clearly.

Rhodes felt his heart race and his pulse quicken. There was a growing attraction.

Rhodes took a few deep breaths to regain control of himself, preventing any inappropriate actions.

Despite the slight transparency of the garment, Rhodes could still make out some significant wounds on Hela's body. There was a circular wound on her left shoulder, a dark wound that seemed to be from a Flame Giant's arrow.

On her left lower rib, there was a clearly visible, slender wound that extended from her back to her chest, bearing the marks of frostbite. This injury was undoubtedly inflicted by a Frost Giant.

Rhodes observed both old and new wounds, realizing that Hela had endured many harrowing battles. Only now had all these injuries caught up with her.

"Let me heal your wounds. Lie down."

Though Hela was embarrassed, she complied with Rhodes' request.

Rhodes closed his eyes.

"Ding, the host [Rhodes] has unlocked [Sunlight Rain]!"

Rhodes felt a warm energy flowing from his hands. He extended his palm, and countless tiny light particles radiated from them. This sunlight had the power to heal injuries and uplift spirits, providing an invigorating energy.

Hela watched in astonishment as the light rain fell from Rhodes' hands and gently soaked into her skin. Warmth emanated from her core, erasing her weakness and discomfort.

The original wounds no longer hurt, and there was no longer any burning or frostbite. Hela opened her sleeve to check.

To her amazement, the wounds that the recuperation chamber couldn't fully heal were now visibly mending before her eyes. The once grotesque injuries turned into flawless, jade-like skin.

Hela marveled, "What kind of magic is this? It can heal wounds that even the recuperation chamber couldn't?"

Rhodes smiled, explaining, "This is the power of the sun. It can fully heal injuries. As long as I have energy in my body, I can continue to release this sunlight rain."

Hela, now fully recovered, checked her body. Her missing divine power had been restored.

Rhodes was surprised to learn that sunlight rain could also restore divine power.

Nonetheless, he wasn't concerned about the fate of Asgardian Protoss; their future had no bearing on him. He was content with merely looking after himself. Hela seemed to be the only one in Asgard who genuinely cared about others, which warmed his heart.

As Hela underwent a transformation from her earlier cold and arrogant demeanor, Rhodes sensed that this calm was temporary. Conflict in Asgard wouldn't disappear; it was simmering beneath the surface, like a volcano ready to erupt. Rhodes was waiting for that moment.

Hela quickly gathered her tens of thousands of troops. Originally, she had five legions, each with 4,000 Asgardian warriors. After losing 3,000 fighters in the most brutal battle, she was left with only 12,000 Asgardian warriors.

Hela had lost a total of 8,000 Asgardian warriors during the years of war, with only three to four thousand being her elite and trusted followers. Rhodes suspected that Odin or other gods were deliberately or inadvertently using the Frost Giants and Fire Giants to deplete Hela's loyal troops.

Rhodes didn't know if this was veering into conspiracy theory territory, but human nature could be unpredictable. If his suspicion were accurate, it would pose a significant problem.

Hela didn't hesitate to order her men to move even the gravely wounded Asgardian warriors from the recuperation chambers to the square. Having witnessed Rhodes' miraculous sunlight rain, she had more faith in it than the recuperation chambers.

Rhodes felt a bit apprehensive covering so many Hela Legion soldiers at once, but the sun in the sky was generous, providing a continuous source of solar energy. There were still energy reserves to strengthen his abilities.