The demon dragon Nidhogg was an ancient creature that existed only in Asgard's historical textbooks, an evil being rumored to have existed since the very beginning of the World Tree.
Thor had never been much of a reader, but even he had heard of Nidhogg. Aside from history books, there were countless myths about the demon dragon in Asgardian folklore. Those stories left a lasting impression on the young Thor.
Frigga used to tell both Thor and Loki stories about this evil demon dragon. There were even rumors that it was the true culprit behind Ragnarok, because since its birth, it had been relentlessly gnawing at the roots of the World Tree, the very foundation of the Nine Realms.
But a rumor was just a rumor, and no one took it seriously.
In the 1,600 years that passed, the name of the demon dragon Nidhogg had faded from Thor's mind. But now, Frigga's panic brought the name back into sharp focus.
"Mother, is Nidhogg real? I thought it was just a legend?" Thor frowned, and a bold idea began to form in his mind.
"No, it's real," Frigga sighed, nodding gravely. "It happened before your father and I were married..." She began to recount a long-forgotten piece of history.
In those days, Odin was a handsome, roguish bachelor, a notorious womanizer who broke countless hearts throughout the Nine Realms. At the time, Frigga was the pride of Vanaheim, her beauty and power renowned.
The two met during a crisis, and it was that crisis that led Odin to encounter the power and a call from the World Tree. It was also when he first saw the legendary demon dragon Nidhogg, the only being that made him feel genuine fear.
"Listen to me, Thor," Frigga said. "Nidhogg must be trying to lure you, just as it tried to lure Odin back then. Don't fall for it. Don't think about that sound. Forget that sound. It's a devil that will bring disaster to all Nine Realms. Once it's free, both Asgard and the Nine Realms will be destroyed!"
Frigga's warning was serious and urgent. The fire giant Surtur's power was insignificant compared to the demon dragon Nidhogg's, otherwise Odin wouldn't have been able to take the Eternal Flame from him so easily.
In Frigga's mind, Thor was no match for Surtur yet. If he was lured by Nidhogg, it would be like a sheep walking into a tiger's den, a total catastrophe.
"I understand, Mother," Thor said, putting on a forced smile and hiding his contemplative expression.
"That's good. You'll stay here with me until the wedding starts." Frigga gently stroked her son's cheek, choosing not to ask about his haircut. The past was the past.
"The wedding?"
"The wedding of Hela and Lothar. She's been preparing it for a long time. I promised her I would attend as a mother." The old debt she owed Hela made it impossible for Frigga to ignore her. Attending the wedding was the only compensation she could offer, even if it meant she would have to hand Hela's hand to Lothar herself.
"..." When he heard Lothar's name, the smile in Thor's eyes instantly vanished.
"You are my son, Thor, Hela won't kill you. So, promise me you won't pull any more stunts." Frigga understood Hela. While she hated Odin with a burning passion, a shred of warmth for her family remained in her heart.
After all, she was Asgard's Goddess of Death. As long as Thor didn't cause any more trouble, Hela would even allow him to remain in a high-ranking position on Asgard.
"I know, Mother," Thor replied, now a mature man after his time on Sakaar. He kept his emotions in check.
"You..." Frigga's relieved expression froze. The sudden change in her mother's demeanor alarmed Thor. He instinctively tried to shield her, but a figure silently blocked his path.
The tall body was completely obscured by a black robe, its face hidden. The only thing Thor could clearly see was the mysterious figure's hands, which were like the deep, starry sky.
"Who are you?!" The Odinforce surged within Thor. For the first time since escaping Sakaar, he unleashed his full power. The crackling lightning proved his title as the God of Thunder.
"I am Eternity."
"Never heard of you," Thor said, and he lashed out, aiming for Eternity's heart! The fierce lightning stopped dead just a step away from Eternity, unable to move no matter how hard Thor tried.
"This universe is in crisis, Son of Odin."
"And you are the one we have chosen." Eternity's voice was low and gravelly, as mysterious as his appearance. "The roar of Nidhogg is because it feels the coming crisis and wants to escape. And you are the only one who can help it leave."
Eternity's will moved, and Thor's vision went black. When he opened his eyes, he was no longer in Asgard's prison. He was...
"The World Tree..."
At the base of the gigantic tree, a ferocious, black-scaled dragon-like creature was tearing at the roots that pinned it down with its massive, blood-red maw.
"ROOOAR!!!"
The agonizing roar of fury echoed endlessly. The demon dragon Nidhogg didn't seem to notice Eternity and Thor, its uninvited guests. It simply continued to rip at the roots.
"You..."
"My time is limited, Son of Odin," Eternity said, his back to Thor. "If you merge with the power of the World Tree, you will have the strength to kill Thanos's son. And you will also be able to save this universe."
"Now, tell me your choice." Eternity's voice was devoid of emotion, but the choice he offered tempted Thor.
"I have the same question," Thor said. "Who are you? And why me?" Despite the temptation, the mature Thor wouldn't fall for it so easily.
"I am a god." Eternity pulled back his black robe, revealing hands that resembled a gorgeous starry sky. Thor's eyes went wide in surprise. "Your father, Odin, left an impression on us back then. But your potential surpasses his. That is why we have chosen you. Now, tell me your choice."
Eternity turned around. Though Thor still couldn't see his face, he was swayed and fell silent. The power to defeat Lothar was the ultimate temptation. It was difficult to refuse, even though he didn't know where this person who called himself Eternity came from, or if his words were true.
"ROOOAR!!!"
The roar of the demon dragon Nidhogg filled Thor's ears, acting as the last straw that broke the camel's back. It pushed him to make a decision that came from his heart.
"What do I have to do?"
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This fanfic has been fully translated!