Loki's expression instantly darkened.
"What are you laughing at?"
He said coldly. Tone carrying anger.
Hermione stopped laughing. Looked at Loki with mockery.
"I laugh at you—frog in a well. Ignorant of your limits." Hermione said. "You know how many powerhouses exist on Earth? Forget you—even Odin wouldn't dare claim to rule Earth."
Loki about to speak when Hermione raised her head. Glanced at the sky.
Hermione's mouth moved. But made no sound.
Loki keenly read her lips.
"Heimdall."
Loki froze. Immediately understood Hermione's meaning. Shut his mouth.
Hermione waved her wand. Cast several spells in succession.
"Protego Totalum."
"Salvio Hexia."
"Muffliato."
Three major spells layered. Formed an invisible shield. Enveloped them both.
"Alright. Now we can talk properly."
Hermione looked at Loki. Tone calm.
"Seems you know far more about Asgard than I imagined." Loki said with interest. "In that case, we should definitely cooperate."
"Cooperation—not impossible."
Hermione crossed her arms. "Why should I help you?"
"Because we share common enemies. Thor and Odin." Loki's eyes turned cold. "He stole the throne that should be mine."
"And you—a powerful witch—can only live on this backward planet. Don't you feel stifled?" He tried to provoke.
Hermione noncommittal.
"I can help you gain greater power, proper status, even... immortality!" Loki dangled bait. "Just help me take the throne. All this will be yours."
His tone full of seduction.
Dude, do you even have these yourself before promising me? Hermione rolled her eyes.
Hermione silent momentarily. Seemed thinking.
Loki waited quietly. He believed no one could refuse such temptation.
"I can help you." Hermione finally spoke.
Loki's eyes flashed with triumph.
"But..." Hermione's tone shifted. "I don't want Earth."
Loki froze. "Then what do you want?"
"I want..."
Hermione said slowly. Eyes flashed with fervor.
Loki's smile gradually faded. Looked at her incredulously.
Several days later, Hermione returned to the town.
From afar she saw Thor with Jane Foster. The two laughing and talking. Looked intimate.
Hermione walked over.
"Hey, Thor." She greeted.
Thor saw Hermione. Somewhat surprised. "What brings you here?"
"Came to check on you." Hermione smiled. "Also ask how you've been lately?"
"I'm well." Thor said with a smile. Put his arm around Jane's shoulder. "I met Jane. She's a wonderful girl."
Being so directly stated, Jane's face flushed slightly. Seemed somewhat embarrassed.
Watching their lovey-dovey atmosphere, Hermione felt force-fed dog food.
Jane Foster also recognized Hermione. Remembered this little girl appeared with S.H.I.E.L.D.
"This is?" She looked at Thor.
"This is my friend, Hermione."
Thor demonstrated the beautiful virtue of brotherhood. Introduced her.
Even though he and Hermione only met once, anyone he liked could be a friend.
"Hello, I'm Jane Foster." Jane extended her hand proactively.
"Hello." Hermione shook hands. "I'm Hermione Granger. A... witch."
"Witch?" Jane Foster froze.
Thor explained from the side. "Hermione is a mage from your Midgard. She knows magic."
"Witch! Witch!" Hermione emphasized.
Jane looked at Hermione. Eyes filled with surprise and curiosity.
"So... you really know magic?" She couldn't help asking.
These days together, Jane had vaguely believed Thor's words. Just hadn't seen it with her own eyes.
Now with a "witch" friend appearing, she desperately hoped Hermione could demonstrate some magical abilities. Prove she hadn't fallen for a madman.
Hermione smiled. Didn't answer.
She looked at Thor. Asked. "What about you? Planning to stay on Earth forever?"
"What's wrong with that?" Thor asked back. "Life here is peaceful. I like it."
"Besides, I have Jane." He looked at Jane. Eyes gentle.
Alright, alright, enough...
Hermione shrugged. "If you want to be a mortal, live out this life, that's fine."
"Just afraid others won't give you that chance."
Thor froze. About to ask what she meant.
Just then, a massive beam of light suddenly appeared in the sky.
The beam descended from heaven. Landed on open ground outside town.
"BOOM—"
Ground shook. Dust flew.
"The Bifrost?!"
Seeing the familiar beam, Thor looked shocked.
Light faded. Four figures appeared in the beam.
Leading was a spirited woman. Held a longsword. Sharp gaze.
Behind her followed three companions. All wore armor. Held weapons.
"Sif? And Fandral... you..." Thor recognized the four. His comrades from Asgard—the Warriors Three.
"Thor!"
Sif saw Thor. Face showed delight.
"Finally found you!"
Volstagg said loudly.
"Thor, come back with us quickly." Fandral said. "Asgard needs you."
"What happened?"
Thor frowned. Vague bad feeling rose.
"Your father isn't dead!" Sif said urgently. "He only entered Odinsleep!"
"Loki deceived you! He usurped the throne. Now Asgard has fallen into his hands!"
"Impossible..." Thor murmured. Eyes filled with shock and confusion. "Loki... why would he do this?"
"No time for that now!" Fandral urged. "We must return quickly. Stop Loki!"
"What did Loki do?" Thor pressed. He needed the truth.
Hogun's expression grave. "He secretly let Frost Giants into Asgard. Ruined your coronation day. Even tried to—"
Before Hogun finished, suddenly—a beam even brighter than before descended from the sky. Landed nearby.
"BOOM—"
Earth violently shook. A massive metal figure slowly emerged from the light.
Towering and mighty. Entire body covered in silver metal armor. Faceplate glowing red. Radiated suffocating oppressive force.
───── ⊹ ⊹ ─────
📖 80+ chapters ahead — full story available
🔍 Search "patreon.com/DarkGolds
───── ⊹ ⊹ ─────