Chapter 184: The Siege of Asgard's Army
While the group was talking, Loki, wielding Gungnir, had already led Asgard's soldiers and citizens along the Bifröst toward them.
George immediately instructed everyone:
"Thor, stall for time—delay them as long as possible."
"Steve, strategize our best defensive positions."
"I need ten minutes to prepare something big!"
With that, he began chanting an incantation.
Ever since obtaining the ancient lightning magic from the one-eyed dark wizard, George had devoted most of his efforts to studying it.
Even his clones in other worlds had temporarily paused their magical research to focus on this ancient lightning spell.
Thanks to his solid magical foundation and guidance from two seasoned Aurors, he had finally mastered the basics of this spell a few days prior.
Now was the perfect time to use it.
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"Our goal is to defend the Bifröst's control room—prevent Loki from activating its full power to destroy Jotunheim."
"So we'll hold the entrance. That way, they can't use heavy firepower without risking damage to the control mechanisms."
"Plus, the Bifröst's narrow width limits their numbers. We'll only face five or six soldiers at a time."
Steve, a master tactician, quickly identified their advantages.
The enemy's strength wasn't just their soldiers—it was their advanced weaponry, like the city's laser cannons.
But by holding the control room entrance, they forced Loki to rely on melee combat. The Bifröst's confined space turned it into a chokepoint.
"Wolverine, the Warriors Three, and Sif will hold the front. Tony, provide ranged support. Banner—hold off on Hulk unless we're overwhelmed."
For once, even Tony didn't argue. The old man his father idolized had earned his respect.
The Mjolnir incident proved Steve's integrity. Tony's usual snark stemmed from childhood resentment—his father's constant praise made him skeptical of the "government's poster boy."
But lately, he'd begrudgingly admitted: aside from being stubborn, Steve was the real deal.
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As Steve finalized tactics, Loki arrived with Asgard's forces.
"Heimdall! Warriors Three! Sif! You defy the Allfather's decree by bringing the exiled Thor back—along with these lowly mortals!"
"As king of Asgard, I charge you with treason!"
Seeing the Bifröst activate earlier, Loki had rushed over. Now, he framed the narrative before Thor could speak.
"Brother, you shouldn't have returned before Father awakens. I won't punish you—but go back to Midgard. When Father wakes, I'll plead for your pardon."
"Loki! Why conspire with Frost Giants? Why let Laufey attack Father? Was it really for the throne?"
Thor's accusation sparked murmurs among Asgard's citizens.
Unfazed, Loki—the God of Mischief—spun his silver tongue:
"Brother, how could you think that? I never wanted your crown. With Father asleep and Mother guarding him, Asgard needed a ruler. I only acted as regent."
"The moment Father wakes, I'll beg him to reinstate you. But until then, don't let petty jealousy make you disobey his orders."
His performance swayed even Thor's supporters.
Enraged, Thor roared:
"Loki! Stop lying! Heimdall and Sif told me everything!"
"Ah, so I was wrong. You'd never stoop to jealousy. Clearly, Heimdall poisoned your mind."
Loki waved a hand.
"Seize them!"
Though uneasy, the soldiers advanced—Loki held Gungnir and was their king.
"Stand down!"
Thor's millennium of command authority made the soldiers hesitate.
"You dare defy your king?!"
Loki snarled and fired Gungnir at Thor. If he couldn't kill Thor openly, incapacitating him would suffice.
"Shield!"
Steve intercepted the blast, deflecting it with his vibranium disc.
"ASGARD'S ARMY—ATTACK!"
With Loki's order, the soldiers charged.
Depowered Thor was escorted inside as battle erupted.
At the entrance, six warriors formed an unbreakable line:
- Captain America (Mjolnir + shield)
- Wolverine (Adamantium claws + immortality)
- Warriors Three + Sif
Tony provided precision fire support via J.A.R.V.I.S.'s targeting.
Not a single soldier breached the control room.
(End of Chapter)