A desolate land covered in ice and snow.
"Kill him."
A towering Frost Giant looked at the person before him and ordered his subordinates.
"I've done quite a few things for you, haven't I?"
Loki, without any fear, walked up to the giant and calmly spoke.
The owner of this palace, King of the Frost Giants—Laufey, carefully observed Loki for a long time, finally piecing together some odd occurrences.
This included the day Thor was to ascend to the throne—the very day the Frost Giants suddenly invaded Asgard.
"You were the one who let us into Asgard?"
Loki waved his hand, unconcerned, and said, "It was just for fun. Stirring things up on my brother's big day, protecting our land from being ruled by that fool."
A mocking smile appeared on Loki's face.
Laufey's expression was cold and terrifying, his eyes like two red gems. His tone matched the icy climate: "What do you want?"
Loki smiled, slowly approaching Laufey as he explained his plan:
"I will hide your people and bring you into Odin's chamber. You kill him in his bed."
"Why don't you do it yourself?"
Laufey glared at his son, his tone devoid of warmth because he knew Loki was up to no good.
Loki, inwardly cursing Laufey's stupidity, explained with a smirk: "The Asgardians won't accept a king who killed the previous ruler. Once Odin is dead, I'll return the Casket to you..."
At the mention of the Casket, Laufey immediately stood up.
"Then you can return to Jotunheim in glory," Loki added confidently, waiting for Laufey's agreement.
"I…"
Laufey hesitated. Even though he knew Loki wasn't to be trusted, the temptation of the Casket was too strong.
"Agreed."
...
A beam of light flashed as Loki returned to Asgard through the Bifrost.
He glanced at Heimdall, who was watching him intently, and asked with some annoyance, "Gatekeeper, what's troubling you?"
Heimdall coldly replied, "I tried to find you in Jotunheim, but I couldn't see or hear you. You were avoiding me, just like the Frost Giants who entered here."
Loki said nothing, only stared at Heimdall as he walked closer. Heimdall's words were like pointing out that Loki was a Frost Giant—something that filled Loki with rage.
Damn it! I am your king now!
How dare you speak to me like that!
"Perhaps your senses have dulled over the years," Loki said coldly.
"Or maybe someone is deliberately hiding, not wanting to be seen," Heimdall replied, hinting at something.
Loki wanted to blind Heimdall. This man's eyes could see everything in the world—making all of Loki's schemes futile. That was something Loki feared deeply.
Heimdall controlled the Bifrost, the passage between Asgard and Earth, making him a crucial figure.
Loki paced before Heimdall, trying to gauge his loyalty.
"Heimdall, with your incredible powers, has Odin ever feared you?" Loki asked.
"No," Heimdall quickly replied.
"Why?" Loki pressed.
"Because he was my king, and I swore to serve him," Heimdall answered matter-of-factly.
"He was your king, and now you've sworn to serve me, haven't you?" Loki said, smiling as Heimdall remained silent.
After a long pause, Heimdall finally answered, "Yes."
"Then don't open the Bifrost for anyone else until I fix what my brother has broken."
With that, Loki left swiftly, having secured Heimdall's promise.
...
Not long after, Loki watched expressionlessly as a beam of light shot out from Asgard towards Earth.
Heimdall had broken his oath and promise!
Loki turned away, his heart filled with jealousy and hatred.
Father, mother, Heimdall, and that unexpected Lynch...
Why does everyone favor that idiot Thor?
Why is everyone helping him?
That muscle-headed brute only knows how to fight. He has no ability to govern a realm!
He's arrogant, prideful, and lacks any of the noble qualities of an Asgardian heir!
Why has everyone betrayed me?
Why won't anyone believe in me?
By talent alone, I am far more qualified to be king!
I can easily defeat any enemy, reclaim the Nine Realms, and ensure that all the people live better lives!
Just because I was adopted, because I'm actually a Frost Giant?
Fine! I'll do what a true Frost Giant should do!
Then we'll see who will truly save Asgard!
As for Thor...
If you refuse to live as a mortal on Midgard, then you can die!
...
"Skurge, who do you serve?"
Loki quietly looked at the black-armored warrior before him, who bowed respectfully.
Skurge stood up, gave a fawning smile, and then sincerely replied, "Of course, you, the new King of Asgard."
He slightly lowered his head to show respect.
Loki, with his sharp eyes, saw through Skurge's thoughts and gave a fake smile.
He could tell Skurge wasn't trustworthy.
But in this situation, there weren't many options left.
Loki fell silent for a moment, then replaced his expression with a satisfied smile and said to Skurge:
"Would you be willing to do something for me?"
Skurge eagerly replied, "Of course, it would be my honor."
"Thor harbors resentment after being banished by Odin and plans to rebel. His four companions have also fled Asgard to Midgard," Loki said venomously, then looked at Skurge with anticipation.
"Would you be willing to kill these traitors for me and for Asgard?"
Upon hearing the mention of Thor and the Warriors Three, Skurge's face stiffened. He weakly replied, "I would love to help, but I'm afraid I may disappoint you…"
Skurge thought, "Loki, you idiot! If I could defeat them, would I be bowing to you now?"
Asgard is doomed with this fool as king!
But Loki didn't blame him, only smiled slightly and waved his hand.
A tall figure stepped out from the shadows nearby.
Skurge looked over in curiosity.
"Is this… the Destroyer, the weapon made by the late king?"
He stared in disbelief at the tall, silver robot.
"Yes," Loki said calmly, giving him a glance.
"Now, do you have the confidence?"
Skurge still looked incredulous and questioned Loki, "But with something this powerful, couldn't it defeat them all on its own?"
"No," Loki's expression darkened, his voice growing cold.
"There's another troublesome one. That's why I need you to use it."
Seeing Loki's cold stare, Skurge quickly knelt and shouted, "I will complete the mission!"
"Make sure my brother doesn't return. Destroy everything!"