Got it.
As for Jane and Thor?
Since they'll break up later anyway, might as well skip the middle part.
"I'll take care of this."
Vex let go of the slightly shaky Lewis and handed her over to Jane.
—The earlier surprise attack had drained all her courage.
Vex activated the [Rabbit Talisman] and quickly got in front of Thor, catching the Destroyer's iron fist with one hand.
[Ox Talisman - Super Strength!]
The Destroyer opened its helmet, about to blast Vex in the face.
Vex delivered a swift low blow, sending the Destroyer flying into the air.
Using the [Chicken Talisman] for flight and [Rabbit Talisman] for speed, Vex caught up and delivered a kick so strong that it dented the Destroyer's helmet, sending it plummeting toward the ground.
Vex chased after it again, landing an uppercut that sent the Destroyer flying once more.
This cycle repeated—
The Destroyer became a punching bag, with no chance to fight back.
Everyone watching was stunned!
This...
Is too violent, isn't it?
Lewis' eyes were practically shining, her intentions completely obvious with an unmasked, bold gaze.
"Boom—"
The Destroyer finally hit the ground, no longer resembling its original form, as Vex had literally hammered it into a ball!
Vex clapped his hands, quite satisfied with the power of the talismans.
If the beginner rewards were this powerful, the future looked very promising!
"Clank, clank—"
The Destroyer, now in the shape of a ball, started making noises, as if it was beginning to repair itself.
"Careful! The Destroyer can self-repair!" Thor warned quickly.
Vex raised an eyebrow!
Activating the [Chicken Talisman],
He used telekinesis to tightly wrap up the Destroyer and violently tore off its arms and legs, tying them back together with a neat bow.
No matter how hard the Destroyer struggled, it was all in vain.
"You insect!" came Loki's angry voice from inside the Destroyer. "You'll pay dearly for your actions—"
Loki let out a scream and went silent.
Vex had tested out the [Sheep Talisman], delivering a spiritual blow to Loki.
It must have been quite painful because Loki immediately lost control of the Destroyer.
By a stroke of luck, Vex's spiritual power took over control.
[Congratulations, host, for obtaining the "Destroyer Armor." The strength of your family has increased, and you've earned the reward "King's Treasure."]
---
Name: [King's Treasury]
Rank: [A]
Description: The key-sword that connects to the Golden Capital, allowing the user to freely withdraw treasures from the treasury and use them. Thrown treasures will automatically return to the treasury!
PS: The more treasures, the stronger you become!
---
Oh? That makes sense.
Collecting powerful items strengthens the family, and getting rewards for it is reasonable.
A necklace appeared around Vex's neck, its pendant a golden key.
This was the miniaturized version of [King's Treasure].
With a single thought,
Vex stored the Destroyer in the Golden Capital's unique space, where it could be summoned and recovered at any time.
With the crisis averted,
Vex felt a sudden warmth on his right arm—Lewis had latched on again.
"You're amazing!" Lewis said with admiration, "What's your name? I'm Darcy Lewis, 22 years old, 164 cm tall, 110 lbs, measurements are..."
Wow!
Was that a self-introduction or a pitch?
"My name's Vex. Nice to meet you." Vex smiled, "We'll get to know each other better later. I've got something to do right now."
He gently pulled his arm away without hesitation, leaving Lewis in disbelief.
What just happened?
Did he reject her?
It wasn't that Vex disliked Lewis, but he wasn't about to lose his sense of judgment over lust.
He walked quickly to a pile of rubble, raised his hand, and the debris floated, revealing a barely conscious Sif.
She had taken the full force of the Destroyer's blast, her armor badly damaged and her body covered in burn marks.
Vex approached, using the [Horse Talisman - Healing], gently stroking the wounds.
As a glow enveloped her, all the burn marks disappeared, revealing her fit, tan skin underneath. Smooth yet firm, a stark contrast to Louise.
It was a unique sensation.
But Vex didn't linger, instead withdrawing his hand after healing and even draping his jacket over Sif to cover her exposed body.
"Thank you," Sif said, sitting up with a fiery look in her eyes, "I saw what happened through the cracks. To defeat the Destroyer, you're incredibly strong!"
"It's an honor to be recognized by such a beautiful warrior," Vex smiled, "Do you need help with your companions?"
Sif glanced at the other Asgardian warriors, all in rough shape.
Clearly, Loki had been quite furious when controlling the Destroyer.
"That would be very helpful," Sif said, slightly embarrassed. "I'm Sif. If you ever need anything in the future, I won't hesitate to help!"
That's exactly what Vex wanted!
Since women could contribute to the family, and collecting powerful items strengthened the family, then powerful women perfectly fit both criteria!
Besides, Sif was quite attractive, and Vex was certainly interested.
Without another word, Vex quickly healed the three Asgardian warriors.
In no time, they were all back in peak condition, full of life and energy.
The [Horse Talisman]'s effect was practically overpowered—it didn't matter what kind of injury it was, it just restored them to their best state.
It was like "reloading a saved game."
"Thank you so much!" Thor said, full of guilt, "If anything had happened to them because of me, I don't know how I could have faced it..."
Since Vex had swiftly dealt with the Destroyer,
Thor hadn't had the chance to sacrifice himself, so the hammer hadn't recognized him again.
Well, that wasn't Vex's problem.
"No need to thank me," Vex grinned, "I did it for Sif."
This made the three Asgardian warriors and Thor glance at Sif. Vex's intentions couldn't have been clearer!
Sif looked slightly uncomfortable.
After all... In Asgard, which revered strength, being a woman had brought her suspicion rather than advantage.
But...
"Thank you!" Sif said sincerely, "If we can resolve this crisis, I'll personally repay this favor!"
"Oh? This crisis?" Vex pretended not to understand. "Are you talking about the mastermind behind that tin can?"
Sif didn't respond but looked toward Thor.
"It's all my fault," Thor sighed. "Although I don't know why Loki did this, I..."
"Stop right there," Vex interrupted, "Let me guess—some kind of sibling rivalry?"
He then asked, "So what's your plan now?"
Thor looked lost.
What should he do?
Return to stop Loki?
But without his powers, how could he stop him?
Yet leaving Loki unchecked...
"I must return to Asgard!" Thor said resolutely, "I have to stop Loki before he causes more harm!"
"But... you still haven't regained your powers," Fandral said worriedly. "Loki will kill you!"
Thor was silent.
Yes...
He knew that going back now was likely a death sentence...
But he wasn't going to hesitate.
Because...
Asgard needed him!
Filled with repentance, Thor had made up his mind to sacrifice himself, clearing his conscience.
And with that thought...
"Boom—"