Garus activated the stealth mode on his fel-powered mech, Fel Reaver, floating unnoticed above everyone. Thor, eager to return to Asgard, failed to notice the subtle presence overhead.
The clouds above began to swirl under the influence of an unknown energy, forming a pitch-black vortex. Suddenly, a radiant rainbow beam descended from the sky, enveloping Thor and his companions.
Everyone felt a sudden loss of gravity as they were hurled through the passage. A kaleidoscope of dazzling colors surrounded them, making it impossible to discern up from down.
"Boom!" The mech crashed heavily into the Rainbow Bridge's teleportation chamber, producing a loud noise.
"Who goes there?" The Warriors Three drew their weapons, aiming toward Garus' position. Although they couldn't see him, they sensed his presence.
Thor hurled Mjolnir in the direction of the disturbance. The thunderous hammer, crackling with lightning, struck Garus' mech.
A grating screech echoed as the mech skidded across the crystalline floor, leaving behind a jarring noise. Seeing that they were about to charge, Garus quickly exited the mech and shouted, "Wait!"
"It's you? The Midgardian!" Volstagg recognized him from their previous encounter on Earth.
As the Warriors prepared to attack again, Garus pointed to Heimdall and said, "He's gravely injured. You should take him for treatment immediately."
Heimdall addressed Thor urgently: "Thor, Loki has taken Laufey to Odin. You must go at once."
Hearing this, Thor, concerned for Odin's safety, didn't hesitate. Gripping Mjolnir, he soared toward the palace of the All-Father.
The others carried Heimdall to the medical chamber. Sif, retrieving the sword to activate the Bifrost from Heimdall's hand, turned to Garus and said, "Midgardian, you cannot remain in Asgard. I will send you back now."
As Sif prepared to activate the Bifrost, Garus interrupted, "Wait. I think you might need help. I can assist you in dealing with the Frost Giants."
"Asgard does not need the help of a mere mortal!" Sif replied haughtily.
Seeing her rejection, Garus climbed back into his fel-powered mech. Now was the perfect opportunity to slip away—the last thing he wanted was to clash with Asgardians, especially Odin.
As the Rainbow Bridge's machinery whirred to life, Garus shot into the sky, randomly choosing a direction to flee.
"You!" Sif shouted, stomping in frustration. But there was little she could do; she couldn't fly.
Asgard was vast, far more than the city depicted in films. Mountains and lakes stretched across the landscape.
Suddenly, Garus realized he had no idea where the secret passage was located. How was he supposed to find it?
Below him, a dense forest spread out. He spotted several towering blue-skinned giants moving between the trees.
Garus landed stealthily some distance away, retracting his mech and climbing a tall tree to observe.
"Lord Morfa, if Odin dies, will we succeed in conquering Asgard?"
The group of deep-blue-skinned giants beneath him appeared to be Frost Giants who had infiltrated Asgard through a secret passage with Laufey. They likely knew the location of the passage.
Desecration Magic!
Garus infused the ground beneath them with dark energy. Ethereal, malevolent hands emerged, grabbing the giants' legs and causing them to stumble and fall.
Leaping from the tree, Garus wielded Frostmourne with precision, decapitating the giants. Blue blood splattered everywhere.
Unlike Earth's white souls, the Frost Giants' souls were deep blue. Garus noted that their souls were several times stronger than those of ordinary Earthlings.
Only the trembling Frost Giant captain, Morfa, remained. The secrecy of this operation should have ensured no detection. Desperately, he asked, "Asgardian, how are you here?"
Frost Giants often mistook Asgardians for humans due to their similar appearance. Garus saw no need to explain.
Pointing Frostmourne at him, Garus threatened, "Take me to the passage you came through, or your soul will suffer eternal torment."
Recognizing the soul magic Garus had just used, Morfa knew this wasn't an idle threat. Such magic was said to belong only to Hela and her followers, who were supposed to have been sealed away by Odin. Could this man be one of hers?
Morfa nodded frantically. "Yes, my lord! I will take you there!"
Garus followed Morfa to a mountain. At its base lay a cavern guarded by several groups of Frost Giants.
"Enemies! Enemies!" Morfa shouted as he ran toward his comrades, seemingly emboldened by their numbers.
The Frost Giants at the cave's entrance grabbed their massive clubs and charged, roaring loudly.
Garus counted more than thirty giants. To him, they were mere fodder.
Several abominations shrouded in green plague gas crawled out of a summoning circle. The stitched-together undead creatures, covered in pale, bloated flesh with exposed, oozing intestines, trudged forward, leaving a trail of pus.
One abomination swung its meaty hook, dragging a Frost Giant toward itself, while its axes sliced through the air relentlessly, matching the giants blow for blow.
Mounted on his deathcharger, Garus charged into the fray. His sword cleaved through Frost Giants, the power of blood magic shredding their bodies. In no time, the battlefield was littered with corpses.
Seizing every opportunity to grow stronger, Garus had Frostmourne absorb the souls of the fallen giants, further enhancing his death magic.
Recalling the abominations, Garus turned toward the dark cave ahead. Steeling himself, he entered.
After traversing the lengthy tunnel, he emerged onto a barren, desolate land. The sky and ground were black, with only faint light illuminating the path ahead.
Faced with such a vast and ominous area, Garus wondered how he would locate the Aether.
Realizing the enormity of the task, he retreated to set up a hidden teleportation beacon nearby. This would allow him to return directly to Asgard or escape if he became lost within.
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