c53 : Ancient One: He is the best among us.
Gu Yi was ready to take on the responsibility of rescuing Thor, leaving the task to Russell.
Just like Odin needed to hold Thor's coronation ceremony to solidify Thor's legitimacy as ruler, the Ancient One also required a significant opportunity to bolster Russell's reputation. This would allow him to display his power and leave an impression on the surrounding dimensional threats.
Simply conspiring with Mephisto didn't count such actions would tarnish the image of the Sorcerer Supreme and Karma-Taj.
The Frost Giant was the chosen test subject for Russell.
Although the Frost Giant's individual strength was generally mediocre, victory in such battles depended on sheer numbers.
The Frost Giant King, Laufey, had lost much of his power after Odin took the Ice Box, which held the core of their strength.
From a strategic perspective, no one could break through Russell's defenses after he had bested them.
More importantly, Russell's teacher was well-known.
Thousands of years ago, the Frost Giants attempted to invade Earth, seeking to plunge it into an eternal Ice Age, transforming the planet into their own domain.
Karma-Taj had been among the forces who resisted that invasion.
Now, Russell, as a representative of Karma-Taj, was heading to Jotunheim to collect the debt of those past transgressions.
This was both an emotional and a rational decision.
Pretending to be concerned, the Ancient One asked Frigga:
"Queen of Asgard, have you encountered any difficulties?"
Frigga hesitated briefly, her expression darkening before she slowly nodded. The situation involved the safety of her two sons and her future daughter-in-law, Sif, and she was willing to break her principles to discuss matters she normally would keep secret.
She planned to seek Odin's help to rescue Thor and the others.
Rising from her seat, Frigga excused herself from the Ancient One: "Supreme Mage, I have other matters to attend to. Please excuse me."
The Ancient One responded: "Are you going to seek the God King's help to rescue Thor? Why not let us go together?"
Frigga replied, "Does the Supreme Mage already know?"
Gu Yi nodded. "I anticipated it."
Frigga gave a brief nod. "Then let us go together."
With that, Frigga swiftly moved towards the Golden Hall, where Odin usually resided, adjusting her gown as she quickened her pace.
The Ancient One followed, seemingly slow, yet her steps were faster than Frigga's.
After passing through several royal halls, the two arrived at Odin, who stood overlooking Asgard, reflecting on the past.
Frigga, bypassing formalities, spoke urgently:
"Thor and the others are in danger in Jotunheim and need our assistance."
Odin's expression darkened with fury.
He had thought Thor had matured and learned from his past mistakes.
"How did they end up in Jotunheim? Through the Rainbow Bridge? Why did Heimdall not report this to me? Does he believe I am too old to handle such matters?" Odin's mind raced, and in a brief moment, he understood the situation.
"Supreme Mage."
After offering a quick greeting to Gu Yi, Odin snatched up the Eternal Spear and made for the Rainbow Bridge.
As furious as he was, he could never allow Thor to remain trapped in Jotunheim.
"God King," the Ancient One called.
"If you trust me, it might be better to send Russell in to handle this. He is the next Supreme Mage and will take over in a few years. At that time, he and Thor will jointly protect the peace of the realms, ensuring it remains free from magical corruption."
She paused, hinting at her true suggestion.
"Let them fight side by side now, to prepare for that future."
Odin nodded after a moment of consideration. "Thank you, Supreme Mage. Your counsel is appreciated."
Gu Yi smiled, not responding to his thanks, but instead stating, "Russell is already on his way to the Rainbow Bridge. Please allow Heimdall to let him pass."
At the Rainbow Bridge, Heimdall, upon receiving Odin's message, stepped aside to let Russell through, but his gaze lingered on the young mage as doubt clouded his thoughts.
From Russell's presence, Heimdall could sense an aura of power that rivaled or even surpassed that of Thor. But could Russell truly be trusted to handle Jotunheim on his own?
Frigga was also uneasy.
But Heimdall, ever vigilant, kept his thoughts to himself, while Frigga addressed the matter directly.
"Supreme Mage, Master Russell…"
Gu Yi smiled knowingly, understanding the unspoken question.
"Although Russell hasn't officially taken over as Supreme Mage, his strength already surpasses mine. He is the best among us."
Had the ancient gods not interfered, Russell would be invincible in this world, though Gu Yi hesitated to vocalize that fully.
Odin and Frigga exchanged glances. Both sensed the deep trust the Ancient One had in Russell, but Odin's mind was more skeptical.
Could it be that Russell's power truly exceeded even his own? Odin, though confident in his own strength, couldn't completely dismiss the possibility.
And yet, even the Ancient One believed in Russell's potential.
As Thor fought fiercely against the Frost Giants, he and his companions battled to survive. The warriors of Asgard—aside from Loki, who was using illusions were locked in a brutal fight. Fandral, a member of the Warriors Three, had been gravely wounded, pierced through the chest by jagged ice.
"Fight through!" Thor roared, hurling Mjolnir into the sky, unleashing a storm of thunder that tore through the ranks of Frost Giants.
With every strike, he carved a path for his companions to escape.
Though Thor led the charge, the rest of the group was struggling.
The pursuit continued relentlessly, and soon, they found themselves cornered at the edge of a cliff. Frost Giants surged forward, and towering monsters blocked their path.
Thor called out, hoping for Heimdall to open the Rainbow Bridge and rescue them but there was no answer.
Heimdall's earlier warning echoed in his mind: If your return threatens Asgard, the Rainbow Bridge will not be opened.
The frost monster loomed dangerously close, but Thor could only face forward, unable to hold back the oncoming enemies from all sides.
With the others fighting bravely, the situation grew dire. The glacier beneath their feet cracked, disrupting their formation. Fandral, already gravely injured, was left exposed.
In a desperate act, Volstagg threw his bulk in front of Fandral, taking the blow meant for him.
"No!" Thor screamed, witnessing the death of his friend, his fury reaching its peak.
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