Asgard, the mightiest of the Nine Realms.
Not only a kingdom of unparalleled warriors but also a beacon of advanced magic and technology.
For millennia, its supremacy remained unchallenged. From the days of King Bor to the golden reign of Odin, Asgard had stood as the unshaken ruler of the Nine Realms.
But true dominance came with sacrifice.
Odin, the Allfather, had once fought alongside his firstborn, Hela, in a ruthless conquest. Together, they expanded Asgard's reach, subjugating those who dared to resist. But when Hela's hunger for war grew insatiable, Odin turned against her. Their battle shook the heavens.
In the end, Odin emerged victorious. Hela was sealed away, erased from history, and Asgard entered an age of peace.
That peace lasted for centuries, until the Frost Titan King, Laufey, dared to defy Odin's authority. With ruthless ambition, he led his forces to invade Midgard, shattering the tranquility Asgard had worked so hard to maintain.
The war erupted suddenly, but it ended just as swiftly. Odin, though aged, had not grown weak. Though he lost his right eye in the battle, he wielded his legendary spear, Gungnir, and led the valiant warriors of Asgard to storm Jotunheim itself, forcing the Frost Giants into submission.
In the aftermath, Laufey had no choice but to sign a peace treaty, and as part of the terms, the Frost Giants forfeited their greatest artifact, the Casket of Ancient Winters.
That same day, as if to mark Asgard's triumph, the gods bestowed a second prince upon the realm.
{Present Time}
Odin named him Loki Odinson.
"Damn it, Loki! You tricked me again!"
A golden-haired boy, no older than seven or eight, clenched his small fists in frustration. His outstretched hand reached toward the sky, summoning a tiny black dot from the heavens.
That dot rapidly grew in size as it hurtled toward him. In mere moments, its true form was revealed to be the legendary hammer of Asgard, Mjolnir.
With that, the identity of the enraged child was clear. He was Thor Odinson, heir to the throne of Asgard and god of thunder.
Across from him stood another young boy, his pale skin and raven black hair a stark contrast to his brother's golden features. At the sight of Mjolnir, his face changed instantly.
Loki turned and bolted, dashing toward the palace chambers.
"Brother, it was just a harmless prank! Do you really have to go this far? Even using Mjolnir?" Loki called out with a wry grin as he ran.
"You take that as a 'harmless prank', you little trickster!"
Hearing his brother labeling that as a 'harmless prank', Thor's fury only grew. Grabbing Mjolnir's leather strap, he spun the hammer wildly, whipping up fierce gusts of wind.
"You knew I was going to meet Father today, so you enchanted my armor to vanish in the middle of the throne room! Loki, I was standing before the entire court in nothing but my underclothes!"
Thor's face burned at the memory. The gasps, the barely suppressed chuckles, the horrified look on Odin's face, it was humiliating!
"You should have seen your face, Brother! It was priceless," Loki laughed as he dashed away.
"That's it! I swear I'll make you pay!"
Thor spun Mjolnir faster and faster. It was a weapon forged from the heart of a dying star by the dwarven king himself, just a mere graze could shatter bones.
Yet Thor, blinded by rage, paid no mind to such details. He let go.
Mjolnir shot forward like a thunderbolt, streaking toward Loki at terrifying speed.
A direct hit would mean disaster. At best, permanent injury. At worst death.
But instead of panic, Loki's face showed something unexpected.
Ding!
[Congratulations Host! Mission complete.]
[Task Complete: The host has successfully executed 100 pranks as required by the system.]
[Congratulations! Mission complete. Reward unlocked: Phantom Veil.]
[As this was your first task, the skill proficiency has been granted at 100%.]
[A new mission has been assigned. Please check the quest module for details. Keep up the mischief!]
An ethereal voice echoed in Loki's mind, words only he could hear.
Then, a flood of knowledge poured into him. His mind absorbed it instantly, as though the ability had been his all along.
Mjolnir was just inches away.
Yet, instead of bracing for impact, Loki activated his new skill, Phantom Veil.
A barely perceptible black mist swirled around him. In the next moment, his entire body flickered like a mirage and vanished.
Mjolnir passed through him, as if he were nothing more than a reflection in the water. It struck the wall behind him with a deafening boom, shattering it.
Thor's eyes widened in shock. His anger evaporated, replaced by sheer horror.
If that strike had connected…
Guilt twisted in his stomach. Even though he was the one who had been tricked, he suddenly wanted to apologize.
But, Loki was already gone. His illusion dissipated like mist in the wind.
Inside the palace, wisps of black mist coalesced in a dimly lit chamber.
Loki materialized, his breathing ragged from the rush of adrenaline.
"That was way too close!" He exhaled sharply, collapsing onto a plush chair. "I only played a simple prank, but Thor nearly killed me over it."
His gaze flickered to the glowing panel before him, displaying his newly acquired ability.
[Skill: Phantom Veil]
[Proficiency: 100%]
[Description: A technique inspired by the elusive Yokai tricksters. When activated, the user becomes an illusion, untouchable, invisible, and impervious to all attacks.]
Loki smirked.
"This is perfect for the God of Mischief."