Loki had to admit that Earth's power exceeded his expectations. So many formidable opponents had appeared in such a short time.
Still, it was within manageable bounds.
"Mjolnir…"
Remaining invisible, Loki walked calmly up to the hammer. He reached out and pulled, but it didn't budge. His expression twisted in anger for a moment before smoothing back into composure.
"I don't meet Father's standards? As long as my foolish brother doesn't either, that's enough." Loki sneered, glancing once more at the fierce battlefield around him.
After taking one last deep look at Thor, Loki turned and left. There was no point in staying. Having confirmed his brother's safety, he decided to observe from a distance and wait for the right moment to reveal himself and deceive Thor.
He wanted Thor to remain on Earth forever... as a mortal.
But considering Odin's words, Loki felt some hesitation. Leaving Thor on Earth carried risks. What if he died?
Loki walked while lost in thought, caught in a dilemma.
"Hm? This one is rather unusual."
Just as he left the camp area, Loki spotted a massive Xenomorph lurking with exceptional stealth. It had a crown-like crest on its head, drawing his attention. He considered capturing one but decided against it. There was no need to reveal himself before completing his scheme to deceive... or protect... Thor.
He found a slightly elevated rock, dispelled his invisibility, and sat down. The corners of his mouth curved into a wicked smile as he settled in to enjoy the show.
Whoosh!
A golden portal opened not far from him. Clearly, someone else had the same idea.
Loki paused, staring in surprise at the figure who stepped out.
The newcomer had dark, ominous circles under his eyes and carried the heavy aura of someone who ran on pure spite and caffeine. He cast a cold, appraising gaze toward Loki.
Who the hell is this guy? (x2)
"You are a sorcerer of this world?" Loki sensed the surging magic radiating from the man... primarily black magic mixed with white. It was a chaotic mess. Intrigued, he asked, "If you know your place, I might even be willing to take you as a subordinate."
"You're not from Earth. An outsider?" The moment Kaecilius saw Loki, he let out a cold laugh, realization dawning. "It seems someone else has their eyes on the Xenomorphs."
"Xenomorphs… so that's your goal."
"Isn't it yours? Or did you come for Thor, son of Odin? It appears the All-Father is quite concerned about his heir and sent a bodyguard." Kaecilius's lips curved into a sinister smile.
Loki's own smile slowly faded. Nothing angered him more than someone belittling him to praise his brainless brother.
"Midgardian, it seems you know nothing of the power of the gods. You dare offend me? No one can save you now." Loki appeared directly in front of Kaecilius and advanced step by step.
Kaecilius's expression grew even more savage. "Asgardian, stop pretending to be a god. You might fool ordinary people, but me? A self-proclaimed deity who dies when killed... what kind of god is that? Killing you will surely please the great Dormammu and clear the way for me to claim the Xenomorphs."
Delivering an Asgardian to the Dark Dimension would surely delight Lord Dormammu, Kaecilius thought.
After all, Dormammu had no fear of Odin.
The two men walked toward each other. When only a few meters remained, they attacked almost simultaneously.
"Let me show you the power of Earth's second greatest sorcerer!" Kaecilius's face twisted with malice as he suddenly drew a staff and swung it at Loki.
"Hmph, mortal. You have no idea how terrifying the second greatest sorcerer of the Nine Realms truly is!"
Terrifying power surged around Loki. With practiced ease, he drew a dagger and thrust it toward Kaecilius's stomach.
The two self-proclaimed second-best sorcerers in the world locked eyes with murderous intent and launched into a fierce melee.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Staff and dagger clashed countless times. Like two elite masters of combat, both displayed exquisite weapon skills, using their arms to their absolute limit. Every strike was lethal.
Kaecilius seized an opening and drove his knee into Loki's gut. Loki's body didn't budge. Instead, he stared at Kaecilius with a mocking, wicked smile, as if laughing at the man's futility.
Kaecilius's expression remained unchanged... he had clearly anticipated it. Using the force of the impact, he stepped back half a pace, then swung his staff at blinding speed, smashing it into Loki's neck.
"Is this all you're capable of, weak god?" Kaecilius said, though his tensed body visibly relaxed.
In that instant, as if he had predicted it, he spun around and brought his staff up to block a dagger that had appeared from thin air, aimed straight at him.
Loki materialized, staring at Kaecilius in astonishment. "You Midgardian are actually this treacherous? You deliberately left an opening to lure me into attacking?"
"Are you listening to yourself?"
After their brief exchange, both men's expressions grew serious. They had each recognized the other as an extremely cunning opponent who required careful handling.
Loki smiled darkly and charged again with his dagger. After a few exchanges, he completely suppressed Kaecilius.
In terms of weapon technique, Loki wasn't necessarily superior, but he possessed an overwhelmingly powerful physique. He was the son of the Frost Giant King!
Even relying on raw strength alone, he could overwhelm Kaecilius's mortal body, forcing the man into a desperate defense and driving him steadily backward.
"Too weak, mortal. Let me guess... you were once a disciple of the Ancient One before turning to Dormammu. Is this all you learned from those two?" Loki's face twisted with malice. "Surrender, and I'll spare your life. I'll even allow you to become my follower."
"Ridiculous. Arrogant fool. Now comes the true contest of magic."
They both unleashed their magic in earnest.
The clash between two master sorcerers was intense and evenly matched. Powerful magical energies of various hues shot into the sky. Bursts of magic collided, scattering countless particles in every direction and producing roaring explosions.
The disturbance was significant enough to be captured by satellites overhead.
When Coulson saw the two sorcerers furiously tearing into each other, he felt utterly exhausted.
"Where did these two come from? One is the infamous leader of the black mages, Kaecilius. Who is the other? That retro clothing… an Asgardian?"
Coulson couldn't help glancing at Adam on the screens.
Did this have anything to do with Adam? Coulson had developed a reflexive suspicion that any sudden chaos was somehow Adam's handiwork.
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