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*****
In truth, Heimdall was simply shaken. While the magic circle appeared terrifyingly grand, Feny had meticulously controlled its output. Based on the previous skirmish, he had already gauged the defensive capabilities of the Frost Giants. Unless something truly unforeseen occurred, this casting of "Explosion" was unlikely to cause significant casualties.
However, while Feny was well aware of his own restraint, those watching from afar were not.
Seeing Heimdall's failure and watching the glowing magic circle above Feny grow increasingly brilliant, Odin hesitated for a brief moment before finally rising from his throne.
The light of the Bifrost surged once more. Just as Feny assumed Heimdall was preparing for a second attempt to stop him, he realized the target of the transport wasn't him at all. Someone was being sent down!
Feny's brow furrowed. The arrival of this particular individual caught him off guard, leaving him momentarily uncertain whether he should release the "Explosion" he had been brewing.
"Odin!?"
"He actually came himself!?"
"The old man really won't let us go. All that talk about upholding the peace treaty was just a trick to lull us into a false sense of security!"
As the pillar of light dissipated, Odin appeared in the center of the clearing, Gungnir held firmly in his hand. The sight left everyone stunned. Despite the Frost Giants' constant vitriol toward the All-Father, their expressions turned far grimmer at his arrival than they had been when facing Feny's massive magic array.
A man's reputation precedes him. Odin was not just the All-Father; he was the commander who had personally led his armies into their homeland, defeated them on their own soil, and seized the Casket of Ancient Winters before their very eyes.
Feny hesitated for only a few seconds. As Odin fully materialized, Feny decided to proceed with the spell, though he discreetly dialed back the power levels even further as he released it.
"Explosion!"
Odin had just stepped out of the Bifrost and hadn't even caught his breath—let alone uttered a single word—before Feny unleashed the spell.
The sky erupted in a brilliant crimson glare. For the Frost Giants of Jotunheim, accustomed to an eternal, dreary gray sky, this was a sight most had never witnessed in their lifetimes.
Watching the massive pillar of fire descend from the heavens, Odin's expression darkened. He raised Gungnir, the tip of the spear flickering before emitting a colossal, searing beam of golden light that shot toward the falling fire.
Though Odin's strike was launched later, it moved with such incredible speed that it intercepted the "Explosion" mid-air. Before the column of fire could touch the ground, it collided with Odin's golden energy.
BOOM!
The golden energy and the crimson flames clashed violently in the sky. The resulting brilliance forced every Frost Giant to shield their eyes. As the shockwave from the explosion caused the ground to tremble, a deep sense of dread took root in their hearts. If an attack like that had actually landed on them, what would have been left?
Farbuti and the other two leaders had looked panicked when Feny first fired the spell. They had been bracing themselves to intercept it, only to find Odin had beaten them to the punch. They stood there, stunned, unable to process the turn of events.
"What are they doing?"
The three looked at each other in total confusion, unable to grasp the logic of the situation.
Even though Feny had intentionally reduced the spell's power, "Explosion" was still a force to be reckoned with. Its lethality had never disappointed him. Because he wanted to avoid excessive loss of life, he had aimed the spell at the half-finished royal palace. Earlier, the craftsmen working on the palace had joined the fight as soldiers, so the area was currently deserted. The shockwave alone would have been enough to incapacitate most of the Frost Giants without direct hits.
He simply hadn't expected Odin to interfere.
Under the combined force of the "Explosion" and Odin's golden light, the nearly completed new palace was reduced to ruins once again.
Feny frowned deeply. He jumped down from the back of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon and landed directly in front of Odin.
"King Odin!"
"I told you, I do not wish to see further war!"
Odin's presence was overwhelming. A crushing pressure radiated from him, momentarily disrupting the rhythm of Feny's "Breathing Technique."
Fortunately, Feny was a veteran of many battles. While Odin was undeniably powerful, Feny was no longer weak. Moreover, he possessed the Space Stone. Even if he couldn't win a direct confrontation, escaping wouldn't be an issue. Plus, Ancient One was likely watching from the shadows; she wouldn't let him come to serious harm.
"This was just an accident," Feny replied calmly. "And it certainly wasn't going to be a war."
Asgard had helped him a great deal, but Feny maintained a clear boundary. He wasn't an Asgardian, and he had no intention of becoming a subordinate to Odin.
Odin's lone eye remained fixed on Feny, the atmosphere thick with tension. Thankfully, they weren't alone. As they stood in a silent standoff, a massive spike of ice suddenly erupted from the ground, lunging toward Odin.
Odin might have been in the twilight of his years, but he was far from helpless. With a swift flick of Gungnir, he shattered the ice spike. He then turned his gaze toward the three leaders standing nearby, who were glaring at him with pure hatred.
"It has been a long time, Farbuti."
The war between Asgard and the Frost Giants had lasted many years; Odin knew Farbuti well.
"You actually dare to show your face here!" Farbuti spat through gritted teeth. Thinking of her recently deceased husband and the current state of Jotunheim, she wanted nothing more than to kill Odin where he stood. She had been the one to launch the ice spike.
While Odin had met Feny with imposing pressure, his expression softened into something more complex when facing the three giants.
"I am sorry about Laufey," Odin said slowly. "The peace treaty will remain in effect. Asgard will not invade Jotunheim. If you require assistance, Asgard will provide support."
"We don't need your pity!" Farbuti sneered. "Drop the facade of false kindness and get out of Jotunheim!"
Surprisingly, Odin did not take offense at her venomous words. He spared her one last look before turning back to Feny, who had been watching the drama unfold.
"Leave with me," Odin commanded.
Feny blinked, taken aback by the authoritative tone. He straightened his posture and stared at Odin for several seconds before finally speaking.
"And if I refuse?"
Feny knew it wasn't the most diplomatic answer, but he loathed Odin's dismissive, commanding tone—regardless of whether he was the All-Father or the Ruler of the Nine Realms. He knew he was outmatched by Odin, but he wasn't without options.
In a worst-case scenario, he could use the Space Stone to release Hela and let her deal with him. Besides, the Ancient One was still around; as long as she lived, Earth would be safe.
"Feny!"
Just as these dark thoughts crossed Feny's mind, the voice of the Ancient One whispered in his ear. Her tone was gentle and persuasive.
"Let them go. Remember what I told you? Do not be consumed by your own power."
(End of Chapter)