Although Heimdall stepped away from the observatory platform, he did not remove Hofund — the great sword that functioned as the key to the Bifrost. It remained embedded in the mechanism.
Heimdall could see across the Nine Realms.
But even his sight was not absolute.
When Loki traveled to Jotunheim, Heimdall briefly lost visual clarity — not because Loki was invisible, but because illusion magic and Frost Giant energy interference distorted perception.
Heimdall had long suspected Loki.
When the Frost Giants infiltrated Asgard during Thor's coronation, someone had guided them past the defenses. Only a master of sorcery could obscure themselves from Heimdall's awareness.
Frigga was such a master.
But she had no motive.
That left Loki.
Heimdall could not openly defy the sitting king.
But there was a loophole.
He would not open the Bifrost.
If someone else used the sword… that was another matter.
Soon after, the Warriors Three and Lady Sif approached.
Volstagg pulled Hofund free.
With Heimdall saying nothing, they activated the Bifrost and departed for Midgard.
Moments later, Loki appeared on the bridge.
"You allowed this."
Heimdall faced him calmly.
"I did not open the Bifrost."
Loki's eyes hardened.
In direct combat, Heimdall was superior — stronger, more experienced.
Loki did not test that.
Instead, he summoned the Casket of Ancient Winters.
A blast of primordial frost engulfed Heimdall, encasing him in ice.
The guardian fell, frozen but alive.
Loki then reopened the Bifrost — this time bringing Laufey and several Frost Giants directly into Asgard.
They moved swiftly through the palace.
Frigga intercepted them.
Laufey struck her aside with brutal force, but did not kill her.
He advanced into Odin's chamber.
The Allfather lay in the Odinsleep — the Odinforce withdrawn inward for restoration.
Laufey raised an ice blade.
"For Jotunheim."
A golden flash erupted behind him.
Gungnir pierced through his chest.
Laufey froze in shock.
Loki stepped forward, eyes cold.
"You were never going to rule anything."
He withdrew the spear and fired a concentrated blast from Gungnir.
The energy shattered Laufey's body into frozen fragments.
The Frost Giants accompanying him were eliminated moments later.
Frigga watched silently.
Loki approached her.
"It is done."
He framed it as loyalty.
As protection.
He left before she could respond.
His expression unreadable.
Earth — New Mexico
Thor, Jane, and Selvig returned to town.
Thor immediately turned toward Karl's SUV.
"You promised Midgardian drink."
Karl sighed faintly.
Soon they were all gathered in the town bar: Karl, Tony, Thor, Juggernaut, and Selvig.
Thor initially challenged Karl to a drinking contest.
Karl pointed at Juggernaut instead.
The two began consuming beer at absurd speed.
Glass after glass disappeared.
Their stomachs showed no change.
Tony blinked. "Biologically irresponsible."
Selvig stared.
Juggernaut simply continued drinking.
After a while, Selvig approached Karl quietly.
"My name is Erik Selvig. I need to ask you something."
Karl nodded.
"Is he truly Thor? From Norse mythology?"
Before Karl could answer, Tony interjected.
"Yes. Hammer, lightning, otherworldly ego — full package."
Selvig sighed.
"That is exactly what worries me."
He glanced toward Jane and Thor, who were laughing together.
"If he is truly what he claims… he will not remain here. Gods return to their realms. Humans do not follow."
Tony's expression dimmed slightly.
Lifespan alone made it impossible.
Thor had lived fifteen centuries.
Jane might live one.
Karl spoke calmly.
"Let them decide their own course. You cannot prevent attachment by anticipating pain."
Selvig exhaled slowly.
"Perhaps."
They returned to their drinks.
Arctic Ocean — Earth
Under SHIELD supervision, excavation continued at the crash site coordinates Karl had provided.
Ice drilling equipment carved through frozen layers until the wreckage of a World War II-era Valkyrie aircraft was exposed.
Nick Fury stood at the edge of the excavation shaft, watching intently.
Agents descended.
Moments later—
"Director! We've located Captain America's shield!"
The vibranium disk emerged from the ice.
Another voice followed, more urgent:
"We've found him! He's intact!"
Inside the cockpit, Steve Rogers sat frozen in time.
Nick Fury's expression hardened.
"Extract him carefully."
He paused.
"Vitals?"
There was tension on the line.
"Minimal… but present. He's alive."
Nick Fury exhaled.
"Get him to medical immediately."
…
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