After Odin sighed inwardly, he began discussing the main issue at hand.
"My true form is still in Helheim, and I won't be able to return until the convergence of the Nine Realms ends."
"However, I can tell Thor is preparing to take Jane to the Dark World to confront Malekith."
"I've already informed him that the Aether is the Reality Stone, but given his character, he's unlikely to heed my warnings."
"I want you to assist him when the time comes. As for the Aether, I'd like you to take custody of it."
Hearing Odin's words, Charles wasn't surprised.
Since Odin's true form wasn't present, the energy projection in front of him couldn't travel to the Dark World to fight Malekith, which explained why he would reject Thor's plan and stay in Asgard, awaiting his true form's return.
However, Odin still wasn't entirely confident in his eldest son and had requested Charles to lend a hand.
For the Aether's sake, Charles would have assisted Thor even if Odin hadn't asked.
Moreover, with Odin's request, taking charge of the Aether would be entirely legitimate, as Bor had originally hidden it, and Odin had undoubtedly used it while gathering the Infinity Stones.
However, Charles still had a question on his mind and asked, "Is there truly no way for the All-Father to remove the Aether from Jane's body?"
After all, Odin had once collected the Infinity Stones, so he should have some way to handle it.
Odin shook his head, "The Aether was crafted by the Dark Elves as a divine artifact. I don't fully understand it."
"And Jane's body is too fragile. Extracting the Aether without harming her is beyond my ability."
Charles then nodded in agreement, "I will accompany Thor."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Charles turned and left.
Once Charles was gone, Frigga emerged from the shadows.
"Odin, are you really planning to leave the matter of Hela to Charles?"
Odin nodded, "We have no better candidate, do we?"
…
Not long after Charles returned to his room, Thor came to find him.
"Charles, I have a favor to ask of you."
Charles asked, "What is it?"
Thor explained, "Malekith knows the Aether is here. He can sense its energy, and as its former wielder, he surely has a way to control it."
"I plan to take Jane away from here, to the Dark World."
"I want to make Malekith believe in our trick and extract the Aether from Jane."
"And once we're in the Dark World, we can destroy him."
"As for the Aether…"
Charles interrupted, "It'll be mine."
"I will help you destroy the Dark Elves and ensure your girlfriend's safety."
"But after the battle, you must hand the Aether over to me."
Hearing Charles's request for the Aether, Thor didn't seem too concerned about the weapon and replied, "Two Infinity Stones together is dangerous. It will attract unwanted attention from other enemies."
Charles extended his right hand, revealing the Infinity Gauntlet with the Space Stone embedded in it.
Thor was surprised, "Father gave you the Infinity Gauntlet? This…"
"And you shattered the Tesseract…"
Thor's expression shifted for a moment before he said, "Since Father has entrusted you with his Infinity Gauntlet, then the Reality Stone should also be under your care."
"But you must be cautious. Many forces in the universe are watching the Infinity Stones."
Charles nodded and then asked, "But how do we get to the Dark World?"
"I don't have a positioning landmark there. Who are you planning to bring along?"
Thor then laid out his plan: "Loki knows how to escape Asgard. I plan to bring him along."
"I need him to help me stage a scene. Since the Cursed Warrior saw Loki in the prison, it will be easier to earn their trust."
"In addition, I'm bringing the Warriors Three, Sif, and Heimdall to assist me."
Hearing Thor's plan, Charles nodded, "Very well, go ahead and contact them. I'll wait for your signal to depart."
Thor stepped forward and gave Charles a hug, saying, "Thank you, my brother."
As Thor left to gather the others, Charles smiled to himself. The third Infinity Stone was soon to be within his grasp.
Thor quickly convinced the Warriors Three and Sif to join his plan, especially when they learned that Charles, the Supreme Merlin, would also be assisting.
Confidence in their ability to defeat Malekith soared.
After persuading his allies, Thor made his way to the dungeon.
Loki looked up at his approaching brother and spoke, "Thor."
"You've come to visit again so soon."
"What is it this time? Here to gloat? To mock me?"
Thor stared at his brother and said, "Enough, Loki."
"Stop with the illusions."
Thor didn't believe for a second that Loki could remain so calm after hearing that Frigga was nearly killed.
At Thor's words, Loki's illusion vanished, revealing the reality. The once pristine cell was now in shambles, with Loki slumped against the wall.
Furniture lay overturned, and dents in the walls betrayed the rage Loki had vented upon his surroundings.
"Now you see me, brother," Loki said bitterly.
Thor surveyed the wrecked cell before stepping closer to Loki.
Loki asked, "How badly is Mother hurt?"
Thor felt a pang of guilt seeing Loki's anguish, but he remembered how Loki once frightened him with a snake as a child and later stabbed him. He resisted the urge to tell Loki the truth.
"I'm not here to report Mother's condition," Thor replied.
"I'm here to offer you something better."
Loki's curiosity piqued, "What is it?"
"I know you want revenge as much as I do. You also want to kill those who hurt Mother."
"You help me get out of Asgard, and I'll give you that chance."
"To exact your revenge, and then return here."
Loki pondered for a moment, then looked at Thor and said, "You must be desperate if you're coming to me for help."
"What makes you think you can trust me?"
Thor shook his head, "I don't trust you."
"Mother trusted you, but you need to know something. When we fought in the past, I still had a sliver of hope."
"I hoped my brother hadn't fully disappeared."
"But if you refuse to seek revenge for Mother, then I'll kill you. You don't deserve her love."
Loki, consumed with anger at himself and those who hurt his mother, looked at Thor and said:
"When do we leave?"
"Now!" Thor responded as he opened Loki's cell.
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