"I, besides me, who else wants to kill you in this world?"
A cold voice, laced with malice, whispered into Thor's ear. In the next moment, a dagger sliced through the air, aiming straight for his throat, seeking to end his life.
Thor's eyes widened, and his expression twisted in shock.
He recognized that voice. It could only belong to one person.
Loki. His brother.
The very thought sent waves of disbelief through his mind. He had suspected Loki's cruelty before, but to actually attempt to murder him… it was another matter entirely.
But soon, disbelief faded into resignation.
Yes, this was Loki's way.
This was who his brother truly was.
"So, this is how it ends for me…" Thor muttered under his breath, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.
He was powerless now. The might of the god of thunder no longer coursed through him. Mjölnir lay heavy and useless at his side, no longer responding to him. He could barely lift it, let alone wield it. How could he possibly fend off Loki?
Could he rely on the man standing beside him?
Zenkichi.
Thor glanced sideways.
Zenkichi radiated an aura of silent strength. Thor could sense it — an overwhelming power, calm and controlled. But even so, how could this stranger stand against Loki?
Loki was no ordinary foe. He was a god, and a cunning one at that. A god with power, intellect, and cruelty sharpened by jealousy and ambition.
It seemed hopeless.
But then—
"I said I would help."
Zenkichi's voice rang out, clear and firm.
Strangely, the words settled Thor's fraying nerves. A wave of calm washed over him. It was as if death was no longer something to fear. Zenkichi's voice carried weight, a confidence that reached Thor's core.
"I want to protect him. Step away," Zenkichi said, his tone steady, unmoved.
He didn't move, didn't raise a weapon. He simply spoke.
But those words had power — not just metaphorical, but something real. Tangible.
They echoed in the air, resonating like a divine command. Loki's dagger froze, halted mid-swing as if blocked by an unseen force. His eyes widened, filled with disbelief and growing rage.
He had been so close. Just one inch away from slitting Thor's throat.
Now, stopped by a mere sentence?
He snarled and pushed forward, forcing more strength into his hand, determined to drive the blade home.
But—
"Get lost," Zenkichi said again, this time with a hint of irritation in his voice.
And then it happened.
Loki's body was hurled backward by a surge of invisible force, slamming into the ground several meters away. Dust kicked up from the impact, and silence followed.
Shock rippled through the air.
No attack had been visible. No hand had moved. Yet Loki — a god — had been flung like a ragdoll by a simple command.
The magnitude of Zenkichi's strength was now undeniable.
Loki staggered to his feet, clutching his chest. Though his divine body healed rapidly, he still winced. The impact had left its mark.
He glared at Zenkichi, suspicion and unease tightening his jaw.
"Who… Who are you?" Loki growled. "Don't meddle in the affairs of others. We are from Asgard!"
Zenkichi looked at him with indifference, as though Loki's divine lineage meant nothing to him.
"I don't care where you're from," Zenkichi replied calmly. "You won't touch him again."
Thor, still kneeling, turned his gaze toward Zenkichi, now filled with awe. Just moments ago, he had resigned himself to death. Now, a man he barely knew had spoken two sentences and forced a god to retreat.
Who was this man?
What kind of power did he possess?
More importantly — why did he choose to help?
"Why…?" Thor asked, voice hoarse.
Zenkichi didn't answer immediately. His eyes remained fixed on Loki, sharp and cold.
But finally, without looking at Thor, he said, "Because I said I would."
Those words struck Thor deeper than he expected.
He didn't understand everything about Zenkichi — where he came from, what his goals were, or what kind of power he held. But what he now knew was enough.
He kept his word.
And in this moment, that was all that mattered.
Loki stood, brushing the dirt from his clothes. The fury in his eyes hadn't faded, but he made no move to attack again. His pride was wounded. His curiosity was piqued.
But above all, he had seen enough to know this — Zenkichi was not to be taken lightly.
"This isn't over," Loki spat, his voice low and venomous.
---
Milestones
100 Power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter
200 Power stones = 3 Bonus Chapters
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