"Proceed according to the original plan."
Arthur glanced at Loki. "You know how to turn people invisible, right? Make me disappear."
"You'd best be prepared." Loki's expression was unreadable. "Control the power within you— otherwise, my magic won't work on you."
"Just don't try anything funny."
Arthur's lips twitched. Truth be told, letting Loki cast a spell on him was a gamble.
Loki had already attempted his usual mischief on Arthur multiple times, but none of his tricks had worked.
This time, Arthur was voluntarily cooperating, effectively lowering his natural resistance. If Loki wanted to seize the opportunity for a little payback, even with Thor standing right there, it wasn't a given that he'd resist the temptation.
But there was no turning back now—the plan was already in motion. Without another word, Arthur suppressed the cosmic energy coursing through him and gave Loki a nod.
Loki barely acknowledged him before flicking his gaze over. Arthur felt nothing unusual, but the shift in Thor's expression said it all.
"It worked," Thor confirmed.
"It worked?" Arthur echoed.
"Of course. Do you doubt my abilities?" Loki smirked, clearly pleased with himself.
To be fair, he had every right to be. With just a glance— no dramatic gestures, no incantations— the spell had been cast instantly.
That level of mastery wasn't something just anyone possessed.
And as the God of Mischief, the fact that Loki had resisted pranking Arthur meant his mind was elsewhere.
No matter how much he denied it, it was obvious—he had something else on his mind, something that made revenge take a back seat.
"Let's move," Thor said. "I just hope Malekith isn't too far ahead."
"Don't mention that name. It's making me hungry." Arthur muttered. He wondered if Li Xiaomi could cook up something inspired by Malekith.
As they walked, Arthur glanced at Loki. "How are you so good at using invisibility? Frigga mentioned it once. I know I can't use Asgardian magic—it's not compatible with my abilities—but from what I understand, invisibility isn't exactly a beginner's trick."
Before Loki could answer, Thor cut in. "Of all the spells Mother taught him, invisibility was the first one he mastered—and the one he perfected the fastest."
Arthur frowned in thought before murmuring, "Oh… now I get it."
"What?" Loki asked, turning his head slightly as he tried to locate Arthur—but even he couldn't see through his own magic. "I must say, my invisibility is quite exceptional. Even I can't find you."
Arthur deadpanned. "Praising yourself isn't exactly thrilling."
Then, with a smirk, he added, "The reason you're so good at invisibility… must be because you used it to spy on women in the baths, right?"
Loki's face darkened instantly, his jaw tightening. "Is that really what you think of me?"
"You act like you have loftier ambitions," Arthur shot back. "But based on what I know of you, that sounds about right."
"How little you understand me." Loki huffed.
Thor chuckled, then shook his head. "Actually, Arthur, you're mistaken. Loki may have his flaws, but your theory is selling him short."
"Then tell me," Arthur said, crossing his arms, "what was his reason?"
"Of course, it was for pranks," Thor said matter-of-factly.
"Exactly!" Loki nodded enthusiastically.
Even while invisible, Arthur was momentarily stunned. "That's your grand ambition?"
"Obviously!" Loki scoffed. "Have you forgotten who I am?"
"...The God of Mischief and Trickery…" Arthur sighed, shaking his head. "You gods are… surprisingly straightforward. Do all your powers and responsibilities just boil down to personality traits? Thor, are you only Thor because you've been throwing lightning since you were a kid?"
"...Can we have a serious conversation without disrespecting the gods?"
Thor blinked, feeling oddly attacked by that remark.
Loki chuckled, clearly about to stir the pot further—until Jane groaned softly in Thor's arms. Slowly, she opened her eyes, looking around in confusion.
"Where… are we?"
"The Dark World," Thor answered immediately. "How do you feel? Are you still in pain?"
Loki scoffed, rolling his eyes at the dramatic concern.
Arthur glanced between them, sensing something odd about the dynamic between these three.
Then Loki abruptly pointed toward the horizon. "What's that?"
Behind a rocky hill, a sleek black structure jutted out. It was too distant to fully make out, and the terrain obscured most of it, but from what was visible, it was clearly no natural formation—it was a man-made craft.
"That's a Dark Elf warship," Thor said, his expression darkening. "We've found them."
The group immediately picked up their pace. Thor didn't bother giving Jane the full rundown, only telling her they were here to stop Malekith and get her out safely.
Not that she could ask many questions—she was visibly drained. The Aether inside her was taking its toll, sapping her energy to the point that even speaking seemed like an effort.
Arthur hadn't said a word since she'd woken up.
That was part of the plan. If this was a trap, then Jane's condition had to be convincing.
But given her inexperience with deception, forcing her to play along might backfire. Instead, keeping her unaware and letting her react naturally was the best way to ensure there were no cracks in the act.
Of course, knowing how things worked, Arthur had a feeling that once this was over, Thor would owe Jane a very long explanation.
The silence stretched as they approached the final hill. Cresting the top, they finally had a clear view—there it stood, towering and ominous, the Dark Elf warship. Its jet-black surface was smooth yet foreboding, a relic of an ancient power.
Thor straightened. "Let's move!"
"Gladly."
Loki didn't hesitate—he drew a dagger and, without a second thought, plunged it straight into Thor's chest. Then, with a swift kick, he sent his brother tumbling down the slope.
It was a moment of pure, brutal betrayal.
Arthur remained hidden, watching as Loki sprinted after Thor, then, without hesitation, severed his hand.
For a brief second, a thought crossed Arthur's mind—what if this wasn't some elaborate illusion? What if Loki had actually turned on them?
The commotion didn't go unnoticed.
Like a crime boss flanked by his enforcers, Malekith emerged from the shadows, his cold gaze sweeping over the scene.
Arthur's eyes shifted toward the hulking, cursed warrior beside him, then back to Loki. A nagging suspicion formed in the back of his mind.
"Something about this… doesn't feel right."
(End of Chapter)
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