A Single Move Decides Victory or Defeat

"All-Father of the Gods, everyone who helped the two princes escape has been detained and awaits your judgment."

In the throne hall of Asgard's Golden Palace, an Einherjar was reporting to Odin, who stood atop the jade steps. But all he received in response was the All-Father of the Gods' fury. "What use is punishing them?! The key now is finding out where those two bastards are!"

Odin was practically bristling with rage. His beard and hair stood on end, bloodshot veins filled his single eye, and it looked as though the eyeball were about to pop out. That thunderous roar nearly frightened the Einherjar to his knees, giving him a firsthand understanding of what it meant for divine might to be like a prison—and that even an old dog still had a few teeth.

Odin truly was beside himself with anger. As King of Asgard, he had convened a royal council and clearly set the tone for this war. Yet Thor, as Crown Prince, had not only failed to share his father's burdens, but had led his own men in rallying convicted criminals to defy the royal decree! Even Heimdall, the guardian god he trusted most as his eyes and ears, had been swayed by him.

What was more, they had abducted Jane Foster, host of the Aether, from the palace, rendering all his previous battle plans meaningless. If word of this got out, what crime would the court officials accuse him of during deliberations?! Could he bear it?! How was he supposed to ascend the throne afterward?!

Frigga was also in the hall at that moment. Naturally, Sif and Fandral were not foolish enough to reveal that the Heavenly Queen had taken part in this matter. So, under the pretext of worrying about her son, she had come