In Asgard, Loki and Thor had not always been a case of "one causing trouble while the other laughed." They had often caused trouble together. Especially when they were young, Thor had not needed to undergo any training, while Loki had been spoiled rotten by Odin and his wife. Not a single god or goddess, flower or blade of grass in Asgard had escaped their clutches.
Although Loki often pulled pranks on his brother, the two of them had also frequently teamed up to prank others. They were therefore highly experienced and had developed a certain tacit understanding. Otherwise, Thor would not have insisted on bringing Loki to the battlefield—besides indulging his younger brother, he knew that magic could often solve problems fists could not.
All that could be said was that if Loki had ever experienced utter misfortune in any aspect of his life in Asgard, he would never have chosen to stand with his father and brother when Ragnarok arrived.
Having Loki take on the mage's role in the counter-encirclement plan was actually better than having Doctor Strange do it. He worked more seamlessly with Thor and understood those Asgardians better. Their coordination was exquisite.
If DC's side had only Green Lantern as a trained fighter, with no particular bonds with Wonder Woman and the others, then Marvel's forces formed a triple-linked chain of Thor, Loki, and the Asgardian warriors. They had always been part of the same combat system, so naturally they coordinated better.
The situation grew increasingly unfavorable. One Shazam was surrounded and attacked by Asgardian warriors, turning into white light. Then came a Green Lantern, followed by Wonder Woman. Their losses mounted, and the pace only quickened.
Hal's heart sank to the bottom. Just as he was preparing to make a desperate stand, he suddenly