Facing the crowd's mounting pressure, Loki released another burst of energy.
The shockwave pulverized every rock within a hundred meters. Fandral and Hogun were instantly sent flying. The massive Volstagg barely managed to keep his footing, while Sif drove her sword into the ground with a backhanded motion, yet was still blown back four or five meters before stopping.
Ben slammed a fist into the earth. In an instant, the arm buried in the soil spread out like a plant's roots, gripping the ground tightly.
Only Steve raised his shield. The alloy shield, capable of absorbing tremendous amounts of Kinetic Energy, blocked the impact for him.
But immediately afterward, Loki leaped into the air and landed behind Captain America, swinging an arm at Captain America's head.
Crack!
The instant the armored fist came down, countless crystals shattered.
Ben had created an enormous crystal shield from afar. Like a tree enchanted by magic, it surged out of the earth in an instant, blocking the space between Captain America and Loki.
"Captain!" Ben shouted.
Captain America reacted quickly. He twisted his waist and gathered his strength, smashing The Hammer of Thor toward Loki's head from point-blank range!
Boom!
Powered by the divine force of thunder and lightning, the hammer Captain America swung possessed far more force than an electromagnetic cannon. He had thought this strike would severely injure Loki, yet after being hit by the hammer, Loki merely staggered before regaining his balance.
He attacked again, his metal fist crashing viciously toward Captain America.
Captain America hurriedly raised his shield.
Clang!
Fortunately, the Adamantium Shield came with a taunting effect, making every one of Loki's punches land squarely in its center. And because the shield itself contained Vibranium, it absorbed most of the impact.
But even the small portion that remained left