The Eternal God's Backup

Demon Dragon Nidhogg, is an ancient creature that exists only in Asgardian Calendar textbooks. It is rumored to be a demon that has existed since the birth of the World Tree.

Thor didn't used to enjoy reading much, but he had heard of Nidhogg, no matter how much he disliked reading.

Besides history textbooks, there are many myths and legends about Nidhogg in Asgard folklore.

Those legends left an indelible impression on young Thor.

Frigga had told Thor and Loki many stories about this evil dragon before. There were even rumors that this dragon was actually the culprit behind Twilight of the Gods, because it had been gnawing on the roots of the World Tree, the foundation of the Nine Realms, since its birth.

But rumors are just rumors, and basically no one takes them seriously.

Sixteen hundred years had passed, and the events that had occurred during that time had long since erased the name of the Demon Dragon Nidhogg from Thor's mind. But now, Frigga's panic had brought that name back to Thor's attention.

"Mother, Nidhogg really exist?"

"Wasn't it said to be just a legend?"

Thor frowned, a thought vaguely forming in his mind.

A reckless and audacious idea.

"No, it really exists." Frigga sighed and nodded heavily.

"That happened before I married your father..." A long-buried history was slowly recounted by Frigga.

Back then, Odin was full of vigor and Central City the Nine Realms, having ruined countless women; at that time, Frigga was the pride of Vanaheim, with a far-reaching reputation.

Their encounter began during a crisis, and it was precisely that crisis that brought Odin into contact with the power and call of the World Tree.

The legendary Demon Dragon Nidhogg was the only creature Odin encountered at that time that could instill fear in him.

"Listen to me, Thor."

"Nidhogg must be trying to seduce you, just like it tried to seduce Odin back then."

"Don't be fooled, don't think about that voice, forget about that voice."

"It is a demon that will bring disaster to the entire Nine Realms. Once it breaks free, both Asgard and the Nine Realms will be destroyed!"

Frigga's warning was serious and earnest.

The power of the Fire Giant Surtur is negligible compared to that of the Demon Dragon Nidhogg; otherwise, Odin wouldn't have been able to so easily take away the Eternal Fire back then.

In Frigga's mind, Thor was no match for the Fire Giant Surtur. If Thor were to be lured away by Nidhogg, it would be like a lamb entering a tiger's den, an instant death.

"I understand, Mother." Thor suppressed his thoughtful expression and forced a smile.

"Good that you understand. You can stay here with me until the wedding starts." Frigga gently stroked her son's cheek, not asking Thor about the change in his hairstyle.

Let bygones be bygones.

"Wedding?"

"Hela has been preparing for her wedding to Beckett for a long time. I promised her that I would attend, as a mother."

Frigga couldn't ignore Hela because of the debt she owed her in the past, and attending the wedding was the only way Frigga could make amends at the moment.

Even if she had to personally hand Hela's hand to Beckett.

"..." Upon hearing the name [Beckett], Thor's smile vanished instantly.

"You are still my son, Thor. Hela won't kill you. So, promise me you won't do anything foolish." Frigga understood Hela. She hated Odin to the core, but a trace of warmth for her family remained in her heart.

Because she is the Goddess of Death in Asgard.

As long as Thor doesn't cause trouble, Hela might even allow him to continue holding an important position in Asgard (this can be seen from the conversation between Thor and Hela in the royal palace in Thor 3; Hela's hatred is only for Odin at heart).

"I know, Mother." Thor had finally learned maturity on Sakaar, maintained his composure.

"You—" Frigga's relieved expression froze for a moment. The sudden change made Thor's face change drastically. He subconsciously wanted to protect his mother behind him, but a figure silently blocked his way.

His tall figure was completely concealed by a black robe, making his face impossible to see.

The only thing Thor could see clearly was the mysterious man's hands, which resembled the deep starry sky.

"Who are you?!" The Odinforce surged wildly within Thor, and for the first time since escaping from Sakaar, Thor revealed his full strength in front of others.

The dense, flashing lightning truly lived up to the name of the God of Thor.

"I am Eternity."

"Never heard of it." Thor attacked fiercely, his target aimed directly at the heart of [Eternity]!

The fierce lightning, however, could not advance an inch when it was only one step away from "Eternity," no matter how hard Thor tried.

"This universe is facing a crisis, Son of Odin."

"And you are the one we have chosen."

[Eternity] spoke.

His deep, husky voice, like his demeanor, was utterly mysterious.

"Nidhogg's roar is because it senses an impending crisis and wants to escape."

"And you are the only one who can help it leave right now."

With a thought of "[Eternity]", Thor felt a sudden darkness before his eyes. Then, he found himself no longer in the Asgard prison, but...

"The World Tree..."

At the base of the towering tree, a ferocious dragon-like creature with glistening black scales was tearing at the tree root that was firmly pinning it down!

"Roar!!!"

The mournful and furious roars continued unabated, as if the Demon Dragon Nidhogg had no idea that the uninvited guests, Eternity and Thor, were there, and continued its tearing apart.

"You..."

"My time is running out, Son of Odin," Eternity interrupted him, his back turned to Thor.

"By fusing with the power of the World Tree, you will have the strength to kill the Son of Thanos. Of course, you will also be able to save this universe."

Now, tell me your choice.

The voice of "Eternity" was so cold and devoid of any emotion that Thor was quite tempted by the choice it offered.

"I still have the same question."

"Who are you?" Although tempted, Thor, now more mature, would not be easily fooled again.

Why did you choose me?

"I am God." [Eternity] lifted the black robe covering his arms, revealing a magnificent starry river that made Thor's eyes widen in astonishment.

"Your father Odin made a little impression on us back then, but your potential surpasses Odin's."

"Therefore, we chose you."

Now, tell me your choice.

[Eternity] Turns around.

Although his face was still not visible, Thor fell into a wavering silence.

The power to defeat Beckett was an irresistible temptation for him.

He finds it hard to refuse.

Even if the person in front of him who calls himself "Eternity" is of unknown origin, even if he doesn't know whether what "Eternity" says is true or false.

"Roar!!!"

The roar of Demon Dragon Nidhogg, echoed in Thor's ears like the last straw that broke the camel's back, prompting him to make a decision that followed his heart:

What should I do?