Asgard.
Hela came to rule Asgard.
With a casual thrust of her sword, she pierced Volstagg, who was guarding Asgard.
The soldier mopping nearby was stunned.
Wisely, the soldier put down his mop, raised both hands, and knelt.
"I have no weapon."
Hela glanced at him and headed into Asgard.
Back in the Asgard that belonged to her, she could feel it welcoming her.
Just as the Golden Tree favored John, Asgard favored this woman who most embodied a conqueror.
What was Asgard's true nature?
It was far from merciful.
It was cruel, warlike, and bloody.
Asgard's glory was Valhalla, the resting place of warriors who died in battle.
Only a warlike people would have such a place.
The mercy Odin championed had shrouded Asgard in an illusion that lasted a thousand years.
Only Hela, who had fought beside Odin across the Nine Realms, knew Asgard's true face.
The former conqueror had gone to Valhalla, and the current conqueror had set foot here once more.
"You have always rejected me, but Asgard is more honest than you. It has made its choice."
An endless stream of power flowed into Hela.
She idly inspected her nails with contempt and said, "I've noticed that you know nothing about me."
She raised her eyes, slowly surveying the Asgardian army poised for battle.
An army stretching beyond sight stood before Hela.
Hogun, one of the Warriors Three, led them.
Hela thought of John and decided she should give these people, blinded by Odin's false facade, a chance.
"I am Hela, Odin's firstborn."
"Commander of the Asgard Legion."
"First in line to the throne."
With both hands on her hips, she surveyed the army imperiously. "I am the Goddess of Death."
Their answer was to draw their weapons and take up attack stances.
She grew