Chapter 183: The Siege of Asgard's Army

While everyone was strategizing, Loki, wielding the Eternal Spear, had already arrived with Asgardian soldiers and citizens, marching along the Bifrost Bridge.

George quickly issued instructions: “Thor, you’ll need to stall for as much time as possible.
Steve, you’ll handle deploying our defenses for maximum effectiveness.
I’ll need ten minutes to prepare something big for them!”

Having said that, George began chanting an incantation.

Ever since acquiring ancient lightning magic from the dark sorcerer Maddox, George had dedicated most of his energy to studying it. He had even paused his exploration of other magical disciplines across various worlds to focus solely on mastering this ancient magic. With a strong foundation in sorcery and guidance from two seasoned Aurors, he had finally grasped the spell just days earlier—perfect timing to put it to use now.

Steve stepped up to outline their strategy:
“Our primary objective is to defend the control room of the Bifrost. We can’t let Loki activate the bridge’s energy to destroy Jotunheim.

We’ll hold our position at the entrance of the control room. That way, Loki won’t risk using heavy weaponry, as it could damage the control room itself. Additionally, the bridge’s narrow width means they can’t send too many soldiers at us simultaneously. We’ll only face five or six attackers at a time.”

Steve, the tactical mastermind, quickly assessed the strengths and weaknesses of both sides.

The enemy wasn’t just Asgardian soldiers—they also had terrifyingly advanced weaponry, like the laser cannons mounted throughout the city. However, by staying at the control room’s entrance, Loki would be forced into melee combat. Coupled with the Bifrost’s limited space, the defenders’ position would be much easier to hold.

“We’ll have myself, Logan, the Warriors Three, and Lady Sif form the front line. Tony, you’ll provide support from the back. Banner, hold off on unleashing the Hulk unless it becomes absolutely necessary.”

Everyone agreed with Steve’s strategy, including Tony, who, for once, refrained from his usual snide remarks.

Tony had always found Steve’s reputation exaggerated, thanks to his father’s endless praise of the man. He once dismissed Steve as little more than a government-manufactured hero with a superficial image. However, after recent events, Tony had come to respect Steve’s capabilities and character—though he would never admit it out loud.

Meanwhile, Loki arrived outside the control room with his entourage and confronted Thor:
“Heimdall, the Warriors Three, and Lady Sif—how dare you defy Father’s orders by bringing this banished Thor back to Asgard? Worse yet, you’ve brought along a group of lowly mortals!

As King of Asgard, I hereby charge you all with treason!”

Loki had realized something was amiss when he saw the Bifrost activate from the palace. He immediately rushed over with reinforcements. Spotting Thor, he seized the moment to frame the situation and set the narrative.

“And my dear brother,” Loki continued, “you should not have returned without Father’s permission. This is a direct violation of his command.

I will not punish you, but I urge you to return to Midgard. Once Father awakens, I’ll personally plead your case!”

“Loki, why did you conspire with the Frost Giants? Why did you let Laufey attempt to assassinate Father? Was it all for the throne?” Thor roared in anger.

Thor’s accusations caused murmurs among the Asgardian citizens behind Loki. But the God of Mischief remained calm. As a master of deception and lies, Loki was in his element, while Thor was utterly outmatched.

“Brother, how can you accuse me of such things? I have never coveted your throne. Father’s slumber left the kingdom leaderless, so I reluctantly stepped in as a temporary ruler.

I’ve been doing everything for Asgard’s sake. Once Father awakens, I’ll immediately step aside and restore your position as heir.

But until then, you must not defy Father’s will and return without permission out of jealousy.”

Loki’s impassioned performance swayed many of Thor’s supporters. Seeing this, Thor roared in frustration:
“Loki! Stop deceiving me! Heimdall and Sif have already told me everything!”

“Oh, I see. It must be Heimdall and the others misleading you. Brother, I could never believe you’d be jealous over such a trivial matter,” Loki retorted with feigned sadness.

Then, turning to his soldiers, he commanded:
“Seize Heimdall and the others!”

With Loki’s blatant distortion of facts, coupled with his position as acting king and his wielding of the Eternal Spear, Asgardian soldiers hesitated but reluctantly moved forward, weapons in hand.

“Lord Thor, please step aside,” one soldier said cautiously.

“Stand down!” Thor’s voice boomed across the bridge, his commanding presence halting the advancing soldiers momentarily.

But Loki wasn’t about to back off. “What are you doing? Do you intend to defy my orders and commit treason as well?” he shouted.

Then, without hesitation, Loki pointed the Eternal Spear at Thor and fired.

“Watch out!” Steve stepped in, using his shield to deflect the energy blast.

“I order all soldiers to capture them immediately!” Loki’s voice thundered, and the Asgardian soldiers launched a full-scale assault on the control room.

Thor, now powerless, was ushered back into the control room by Steve and the others.

The battle began.

On the front lines, Steve wielded Mjolnir and his shield, Logan unleashed his indestructible adamantium claws, and the Warriors Three fought alongside Lady Sif. Their combined efforts held the line at the control room’s entrance.

Behind them, Tony’s keen targeting with J.A.R.V.I.S.-guided weaponry ensured no enemy slipped through their defenses.

For now, not a single Asgardian soldier could break through to the control room.