The Mirror Dimension fractured like a shattered glass pane, and in an instant, Ragna , Loki, Thor, and Strange reappeared on the bustling streets of New York City.
Fortunately, Loki's Glamour Magic held strong, keeping their presence veiled from the mortals around them.
Loki had no desire to be recognized. Once, he had stood with grand ambitions of ruling Midgard, but after his humiliating defeat at the hands of the Avengers, his name had become infamous. He preferred to operate from the shadows now.
Ragna 's gaze was sharp as he addressed Strange.
"Two things. First, take us to Odin. Second, I want a complete copy of the Book of Cagliostro and every tome in Kamar-Taj's archives."
Strange stiffened, his fingers instinctively twitching near the Eye of Agamotto. "We have a rough idea of Odin's whereabouts, and I'll help you find him. But the library—"
Before Strange could finish, Ragna cut him off.
"I'm not asking. Either you give me a copy, or I'll tear Kamar-Taj from its foundations."
A heavy silence fell. Strange gritted his teeth before reluctantly nodding.
"…As you wish."
There were times when personal pride had to be cast aside for the greater good. Kamar-Taj's knowledge was too valuable to be destroyed.
And against Ragna ? The current Sorcerer Supreme was weaker than any of his predecessors. The loss of the Ancient One had left Kamar-Taj vulnerable, with no master of Eldritch Magic capable of resisting Ragna 's overwhelming might.
Strange bitterly smiled. "The copies will be delivered within a day."
As soon as he spoke, he conjured a Sling Ring portal and stepped through, vanishing into the ether.
Ragna didn't bother wondering how Strange would convince the other sorcerers to comply. If Kamar-Taj still existed, it was only because he found their efforts against extra-dimensional threats useful. If not, he would have razed it to the ground long ago.
Thor was still processing what had happened, but Loki's eyes gleamed. He stepped forward, voice casual yet laced with intrigue.
"My dear brother," Loki murmured, "when the archives arrive, would you mind if I took a peek?"
"I've always been curious about Sorcerer Supreme magic. Perhaps there's something in those books that might interest me…"
The Mirror Dimension Strange had used, the portals, and the sheer variety of spells within Kamar-Taj—it all intrigued Loki. He had studied Asgardian magic for centuries, but this was something different.
Ragna 's gaze was indifferent.
"There are spells you can learn," he said. "And spells you cannot."
If Loki wished to strengthen himself, that was fine. A stronger Loki meant better protection for Frigga, something Ragna did not oppose.
But the dark magic lurking in Kamar-Taj's forbidden archives? That was another matter entirely. The last thing he needed was Loki summoning demonic entities or making pacts with Elder Gods out of reckless ambition.
Loki smirked, saying nothing further.
Without another word, Ragna led them to where Odin was spending his final days.
The Final Moments of Odin
The moment they arrived, Ragna 's cosmic awareness flared.
Odin's presence was unmistakable. His life force flickered like a candle in the wind, dangerously close to extinguishing.
They stood on a remote cliffside overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Lush green grass swayed in the breeze, the salty air carrying the distant cries of seagulls. Below, waves crashed against jagged black rocks, their foam spraying into the sky.
Odin stood at the cliff's edge, gazing toward the endless horizon.
"So beautiful…" Odin murmured.
He patted the grass beside him, wordlessly inviting them to sit.
Thor immediately slumped down, his heart heavy with unspoken emotions. Loki hesitated but eventually took his place beside Odin, his expression unreadable.
For all his schemes and mischief, Loki had always yearned for Odin's approval.
Ragna did not sit. He simply stood beside the old god, arms crossed as he observed Odin's dimming light.
"You are dying."
His voice carried no emotion. No sadness, no joy. Just a simple statement of fact.
Odin's lips curled slightly.
"Yes," he admitted. "My time is over."
Thor and Loki lowered their heads. They had always known this day would come. But knowing did not soften the pain.
Ragna frowned slightly.
"Midgard. Can you not prolong your life here?"
Odin exhaled, his lone eye gazing toward the sky.
"No. Even gods must meet their end."
A brief silence followed.
Ragna did not ask why Odin had chosen Midgard as his resting place if it could not extend his life. It did not matter. Instead, he simply took a step back, granting Odin and his sons the privacy they needed.
As he turned away, Ragna 's mind drifted elsewhere.
She would be here soon.
His sister. Hela.
And for some reason… he felt no excitement at her return.
The seagulls circled above, oblivious to the weight of the moment.
Minutes passed before Thor and Loki rejoined Ragna , their eyes red with grief.
"Father…" Thor choked, his voice barely a whisper.
Ragna nodded and stepped forward.
Odin's body was still, but his gaze was alert as he looked at Ragna one final time. The wrinkles on his face seemed deeper than ever, and his golden eyepatch had lost its luster.
But he smiled.
"I have fought for Asgard all my life," Odin said softly. "In the end… I did not wish to die there."
A pause. Then Odin looked at Ragna , his voice firm despite his fading strength.
"My son," he said, "I am proud of you."
And then… Odin was gone.
His body dissolved into golden light, carried away by the wind.
Thor and Loki clenched their fists. Neither spoke.
Ragna remained silent as well.
And then, the shadows stirred.
A dark aura spread across the grass, and from the abyss, Hela stepped forth.
Her obsidian armor gleamed under the sun, and her piercing green eyes swept across the land hungrily.
She inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh air, the warmth of the light.
"How exquisite…" she whispered. "The sea, the sky, the very air itself…"
A twisted smile curled across her lips.
Hel was truly Hell.
Ragna watched her carefully.
Then, without warning, he strode forward and embraced her.
Hela stiffened for a moment before smirking.
"Welcome back," Ragna murmured.
Then, he whispered, "I have a gift for you."
Hela's eyes glowed with interest.
"Oh? And what might that be, dear brother?"
Ragna smiled faintly.
"Asgard."
For the first time in centuries, Hela was speechless.
A heartbeat passed before she let out a quiet chuckle.
"You surprise me, Ragna ."
Then, her voice turned sharp.
"Haven't you ever considered taking the throne yourself?"
"The people of Asgard have long forgotten me."
Ragna met her gaze, his expression unreadable.
"Asgard is not my honor," he said simply. "It is yours. It always has been."
A heavy silence fell.
Then, softly, Ragna added—
"But before you take the throne… I need a favor."
A promise, whispered between gods.
And so, the age of Odin ended.
And the reign of Hela began.
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