Chapter Four: Battle Against Thor

The next morning, Artanis opened his eyes, ready to continue reading at the library. As a being of psychic power at level ten, he could go long periods without food, drink, or sleep; his body sustained itself by absorbing cosmic energy.

Arriving at the library, Artanis found the book he had been reading the day before and resumed his study of Rune Magic.

Seated by the window, Artanis glanced at the broken Rainbow Bridge. Odin should find a solution today; at the latest, they would return to Midgard tomorrow. Yet, two years had already passed in Midgard.

Footsteps echoed from the corridor, growing ever closer. Artanis looked up—it was the next king of Asgard, the God of Thunder, Thor, who had been demoted and reinstated all in one day.

“Artanis, you really are here,” Thor said, excitement lighting his face as he strode up and clapped Artanis on the shoulder. “Hey, mate, you finally made it to Asgard—why stay cooped up in here? Come to the training grounds with me, let’s spar a little.”

Artanis closed his book and stood, bumping fists with Thor. “Alright, let me put this away and I’ll join you.”

Though Artanis had only been to Asgard twice before, he knew well the warlike nature of the Thunder God before him. He still remembered Thor’s curiosity during his first visit—wondering what distinguished Artanis’s lightning from his own—though the queen had prevented any demonstration at the time.

During his second visit, he had stayed only a short while and hadn’t fought Thor. Now, with the Rainbow Bridge destroyed and himself stranded in Asgard, Thor surely wouldn’t let this opportunity slip by.

After shelving his book, Artanis followed Thor to the training grounds. Along the way, Thor regaled him with tales of past battles. Knowing Thor’s nature, Artanis listened attentively, occasionally sharing his own combat experiences.

“…Fascinating. Do you have images of these creatures called Ralf? I’d love to see what they truly look like,” Thor said, eager to witness the alien beasts Artanis described.

“Certainly, Thor. I can retrieve the relevant footage when I return to my quarters.” Artanis nodded. The Ralf were wild creatures discovered by the Protoss Empire in Andromeda—highly aggressive and fast-breeding, they had a profound impact on the local ecosystem. Protoss Templar sometimes hunted them as part of their coming-of-age rituals.

“I’ve told you, don’t call me ‘Sir.’ We’ve talked so long—we’re friends now. Just call me Thor. All right, we’re here. Don’t forget that footage,” Thor said, correcting Artanis’s address with a satisfied nod.

“Very well, Thor. I will remember.” Artanis nodded, following Thor into the training grounds.

Only a few fighters were training, including Sif and Fandral, whom Artanis had met yesterday.

Observing Sif’s position in yesterday’s lineup, Artanis had suspected she was the bride Odin intended for Thor. Yet, judging by their interaction, nothing seemed to have developed between them.

“Hey, Sif. Hey, Fandral. I brought Artanis over. Clear the area—our fight might get intense,” Thor announced to his companions. “Oh, I haven’t formally introduced you. This is Artanis, ambassador from the Protoss Empire. Artanis, this is Sif, the female warrior, and Fandral, the brave fighter—both among the Four Warriors of the Palace and my closest friends and allies.”

“Greetings to the Four Warriors of Asgard,” Artanis said. Sif and Fandral returned the salute, “Greetings to the messenger from the Protoss Empire.”

Thor waved them off impatiently, “Enough with the greetings and titles. We’re all friends—just use names. Sif, I want to spar with Artanis. Please clear the training grounds.”

Sif nodded, giving Artanis an apologetic smile as she ushered the bystanders away. Fandral chuckled, “In that case, I’ll call you Artanis. Do you need any weapons for your match with Thor?”

Artanis shook his head and extended his right hand, showing the psychic blade focus he wore. “No need, Fandral. I have my own weapon.” With that, he manifested his psychic blade and then withdrew it.

Thor clicked his tongue, eyeing Artanis’s wrist. “Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve seen your weapons. Do all your people use these?”

Artanis nodded slightly. “Nearly all Templar use the psychic blade focus for close combat. The Nerazim, however, sometimes wield a scythe-like weapon.”

“Well, I’m off to spectate, then. Be careful, you two—we can’t patch you up if things get rough,” Fandral cautioned as he headed out.

“Don’t worry, Fandral, I’ll be careful,” Thor replied with a shrug. Artanis nodded, “I’ll take care.”

Soon, everyone else had left to watch from outside. Sif had activated the rune barrier around the training grounds to protect the audience from the clash.

“Come, Artanis. Let me witness the way of Khala,” Thor said, swinging his hammer as he charged at Artanis. Though eager to see the difference between their lightning, since they were in the training grounds, close combat was inevitable.

Artanis crossed his arms, his psychic blades blocking Thor’s hammer. He retreated several meters, then thrust his hands forward, sending Thor stumbling back with the force.

“Not bad! Try this one!” Thor leaped backward, and before he hit the ground, hurled his hammer at Artanis. After pushing Thor away, Artanis steadied himself, then dashed forward. When the hammer came flying toward him, Artanis blinked aside, evading the attack.

Now above Thor, Artanis prepared to deliver a downward strike, but Thor summoned his hammer back in time to block the assault. The two engaged in a fierce exchange.

Each collision between the psychic blades and Thor’s hammer sent shockwaves rippling across the training ground, leaving craters in the earth. When their melee standoff reached a stalemate, and Artanis’s attack was once more blocked, Thor seized the moment to leap dozens of meters away.

“Well, looks like the close combat round is over. Now for the main event,” Thor called out, smiling at Artanis. Seeing Thor retreat, Artanis understood his intentions and withdrew his psychic blades.