Arc 44 - Thunder

The moon of planet Xiem, Vanaha Empire:

A human named, Edward Hunt, who goes by the name of Norse God, has been indiscriminately terrorising planets of different empires. He has been bringing death and destruction to their door.

Before him stands the deadliest assassin in the galaxy. Can the Reaper go against Norse God?

Edward shot out blue sparks around him. His thunder increased. It roared across the moon and could be heard for light years.

Just above the moon, Iket, the divine ruler of Vanaha Empire, has been sitting in one of the battleships.

“” Iket muttered.

He then moved his fingers and the screen showed the moon of planet Xiem. He could not see much except for lightning.

Back on the planet Xiem’s moon, the only person standing before Edward is Reaper.

“Oh?” Edward said in a mocking tone. “You are going to fight me?”

After saying that, he burst into laughter.

As he laughed, the lightning increased.

“I have the powers of Norse Gods.” Edward Hunt shouted as the sparks increased.

The sparks hit Reaper from all directions. However, Reaper took the lightning like it was nothing.

“Oh? So you are powerful too?” Norse God narrowed his eyes. “But you know...”

The lightning stopped completely.

“... I have the power of multiple Norse Gods. I have the Wisdom of Mimir, Power of Odin, Thunder of Thor, Life of Yggdrasil, Precognition of Heimdall, and Speed of Hermod”

A smile ripped his face in half. If someone saw it, it would send a chill down their spine, but Reaper did not show any reactions.

“That means I have all powers of Odin, the Allfather. Even though I might have mentioned the specific power from each God, I get all of their powers.”

Reaper did not show any reactions to what this guy was saying. Norse Gods are from Norse Mythology, which means they are not real. And the myth only exists on Earth, so Reaper and the others would not know about it.

“So, what can you do against me?”

Reaper clicked his tongue in annoyance.

“Is that all?”

As he said that, Edward’s breath got caught in his throat. His smile had now vanished.

“Y-you speak English? In here?”

“No. This is just a translator.”

Without saying anything else, Reaper shot towards Norse God at the speed of sound like a rocket.

He was about to punch him, but something unexpected… or expected happened.

Edwards caught Reaper’s attack with one hand. This surprised Reaper.

As he looked at the Norse God, he saw him smiling.

“Didn’t you hear? I have precognition.”

“Precognition…?”

Before Reaper could do something against the Norse God, he was already being hit by huge chunks of lightning.

He was then thrown away.

Edward started flying 30 meters in the air. His whole body was surrounded by lightning. His green eyes were replaced by blue lightning.

Reaper slowly got up.

His eyes lit up with blue energy as well. His hands lit up with similar energy.

He then started flying beside the Norse God.

After a little while, he tried energy attacks and physical attacks, but it never landed the target.

Their battle continued for a few minutes and through this time, Reaper could not land a hit, instead, he was getting hit every time he stood up.

“It’s stupid to fight me,” Edward said as he landed next to Reaper. He stopped emitting blue sparks. “I combined the powers of Norse Gods from different stories. I used Norse Mythology and comics. I also used other forms of media.”

Edward then crouched next to Reaper.

“In Marvel Comics, Odin has gone toe-to-toe against the freaking Galactus. He has fought against Thanos, the Mad Titan.” Edward paused. “Using his power, I get enough strength to take down armies. Have enough endurance to take hits from you undamaged. And I also have access to magic. I can cast spells without doing a lot of preparations.”

Edwards then held Reaper by his throat.

“Thor has gone against Galactus, too. Thor has also fought against Superman and the Sentry. That alone should tell you how powerful he is. From his side of the power, I get control over all forms of weather.”

He then picked up Reaper by his throat.

“I get my life force from the tree of life. It provides me with healing and immortality.”

He then started to float.

“I said I also get Precognition of Heimdall, but that is not all. I also get all of his senses.”

Reaper did not understand most of the thing Edward was saying, but he continued to listen.

“I have the speed of Hermod as well and let’s not forget the wisdom of Mimir.” He paused. “Do you understand how powerful I am?”

Edward then slammed Reaper on the ground.

As soon as Reaper hit the ground, massive shockwaves were created. A small crater was created as well.

Earth’s moon:

Nazar has been working on finding out who is the person behind the new superhumans and who is actually responsible for killing his dear friend. However, he also knows that he is also responsible for her death.

Until a moment ago, he was talking to his AI, Solace, about if he found anything regarding the mastermind behind the last few days. Unfortunately, the AI had not found anything.

However, the AI did mention that there was an energy signature it could not follow.

After a little while, Nazar followed and found the energy signature. It was magic. More importantly, it was demonic magic.

This magic was used about a week ago and the trail was very weak.

As he was thinking, Lucifer, the first angel showed up. He whispered something in Nazar’s ear.

“You will find your answers in the middle of a cosmic war,” Lucifer whispered in Nazar’s ear.

Nazar was confused as to what he had said and he did not get any chance to ask Lucifer because he had already left. He also wanted to ask him about why he no longer cares about Earth.

“Cosmic war…?” He muttered over and over again.

- What is wrong, Master? -

“Nothing, Solace,” Nazar said in a confused tone. “He just said cosmic war. What could it really...?”

He realised something. With that, his eyes widened in shock.

“Solace, do you remember the call from the other day?”

- Which call? -

“The one from Vanaha Empire.”

- Oh yes. I have it recorded here. Do you want me to play it for you? -

About a week ago when the war between Vanaha Empire and Duluria Empire, Kiet Xehz, the prince of Vanaha Empire had contacted Nazar. He asked Nazar to help him stop the war between the two empires.

He went over the recording and traced the frequency of the transmission.

“Solace, tap into their frequency. I want to know if the war has ended.”

After a few minutes, the AI reported back.

- Sir, it is impossible for me to tap into their frequencies. -

“As expected of them,” Nazar muttered.

Nazar walked out of the control room, where there are thousands of screens, monitoring the world.

He walked out of the door, only to see Laura standing there.

“I did not want to disturb you, so I just waited here,” Laura said as she slowly waved the tablet in her hand.

“What is it?”

“Here is the weekly report on improvement and how the world is progressing.”

Nazar took the tablet from her and started going through the report.

He started walking towards the main lobby and Laura followed.

“Thanks,” Nazar said.

After reading over it, he turned his gaze towards Laura, who was walking slowly behind him.

“022 had the most improvements. She has great potential. Should I increase her power levels?”

“No,” Laura replied immediately. “As you said before, you don’t like having too much power. So, do you really think she would want that?”

“You are… not wrong.” Nazar said slowly as he handed the tablet back to Laura.

“Did you read about how the new governments have slowly started operating?”

“Yes, but it still bugs me in so many ways.”

Nazar and Laura reached the main lobby, where there was a glass table.

The glass table is used by Solace to ‘materialise’ itself as a hologram.

As he and Laura reached there, they suddenly stopped talking. Someone teleported in. No, many people teleported in. Most of the superhumans returned and among them was 001.

001 did not look happy. I mean, who would look happy if they just lost their sister a few days ago?

He walked fast towards Nazar and held him by his collar.

“What the hell have you done, you bastard?”

“Hm?”

“Why did you kill all of them?”

“Because--”

Before he could finish, 001 punched Nazar in the face. Nazar obviously removed his powers so it would not hurt 001.

“'Because' what? Because they killed Emily? And whose fault is that?”

As 001 shouted at Nazar, the other superhumans watched slowly. And Nazar did not show any reactions.

“If you really wanted to punish someone, then punish yourself.” 001 paused. “Stop killing people in her name.”

Nazar did not do anything. He just merely stood in his place and took it in.

The fault was Nazar’s. He was the one who handed Internal Order information about himself and the others.

001 then let go of Nazar’s collar and placed something on the table that was supposed to be used by Solace.

It was an ID card. It was Internal Order ID card that Nazar had modified. Anyone who has this ID card can access all facilities in this base and they can use this to teleport around. It also allows them to stay in contact with their colleagues no matter where they are.

“001--”

“I am no longer 001, Laura. I quit.”

“Okay,” Nazar said.

001 looked back but then immediately turned his gaze towards other superhumans.

“Are you guys really going to work for this man?”

The others lowered their gaze a little.

“What has he done that will make you want to work for him? He is a selfish bastard who only thinks about himself.”

001… no, Jake was teleported out by Solace.

“If you guys want to quit too, then please go ahead and do it now,” Nazar said. “I am not forcing you to stay.”

As Nazar said that, all of them left their ID cards and were teleported out.

Laura was in complete shock while Nazar did not show any reaction.

“What the…?”

“If you want to leave too, then go ahead. I will pay for all your expenses and everything else you need for as long as you want.”

He said that while turning his gaze towards Laura, who was the only person left behind.

“...”

“I am going somewhere. A cosmic war is underway and I will get my answers there. So, until I get back, can you stay here and fix these things with Solace? Please?”

“..Okay.”

As she said that, Nazar smiled.

“...Sorry.”

“For what?” Laura said in a confused tone.

“I thought I was doing something good here. I thought they actually wanted to be here… and I wasted your time.”

Nazar then teleported out.

Moon of planet Xiem, Vanaha Empire:

Reaper was still being tossed around by the being known as Norse God.

“You are nothing but an alien with superhuman level abilities.” Edward Hunt said as he smiled. “Did you really think you had any chance against me.”

Reaper got up.

“Is this all you can do?”

He wants to know more about his opponent and want to find a weakness. Reaper also wants to buy some time so the others might help him.

“No. I can also cast magical spells and other stuff.”

The thunder increased and the attacks on Reaper did not stop. He dodged some of them and took some of them.

Whenever he attacked back, it never hit Norse God because he could see his every move before he even thought about it.

Outside planet Xiem:

Nazar reappeared outside of planet Xiem. There is a shield around the planet that stops all kind of transportation to the planet and all attacks are nullified.

“What the hell?” Nazar muttered.

He then touched the shield and it was something that Nazar has never seen before.

“Quantum based shield?” Nazar sounded amazed.

He then analysed the shield, but he could not come up with anything that will help him go through it.

“I guess they placed this shield because of the war. Then, I guess there is still time for me to get my answers.”

He scanned the area around and saw a battleship. He teleported inside it and saw Iket Xehz.

As soon as Nazar saw him, he went close to him.

Iket stood up in surprise but Nazar gave him a slight push, which made him land back in his chair.

Nazar then placed his hands on the chair’s arms.

“Did you send someone to Earth about a week ago?”

“No.”

“Did you order someone to keep me busy?”

“No.”

Nazar did not show any emotions or expressions. His voice was as cold as death.

“Okay.”

“Why are you here?”

“Someone told me I can get my answers here.”

Nazar did not say anything else.

He was about to teleport somewhere else, but he heard a thunder. A thunder so powerful that it pierced his eardrums.

“What the hell is that?”

As he muttered that, he realised something. He saw someone controlling weather not long ago.

He increased his speed and headed towards the thunder, which was on the moon.

He wanted to know if it was the same person.

After a few seconds, he reached the place.

There were lightning sparks everywhere.

He went in and grabbed the person in the middle of it by his throat.

As soon as he grabbed him, he held him up while floating.

When Edward Hunt saw the person before him, he stopped throwing lightning everywhere.

He was surprised to see Nazar there.

“N-N-Nazar?” Edward squeaked.

“English?” Nazar said without showing any emotions or expressions.

He has his emotions back and he does not want to get rid of it, but right now he does not want to show it on his face.

“Were you on Earth about 4 weeks ago?”

“Y-yes. Where else would I be?”

As Edward said that, Nazar squeezed his throat.

“I… I am… human...”

Edward found it hard to deliver the last part, but he did anyway.

“Human?”

“Yes,” Edward said after a little while. “Yes, I am a human.”

“When did you get your powers?”

“A… few days… ago.”

Nazar loosened his hand a little so Edward could talk.

“A few days ago?”

“Like three days ago.”

“Three days ago? Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Edward said immediately.

Nazar let go of his throat and they were both floating now.

“Why are you here?”

“I need answers and this is where I can find them.”

“Answers?”

“Answers to the death of my friend.”

“I am sorry, man. It must be rough.”

“Yes, it is because I am responsible for her death.”

Nazar then looked around and saw a familiar figure on the ground. Reaper.

Nazar saw him briefly when he was taken by the aliens.

He went down and held Reaper by his throat.

He raised his hand.

Reaper was hanging from Nazar’s hand.

He did not seem to struggle.

“Hmm… quantum manipulation. Good power.”

Reaper was surprised. He has lived this far by keeping his powers a secret. No one in the universe has been able to figure out what his power was, but Nazar found out about it in an instant.

“Anyway, you should be thankful. If I saw you a few days ago, I would have killed you instantly.” Nazar paused. “So, who told you to kidnap me?”

“... It was Iket Xehz.” Reaper paused. “Also, you should be thankful too.”

“Hm?”

“You see, when you tried to use your teleportation, you could not do it. But later on, when you tried it, it worked. The reason was simple. I managed to remove everything that was stopping you from teleporting.”

Nazar let go of Reaper.

“Why?”

“I… don’t want to see children suffer.”

Nazar released a very long sigh.

“Iket, huh?”

At that moment, Kiet and the others teleported in.

They were all confused.

“I didn’t think you would come.”

“Well, Lucifer told me I will get my answers here. So, here I am.”

Nazar said that in a calm tone, but everyone else was frozen in their place due to shock and fear.

“Lucifer?” Edward shouted. “As in the freaking devil?”

Nazar turned around and saw sparks in Edward’s eyes.

“He is a fallen angel.”

“Wait, you are serious?”

“Yes. I don’t joke.”

Nazar then noticed something. How did this human get his powers if he did not get it more than a week ago?

“Anyway, how did you get your powers?”

“A few days ago, a woman came to me and asked me if I wanted powers. I said yes and then she asked me what powers I wanted. So, I told her I wanted powers based on Norse Mythology. I was a big fan of Captain Marvel/Shazam, so I always thought it would be cool to have a Nose Mythology based character like that. So, I when I told her which powers I wanted, she gave it to me.” Edward explained in excitement.

“A nerd, huh?” Nazar chuckled as he said that.

“What? You hate nerd?”

“No.”

“By the way, I am a big fan.”

“Why?”

“Well, you are powerful. And you are the first superhuman.”

Nazar clicked his tongue in annoyance as he turned to face Kiet and the others.

“By the way, my name is Edward Hunt but you can call me Norse God.”

Nazar did not bother turning around, so he did not notice that Edward has had his hand out. He wanted a shake his hand with Nazar.

So, when Nazar did not turn around, he awkwardly and slowly raised his hand and started scratching his head.

“So, what’s happening?”

Kiet then explained what has happened, what is happening, and why Reaper is here.

He also told him about the things Edward had one.

Nazar immediately turned around to see Edward smiling.

He started emitting blue sparks. As he did that, his green eyes turned blue and the thunder started coming down.

He did not look the same.

Nazar analysed the energy signature and he froze in his place.

“Demonic magic…?” Nazar muttered slowly.

“What?”

“He is right, that person is using demonic magic,” Lian said that in her tongue, but it was automatically translated to English.

“But it is a little different than the one on Earth.” Nazar muttered under his breath.

Norse God started throwing thunder and magical attacks towards them.

Nazar and Reaper took them head on.

They did not care about what it was. They were powerful enough to not be bothered by it. However, the others had teleported out. Just before the attack reached them, Nazar had waved his hand and sent the others somewhere else.

He then stood there and looked up a little.

Edward was floating and his whole body was emitting blue sparks. Sparks so powerful that it could easily fry a human.

(I really shouldn’t trust anyone but...)

“Ready?”

“Yes,” Reaper replied.

Then then exchanged glances before shooting towards Edward at a speed faster than the sound itself.