Marvel: Beginning with the Collection of Shinra Tensei

Han Yu's words were harsh, but they were the truth—such is the nature of the world. Empires rise and fall; it's the rule of the universe. On Earth, nations are constantly overthrown, only to have new ones built atop their ruins.

As a Chinese person, Han Yu was all too familiar with such scenarios. To him, it was nothing out of the ordinary.

"Yes, I understand," Loki said, gritting his teeth. "That's why I want to make a deal with you."

"A deal? What kind of deal?" Han Yu asked with a slight smile. If Loki was offering a deal, it might be worth considering.

"I'm willing to trade my life for a chance to ensure Asgard doesn't fall!" Loki declared, his gaze unwavering.

This decision was monumental for Loki. He was someone with an inflated sense of self-worth, a trickster who relished deceiving others. Sacrificing himself for anyone was never part of his nature.

Loki valued his life above all else. No matter the situation, his priority was always self-preservation—a fact that had caused Thor no small amount of trouble.

But for Loki to say such a thing now showed just how resolute he was.

Han Yu chuckled and replied casually, "Touching. But tell me, what use would your life be to me?"

Loki was taken aback. Claim he was strong? Wanda, who stood by Han Yu's side, was far stronger than him.

Claim he was a prince? If Asgard were to be destroyed, his title would be meaningless.

From Han Yu's perspective, Loki was utterly insignificant.

"Alright then, let me offer you a solution," Han Yu said, noticing Loki's conflicted expression. He didn't want to make things difficult for Loki, especially since his request stemmed from genuine concern for his homeland—a rare and commendable spirit.

"Please, go ahead," Loki said eagerly.

"Join Earth's Sanctum Supreme and protect the planet for one thousand years. On one hand, it'll repay your debt for invading Earth. On the other hand, it'll settle the debt you owe me for helping with Asgard's crisis. How about it?"

One thousand years. To an ordinary human, the concept would be unfathomable. For people with lifespans barely exceeding a century, even a single decade could bring monumental changes.

Hearing such a timeframe left the Avengers in stunned silence. Even the oldest among them, Captain America, struggled to comprehend the weight of a thousand years.

Loki, however, understood. For Asgardians, whose average lifespan was around five thousand years, a thousand years was significant—it accounted for a fifth of their lives.

When Loki initially offered his life, he was prepared to serve Han Yu for two thousand, even three thousand years, obeying every command until his final breath.

Han Yu's demand of only a thousand years was, in comparison, a considerable concession.

"I, Loki, swear upon my life: If you, Han Yu, can help Asgard survive this catastrophe, I will dedicate myself to protecting Earth, without reservation, for eternity!"

Loki's vow was sincere, and his seriousness underscored just how dire Asgard's situation had become.

Seeing Loki's solemn pledge and determination, Han Yu no longer pressed him further. "Alright, I believe you. I accept."

"Han, do you need our help?" Stark asked as he stepped forward.

"Not for now," Han Yu replied. "Just keep Earth secure." He then added, "Alright, we need to find someone first. Someone who was once part of Asgard."

Loki was confused. "Who are you talking about? What do you mean by 'once part of Asgard'? Are they not there anymore?"

Without further explanation, Han Yu led Loki away.

The Avengers stayed behind, understanding they would be of little use in this battle. Sending them along would only result in unnecessary casualties.

Night had fallen.

On the road, Han Yu was driving his car while making a phone call. He spoke to Ultron on the other end of the line.

"Help me find someone—Johnny Blaze. Get it done in fifteen seconds."

As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of rapid keyboard typing echoed from the other side of the call. Within moments, Ultron's voice came back.

"I've sent you the address."

"Got it." Han Yu hung up immediately.

There was no unnecessary small talk. Ultron didn't ask what was going on either. If he wanted to know, he could simply hack into the Avengers Tower's surveillance footage and figure it out himself.

Han Yu hadn't requested Ultron's help with anything else, so Ultron didn't press for details. He wasn't the type to meddle. If Han Yu needed assistance, Ultron would drop everything and come to his aid without hesitation. But since nothing had been mentioned, Ultron returned to his usual pastime—gaming.

It wasn't long before Han Yu, Galacta, and Loki were standing outside a run-down bar.

The bar's exterior left much to be desired. Several letters on the neon sign had dimmed, and the remaining ones flickered weakly, as if they might burn out at any moment.

"The person we're looking for is here?" Loki asked skeptically.

He had expected some sort of legendary figure. But would such a person really be in a shabby bar like this?

"Relax and watch," Han Yu replied with a slight smile, pushing the door open.

Without a word, Galacta followed him inside. After hesitating for a moment, Loki also stepped through the door.

At the bar counter, a long-faced man was rummaging through his pockets, his expression increasingly strained. Finally, he looked at the bartender and said with a bitter smile,

"Jack, you see, I really don't have any money. How about we settle the tab for now…"

The bartender, however, wasn't having it.

"Johnny, you're a regular, and I don't want to make things difficult for you. But as of today, you owe a total of 470 dollars. You can't expect me to keep letting this slide. I have to make a living too."

As the bartender spoke, several burly men appeared behind Johnny and stood on either side of him.

Johnny realized he was in trouble. There was no way he'd get out of this bar without a fight. His hand silently gripped the base of his chair, preparing to strike, when a voice interrupted.

"I'll cover his tab. 470 dollars, right? Here's 500. Keep the change."

A pale hand held out a few crisp bills and handed them to the bartender. Seeing someone step in to pay, the bartender didn't argue. He took the money and signaled the burly men to stand down. They moved to another part of the bar.

Johnny turned around and saw someone he didn't recognize—an Asian man. Beside him was a stunningly beautiful young woman and… Loki?

Everyone knew about Loki's attack on New York, and Johnny was no exception. Seeing Loki standing behind this stranger, Johnny couldn't hide his surprise.

"Thanks, man. Name's Johnny. And you are?"

"I know who you are, Johnny Blaze," Han Yu replied with a faint smile. "Also known as…"

"The Ghost Rider!"

Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon

https://patreon.com/Glimmer09