Chapter 244: C236
"You are indeed more clever than I anticipated. Unfortunately, your mind works too quickly, making it difficult to discern the truth in your every word."
Loki stood before Thanos, attempting to maintain composure. Fear and despair gnawed at him, yet he suppressed them, forcing himself to appear calm and rational.
There was no deep-seated hatred here—no vendetta spanning lifetimes. The interaction between them transcended such trivial emotions, shaped instead by the vast power imbalance that defined their universe.
Yet, as Thanos knew, Loki was not someone who would surrender willingly. Compliance was not in his nature.
If Loki had been capable of true submission, Thanos might have spared him the indignity of kneeling. But unplanned outcomes were anathema to the Titan, and he despised uncertainty.
"You are nothing but an insignificant pawn in my plans," Thanos said coldly. "And if you wish to remain useful, I demand your obedience. Kneel."
His towering figure loomed over Loki, radiating a biting indifference and murderous intent. Loki's body trembled involuntarily. The primal fear threatened to overwhelm his reason, dragging him into the depths of despair.
His legs weakened, but pride kept him gripping the Eternal Spear tightly. He hoped the ancient weapon—once wielded by his father—might grant him courage. Yet he knew that courage was meaningless before Thanos.
Resistance would only provoke the Titan's wrath.
Loki made his decision quickly. When Thanos released his grip on Loki's chin, the trickster god lowered his head, his pride crumbling. He took a step back, then knelt, his voice laced with forced reverence.
"I am willing to surrender to you, the great Thanos. I only ask that the sun may still shine upon me... and that I may take my revenge on Asgard."