However, with his pride as the Prince of Asgard, Thor was above doing common jobs. And he didn't seem to have any skills outside combat and physical strength either.
To imagine Thor working as construction worker and carrying bricks around...
Therefore, when he heard that Tony could pay the members of the alliance, he agreed to join without a second thought.
...
Li Yue almost couldn't hold his laughter when he thought about how Thor, Odinson, God of Thunder had readily joined an alliance just for money.
"Well, at least he's happy. What are the rest of you hesitating for? Thor, don't worry. From now on, I will cover all your expenses on Earth!"
Tony, on the other hand, was happy to see that Thor had readily joined his proposed alliance. He couldn't stop himself from promising to take over all of Thor's future expenses. It had to be said: money could really do anything!
"I agree to join too!"
Captain America was tempted out of his hesitation when he heard Tony's bold promises about the future expenses. He agreed!
Despite being a historical and spiritual symbol of the nation, his return hadn't been officially announced yet. He couldn't just go out there to work and make money, he was fully reliant on SHIELD's financial assistance.
Moreover, the current housing price was very high, and he could not even afford a house of his own. He was still living in the apartment that SHIELD had arranged for him.
Well, the reasons mentioned above was obviously a joke. Captain America wasn't the kind of people to sell his principle for money.
He had carefully weighed the factors, and decided that Tony's plan was both feasible and necessary. Tony wasn't the only one to worry about Earth's future after fighting Dormammu.
Who knew when the next danger would come to Earth? It was undoubtedly the best choice to start preparing.
Captain America also saw Thor and Li Yue's power. Although he was unwilling to admit it, he knew that it would be difficult for him to survive the same punishment that they would've shrugged.
Getting those two to move for Earth's interest would definitely be the best way to ensure Earth's safety. He knew full well the importance of a strong team!
He had known about the plan made by the Director of SHIELD. The Director would probably want him in the Avengers as well, but he agreed with Tony. Revenge is not replacement for precautions!
Moreover, joining the Avengers would probably mean getting under the government's command. He was done with getting used for things he wanted nothing to do with.
...
"Li Yue, only you and Miss Annie are left! What are your thoughts?"
Tony's smile brightened when he heard that Captain America would join him. He then turned to face Li Yue.
The person Tony wanted to join his team the most was undoubtedly Li Yue. Their good relationship aside, Li Yue's ability to see the future alone could drastically reduce the amount of danger they would need to face.
Moreover, Li Yue's combat strength was several times stronger than Thor's. The alliance would desperately need such raw firepower, especially in the beginning. If there was no other hidden expert at Ancient One's level, Li Yue was definitely the strongest being on Earth/
"I think it would be better for Annie to join you. As for me, then forget it. I don't need the hassle!"
Li Yue had thought long and hard, but he ultimately decided not to join the team.
If it was back when he had just arrived in Marvel universe, he would've been very happy to fight side by side with Tony, Captain America, Thor, and the others.
But after accelerating Dormammu's invasion by years, Li Yue felt that he should be a little more cautious.
"I don't think you should decide in a hurry, Li Yue. If you don't want the hassle of a full-time member, you can join as a consultant.
"When we can resolve the threat on our own, you wouldn't need to involve yourself. We just need you to take care of dangers that we cannot contend against.
"That way, you wouldn't have the hassle of handling every little thing, and we can also rely on you for peace of mind. After all, if not even you can defeat the enemy, we're all toast anyway," Tony proposed a compromise to Li Yue.
"I..."
Li Yue wavered at Tony's offer.
"Li Yue, I know that you have seen the future of this world, and you have been hesitant to reveal the danger of the future to me. Perhaps you have your own plans."
Tony continued to speak.
"But as dictated by the Butterfly effect, your appearance in itself must have caused unpredictable changes to the future. Perhaps it was that very change that gathered us all here.
"The Captain was revived two years early, my armor research accelerated. I don't know about Thor, but he probably wouldn't have used two weapons at once!
"You must have led him to obtain that second weapon. I think you have purposefully led us this path, to gain strength so that we can face the unknown dangers of the future.
"What I'm saying is, maybe you have seen yourself as an outsider, unrelated to the progression of events. But you ARE a person of this world. You have friends in this world, and your girlfriend is also here.
"So you can no longer consider yourself unrelated to the life and death of this world."
...
"Alright, alright, you don't have to say more than that. I agree, alright?!"
Li Yue facepalmed helplessly as Tony preached long and wide like a monk from the Tang dynasty. He wryly agreed to join the alliance.
"Say it earlier, dammit. You wasted my breath."
Tony smiled in satisfaction.
"Well, since everyone had agreed to join, it's time to pick a name! I'm accepting suggestions."
Tony was happy that his proposal was accepted, so he went on a roll!
Although the alliance currently only had five members, they were all elites, especially Li Yue and Thor. Their combat strength was quite literally heaven-defying.
Tony could already see that this alliance would stand at the spotlight of the world, gaining attention and respect. Of course, the alliance's name was of utmost importance!
"I think we can just use 'Strongest Alliance!' As the name suggests, we are the alliance of the strongest."
Thor was the first to give a perfectly expected name suggestion.
"What about the 'Guardian Alliance,' referring to out purpose to protect the Earth?"
Captain America suggested, ignoring Thor's proposal.
"No, no. The meaning is good, but it's a bit plain. I'd rather call it the 'Illuminati!'"
Tony rejected Captain America's proposal, and also ignored the name Thor proposed.
"Illuminati sounds like an evil cult. It doesn't have good connotation. Li Yue, why don't you suggest a name?"
Captain America also used his own reason to refute Tony's name and turned to look at Li Yue.
Li Yue was a bit conflicted. If he wasn't careful, this universe would have an Illuminati. Captain America's question made him blurt out subconsciously!
"I think it would be better to call it..."