Chapter Thirty-One: The Controversy Between Father and Son
"I'm deeply disappointed. I foolishly hoped you would be different, unique, and a benevolent king. But now I realize I was mistaken—you're just like Hela!" Odin's voice was filled with anger.
The seal he had placed held mysterious power, requiring a formidable magical ability to break. Since Kamar-Taj would never intervene in Asgard's internal matters, the only one with the power to remove it...
According to Heimdallr, Thor had disappeared from that specific location in Northern Europe five years ago...
If Odin couldn't deduce this, he would be unworthy of ruling the Nine Realms. If the powerless Thor could escape from Hela and break the seal, Odin had to prepare for the worst.
When Frigga heard the name "Hela," her expression grew more solemn. The name was taboo, and Odin rarely spoke of it.
"Hela?" Thor sneered. Now that it was out in the open, he saw no reason to hide his stance any longer. "I never agreed with your viewpoint. My stance hasn't changed—it remains as it was seven years ago."
"Thor!" Frigga exclaimed. If Thor could admit his mistakes, as the sole heir, he might avoid severe criticism. However, she couldn't predict how Odin would react.
Ignoring her, Odin spoke with a deep voice, "That doesn't justify your alliance with Hela!"
"Alliance? No, I do not support Hela. I fight to defend my people! I will not initiate unjust aggression, but those who dare to invade Asgard—" Thor said fiercely, "Even if they are far away, they will be defeated!"
"A great king must learn to be compassionate and tolerant. Often, violence cannot resolve the problem..." Odin insisted.
"My compassion will be reserved for my people, not for those who threaten them. As for tolerance..."
Thor scoffed: "Forgiveness and tolerance exist only in fairy tales and dramas. In reality, so-called tolerance is merely a helpless 'let it go.' Violence may not resolve the problem, but it can certainly deal with the one causing it!"
Odin finally understood that Thor had chosen his path and could not be swayed.
He lowered the Gungnir and said dejectedly, "If you continue this way, you will drive more people to the enemy's side and lead Asgard into ruin."
Thor remained unmoved: "Perhaps. But I believe, whatever the outcome, it's better than being consumed by the Eternal Fire in the Ragnarok?"
"What?" Odin and Frigga's eyes widened in shock. "You know the prophecy of Ragnarök?"
Ragnarök, according to Norse mythology, foretells a series of great catastrophes, including a battle that results in the deaths of many gods. In this world, the prophecy predicts that Surtur will destroy Asgard. Only Odin and Frigga know of this prophecy.
"I have known about it for a long time. That's why I hope that when the time comes, Asgard's strength will unite to face the apocalypse, rather than be squandered in meaningless royal conflicts."
Odin was silent for a long while before slowly saying, "Is this why you allied with Hela? I understand. But you must realize that she has become a lunatic. Why do you believe she will help you prevent the prophecy rather than seek to destroy Asgard herself?"
Frigga hesitated. In truth, she wanted to trust her child but felt bound to support her husband.
"Only because she has a stake in Asgard's glory, because she was once the crown princess of Asgard, because she is my sister!" Thor declared passionately.
Hela may have been obsessed with the Asgardian throne, but her connection to Asgard remained strong.
In the original timeline, when everyone fled and Ragnarök descended, only Hela fought for Asgard in the final moments.
Thor turned and walked out of the hall, glancing back to say, "I simply reiterated what I said in the hall that day. She hasn't acted against me but helped me break the seal. You don't understand her, and you don't understand me."
Odin slumped into the king's seat and murmured, "Could I truly be mistaken?"
Frigga stepped forward to comfort him: "No, you are not wrong, and neither is Thor. Your philosophies are in conflict, but both are ultimately aimed at preserving Asgard."
As the wisest individual in Asgard, she found herself aligning more with Thor. Those who seek war may perish, and those who forget it are at risk!
"I believe in Thor; he will be an excellent king!"
Chapter Thirty-Two: The Prelude to the Birth of the Hulk
In the end, Odin chose to compromise.
Although he still struggled to accept Thor's views, he had to acknowledge that Thor's perspective was more balanced than his own or Hela's. Such thinking was more likely to gain public acceptance.
The more pressing reason, however, was that Odin had no other options. Loki was uninterested, and Hela was even more unlikely to cooperate. Furthermore, the old Odin lacked the time and energy to cultivate a new successor.
…
As soon as Thor entered his palace, the three women surrounded him, with Sif speaking first. " did Majesty, make things difficult for you?"
Although she wasn't sure of the exact details, she had heard Odin's roar from afar.
Sif was most concerned about the conflict between Odin and Thor. As an Asgardian warrior, she was expected to be loyal to the king, but her special relationship with Thor made such conflicts uncomfortable.
Thor smiled and shook his head reassuringly. "It's alright. It's just that I've been away for so long, and I wanted to present myself before the court once more."
Sif smiled and playfully patted Thor, causing the atmosphere to lighten considerably.
After today's confrontation, Thor presumed Odin would no longer interfere with him. However, it also meant that Odin would no longer guide him as he had before. Even if Thor ascended to the throne, he would no longer be following Odin's policies. He would be creating his own era.
Uh, does this mean the "absent father mode" is gone?
Shaking off the thought, Thor turned to the restrained Nebula and asked, "How are you adjusting to life in Asgard?"
Nebula nodded. "It's good, but it's so extravagant, a bit..."
She looked around, realizing that the opulence of Asgard far exceeded even Sakaar's mansion with its swimming pool. She finally understood why Thor appeared so unusually large before.
Thor laughed heartily. "Asgard's standards of living are among the highest in the universe. Just wait for tonight's feast—you'll experience true luxury."
While a life of luxury isn't necessarily a bad thing, it was—
Impressive!
Seeing Nebula's emotional reaction and her now more cheerful demeanor was a striking contrast.
Turning to Maya Hansen, Thor said, "In a few days, I plan to visit Earth. Would you like to come and see it?"
It struck him that it had been decades since he had brought Maya Hansen away from Earth to Asgard. Although she had no relatives or friends, it was still her home.
Maya Hansen hesitated for a moment before breaking into a cheerful smile. "If you want me to accompany you, I will. As for going home, there's no need... Our home is now in Asgard."
Due to her contribution , Maya was highly renowned in Asgard.
…
On Earth, in a café.
Thor held up an old newspaper and said to Maya Hansen, "Did you see this? It says General Ross is conducting a super soldier experiment and has hit a bottleneck. Are you interested? Perhaps you might find inspiration for improving Extremis."
Thor was certain that General Ross's experiment would not succeed, but it would lead to the creation of the Hulk and the Abomination.
"Maybe I should give it a try. I considered it over ten years ago, but the super soldier serum was long gone. Even if the formula existed, I wouldn't be able to obtain it."
Maya Hansen took the newspaper and glanced at it before suddenly smiling.
She asked, "Hey, are you interested in someone's daughter?"
Thor raised an eyebrow, momentarily confused. But this remark reminded him that General Ross was very protective of his plans. If he attempted to get involved directly, Ross would undoubtedly refuse.
Currently, Ross's daughter, Betty Ross, was about to graduate and join the research team.
Approaching General Ross directly would be challenging, so it would be wise to start with Betty Ross.
Chapter Thirty-Three: The Classic "Hero Saves the Beauty"
"So you're saying that the hammer that fell from the sky in New Mexico is actually yours? Your true identity is a god hidden among mortals?"
"Yes, if you have the chance, you might witness the true might of the gods!"
In a brightly lit bar, a young man and woman chatted and laughed quietly.
"Tsk tsk," Betty Ross, with her black hair and an innocent look right after graduation, curled her lips. "Is this how you pursue women? Your story is quite intriguing."
"What I'm saying is true. There are still many people who know of my existence but choose to keep it a secret. However, it won't be for long."
"Tch, I don't believe you. You're just making things up..." Betty Ross had intended to relax before heading to work, and while she didn't mind Thor's conversation, she didn't expect him to be a magician.
Thor smiled and didn't refute.
In a few years, Stark would reveal his Iron Man identity to a multitude of media outlets. At that point, superheroes would no longer be concealed and would officially enter the public eye.
"I'm feeling a bit dizzy; I'm heading back," Betty Ross said. Clearly, she wasn't great with alcohol. Under her father's strict control growing up, she'd only recently allowed herself some indulgence. She stood up, swaying slightly, ready to leave.
But just a few steps away, a group of thugs surrounded her.
"Hey, pretty lady, have you had too much to drink? It's not safe to go home alone so late. Let me walk you."
Betty Ross shook her head. "No need, my home is very close..."
Even though she had always been a good girl, she wasn't naïve. She knew exactly what the thugs were up to.
The thugs refused to let her pass and began to harass her. Betty Ross tried to push them away.
"What are you doing? Let me go! Do you know who I am..."
"Bang—" With a thud, the thug grabbing her was kicked across the room and crashed onto a nearby table.
The thugs were startled and looked at Thor, who now stood protectively in front of Betty Ross.
"Are you alright?" Thor asked with concern.
Betty Ross, still in shock, shook her head. "No... It's okay. There are too many of them. Let's run, I'll call my dad to sort this out..."
"Don't be afraid. It's alright," Thor said with a reassuring smile.
The lead thug scrutinized Thor. Although there was only one of him, his imposing physique and the impressive kick he delivered made the thug uneasy.
"Hey, which way is this road?" the thug asked, signaling his companions. They all drew their weapons and surrounded Thor.
Ignoring them, Thor took to the air, determined not to be forced into a fight.
Betty Ross, anxiously dialing her phone, heard the sounds of fighting before she could finish. When she looked up, she saw all the thugs lying on the ground. She stared in disbelief.
"What are you standing around for? Let's go, I'll take you home," Thor said, smiling and ruffling her hair.
Betty Ross wanted to protest but, recalling the earlier scene, she hesitated and accepted. The two got into a car and left.
After they departed...
"Alright, everyone, get up," the leader of the thugs said, standing up suddenly.
As soon as he finished speaking, the thugs who had been lying on the ground groaned and got up, as if nothing had happened.
"Boss, that guy was really tough. I almost thought I was done for..."
"Yeah, and he was just trying to pick up a girl. I don't understand why the agent Romanov gave us such a weird assignment."
"This guy might be a bit of a troublemaker. Could it be..." the thug grinned maliciously.
"Shut up, or you'll be the next one lying on the ground!"
Chapter 34: Touching Reunion
Half an hour later, at Betty Ross's home,
Betty Ross poured two glasses of red wine from a bottle and handed one to Thor.
"Lafite 1982. Care for a drink?"
After walking for half an hour earlier, the effects of the alcohol had already faded.
Thor observed the scene with a smile. "When a girl invites a guy over and offers him a drink... Should I be imagining what comes next?"
Betty Ross blushed, then retorted, "What are you thinking? This wine was something I had saved to celebrate my graduation. You're just lucky. Enough talk—cheers!"
She abruptly changed the subject, and Thor chose not to press her. He sipped his wine and asked, "Are you the only one in your family? Where are your parents?"
A shadow of sadness crossed Betty's face as she replied softly, "My mother passed away a long time ago. My father is a soldier. Although he was very strict, I rarely saw him growing up. In a few days, I'll be joining his research project..."
It was clear that Betty and her father weren't particularly close, and she avoided delving further into the topic.
Perhaps due to the emotional release after her recent hardships, Betty drank a bit too much and fell into unconsciousness as the wine ran out.
After carefully covering her with a blanket and closing the door behind him, Thor hesitated.
Should he act on his desires, or should he remain indifferent?
Thor ultimately chose the latter, valuing his integrity. Though Betty Ross might not hold a grudge, he understood that taking advantage of her would ruin their relationship.
Thor quietly left the house and returned to his car, only to be confronted.
Seeing Natalia in the passenger seat, Thor sighed. "Uh, Natalia, long time no see..."
Natalia, dressed in a tight leather jacket, smirked at him. "It's been ten years, my dear Thor, Your Majesty Thor!"
Even Thor, with his reputedly low intelligence, could sense the bitterness in her tone.
"I'm so pleased you still remember my name after all these years. I didn't expect that when I came back, the first thing I'd be asked to do was help you pick up girls!"
Natalia, used to controlling her emotions after years as an agent, was on the brink of cursing him out—rarely had she encountered such an insufferable person.
Reflecting on it, she realized there was someone even worse in Manhattan...
Thor was sweating. He certainly wasn't foolish enough to ask Natalia for help with this. He knew she was not the contact he intended to reach; he had meant to contact the Fury... who was probably too embarrassed to handle the situation himself and had blamed Natalia instead.
Thor wondered if anything had happened between him and Natalia back then. Why was he feeling guilty about being caught by his wife?
Natalia narrowed her eyes and pressed, "How could you let such a good opportunity slip away just now?"
The question was tricky, and a poor answer might make Thor seem like a fool.
"She was drunk. I couldn't take advantage of her!" was the gentlemanly response.
"I love you. No matter how beautiful other women are, I won't look at them!" was the scoundrel's version.
"When we first met ten years ago, fate brought us together. Over the years, I've only thought of you. How could other women catch my eye?" was the soap opera answer.
However, Thor blurted out, "A duck cannot fly."
This answer that did little to redeem him.
Chapter 35: Returning to S.H.I.E.L.D.
Natalia stared at Thor, her expression troubled.
Thor, suddenly aware of the need to salvage the situation, sat up straight, placing one hand over his heart and gently pressing Natalia's face with the other. He said earnestly, "I once had a true love before me, but I didn't cherish it. Regret comes too late; the most painful thing in the world is this."
Natalia's face flushed with this unexpected confession, her eyes softening with visible emotion.
Thor breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "If the gods were to grant me another chance, I would say three words to that girl: I love you. If I had to set a time limit for this love, I hope it would be..."
"Ten thousand years." The final part of the sentence wasn't spoken by Thor but...
Natalia interrupted with a smirk, "Unfortunately, a few years ago, I was on a mission in Hong Kong and watched a movie."
Thor couldn't help but feel a pang of self-reproach.
Observing Natalia, whose youthful radiance had faded, Thor sighed and suddenly embraced her. Natalia froze for a moment before relaxing into his hold.
"Little girl, I know you're upset. I shouldn't have left you for so long. " Initially, Thor had used some subtle tactics to leave a lasting impression on Natalia, who was then still young.
The term "little girl" seemed to stir something in Natalia's memory. She stared blankly at Thor, her eyes beginning to well up with tears.
She suddenly lowered her head, then looked up with a bright smile as if nothing had happened: "How sad. What are you doing? Isn't it a good thing that we're meeting again? It's like parting from life to death."
Gazing at Thor, she said softly, "You don't need to apologize. You've done so much for me. Without you, I don't know where I'd be now. I understand you must have had other things to do over the years. Maybe tomorrow, you'll be busy with something else, so now..."
"Stop talking. Kiss me!"
…
The next morning, when Thor entered S.H.I.E.L.D. holding Natalia's hand, many agents stared in disbelief.
Natalia's allure was undeniable, and it was impossible for no one to be attracted. However, all her admirers had been left unresponsive, especially since she had sent several persistent suitors to the emergency room. The Black Widow's reputation was firmly established, and no one dared to provoke her.
Seeing Thor's intimacy with Natalia, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents were in shock...
In the director's office, Nick Fury looked on with a resigned expression. "You've caused quite a stir since your return. I estimate that 80% of the male agents now see you as their rival..."
Thor remained unfazed. "They're just a bunch of sycophants. Don't worry about them."
Nick Fury set aside his amusement and asked seriously, "Alright, I need to understand your purpose here. What are your thoughts on General Ross's research?"
He certainly didn't believe Thor would return merely to pick up girls. The most plausible reason for Thor's interest was the military's research.
Thor nodded. "The military appears to be investigating the super-soldier program. I'm somewhat interested in certain aspects and might be able to offer some assistance."
Nick Fury replied, "If it's a matter of cooperation, S.H.I.E.L.D. can help with negotiations. What exactly do you need? The super-soldier serum formula?"
"No." Thor shook his head. "The military's formula is far from perfect. Even if successful, it won't be like Steve Rogers. More likely, it will create an uncontrollable monster. There is a special fate"
Thor's interest lay in the Hulk, an uncontrollable anomaly.
In his previous life, Banner's so-called acceptance of the Hulk, and the supposed integration of strength and intelligence, had squandered the Hulk's potential. Without the rage and anger, even with the Hulk's power, the deterrent effect was lost.
Moreover, becoming Dr. Banner meant that his enormous size couldn't even fit into the Anti-Hulk armor—a high price to pay!
As one of the most powerful combat assets, the Hulk's potential should not be wasted.