Chapter 61: The Temptation to Return to Youth
"I didn't expect your dancing skills to be so impressive!"
In the middle of the night, as Thor Odinson was escorting Peggy Carter home, Peggy suddenly sighed. She had initially prepared herself to walk home with difficulty but found that Thor had been guiding her the entire way.
Thor chuckled. "Do you really think I'm just a barbarian who only knows how to fight and kill?"
Peggy smiled, gave him a friendly pat, and asked, "Care to come in for a drink?"
Thor wouldn't refuse, so they entered the house. Sharon Carter had already left, leaving them with some private time.
…
"Oh my God! This is unbelievable!" The next morning, at Maya Hansen's research center, Betty Ross gasped when she saw Maya Hansen, who appeared more than ten years younger in an instant.
Maya Hansen, who had been in her early twenties when Betty first knew her, hadn't changed much in appearance but had matured significantly. Thor, with his eternal life, had suddenly returned her to younger self.
"Now you believe I wasn't lying, right?" Thor smiled at Betty. "You've always been my lucky charm."
Betty blushed and fell silent, glancing at Thor with renewed interest. Although she was still young, many women over twenty-five start feeling old.
At that moment, Natalia Romanoff spoke up, "Hey, what's the relationship between you and Peggy Carter?"
Back when Thor first introduced her to S.H.I.E.L.D, it was Peggy Carter who had specially trained her.
Despite Peggy's efforts to keep her past concealed, Natalia's keen observational skills allowed her to see through the years of deception.
Moreover, Peggy's appearance clearly didn't align with her age.
Seeing Thor's miraculous transformation, Natalia had confirmed her suspicions.
Thor didn't attempt to hide the truth and replied, "You're right. We knew each other more than half a century ago, during the war against Hydra."
"Just as I suspected... you weren't using your real identity back then, were you? I find it hard to believe that someone with your character would remain unknown."
Thor rolled his eyes. "It seems we've only been together for a few days, but you think you know me so well?"
Natalia rolled her eyes in return. "In those few days, I mostly saw you pretending to be tough. It's clear that understanding you is a matter of intelligence..."
She rested her chin on her hand, reflecting. From the records, only a few prominent figures were known to have been close to Peggy, excluding those who obviously weren't...
"Donald Blake? The former lieutenant of the Howling Commandos, and Agent Carter's lover?"
Betty Ross and Maya Hansen looked at each other in shock. Though his name wasn't as famous as Captain America's, it was well-known and, due to his personality, even more popular among women.
"I can't believe the hero I admired as a child is right here! And he once saved me from a gang!" Betty's eyes were wide with astonishment, and Maya was equally impressed.
Natalia wanted to reveal the truth...
At that moment, she felt a pang of jealousy—she had thought she was the first to know Thor, only to find out he had been with Peggy decades ago!
"By the way, how is your father's research progressing?" Thor asked Betty.
"As usual, my father hasn't been able to locate Bruce Banner. He's always wanted to recreate the Hulk but hasn't succeeded. Although they injected the serum into Blonsky, the results were limited."
Thor thought for a moment and said to Maya Hansen, "Inform General Ross of Bruce Banner's location and exchange the information for a super soldier serum. Even if it's a flawed version, I'm sure you can optimize it."
Maya Hansen agreed and asked, "What about Extremis? I sold a batch to General Ross as a research grant last time, and many organizations have shown interest, but I refused."
"Weaken it, market it as a one-time healing potion, and distribute it worldwide."
Thor wasn't concerned about the potion falling into enemy hands.
Extremis had remarkable effects on ordinary people, but for those already powerful, the benefits were minimal. Asgardians, for instance, already had self-healing abilities comparable to the effects of Extremis, when weakened.
Besides, Thor was financially strained. The universe's currency didn't work on Earth. In the future, when he became the leader of the Avengers, he couldn't rely on Stark for everything...
Chapter 62: Uncle And Nephew Meet...
General Ross delivered the reagents that afternoon. After years of failure, he no longer placed hope in the serum. His only hope now was to find the Hulk and explore potential solutions through successful cases.
Thor handed the serum to Maya Hansen casually and then mentioned a location.
…
Meanwhile, Tony Stark, recently returned from Afghanistan, exited his car with a plaster cast on one hand and a Big Mac burger in the other.
An affable, bald man rushed over, embraced Tony, and said, "Oh, Tony, my dear!"
"Son, I was so worried about you that I thought I'd have to visit the hospital! And here you are, eating a hamburger?"
This display of concern was more than what you'd expect for a son.
With the man's support, Tony walked into the press conference venue, took his seat under the podium, and began eating his hamburger.
"I didn't have the chance to say goodbye to my father... So, I haven't had the chance to ask him many things, like what he thought about this company, or if he had any conflicts or doubts. Perhaps he wasn't as we saw him in the newsreels."
"In Afghanistan, I witnessed young people dying from the weapons we designed to protect them. I, who designed so many weapons, became part of the irresponsibility. Even the Stark Industries logo was on the weapon that injured me."
"Aside from making weapons, I want to contribute to the world in other ways. Therefore, I've decided to shut down Stark Industries' weapons sales!"
The audience was taken aback, sensing that something significant was unfolding. When they heard the announcement about halting weapon sales, the news spread like wildfire. Reporters rushed to ask questions.
Obadiah Stane went into a frenzy. As the second-largest shareholder, this decision was a major setback for him.
"There has never been an era of peace, only peaceful countries," a voice suddenly cut through the commotion. It was Thor, walking in alone, his presence silencing the room.
Thor continued, "In many cases, peace requires war to achieve it. Your father's goal in making weapons was not to start wars but to fight for peace."
"A weapon itself is neither good nor evil; it is merely a tool. The nature of the weapon is determined by its user."
Stark frowned, ready to counter this argument, but Thor shifted the topic.
"Your father chose his own path to contribute to the world, one that aligned with his philosophy. This approach was fitting for his era but may not suit you."
"To me, a true genius isn't confined to a single field. Howard's son should not be restricted to a predetermined path. Even if you stop making weapons, I'm sure you'll find your own way."
While many were skeptical of Stark's decision, Thor's support gave it a boost.
"Well said!" Tony was the first to applaud, then asked, "Sir, you seem very familiar with my father, yet I've never met you. Would you mind telling me who you are? I'm curious about the identity of someone who thinks like I do."
"Of course, I'm happy to reveal myself," Thor thought, enjoying the moment.
Thor chuckled and announced loudly to the reporters, "I am Thor Odinson. Many may not know me, but over sixty years ago, I had another identity—Donald Blake, the former lieutenant of the Howling Commandos!"
The reporters erupted into a frenzy. After a brief silence, the clicking of cameras resumed as Tony stood in shock.
Among the audience, Phil Coulson, who had been investigating Iron Man's secrets, was also taken aback. Although he had suspected Thor's identity was extraordinary, he hadn't anticipated this revelation.
Did he know Captain America? I wonder if there's a signature...
"You're the one my father mentioned..."
"Yes, I had a close relationship with Mr. Howard back then. He even intended for his future children to call me 'uncle.' So..."
Thor's eyes conveyed his message—understand?
Tony: "..."
Chapter 63: Hulk
Thor's attempt to connect with his nephew had been unsuccessful.
To Stark, the person in front of him seemed like a distant relative who had come to make connections during his rise to prominence. With his youthful appearance, the credibility of Howard's supposed illegitimate child seemed higher...
…
"You're causing trouble as soon as you come back!" In Nick Fury's office at S.H.I.E.L.D., Fury was fuming. "Do you realize you're almost overshadowing Stark now?"
A legendary figure from decades ago had suddenly reappeared. Peggy Carter, one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s founders, spoke up to verify Thor's authenticity.
"Calm down. When Tony Stark returned from Afghanistan, more incredible things will how happen. People will adjust quickly."
Nick Fury was startled and quickly grasped the implication. "You mean more superpowered individuals will emerge? My plan can begin?"
Thor nodded. "The military left in a rush this afternoon. Do you know why?"
"Hulk! They must have found the Hulk!" Fury jumped up, asking, "What should we do now?"
Thor gestured for him to sit and replied, "Do nothing for now. They can't capture the Hulk."
"Even if you recruit the Hulk now, the military won't let it go. You'll only have a chance once they realize they can't control him."
Fury nodded. "Got it. How should I explain your identity to the public?"
"There's no need for an explanation. Tell the truth .They'll get used to it soon. Besides, more extraordinary individuals will appear shortly."
"Steve Rogers?"
"Hmmm."
…
In a slum in Brazil, a shirtless middle-aged man sat cross-legged in meditation.
It had been over six months since his last transformation, the longest period of peace he had experienced. Over the years, while hiding, he had sought various methods to calm himself.
A dog barked loudly. In this slum, late-night dog barks were common and usually ignored, but Bruce Banner remained alert.
He quietly approached the window, opened a crack, and glanced outside.
It was quiet and nothing seemed out of place. Yet, his years of vigilance made him decide to move cautiously.
After observing for a while and confirming there was no immediate threat, he created a human silhouette on the bed, lowered a rope from the window, and climbed down slowly.
As he reached the ground, he sensed something was amiss. The silence felt too oppressive, so he quickly moved towards the outskirts.
"What a surprise!" A mocking voice cut through the silence, and a heavily armed officer appeared before him. With a wave of his hand, a team of special forces surrounded him, their tranquilizer guns trained on him.
"Bruce Banner, who escaped from the military laboratory five years ago. I didn't expect a brilliant scientist like you to end up here. I'm afraid your peaceful days are over." Bronski sneered.
Banner raised his hands and said with a resigned smile, "If I were you, I'd put down the gun. Trust me, don't force me!"
Bronski ignored the warning and said coldly, "Save your breath for General Ross." He waved his hand. "Capture him alive!"
As the tranquilizer gun hit his body, Bruce Banner's heart sank...
The next moment, the soldiers witnessed the most terrifying scene of their lives...
Chapter 64: Riot
Early in the morning, General Ross hurried over and knocked on the door.
Nearby the research center, a manor had been constructed, built alongside the research center a few years prior.
Usually, Maya Hansen and Betty Ross lived there, and sometimes Natalia would visit. Since Thor's return, it had become his new residence.
General Ross arrived in person. He gave Betty Ross a complicated look before getting straight to the point: "The Hulk escaped and injured many soldiers, including Bronski."
Thor sneered, "Bronski is just a muscle-bound fool who complicates everything."
Ross said solemnly, "I'm here to discuss the Hulk."
Thor didn't linger on the issue. After all, the future abomination was part of Hulk's experience package. "Our arrangement was to inform you of the Hulk's location, not to guarantee his capture. I don't know where he'll go if he runs now. However, if I were Banner and didn't like the Hulk, I'd certainly seek out prominent biologists to attempt to eliminate the Hulk's ."
"Will he come to you?"
"No, he knows there was a deal between us, so he wouldn't fall into a trap. There are only a few experts in genetic engineering, so it shouldn't be too difficult to monitor them."
General Ross understood, nodded to Betty, and left. Thor's voice followed him: "Don't get your hopes up. Even if you capture the Hulk, it doesn't mean you can replicate his condition. Hulk is probably unique, like Captain America."
Ross paused but didn't respond.
…
Thor was right. Feeling guilty for the harm caused, Banner decided to seek Mr. Blue's help to remove the Hulk gene from his body.
He found Mr. Blue and began treatment. If nothing else went wrong, it might have been successful.
However, just as he left the laboratory, he was apprehended by General Ross.
Ross warned harshly, "If you try to make the Hulk disappear, you'll spend the rest of your life in prison!"
Banner did not argue. In reality, he had already mentally prepared himself. His previous escapes were driven by his fear of hurting others.
A distressed General Ross took Banner to the helicopter. He failed to notice that Bronski was not following.
Seeing the Hulk's power, Bronski began to covet it. He walked into Mr. Blue's laboratory...
…
"Contact Maya Hansen's research center and ask if there's a way to restore the Hulk gene that's been erased," General Ross ordered.
Before anyone could respond, a soldier reported, "General, the Hulk is causing havoc on the streets and needs support!"
General Ross was stunned. He glanced at Banner and ordered, "Show me the video!"
The video feed was immediately turned on, revealing a monstrous figure of abomination—a giant, yellow green beast.
"Hahahaha! This is power! Intoxicating power! Hahaha!" The abomination roared with laughter, lifting a car and hurling it into the crowd.
Two soldiers attempted to use rocket launchers from their vehicle, but their efforts were futile as the abomination caught the rockets with one hand, unharmed.
The terrified soldiers fled, only to be blocked by the beast, helplessly watching as a car drew nearer...
"Give me something real!"
On the helicopter, General Ross and Banner stared at the now-black screen in shock.
"Order all troops to the area," General Ross commanded, understanding too late what Thor had warned him about.
"No," Banner said, "Ordinary troops will be ineffective against him. I've felt his power. Let me go."
Ross turned and asked quietly, "Do you know what you're doing?"
Banner nodded. "We created this situation, so we must face the consequences."
General Ross hesitated, then fixed his gaze on Banner and said, "Land nearby."
"No. Open the rear hatch, and I'll jump."
…
"Pathetic! They're all pathetic. Bring me a stronger opponent!"
On the street, the abomination continued its rampage, destroying everything in sight.
A chaotic street, full of destruction and death, resembling a war zone...
Across the street, a figure descended from the sky and crashed heavily onto the ground, creating a massive crater.
Moments later, a huge green fist emerged from the crater and struck the ground.
Hulk is here!
Chapter 65: Battle of Giants
In mid-air, Thor looked at the scene below and laughed in disbelief.
Banner, Banner, you are quite inconsiderate. When you have the chance, you treat the Hulk as a monster and try to eliminate him. Yet, when trouble arises, you want to use Hulk's power to clean up your mess... No wonder the Hulk didn't get along with you later.
Moreover, aren't you worried that your transformation method might fail if overused?
Below, Hulk, having emerged from the deep crater, tore off his shredded shirt, struck a pose, and roared, nearly overpowering the noise of the street.
The Abomination, a few kilometers away, recognized Hulk's roar and grinned, "Hulk, excellent!"
In the ruins, two giant figures drew closer and clashed fiercely, creating a massive shockwave that overturned several nearby cars.
The Hulk was thrown backward and crashed into a newsstand before he could regain his balance.
He grabbed a car, tearing it in half, and with a piece of the car in each hand, charged at the Abomination, knocking him down with tremendous force.
Taking advantage of his momentum, Hulk lifted a huge car and hurled it at the Abomination.
If the Hulk were in his normal state, defeating such a foe would have been effortless. However, due to Dr. Blue's treatment, most of the Hulk's cells had been damaged, and without the thrill of falling from a height, he might have been overwhelmed.
Currently, the Hulk was at his weakest moment. In contrast, the Abomination was covered in bone spurs and had a row of hard spikes along his back. Furthermore, Bronski had clearly injected Extremis with super soldier serum, greatly enhancing the Abomination's recovery abilities.
After sustaining several attacks, the Abomination gritted his teeth and sneered, "Is that all you've got?" Hulk kicked with his right leg, sending him flying hundreds of meters.
Furious, the Hulk charged again, but the Abomination, now superior in speed, agility, and strength, quickly overpowered him.
The Abomination pummeled Hulk, then stepped on him, grinning, "You're too weak; you don't deserve this kind of power!"
Hulk roared in anger and grabbed a fallen lamppost, slamming it into the Abomination's temple...
…
Thor observed the battle from above and suddenly remembered something.
In the original story, Hulk's ability to turn defeat into victory against the Abomination was largely due to his increasing strength with anger, and Betty Ross played a crucial role.
Currently, the Hulk could not gather enough rage without Betty Ross.
The phone rang—Peggy Carter was calling.
"Aren't you going to intervene?" Peggy Carter asked, having witnessed Thor defeat Supergiant. She had great confidence in Thor's strength.
"Hold on, I want to see Hulk's potential!" Thor replied.
"Very well, I'll arrange for the treatment of the wounded and the evacuation of civilians."
…
On the ground, the battle had reached a critical point. Despite numerous explosions, Hulk struggled to defeat the Abomination. His weakened state made it difficult for him to maintain his transformation.
The Abomination grabbed Hulk and pinned him to the ground. Hulk growled angrily but could not break free.
"Pathetic!" the Abomination cursed, then looked up to the sky and roared.
Suddenly, he noticed something in the direction of the Maya Hansen Research Center.
As he ran towards it, he muttered to himself, "If I can get more Extremis, I will become stronger!"
"You have no chance!"
A golden circle appeared before the Abomination. He stopped abruptly, looking at Thor who had emerged and roared, "Insignificant insects, I have no time for you!"
He swung a powerful punch at Thor.
Chapter 66: The S.H.I.E.L.D. Dispute
Thor dodged to the side and then struck the Abomination's shoulder joint with a powerful punch.
With a muffled groan, the Abomination clutched his shoulder and stumbled back, surprised that this seemingly ordinary man had outstripped the Hulk's strength with just one punch.
Unwilling to admit defeat, the Abomination roared and attacked again.
It must be noted that Bronski's fighting skills were highly advanced among humans, and these skills were inherited when he became the Abomination. In this regard, he was much better than the Hulk, who could only swing wildly.
However, in the face of Thor, who had thousands of years of combat experience, his movements appeared rough and unrefined.
Thor maneuvered with ease, landing several decisive blows to the Abomination's face. The Abomination was sent flying, but before he could gain distance, Thor seized an arm and slammed him hard into the ground.
The ensuing battle was more brutal for the Abomination. Thor broke his wrist with a sharp twist and then delivered a powerful kick to his face, forcing him to his knees.
The Abomination roared in fury, attempting to stab Thor with the bone spur on his elbow. However, when Thor grasped it, the bone spur was pulled out with a sickening crack, leaving the Abomination's arm limp.
…
High in the sky, a drone captured every moment of the confrontation.
"Oh my god!" Sharon Carter exclaimed, and other agents were equally astonished.
Thor, though tall compared to ordinary people, appeared like a mouse against the towering Abomination. But now, it seemed that the mouse was overpowering the cat...
"This kind of power needs to be controlled!" an official with a stern demeanor asserted.
"One Abomination is enough to devastate New York, and this Thor is clearly stronger than the Abomination. If not controlled, he could become a threat to all of humanity!" Another official, bald-headed, added.
Natalia sneered and said, "Good idea, Agent Sitwell. Perhaps you should personally discuss the recruitment issue with him, provided he doesn't see you as a fool."
Sitwell, with a scowl, replied, "This Thor lives in a manor near the Maya Hansen Research Center. The government could arrange for surveillance and protection."
Though framed as protection, it was essentially a threat to keep him under watch. The presence of such manipulation was clear to everyone.
Sharon Carter remarked, "The other party is Captain Blake. If you want to supervise, do you also intend to supervise my aunt?" Her tone dripped with sarcasm.
The debate continued, and surprisingly, most of the people supported Sitwell's proposal.
They knew that the real motive behind these suggestions was not civilian protection but rather to incite Thor's anger.
The world of politics had always been fraught with deceit.
Interestingly, those who supported Natalia were usually involved in practical work globally, like Agent Barton and Agent Hill. Those backing Sitwell were mostly engaged in administrative tasks, focused on discussions rather than action.
"Enough!" Nick Fury slammed his hand on the table.
"There is no law that permits us to label a historical hero with no criminal record as a terrorist! Don't bring this up again!"
Nick Fury was acutely aware of the implications. If Sitwell's plan went through, nearly every Avenger would be monitored and turned into a tool for political agendas. He was confident that Thor would never agree, nor would Asgard accept their future king as a pawn of politicians.
He was determined not to let the Avengers be undermined before they even began.
…
In the video feed, the battle had ended. The Abomination lay on the ground, twitching slightly like a lifeless creature.
Thor suddenly looked up, noticing the drone hovering high above.
To everyone in S.H.I.E.L.D., there was only a flash of lightning before the screen went black.
"He figured it out a long time ago, but chose to ignore it," Hawkeye Barton observed.
Sitwell and the others looked pale, realizing that this was likely a warning.
Chapter 67: Hulk and Banner
Nick Fury glanced at the pale faces around him, a determined look flashing in his eyes.
He was resolute in not letting these people interfere with superhero matters; otherwise, it would only push all superheroes to turn against them.
Others might not realize it, but he knew Thor's strength was far beyond what he had demonstrated. If Thor truly became a threat, the only way to stop him might be to contact Carol Danvers with that communication device.
And even then, Carol might not side with S.H.I.E.L.D.
…
Thor dragged the unconscious Abomination toward the dazed Hulk.
Moments ago, when Thor had been fighting the Abomination, Hulk had arrived but made no move to intervene.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Thor Odinson!" Thor extended his hand.
Despite Hulk's childlike mentality, he understood the gesture and shook Thor's hand with his large, rough palm, replying, "Hulk."
It was clear that Hulk was not displaying his usual aggression; perhaps he was intimidated by Thor's ferocity?
Many people assume that Hulk is fearless, but in reality, Hulk, being somewhat childlike, fears more violent beings, especially those capable of physical harm.
"I understand your situation," Thor continued. "On one hand, you and Banner are the same person but have different perspectives. Regardless, you are deeply connected and should accept each other."
"Therefore, you should communicate with Banner normally. After all, Banner is a timid coward, and the strong Hulk often bullies him, causing him to hide you."
Hulk was impatient with the earlier remarks, but the last sentence pleased him greatly. He stomped his foot and said, "Banner, weak! Hulk, strong!"
With that, his body suddenly began to shrink and soon transformed into Banner, who was left in shorts.
"Who am I? Where am I?" Banner awoke, feeling disoriented. It was unusual for him; normally, Hulk would exhaust his strength to revert, but this time, Hulk had voluntarily returned him to his normal form. Banner looked around and saw Thor.
"I convinced Hulk to return," Thor said with a calm voice.
"Are you joking? No one can communicate with the Hulk!" Banner replied incredulously.
Thor gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder with a faint smile. "Abomination can be communicated with; why not Hulk? You and Hulk are destined to be entangled, and treating him as a virus or a monster will only deepen the divide between you."
Banner argued, "But Hulk has always been very violent, causing so much damage and hurting many people!"
"Actually, Hulk has never intentionally harmed you. Compared to the Abomination's chaos, even though Hulk struggles to control his power, he does not deliberately cause destruction."
Thor observed Banner's indifference and continued, "Hulk is like a knife. What you need to do is not avoid or fear him, but find a way to accept him. If you can't control the knife, at least direct its use where it is needed."
"Although your point is valid, I can choose not to use a knife. Violence doesn't solve many problems," Banner replied, still shaking his head.
It must be said that Banner, as a kind-hearted and gentle person, was not inclined to use violence to solve problems. It is ironic that the most peaceful person would be matched with the most violent superhero, Hulk. Banner would prefer to rely on his intellect rather than sheer force, yet he finds himself compelled to use violence. Fate, indeed, is unpredictable.
This situation might feel akin to diligently completing summer homework only to be told that answers will be provided later and that the homework won't count.
"Perhaps you'll find yourself in a situation where you have no choice but to resort to violence, just as you did this time."
Thor chose not to argue further with Banner. In the future, he would need to rely on Hulk's power repeatedly, and Banner would come to understand.
Thor was determined not to let them become like Dr. Hulk, who, despite seeming to control Hulk completely, lacked the full strength of the enraged Hulk. Furthermore, Banner's combat abilities were questionable, and anti-Hulk armor would be ineffective against him...
Chapter 68: New Weapon Plan
Bruce Banner had finally decided to leave the United States, choosing to escape rather than face the responsibilities of being a superhero just yet.
"Congratulations! You've triggered the Hulk-related task: Invincible Hulk. You will be rewarded for completing this task!"
"Mission Objective: Help Banner and Hulk accept each other and become a truly invincible Hulk.
Mission Reward: Random skill book draw."
The system's voice echoed.
A random skill book? It seemed valuable, but the task itself was quite challenging and would likely take some time to complete.
…
"You know, many people in the bureau have suggested that you should be monitored," Natalia said as she lazily reclined beside Thor on the sofa.
Peggy Carter sat nearby, watching them. It was rare for a few of them to be free at the same time, so they had come to the manor for a get-together.
"It's just a bunch of fools playing political games. What do they know?" Thor replied dismissively.
"But these fools make up the majority," Peggy Carter said with concern. "I have this uneasy feeling that S.H.I.E.L.D has changed. Is that why you asked me to leave early?"
Thor nodded. "Yes, most of the current S.H.I.E.L.D executives, except for a few like Nick Fury, have been corrupted by money and power. But don't worry, I'll take care of them. Throw them out, and they won't be able to work tomorrow with their hands on their backsides!"
The girls laughed and clinked their glasses. Peggy Carter pinched Thor, scolding him, "Your language is appalling. Can't you be more civilized? It's not an exaggeration to call you an uncivilized barbarian!"
Natalia interjected suddenly, "By the way, Thor, your Mjölnir has been lying in New Mexico for ten years. It's nearly rusted. Aren't you planning to retrieve it?"
She looked disappointed. "I went there once but found that I couldn't lift it anymore."
Thor shook his head. "My father exiled me because my views conflicted with his. Until I fully accepted his perspective, I couldn't wield Mjölnir, no matter how hard I tried. Even though he has stopped interfering, the spell remains."
"There might only be two people left who can lift it," Thor continued.
"Who?" Natalia asked.
"One is Captain America, Steve Rogers. The other is an astronomer..."
Natalia smirked, "I'm guessing it's a woman... otherwise, you would have mentioned her name directly."
Thor sighed with exasperation. Women could be so perceptive!
However, Thor realized he needed a reliable weapon. While Mjölnir was powerful, its primary function was to help him control his power. After his Awakening, the hammer's assistance had become minimal, which is why he had not considered lifting the curse for so many years.
The weapon truly suited for Thor was Stormbreaker. To forge Stormbreaker, he needed to go to Nidavellir, the realm of the dwarves. Finding it wasn't too difficult, but there was another crucial issue—he couldn't find Groot.
At this time, the Guardians of the Galaxy had not yet formed. Star-Lord and Gamora were still wandering with his godfather, Rocket and Groot were together, Mantis was still a Hypnotic Ability master, and Drax the Destroyer was still imprisoned...
He might have to wait until after the Ultron incident to go to Xandar and hope to meet them there.
For now, with the Ancient One and Odin still present, and Earth in its novice protection period, most threats were not too dangerous, so he could manage without weapons for the time being.
"What are you thinking about?" Maya Hansen asked as she brought a plate of fruit, feeding a piece to Thor. "The super soldier serum you gave me has been successfully analyzed. Although it hasn't been optimized yet, we have made progress."
Thor patted her on the head and smiled. "Don't worry. A live sample will return soon. With my connections, getting a blood sample won't be a problem!"
As Natalia mentioned, S.H.I.E.L.D had recently discovered the wreckage of a plane that crashed in the Arctic Circle last century, and excavation was underway.
Captain America was coming back!
Chapter 69: Attack of the Iron Overlord
In the evening, Thor was with Peggy Carter and others in the yard, gazing at the night sky.
A crimson figure streaked across the sky like a shooting star.
"What's that?" Peggy Carter asked.
"A new superhero. Unlike Steve, this one is a pure mortal, built entirely with technology."
"Tony Stark?" Natalia guessed immediately, knowing about Stark's armor from his time in Afghanistan.
Thor nodded and joked, "He's finally taken this step. Perhaps soon, Stark Industries' stock will rise again. If you want to make a fortune, you might consider investing in it."
Although Tony Stark had grown beyond his playboy days, his flamboyant nature remained unchanged, and he would certainly acknowledge his new identity.
…
Stark was in a foul mood.
Today's news reported a warlord massacring civilians, and the weapons causing this destruction were Stark Industries' own.
Feeling deeply guilty, Stark resolved to rectify his mistake personally.
He wiped out a warlord stronghold and destroyed the weapons one by one. Even the earliest Iron Man armor was far superior to conventional weapons.
After handling this easily, Stark was targeted by two fighter planes on his way back.
As he was being pursued by the planes, Stark felt helpless. In the chaos, he accidentally collided with one plane, but managed to save the pilot.
This incident catapulted Iron Man into the spotlight.
What Stark didn't anticipate was that this event would spur Obadiah into taking drastic measures.
At the mansion, Obadiah attacked Stark, paralyzed him, and stole the reactor.
Seeing Stark's face turn blue, Obadiah grinned triumphantly. He taunted Stark mercilessly before leaving him to die.
It was a shame that after enduring thirty years of oppression, Obadiah underestimated Stark's will to survive.
After a brief period of paralysis, Stark managed to crawl to a table, retrieve the first-generation reactor he had discarded, and place it on his chest.
When Stark, now in armor, arrived, he found himself face-to-face with the Iron Overlord piloted by Obadiah.
The two Iron Warriors clashed. In terms of raw power, Stark's Mark III was on par with the Iron Overlord. However, even the best car needs fuel!
After exchanging a few laser blasts, J.A.R.V.I.S frantically alerted Tony, making him realize that he couldn't continue fighting like this and needed to adapt his strategy.
However, heavy mechs like the Iron Overlord prioritized brute strength, turning Mark III into a humanoid punching bag, subject to relentless blows.
With J.A.R.V.I.S's energy alarm blaring and the Iron Overlord's relentless assault, Stark came up with a plan. He accelerated to the sky at full speed, with the Iron Overlord in hot pursuit.
With only 5% energy remaining, the Iron Overlord grabbed Stark's legs and pulled him down. Obadiah's voice echoed, "I am better and stronger than you! Accept your fate!"
Stark responded calmly, "Then how did you solve the freezing problem?"
Obadiah was momentarily stunned, and then the screen in front of him went dark...
Stark grinned triumphantly. "Let me show you!" He delivered a light punch to the Iron Overlord's head, shattering a piece of ice, causing the Iron Overlord to plummet.
The villain's penchant for excessive monologuing and the hero's knack for perseverance led to the Iron Overlord's defeat. The missing piece of ice accelerated the Iron Overlord's systems' recovery, but only briefly.
Exhausted and with only 2% energy remaining, Stark stared at the Iron Overlord, which had risen again. He was on the brink of collapse and couldn't withstand another round.
Obadiah laughed maniacally, "Hey, Tony, do you have any more tricks? If not, you're done for!" He relished Stark's despair, eager to make him pay for his thirty years of suffering.
At that moment, Stark was truly desperate and out of options. But the next moment, he made an unexpected move.
Chapter 70: Demolition of the Gundham with Bare Hands, Thor's Electrotherapy
At the final moment, Stark expended his last reserves of energy and charged toward Thor's Manor, his loud cry echoing through the night.
"Uncle, help me!"
Thor, who had noticed the commotion earlier and had been watching from a distance, had a look of disbelief.
After Natalia understood the situation, she summoned a team of agents. Her surprise grew as she listened.
She hadn't anticipated that Iron Man would be this desperate!
When a high-profile figure like Peggy Carter confirmed Thor's identity, Stark had essentially believed what he had been told that day.
And just a few days ago, Stark learned from his friend Rhodey that Thor had defeated the Abomination, so Stark believed dealing with an Iron Overlord would be no problem.
Most importantly, it was a matter of survival, so losing face was the least of his concerns!
Obadiah was not in a rush to end Tony's life. He acted like a cat toying with a mouse, keeping his distance while pursuing him. Before long, he had crossed a red line…
Tony Stark, drained of energy, could only use it to keep himself alive as he ran, dragging his heavy armor with sheer physical strength.
At that moment, a figure flashed past him, followed by a massive roar from behind.
"Bang—" Before the Iron Overlord could react, a powerful blow struck its chest, sending it flying backward and leaving a gaping hole.
Obadiah glared at the blond figure before him, roared, and raised his iron fist, which was as large as a water tank. The punch was powerful enough to crush a tank.
Tony, hiding in a corner and clutching his chest, watched the scene unfold and muttered, "A country bumpkin with power now thinks he's a god…"
Despite witnessing the sheer force of the previous kick and its destructive impact, Obadiah continued to face off against his opponent.
Indeed, Thor blocked the Iron Overlord's massive fist with one hand, then stepped back and leaped into the air, delivering a heavy stomp on the shoulder. With a loud "crack," an arm fell off.
If this had been Iron Man's exoskeleton armor, Obadiah would have been writhing in pain. But the Iron Overlord was a pure robot, with its controller safely hidden inside, managing all operations.
Even so, Obadiah was terrified. He quickly raised his other hand, preparing to fire heavy artillery.
"Be careful!" Tony warned from his hiding spot.
"F**king World War II hero, die for me!" Obadiah grinned as he pressed the launch button.
A missile shot toward Thor, but Thor, with lightning speed, enveloped his arm in thunder and punched the missile, causing a massive explosion that left him unharmed.
Frightened, Obadiah tried to continue his assault, but Thor's lightning was quicker. Electrical currents shot from Thor's fingertips, targeting the launcher and destroying it instantly.
While Obadiah was still dazed, Thor sprinted to his side, yanked off a piece of armor, and tore it away. Without giving him a moment to react, Thor continued to remove the steel plates one by one.
Tony was stunned. Though he knew Thor was formidable, he hadn't expected him to be so ruthlessly powerful. He was like a humanoid Hulk! No, Hulk wasn't as fierce as this...
Obadiah was petrified and reeked of fear inside the enclosed Iron Overlord. He was desperate to flee but couldn't shake off Thor, who clung to him like a lion to its prey, draining him.
With a surge of electricity, the Iron Overlord's circuits overloaded and shut down, causing Obadiah to roll around in a panic.
"No, it's impossible! Please let me go, I'll give you all my shares!" he screamed in terror, but he remained immobile, watching helplessly as Thor removed the final steel plate and threw it aside.
"Fool, after tonight, do you still think you have any shares left?"
"Nephew, it's up to you now. If you can't bring yourself to do it, I can assist. Time for a little electrotherapy."
Thor extended his hand, a small arc of electricity flickering at his fingertips.