Chapter Eighty-One: Say Hello to Thanos for Me
"Loki!" Frigga exclaimed, embracing Loki with excitement.
"Mother, don't worry. I won't let anyone hurt you," Loki reassured her. Though he had long harbored grievances against Odin, he had always held Frigga in high regard. Despite his resentment towards Odin, he never voiced complaints about Frigga.
The same could be said for Hela. Odin's methods of raising his children had evidently failed.
Loki continued in a somber tone, "The Giants of Jotunheim dared to invade Asgard and attempt to kill our father and king. Don't worry, Queen Mother. I will ensure they pay for their actions."
"They certainly should pay the price. However, I believe it's more appropriate to discuss your plans first." A sharp voice interrupted the heartfelt moment.
Frigga looked up abruptly. "Thor? You're back!"
"Yes, I'm back. If I hadn't returned, Asgard would be in chaos," Thor said, turning to Loki with a serious expression. "Why didn't you tell Mother that you sent the Destroyer to attack me and my allies?"
"What?" Frigga was taken aback. She knew of Loki's jealousy towards Thor but hadn't expected him to go this far.
"No, it was merely a test to follow Father's instructions," Loki replied coolly. "I'm currently engaged in an operation to destroy Jotunheim, so I don't have time for this argument."
He brandished Gungnir, a beam of light shooting out. Thor dodged, and Loki vanished.
"Thor, my son, tell me what's happening."
"In short, Loki intended to perform a grand act to gain your approval, and he involved Laufey and Jotunheim .'"
Frigga was deeply affected by this revelation, left speechless as she processed the information. She was so distracted that she didn't notice Thor pursuing Loki.
Meanwhile, Odin, who had been sleeping, slowly opened his eyes.
…
At the Bifrost, Loki raised Gungnir and activated the switch. Waves of energy surged, transforming into a terrifying, colorful brilliance that shot into the void.
Loki turned with pride. "It's useless; you can't stop me. The power of the Bifrost will continue until Jotunheim is destroyed."
Then he seemed to remember something and added, "Unless you destroy the Bifrost, but then you'll never see those who stayed in Midgard again!"
Thor looked at him with a strange expression. "Who told you I intended to stop it? Have you forgotten that if Father hadn't stopped me ten years ago, I would have destroyed Jotunheim already?"
Loki was momentarily stunned before reacting with anger. "It's different now! I am the one who will complete this great task! I will prove to Father that I am the best!"
"Then prove it slowly. For now, let's discuss why you sent the Destroyer to trouble me and introduced the Frost Giants in Asgard."
Thor relaxed his fist, and Loki was suddenly reminded of all the beatings he had endured over the years.
Loki raised Gungnir and declared angrily, "Let's settle our grievances today!"
As he spoke, his form shifted, multiplying into dozens of Lokis who attacked simultaneously.
The display was impressive, reminiscent of Doctor Strange's style.
Unfortunately, as a magician and assassin, Loki was no match for Thor. A lightning storm equivalent of wide area effect spells shattered all his illusions, and with a single punch, Thor secured victory, sending Loki flying over the edge of the Bifrost bridge.
Thor grabbed the end of Gungnir and smirked. "How about it? Are you convinced? Admit your mistake, and I'll pull you up."
Loki was torn, uncertain whether to admit defeat. But Thor's taunts ignited his fury, all his old and new grievances flaring up.
He roared, "I am not wrong! I am here to destroy Jotunheim! For Father, for us!"
"No, Loki. You're doing this for yourself," Odin's voice echoed.
Those words seemed to be the breaking point. Loki's resolve crumbled, and he released his grip, falling into the bottomless abyss.
In his final moments, he heard Thor's voice.
"Say hello to Thanos for me."
…
Chapter Eighty-Two: Man of Steel
"Hey..."
Odin sighed deeply.
Although Loki wasn't his biological child, it was impossible not to develop feelings after years of being together.
On the other hand, this also meant that his policy of peace was officially shattered.
Even though Jotunheim provoked the conflict first, destroying a planet would inevitably make some forces in the Nine Realms restless.
Thor, however, saw things differently. Historically, it was the destruction of the Bifrost that prevented Asgard from intervening in the Nine Realms, leading to widespread rebellions.
With the Bifrost still intact, the precedent set by Jotunheim would likely only serve to make other forces more cautious.
"Don't worry, there won't be any chaos. Besides, Loki will be back too."
Odin remained silent and left quietly.
"Hey, congratulations to the host for triggering Odin's exclusive mission: War and Peace - Blindly avoiding war cannot bring about real peace. In many cases, it is necessary to maintain peace by demonstrating strength."
"Mission Objective: Get Odin to recognize your philosophy. Mission Reward: Passive Skill - Man of Steel."
"Man of Steel: The physical strength of a superhero from DCU with indomitable endurance and defense, without weakness of kryptonite radiation. Regardless of the injuries sustained, you can recover rapidly under the sun."
Man of Steel! Thor was thrilled. It was one of Superman's signature abilities and seemed perfect for him.
After all, he lacked in the defense department.
The exclusive weapon - Stormbreaker - was nearly indestructible, giving him one of the strongest offensive capabilities among superheroes.
But his defense had not been up to par.
Even though he could withstand energy from neutron stars, he was still defeated by Thanos…
The task rewards were substantial, but the difficulty was also high. Odin had adhered to this concept for thousands of years, even refusing to assist his own daughter…
Thor began to understand that, generally, the stronger the target, the more challenging the task and the greater the reward.
This was true for Odin and also for the Ancient One.
The exceptions were Captain Marvel's flight ability and Sif's Infinite Gems experience coupons…
…
As Thor had predicted, all parts of the Nine Realms remained calm, and the previously noisy places had quieted down.
Thor did not stay in Asgard for long and returned to Earth the following day, bringing Sif with him.
This time, he used the portal. After testing it and finding it satisfactory, he determined it to be much more convenient than the Bifrost for small groups of people.
…
At S.H.I.E.L.D., a heated argument was underway.
"Damn it, those bloody savages created such a huge mess and then just left us to clean it up!"
A middle-aged congressman slammed his hand on the table and roared, "Everyone in New York witnessed the destruction and felt the shock. Now Washington is demanding an explanation. How do we explain this? Tell them this is the Manhattan Project 2.0? Hell, this is New York!"
Natasha frowned and retorted, "If it weren't for those so-called barbarians you keep referring to, that armor would have plunged New York into a nuclear winter!"
"Agent Romanoff, mind your position!"
Another senior official said angrily, "I know you have personal ties with him, but right now you represent S.H.I.E.L.D., not him. You need to stop defending him!"
Natasha didn't bother to argue further and thought to herself: The so-called protection is just a pretense. If you want to maintain it, you're also upholding S.H.I.E.L.D. Let you insiders and outsiders bicker while the whole of America suffers for your mistakes!
At this moment, Nick Fury, who had been silent throughout, suddenly spoke: "Why do we need to explain? Why not just tell the truth? Alien civilizations have always existed, and they will contact us sooner or later. In fact, they are already in contact."
"It's time for the public to know the truth."
…
Chapter Eighty-Three: Cut Off Your Head
"No! This will cause panic among the people!"
"It's already causing panic!" Nick Fury said firmly. "At the very least, as Captain Black, who once received the Medal of Courage, most people will be more accepting of him."
"Indeed. Asgard won't be the only extraterrestrial presence on Earth. In the future, there will definitely be more visitors or even invaders from other planets. This situation won't stay hidden forever."
Nick Fury made a decisive call on the plan.
…
"Who are the candidates for the Avengers?" After leaving the conference hall, Nick Fury asked Phil Coulson in the director's office. "Earth urgently needs to form its own force to deal with threats from beyond the skies."
"Tony Stark is one; his iron suit qualifies him as a superhero. Natasha Romanoff is another; she is the best agent I've ever seen. Clint Barton is also a candidate; he is the strongest sniper in the world. Bruce Banner, if he can control his emotions, has the potential to be the strongest."
After a brief pause, he continued, "Actually, Captain Blake, that is, Thor, is also an excellent candidate, and there are many other suitable candidates at his manor, provided he is willing to join."
Fury interrupted, saying, "He will agree because the Avengers is a completely independent organization and doesn't need to be affiliated with any other organization. And based on his actions, he has shown no malice towards us."
"But now, the organization needs a charismatic leader to help it gain acceptance from the public. Thor is an alien, Stark has a tarnished reputation, Clint isn't strong enough, Natasha Romanoff is Russian, and Hulk is even more absurd..."
Phil Coulson looked puzzled. According to the director, there seemed to be no suitable candidates. Suddenly, he became serious and asked tentatively, "Are you suggesting—Captain America?"
"According to the doctor, he should awaken in the next few days. I hope his return will help transition into this new era..."
…
"Her physical condition is stable, and her injuries are all superficial. The main issue is fatigue-induced weakness. She should recover soon with adequate rest."
In the manor's room, Jane Foster was still lying in bed as a blonde female doctor spoke to Thor.
"Thank you, Dr. Palmer. Here's your payment. I trust you will keep what you saw tonight confidential, or someone might disturb your life."
Thor handed her a check.
The female doctor nodded. She had witnessed a strange circle of light appear in the room and a man and woman emerge from it. She thought it best to forget the incident.
After the doctor left, Natasha said, "The director announced today that the truth about the Destroyer Armor incident will be revealed, and you will soon become famous."
"I'm already famous. Nick Fury is a smart man. By making it public soon, people will be mentally prepared for future events."
"Agent Phil Coulson asked me to check if you would be willing to join the Avengers."
"I have no objections. But one thing must be clear: the Avengers must remain independent and have full freedom to act. I have no interest in engaging in the games of politicians. Besides, there are many issues with those politicians."
With that, he exited the room and noticed a trembling man in black in the corner.
"Agent Romanoff, this is a misunderstanding, a complete misunderstanding!"
The man was clearly terrified. They had attempted to monitor Thor but were discovered by Minerva and quickly subdued by Nebula, leaving only one for questioning.
"Did Sitwell send you? Or Crossbones? Either way."
The agent looked confused, as if he didn't recognize the names. Thor suddenly said softly, "Don't worry. If one head grows, I'll cut off two, and we'll see how many heads you have left!"
The man in black stopped pleading and looked at Thor in horror. He then shouted frantically, "You ignorant fool, the organization is so powerful, you can't even begin to imagine it!"
"Hail HYDRA !"
…
Chapter Eighty-Four: Captain Awakens
Looking at the agent who had died after consuming the poisoned pill, Natasha was momentarily stunned before realizing the situation.
"HYDRA? Hasn't this organization been wiped out?" She turned to Thor.
Thor replied indifferently, "What was eliminated initially was only the Red Skull faction, and it wasn't a complete eradication. Dr. Zola was a member of HYDRA before, and infiltrating new agents into the organization is quite simple. The current S.H.I.E.L.D. has long been infiltrated and is riddled with issues."
Natasha was taken aback and asked, "Is Nick Fury a member of HYDRA?"
"No."
"Then can you inform him of this news?"
"And then what? Expose everything? Whether he believes it or not is irrelevant; it would only cause the hidden dangers of HYDRA to become apparent prematurely. The level of HYDRA's infiltration is far beyond your imagination. Even the former S.H.I.E.L.D. Director, Alexander Pierce, was HYDRA."
Natasha broke out in a cold sweat. If even the highest-ranking official was HYDRA, how easy would it be to place more agents? Instead of trying to find HYDRA within S.H.I.E.L.D., it might be more effective to look for S.H.I.E.L.D. within HYDRA. She shuddered at the thought that many of her colleagues might be enemies.
"So, when will this problem be resolved?"
"When they reveal their true selves and start to act openly. Moreover, there must be someone who is absolutely trustworthy in the eyes of the people to prove it. Don't worry, their strength is limited, and they can be defeated if they make their presence known."
"Okay, I understand. Can you also tell me who else I can trust? I'd rather not be ambushed one day without any warning." Natasha's tone was slightly sarcastic.
"Peggy Carter can be trusted, as can her niece Sharon Carter, Hawkeye Barton, Maria Hill, and Phil Coulson. Nick Fury is also trustworthy. He's not a pleasant person, but at least he isn't HYDRA."
"Okay..." Natasha thought for a moment, and the room fell into silence.
"There's one more thing. The director mentioned that Captain America is about to wake up. You're old friends; don't you plan to visit him?"
…
In the old room, a baseball game commentary played on the radio. Steve slowly opened his eyes.
I'm still alive?
A nurse entered, smiling, "Captain, you're awake."
Steve asked, "Where am I?"
"In a ward in New York."
Steve listened carefully; it was his favorite Dodgers game.
With Thor around, they made sure to choose a game that wouldn't immediately alert him to any issues.
Steve nodded slightly and asked, "What happened to the plane? It didn't harm our people, did it?"
"No, you saved countless lives." Thor entered the room, followed by Peggy Carter. As expected of the captain, even after awakening from a seventy-year coma, he hadn't forgotten his mission.
"Blake, Agent Carter! Are you here?" Steve's excitement grew. "Has the Red Skull issue been resolved? How is the war going? And how long have I been in a coma?"
"There are a lot of questions," Thor said with a bittersweet smile. "Let's address them one by one. You stopped the Red Skull's plan. You forced the plane to land in a remote area, so no one was hurt. The war is over. As for the other details, you'll need to process them in time..."
Chapter Eighty-Five: Life's Victor, Stark
"So, I've been in a coma for more than half a century…"
Captain America was silent, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information he was trying to process.
He quickly lifted his head and asked, "Have you found Bucky's body?"
Thor and Peggy exchanged an awkward glance. After being in a coma for so long, the first thing on his mind was his old friend… Could a friendship between men really reach such depths?
Peggy looked at Thor questioningly. Although Thor had assured her that Captain America and Bucky were not dead, she was unsure whether to disclose this information to Steve.
Thor gave her a reassuring nod, then turned to Steve and said, "After the war, Howard searched the valley below the cliff but couldn't find Bucky. Consequently, the final reports from the three of us only noted his disappearance."
The three of us? Steve understood. He picked up on Thor's implication. With three people missing and two of them known to be alive, Bucky…
…
"…Since then, I've realized that there are many threats in this world that cannot be dealt with by conventional means. Therefore, I plan to assemble a team of superheroes to confront those enemies that are beyond the ordinary scope."
Nick Fury patiently explained the general events since the end of World War II to Steve.
"So, you want me to join?"
"Yes, although it might seem unreasonable to involve a veteran, I must say that the world still needs you."
"I understand. From the moment I took Dr. Abraham's bench, I was prepared for this," Steve replied earnestly.
Thor opened a package to reveal a shield: "This is yours; I had it recolored."
Steve took the shield, gently tracing its lines, lost in thought.
"Alright, Captain, is there anything uncomfortable?" Nick Fury inquired.
Steve shook his head and said softly, "No, I'm just feeling a bit nostalgic. With my awakening, I'm afraid there won't be many familiar faces left. This shield was given to me by Mr. Stark. After all these years, he's gone, hasn't he?"
Thor nodded, "Yes, he passed away a few years ago. He enjoyed his retirement, but although he's gone, his son is still around. I think you'll like him. Once you've adjusted to this era, I'll introduce you to your nephew."
Peggy smiled at Thor and mourned Tony Stark in her own way…
…
The awakening of Captain America was a great relief to Nick Fury. While he may not be the strongest superhero, he was undoubtedly the most dependable.
Even more gratifying was Phil Coulson, who not only met his idol in person but also had the honor of taking a photo and getting an autograph…
The only person feeling down was Tony Stark.
Initially, he was in high spirits.
He had just defeated his formidable foe, Whiplash, and his long-time rival, Hammer Industries, had suffered significant setbacks.
The Iron Monger was implicated by Whiplash and was brought to a military court, and Hammer Industries faced its downfall.
Justin Hammer was also unfortunate. In his attempt to compete with Stark Industries, he had collaborated with Whiplash to manufacture Iron Soldiers, hoping to overshadow Tony Stark.
Unexpectedly, Whiplash used the Iron Soldiers as a tool for vengeance, recklessly launching attacks during a press conference. In his blinded hatred, he even triggered their explosions…
Meanwhile, Tony Stark not only solved his palladium poisoning problem but also appeased the military by providing his friend Rhodes with armor, regaining the trust of Washington.
What pleased him most was using S.H.I.E.L.D. to force a congressman who despised him to award him. Watching the fat man, who wanted to tear him apart but had to smile and praise him, was particularly satisfying.
That night, Stark spent time with Rhodes at a bar, staying out late into the night.
Chapter Eighty-Six: Transactions in Space
It was cool for a while, but it was always cool. Tony Stark was enjoying himself immensely.
Until Thor and Steve arrived…
"I, Tony Stark, Iron Man! Announce that I will cover the expenses for everyone here tonight!"
Tony Stark, having had a couple of drinks, declared loudly. With all the pent-up emotions released, he decided to let loose completely tonight.
Then his smile faltered as he saw the face he least wanted to see…
"Look, it's him, Howard's son, just like his father when he was young!" Thor said with a look of disdain, pointing at Stark on the stage.
He then introduced Steve to him: "Hi, big nephew, long time no see! Let me introduce you: this is your Uncle Steve, Captain America, one of your father's best friends. His invincible shield was your father's masterpiece!"
He emphasized "your father," reminding Stark of his generational gap…
Stark's expression turned sour, and War Machine Rhodes struggled to contain his laughter, turning his head away.
Steve, oblivious to Stark's discomfort, greeted him warmly.
"Are you Howard's son? That's wonderful. When I first met him, he was still a young bachelor, claiming he had no plans to marry or have children! I didn't expect you to grow up so fast."
As he spoke, Steve even patted Stark's shoulder like an elder…
Stark's forehead was lined with irritation—didn't you have a clue, old man? Do you have the nerve to claim seniority in front of me, a 30-year-old man with a youthful face?
Stark shivered: "Stop, stop! Biologically, time nearly froze during suspended animation, so your biological age is actually younger than mine. Please don't try to assert generational superiority!"
He then shot a glare at Thor: "Knowing my father doesn't count as such! This old relic is from our ancestors time , thousands of years ago. Isn't it just a cheeky old coot bullying on young people?"
Speaking of which, it was painful. Natasha Romanoff, who had posed as a legal department employee a few days ago, had made Stark, who fancied himself a lover, look foolish and embarrassed him in the boxing ring. He was determined to get back at her…
Only later did Stark discover that this striking woman who could fight was actually a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, closely connected to Trudheim Manor (the name given to the manor by the protagonist)…
Not just Natasha, but many women at Trudheim Manor who "clearly could rely on their looks but chose to work hard"—Thor's ally Jane Foster, who showcased her skills recently, Sif, the top female warrior of Asgard… even a great scientist like Maya Hansen was considered ordinary.
In comparison, the models he met back then with only pretty faces seemed dull…
This distraction had dampened Stark's good mood considerably.
Sure enough, whenever he saw this guy, nothing good happened. Bad old man, really bad!
…
In contrast to the calm on Earth, a shady transaction was taking place in the distant void.
Loki muttered to himself, "I'm coming back, my brother; you won't see this coming!"
He gazed toward Earth and tightened his grip on the scepter in his hand.
At the end of the scepter, a golden gem sparkled.
Mind Stone!
Chapter Eighty-Seven: Loki Sends Equipment
Loki grasped the scepter and set his plans in motion. His schemes had faltered in Asgard, but now he had found collaborators who could be mutually beneficial.
In Loki's view, it wasn't Thanos using him; rather, he was using Thanos.
Once he reached Earth and located the Tesseract, with this scepter in hand, he would have control over everything!
Unbeknownst to him, the Mind Stone subtly influenced his thoughts, continually amplifying the darker aspects of his nature.
A deep voice resonated from the depths of the universe:
"The Tesseract has awakened, and it is in a small world—the world of humans."
"Humans wish to harness its power, but only our allies can use it. Humans are deluding themselves."
"He will lead the charge, and our army of Chitauri will follow."
"Give them Earth; we seek the entire universe."
"How can humans resist? They can only await their doom."
Thanos gazed toward Earth. In his scheme, the Space Stone was second only to the Power Stone in importance. The former would expedite his actions across the universe, while the latter would make him invincible.
…
Thor subconsciously glanced at the sky, his eyelids twitching. He sensed that something significant had occurred in the universe—a feeling that came with the intuition of the strong.
Most likely, Loki and the Chitauri army would arrive soon, and Thor had no intention of stopping them.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Jane asked, noting Thor's serious expression.
After waking from her coma, Jane seemed to lack the same affinity with Mjölnir she had previously displayed. She had asked the Ancient One to examine it, who explained that it was a subconscious defense mechanism, as Jane was still unable to fully handle the power.
Following this event, Jane seemed to believe in destiny even more, and her relationship with Thor progressed rapidly. That same day, at Thor's request, she agreed to stay at the manor after a brief hesitation.
"Nothing. It's just that Earth will face a crisis due to an invasion by an evil alien race."
"Oh," Jane blinked and asked, "Aren't you going to warn ?"
Thor waved his hand dismissively. "Forget it. To those clueless politicians in Washington, I'm already seen as a major threat. If I mention it, they might think I have ulterior motives. Some people are just forgetful about the obvious dangers."
Let them handle it.
The source of this crisis was the same as 70 years ago.
People tried to control forces beyond their grasp, resulting in disaster.
Thor harbored no fondness for Washington. What this group needed was a pack of obedient dogs, preferably with explosive collars to swiftly deal with those who disobeyed…
The more Thor interacted with this group, the more he understood why the Ancient One, as the protector of the world, chose not to interfere in most matters. Many problems were caused by human actions themselves.
"Can't Sister Natasha handle this?"
"I trust her, but I don't want her to get into trouble. After all, she's still affiliated with S.H.I.E.L.D. So, you'll need to adjust during this time and master this power. When the moment arrives, you'll be able to wield it effectively!"
After the battle with the Destroyer, Thor had tested Jane's aptitude. The results were impressive; even in Asgard, she would have been considered exceptional. A thousand years ago, she might have been revered as a saint or condemned as a witch…
…
Chapter Eighty-Eight: The Three Princesses With A Charming Smile
S.H.I.E.L.D. was complacent and continued its weapon research without caution. Natasha noticed a change in the atmosphere at the Trudheim Manor but chose not to ask Thor about it, respecting his apparent wish to keep things unspoken. She was aware that Thor didn't want to cause her embarrassment, and now, within S.H.I.E.L.D., many viewed her as being on Thor's side.
…
In the dead of night, a helicopter landed at S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secret base.
Nick Fury and Maria Hill disembarked, observing the evacuating crowd. Nick Fury asked in a serious tone, "How bad is the situation?"
Phil Coulson responded, "The worst part is the uncertainty."
"Four hours ago, Dr. Erik detected an unusual burst of energy from the Tesseract. The Doctor wasn't using it at the time; the energy was completely spontaneous."
Nick Fury frowned. "What about the energy intensity?"
"It's still increasing. After attempting to contain it, we evacuated the personnel. We should be able to complete the evacuation in about half an hour."
Maria Hill interjected, "Director, merely evacuating personnel isn't enough. We need to determine the source of this energy."
"I understand, but we need to prioritize evacuating personnel and important materials right now."
…
"The Tesseract isn't just a minor issue; it's highly active and out of control," Dr. Erik told Nick Fury with a look of helplessness. "We tried to cut the power, but since it's an energy source, it reactivates itself. If it reaches its peak..."
"Isn't that our goal? To extract energy from the universe?"
"That's different. We're not prepared. There's a significant difference between actively drawing energy and passively receiving it."
Nick Fury had a sinking feeling. He turned to Hawkeye Barton, who was in charge, and asked, "What do you think? Have you noticed anything?"
"Nothing. Dr. Erik didn't take any action, so it's not our fault."
"Our side?" Nick Fury's heart raced.
"Yes. Since the Tesseract is a gateway to the universe, it doesn't make sense that only we can access it. The beings on the other side are likely trying to open the door too," Hawkeye speculated.
"Not yet," Dr. Erik added. "We're not prepared to engage with them."
At that moment, the Tesseract suddenly emitted a powerful blue light, illuminating the opposite platform.
Nick Fury's eyelids twitched as he realized his ominous premonition and quickly shouted, "Everyone stay away from the Tesseract! Combatants, prepare to engage!"
On the platform, the blue flame gradually coalesced into a humanoid form, revealing a demonic figure wearing a two-horned helmet. As the flames receded, a familiar face emerged.
Seeing Nick Fury and the others bracing for battle, Loki grinned wickedly, a devilish smile spreading across his face...
…
Chapter Eighty-Nine: Tesseract Lost
"Sir, could you please put down the spear?"
Although it was clear that the situation was dire, Nick Fury still attempted to negotiate.
Loki scanned the surroundings for a moment before swinging his staff. A surge of energy struck the nearby agents.
"Bang, bang, bang—" The agents, who had been on high alert, fired back, but they were no match for Loki.
Despite being routinely defeated by Thor, Loki's Royal Frost Giant heritage made him physically stronger than most, including Steve Rogers. Dealing with a few ordinary agents was well within his capabilities.
In just a few exchanges, nearly all the surrounding agents were on their knees.
"Oh? This one's not bad," Loki remarked, as he jumped in front of Hawkeye, who was slowly trying to rise and resist. He aimed his scepter at Hawkeye's chest.
Hawkeye's expression shifted to one of struggle, his eyes rapidly turning blue, and he lowered his weapon.
Loki smiled with satisfaction and moved over to the trembling Dr. Erik.
Nick Fury observed in shock as he discreetly placed the Tesseract into a box, closed the lid, and prepared to leave.
"Put the box down. I need it. I came all this way for it."
Loki addressed Nick Fury loudly, "Let me introduce myself. I am Loki, from Asgard, on a mission of great importance that you cannot comprehend!"
"Loki? From Asgard?" Nick Fury, privy to some information that others weren't, blurted out, "Are you Thor's brother?"
"Do not utter that name to me!" Loki roared in anger. "I am the true ruler of Asgard!"
"Alright, alright, calm down. Regardless of who the true ruler is, we should have no grievances between us, right?" Nick Fury interrupted.
Loki cast a disdainful glance at him and said calmly, "Ants and your shoes have no enmity. I'm here to deliver good news."
"Your so-called freedom has bound you. Surrender to me, the great god of mischief, and the Earth will enjoy eternal peace!"
Nick Fury frowned. Why does this guy mimic Thor so much? He attempted to buy time, but renegade Hawkeye spotted him, and Loki knocked him down, seized the Tesseract, and left.
In the parking lot, Maria Hill watched as Loki and Hawkeye made their exit and quickly realized what was happening. She drove fast to intercept them.
Despite her skillful driving and marksmanship, she couldn't match Hawkeye's strength and was unable to stop Loki.
…
"Boom——" A loud crash echoed as Nick Fury, Phil Coulson, and Maria Hill, who were injured, activated their communicators to share what they knew.
"The Tesseract has been stolen, and we've suffered casualties."
Hill emerged from the wrecked car and shouted, "Many have been buried alive. I don't know how many will survive. They need rescue!"
"Call in the rescue teams and tend to the wounded," Nick Fury ordered. "Assemble everyone who wasn't involved in the rescue efforts and retrieve the Tesseract. Phil Coulson, return to the base and issue a seven-alarm alert. Given the current situation, the battle here is over."
"Understood. However, the enemy's strength is beyond our expectations. We may struggle to handle them with our current resources," Phil Coulson warned.
Nick Fury remained silent for a moment before responding, "Then we'll deploy—the Avengers."
…
Chapter Ninety: The Avengers Assemble
"Agent Romanov, we need you to return to S.H.IE.L.D. immediately!" Phil Coulson's urgent voice came through the phone.
In the cluttered living room, Natalia Romanov was lounging on the sofa, recovering from her recent battle with Thor. She had been seriously injured, but her condition was slowly improving.
She lazily picked up her phone. "I'm currently on a mission; it will take some time."
"This is critical. The Tesseract has been compromised, and Barton is under enemy control!"
Natalia's relaxed demeanor shifted to seriousness instantly. She replied coldly, "What do you need me to do?"
"Activate the Avengers Initiative!"
"Seriously? Shouldn't I be going after those people? They're not exactly the best at staying in touch."
…
"What's the matter? Is the bureau after you?" Thor asked with a grin after Natalia ended the call. "Who are you accountable to—Stark or the Hulk?"
"Neither," Natalia responded with a bright smile. "My job was to gauge your response."
"Because of Loki?"
Natalia's expression was one of anticipation. "You already knew?"
Thor nodded. "S.H.I.E.L.D.'s excessive use of the Tesseract's cosmic energy has attracted the attention of some cosmic forces. To them, it's a signal."
"A signal?"
"A signal that Earth is prepared for a major conflict."
Natalia began to understand. She shifted the conversation back to its original topic. "So, what's your stance? Will you assist us?"
Thor waved his hand dismissively. "If I intervene, it will only provide a temporary fix. S.H.I.E.L.D. won't learn from their mistakes; they will just become more obsessed with weapon research. The repercussions this time are manageable, but next time might not be."
"So, you're not going to intervene?"
"Not until Nick Fury acknowledges his error. However, I can have Jane Foster assist in the meantime." Thor indicated Jane Foster. "As the new Thor, Jane's strength should be more than sufficient to handle Loki."
…
In a secluded town, Bruce Banner stared helplessly at the bald man before him.
"I've been hiding here for a reason. Why are you bothering me? Are you from the military?"
Nick Fury shook his head. "No, I'm from S.H.I.E.L.D. We keep track of individuals with super abilities. Over the past year, we've shielded you from various threats."
Bruce Banner, being astute, knew S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't help him out of the goodness of their hearts. He sighed. "What's your agenda? What do you want from me?"
"It's not about what we want, but rather what the world needs."
"An extraterrestrial force has taken the Tesseract, and the consequences are unpredictable. The gamma radiation from the Tesseract is too faint for us to trace, and you are the foremost expert on gamma rays."
"So you didn't come here to hunt monsters?"
"No, not monsters. For someone with your abilities, S.H.I.E.L.D. sees you as a potential Avenger."
…
Outside Stark Industries, Phil Coulson, having endured numerous difficulties and Stark's constant interruptions, finally sighed in relief. Convincing the playboy billionaire was no easy task.
He dialed Nick Fury. "Boss, Tony Stark is on board. Have you managed to reach Bruce Banner? That leaves only Captain America. Should I contact him?"
"No, Steve has already taken care of it."
…
Ten minutes earlier, Captain America was in the middle of a boxing session when he received Thor's call.
"Steve, the world needs you again. Are you prepared?"
"I'm always ready."
…