Chapter 175: Explosion
*Beep—*
The doorbell rang, and Thor went to answer it.
A girl dressed in sunglasses and heavily bundled up entered.
Thor looked at her and said with a grin, "Is Miss Agent going to a masquerade ball?"
Sharon Carter shot him an irritated look. "I was going to come in like this, but now there are a lot of people outside the manor watching!"
She removed her coat and said seriously, "My aunt's place has been under surveillance, she can't leave, and her phone is being monitored, so I'm here to warn you—you need to be careful right now!"
Thor had anticipated this. During the day, the bill delivered by General Ross had actually contained a tracking device. His controversial remarks probably made the politicians nervous.
Thor remained unfazed and sneered, "I wonder what the council thinks of my estate now? Chernobyl? Or Russia?"
Seeing that Thor was indifferent, Sharon also relaxed and said with a smile, "I'd say it's more like Moscow, and there are quite a few who suggested using nuclear bombs."
Thor's eyes turned cold. "It's fine; I'll ensure Wall Street is evacuated before any nuclear bomb detonates."
Sharon shrugged. "It seems like you've already prepared, so I'm relieved."
"By the way, my aunt wanted me to pass on a message: 'Compromise when necessary, but never yield when you shouldn't.
Even if everyone tells you that the wrong thing is right, even if the whole world tells you to step aside, you must stand firm like a tree and resolutely refuse!'"
"Thank you," Thor said quietly. "Is it considered dereliction of duty for her to say something like that?"
Sharon laughed lightly. "You can't say that. My aunt retired a long time ago, so it doesn't count!"
Her voice turned serious as she sighed. "Actually, I've been the one neglecting my duties…"
"Being a bad agent, if it's gone, it's gone. Don't worry, I'll find you a good job in Asgard."
"It's quite a fresh and refined way to say I'm working for you. What a predicament!" Sharon noted with a hint of amusement.
Three days later, at the conference in Vienna, Steve and Stark entered the venue together, dressed in suits.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Steve, Mr. Stark. Banner mentioned you to me."
T'Challa, Prince of Wakanda, in formal attire, approached to greet them.
Stark thought, *Damn, Banner moves fast. Did he even see his parents?*
Steve stepped forward to shake hands. "I apologize for what happened in Nigeria."
"Thank you. This place makes me uncomfortable."
Stark asked, "What, you don't support the agreement?"
T'Challa considered for a moment and said seriously, "From my personal point of view, some aspects of the agreement seem unreasonable. But from a political perspective, I support it. I hope you understand."
Steve shook his head. "If the agreement is like this, I cannot accept it. I will do my best to persuade these countries to change their stance."
"I hope you can succeed. Honestly, I also feel that many countries' minds are not as simple as they appear."
The old king of Wakanda delivered a passionate speech from the podium: "Justice must be served within the framework of order; otherwise, it will cause more chaos!"
"The Avengers protecting the world is indeed commendable. But that is not a justification for them to have unlimited law enforcement powers or to ignore civilian casualties during battles!"
"So, on behalf of Wakanda, I support the signing of the SOKOVIA Act!"
The audience erupted in thunderous applause.
King T'Chaka continued, "Perhaps our bill has some imperfections, so I hope to hear the Avengers' opinions."
He extended his hand in a gesture of invitation and smiled. "Mr. Steve, please! We seek order and peace, and we need to hear diverse viewpoints.
I may not agree with you, but I will defend your right to express your views!"
Indeed, the old king was a kind person, not like those shameless politicians.
"Thank you!" Steve shook hands with King T'Chaka before moving toward the dais.
T'Challa stood by the window, looking out with boredom.
Several security guards were inspecting a car when one suddenly exclaimed, backing away in alarm.
Not good! T'Challa reacted instantly and shouted, "It's dangerous, everyone take cover!"
He rushed in, trying to shield his father.
"Boom..." The deafening explosion erupted, and the powerful shockwave shattered the glass instantly.
The scene turned chaotic, and T'Challa rushed in frantically, only to see his father lying in a pool of blood.
---
Chapter 176: The Winter Soldier
The explosion in Vienna shocked all participating countries, and the SOKOVIA Act was passed unanimously with 117 votes.
The Avengers had no choice but to accept the agreement and be monitored by the Security Council.
If they refused to sign, they would have to retire and be declared persona non grata by all member states that signed the bill, barred from entering in any form. If they were forced into a country, it would be seen as an act of aggression, making them targets for all treaty countries, who would be authorized to use any means to eliminate them.
Steve would certainly not be pleased with such a result, but he was too exhausted to deal with the legislation at the moment.
A video of the suspect was released, and all evidence pointed to his best friend, Bucky.
At least, on the surface, it seemed that way.
"My mom used to discourage me from enlisting, but Aunt Peggy didn't. She gave me my first holster."
On the outskirts of New York, Sharon was chatting with Thor on the sofa in the manor's living room.
"Did she ever tell you that I used that holster? Back then, I was a master marksman who could take down a platoon with a single shot!"
Sharon jumped up, quickly reacting and glaring at him. "Nonsense! I hadn't even unpacked it when I received it."
Thor shrugged.
"Okay, what are you doing now? Steve and the others are in Vienna for a meeting. Aren't you worried they might all sign the bill?"
"No, at least not about Steve. But I suppose they're dealing with the bills at the moment."
Sharon was momentarily taken aback but quickly picked up her phone to check the latest news.
"A bomb placed on a news van exploded at the UN building in Vienna. Over 70 people were injured and at least 12 were killed, including King T'Chaka of Wakanda."
"It's unfortunate. The representatives of the countries that signed the agreement are either incompetent..." Thor sneered.
"Boom—"
The door burst open, and Peggy Carter hurried in.
"Hey, didn't you say you were under surveillance? How did you manage to get away?" Thor joked.
"Because there are more pressing matters now. The meeting in Vienna was attacked, and the suspect is..."
"Bucky, James Barnes, our old friend. As I mentioned earlier, he's not dead, is he?"
Thor interrupted her, introducing himself: "After falling into a deep valley, he was captured by the HYDRA organization, who revived and controlled him.
Dr. Arnim Zola implanted a mind control device in his brain, erasing his previous memories and turning him into a key operative for HYDRA, known as the Winter Soldier.
As the Winter Soldier, he carried out various impossible tasks for HYDRA around the world.
"He is currently living in seclusion in Romania, has recovered all his memories, and has left the HYDRA organization."
Peggy absorbed this information carefully. "So you already knew. Why did you..."
"I can't save everyone, especially politicians who initially put us in a bind."
Paige sighed. "But now, Bucky is wanted. The council's directive is to eliminate him on sight, and Captain America will definitely try to help him.
"If they resist, the council might deploy the signed Avengers."
Peggy Carter worried about Thor. She thought that the Avengers might disintegrate, but she hadn't anticipated such a quick division.
"Bucky is a good friend of mine; how could I betray him?" Thor said with some nostalgia.
During his time with the Howling Commandos, despite the childish conflicts, they had shared many good moments. His bond with Bucky was strong, certainly comparable to Captain America's close relationship with him.
"Bucky has been wronged. He's regained his memory."
Thor patiently explained to the two women.
"I didn't do it. I wasn't in Vienna; I don't do that sort of thing anymore."
In a rented apartment in Romania, Steve finally confronted Bucky.
Bucky vehemently denied the false accusations. In fact, if Steve hadn't come, he wouldn't have bothered to explain.
Captain America believed him immediately.
Hearing footsteps approaching downstairs, Steve became anxious and quickly said, "But now, those who think you're guilty are here, and they won't keep you alive. Bucky, we need to prepare to fight, or..."
Bucky smiled faintly. "Steve, you're still so naive."
"Boom boom boom..."
The sound of footsteps grew louder downstairs. A flashbang was thrown in, and Steve quickly caught it with his shield.
"Boom..." There was an explosion, the door burst open, and CIA soldiers stormed in.
...Death.
---
Chapter 177: Showdown
"Are you saying this is Helmut Zemo's conspiracy?"
"Yes, he knows he doesn't have the capability to take on the Avengers directly, so he's engineered a situation for us to turn against each other."
Sharon looked puzzled. "Then why didn't you say anything? Ordinary commandos can't capture the Captain, and the council would certainly target Iron Man to arrest them."
"Bucky is being wrongfully accused, but the ideological divide between the two sides is real. The conflict was already there; Zemo merely magnified it. The bill has been passed, and Bucky is just a catalyst. Without him, other conflicts would arise."
"Besides, there are things I need to address, which would be more convenient to handle now."
Peggy's eyes widened as she realized Thor was planning something significant.
"Then you should be careful! The other Avengers are being held back. This makes it easier for you to act, but it also serves the council's interests!"
Thor responded dismissively, "I'm just waiting for them to make a move. Rest assured, there's no place on Earth safer than Trudheim Manor. Just stay here and don't leave. I'm concerned that those reckless politicians might do anything."
"By the way, let me add fuel to the fire!"
Thor held a press conference on the SOKOVIA Act.
As the most powerful Avenger, Thor's stance attracted significant attention, with reporters flocking like sharks sensing blood.
Facing the barrage of cameras, Thor delivered his speech.
"Many people are already aware of the outcome of the Vienna meeting. The 117 participating countries passed the bill unanimously, requiring the Avengers to be supervised during their missions."
"Well, you're right. In the future, while saving the world, the Avengers will need to be leashed and controlled."
The sarcasm in his tone was palpable.
"Haha, what a group of ignorant and short-sighted individuals, trying to control the most formidable force in the world, and using such a despicable method, calling it order and stability!"
"You have the security and peace you enjoy today because someone has been fighting to block danger! Just in the past few years, humanity has faced near extinction multiple times! And you blame the soldiers for the losses caused by these conflicts.
You don't even consider who makes you worthy to be in a position to judge!"
"Asgard has been protecting Earth for countless years. If my father hadn't defeated the Giants of Jotunheim, an evil race that invaded Earth, over a thousand years ago, this realm would have been frozen! My father even lost an eye in that battle."
"And now, you are attempting to enslave the future king of Asgard? My stance is clear: leave!"
"Don't worry, I will adhere to the requirements of the law.
Since you feel that the Avengers have caused damage to your lives and property during their missions, I will comply with your demands.
Next time a crisis arises, please handle it yourselves. I hope you won't regret it!"
"Rest assured, I will never intervene in a country that has signed the SOKOVIA Act. If you can't handle it, don't come to me—go to your politicians!"
Thor's fierce rhetoric caused a stir among the reporters, who began speculating about the next day's headlines.
Reporters surged forward, shouting questions.
"Excuse me, is Mr. Thor indirectly threatening us?"
"Does Mr. Thor's attitude represent the stance of the Avengers?"
"With all 117 countries passing the bill, are the Avengers going to be at odds with most of the world?"
"Half the world?" Thor smiled mockingly. He had seen the list of the 117 countries that agreed to the bill, which were essentially allies of the United States.
It made sense; if the U.S. was involved, how could they expect the Avengers to be controlled?
"117 countries? Your so-called 'half the world' is essentially just the U.S. and its allies eager to curry favor. It means nothing to me.
Oh, it's just a group of lackeys.
How dare you brazenly guess at my motives! I've never seen such audacity!"
"I even suspect these governments have been infiltrated by HYDRA, aiming to create discord between ordinary people and superpowered beings!"
"Oh, and I understand why you want to subjugate us. It's because we are different and you fear our abilities! Humanity is always afraid of what is different. I'm telling you now, to the world: you should fear us!"
"We can protect the world, but we can also deliver devastating blows! I welcome any challenge against superpowered individuals, but the consequences of such a war will be on you, and you won't be able to handle them!"
---
Chapter 178: Accusation
"Oh, damn it!"
At Halle Airport in Germany, Tony Stark muttered a curse under his breath after receiving the latest news.
"This guy is just pouring fuel on the fire! Does he think the situation isn't bad enough and wants to start a war between superhumans and ordinary people?"
He was extremely frustrated.
Yesterday, with the assistance of Black Panther and the CIA, the Winter Soldier had been captured and was awaiting transfer back home.
However, during an examination, something went wrong. The Winter Soldier suddenly went berserk, escaped from his containment, and Captain America and Falcon ended up helping him flee.
General Ross had issued an ultimatum: Stark must bring the rogue Avengers back within 36 hours.
At this point, Stark realized that the council's real objective wasn't capturing Bucky, but using the situation to target Captain America and other Avengers who opposed the bill.
Reflecting on the rigid stance of the 117 countries involved, Stark felt increasingly uneasy.
Steve and the others were manageable—they could communicate and were merely seeking fairer terms for the Avengers, leaving room for possible reconciliation.
But Thor had made his stance clear and had even declared a form of war during his press conference.
"Damn it, Thor demonstrated his formidable power in Sokovia, and now he's escalating things even further. I doubt Washington will remain passive!"
Vision's emotionless voice cut in: "This may be exactly what Lord Thor wants."
Stark's face grew pale, and he gritted his teeth. "It seems those council members need to be more rational!"
He shook his head to refocus and called out, "Steve, come back with me! You and your team can get a fair trial!"
"No," Steve replied firmly. "You've arrested the wrong person. He didn't do it."
"Your judgment is flawed. Your old comrades killed many people yesterday."
"It's the Winter Soldier. There are five other super soldiers like him, and I can't let them be found first. Trust me!"
Steve tried to explain, but Stark interrupted, "Alright, time is running out. Steve, you know what? I'm doing everything I can to prevent the alliance from falling apart, and you're dragging Clint into this..."
"No, Tony, once you sign it, it's over."
Stark was taken aback and said dejectedly, "Maybe. Fine, hand over the Winter Soldier. Please, don't make this harder for me!"
He lowered his voice, "Otherwise, it will be the special forces coming in, and they won't be merciful."
Steve still shook his head. "Sorry, I can't return."
The first internal strife since the Avengers' formation had begun.
"I once thought the legendary Thor was a hero, but now he's just like those who tried to destroy the world, using the threat of global security to control us!"
"He's a tyrant! Didn't you hear him? We should fear him? Sorry, I will never bow to someone who threatens us with war!"
People forget quickly. Save the world once, and they see you as a hero. But help them multiple times, and they see it as your duty.
"After venting, I feel completely relaxed—my back pain is gone!"
Thor was reclining comfortably in a chair, enjoying a massage from Peggy Carter.
"I don't know about your back pain, but that sore back must be from last night!"
Sharon Carter teased, "It was so noisy last night; I couldn't sleep next door!"
Peggy added, "Indeed."
"This situation is unstoppable!"
"Presumably, there will be a lot of people criticizing me outside, right?" Thor asked with a grin.
"Yes," Natalia replied, typing away on her computer.
"At least half of the latest posts on Twitter are criticizing you, comparing you to historical tyrants, and calling for you to be tried for crimes against humanity... If it's like this, are you planning to explain yourself?"
"Explain? That's not my intention!"
Seeing their disapproving looks, Thor smiled and said, "Let me tell you a story.
There was a bully who was disliked by everyone.
One day, he performed a good deed, and people praised him as a good person. On the other hand, there was a genuinely good person who often helped others.
One day, this good person fell ill and couldn't help anyone.
As a result, the neighbors criticized him for being selfish."
Peggy pondered, "You used to play the role of a hero, but now you're shifting your stance?"
"Isn't that how it works, Blacken? Just like in the movies."
Sharon Carter interrupted, breaking the moment.
Ignoring her, Thor gave a cold smile. "If reason fails to resolve the problem, then use force."
---
Chapter 179: New York Is Going To Be Leveled Again?
"Dinglingling" The phone rang with a number Thor had never seen before. Thor smiled slightly and answered.
"Hey, let me guess which old friend is taking the risk to bring me news?"
"The council has decided to drop a nuclear bomb on the Trudheim estate in ten minutes." Nick Fury's deep voice came through.
"Wow? I actually get this kind of treatment?" Thor whistled. "I guess to them, nuclear bombs are a cure-all!"
He had been informed of this decision earlier—half an hour before Nick Fury, almost as soon as the council was making its decision.
"As expected, you already knew." Nick Fury said, "I hope you'll show mercy. Also, try not to leave any traces."
Nick Fury knew more than most and was more concerned about Thor's potential retaliation.
A nuclear bomb to solve the problem? Nick Fury thought it was a fantasy. Back in New York, Thor had flown into the Portal with a nuclear bomb, and there was no pressure at all.
Even if it detonated prematurely, it would likely only enrage him and lead to severe revenge.
"Hahaha..." Thor laughed. This old bastard was much smarter than the council members.
"Don't worry, I'll do my best to control the aftermath."
"Skye, have you resolved the situation?"
After hanging up, Thor turned to Skye, who was typing rapidly on her keyboard.
If she couldn't manage it, he would have to personally deal with the nuclear bomb, but that would affect the effectiveness of the plan.
Typically, hackers could only access the public network—a network connected to the outside world.
The national defense system was a military network, isolated from external networks, making hacking impossible.
However, there were exceptions.
Definitely not Thor's people, but Kingpin's.
"Pa——" Skye hit the final key.
"Done! Now that I have control of the nuclear bomb system, where should I redirect it?"
Skye asked nervously.
She feared Thor might target significant areas, causing numerous casualties, despite knowing the council had acted first.
Thor saw her concern and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, it'll be directed to a deserted area."
He pointed to the map, indicating somewhere in the ocean between Hawaii and California.
Skye entered the coordinates with a look of suspicion.
"Okay, now it's time for the council to see the consequences of their actions."
Thor made a phone call: "Mr. Fisk, there's something that requires your cooperation..."
In a conference room.
"Sir, the missile with the nuclear warhead is out of control!"
"What happened? What's the status now?"
A high-ranking official with four stars on his shoulders barked angrily.
Just half an hour ago, the council had decided to launch a nuclear bomb at Trudheim Manor, despite global disapproval.
Since the manor was located in the suburbs of New York, this would inevitably lead to severe consequences. The council had even planned how to explain this to the public.
Unexpectedly, the missile launch encountered a problem midway.
"The nuclear bomb hasn't exploded; it's just off course, heading southwest. It should land in the northeast of the Pacific Ocean, and it shouldn't affect the mainland!"
The official sighed with relief.
Was it truly just an accident?
At the German airport, the battle between the Avengers raged on.
On one side were Iron Man Stark, War Machine Rhodes, the super-robot Vision, and Spider-Man Peter Parker, temporarily captured by the young Black Panther T'Challa.
On the other side were Captain America with the Winter Soldier Bucky, Hawkeye Clint, Falcon Sam, and the newcomer Ant-Man Scott.
Black Widow was missing from Iron Man's side, and Scarlet Witch was missing from Captain America's side, making it a five-on-five battle.
The fight at the airport was intensifying. Ant-Man had grown to a giant size, wreaking havoc on the surrounding facilities and covering for Steve and Bucky.
Despite his immense size, Ant-Man's movements were not very nimble. Spider-Man zipped around, ensnaring him with webbing, causing the giant to crash to the ground.
Hawkeye, the last member of the original six-man team, was no match for Black Panther. He kept shooting arrows, trying to evade, but Black Panther tackled him with a sliding move.
War Machine Rhodes suffered an accident due to Vision and fell from a great height. An enraged Stark went all out to take down Falcon...
---
Chapter 180: Hulk Rescue
The backup from the teammates bought time for Steve and Bucky.
They ran quickly, heading toward the plane.
Black Panther blocked their path.
"I didn't kill your father," Bucky said.
"Then why are you running?" Black Panther retorted.
"Do you think I'm going to let myself be beaten to death without a fight? If I don't run, I'd be a fool," Bucky thought to himself.
Black Panther was holding them back, preventing them from boarding the plane.
The roar of battle armor sounded as Stark arrived.
"Captain, stop. Rhodes is seriously injured, and we can't afford any more losses. Do you really want the Avengers to be consumed by unnecessary infighting?"
Steve looked down. With Stark arriving, it meant that the reinforcements were now out of commission and could no longer assist. With Stark and T'Challa present, Bucky couldn't escape no matter what...
"Huh—" A car raced toward them at top speed.
"Roar——" A deafening roar almost shook the sky.
"Boom——" The car crashed without braking, exploding violently.
A green figure emerged from the explosion, and with a single swipe, the unresponsive Black Panther was sent flying hundreds of meters away.
Hulk!
"Hulk? What are you doing?"
Stark was shocked. Wasn't Hulk in Wakanda? Why did he show up now? With him here, things were going to be even more complicated.
Hulk ignored him, turned around, and said in a guttural tone: "Go!"
Steve was stunned. So, Hulk had come to help him?
He quickly rallied Bucky and rushed toward the plane.
"Don't go!" Stark tried to pursue, but Hulk blocked his way.
"Damn it, big guy, you're causing trouble!"
Stark was furious. Just as he was about to complete the task, Hulk appeared and deliberately obstructed him. The nerve!
"Call Veronica!"
In space, several large metal pieces descended, surrounding Hulk like an inverted bowl.
The metal barrier vibrated violently and was torn apart by Hulk amidst the screech of metal.
What appeared before him was a massive metal warrior.
Anti-Hulk armor!
In the original timeline, the Anti-Hulk armor played a significant role during the Ultron event when it subdued Hulk, who had gone berserk.
In this timeline, Wanda had been taken home by Thor ahead of time...
So, the Avengers had arrived earlier, and Wanda didn't appear.
Now, this epic confrontation was finally happening.
"Hello, Mr. Thor Odinson. I am Edwards, a high-level FBI agent. Regarding the case of the illegal intruder killed at the Trudheim estate last Saturday, the bureau has new leads. We would like to cooperate with you."
A black middle-aged man stood at the manor's gate, showing his ID to verify his identity, and requested Thor's cooperation.
"Are you kidding? A case that's already resolved can't be overturned just like that! We have ironclad evidence proving our legality!"
Skye interjected, insisting that the FBI take over, even if it meant causing trouble. Despite her usual arguments with Thor, she considered him close.
However, Paige and Sharon appeared thoughtful.
Surprisingly, Thor didn't refuse.
"Yes, but I need to inform my family first. Can you wait a little longer?"
"Of course."
Thor found Jane Foster.
"What are you doing? The people calling you now must have ulterior motives. Aren't you worried you might not come back?"
She knew Thor was impervious to mere mortals, but his mysterious behavior frustrated her.
Thor smiled enigmatically. "Don't worry, nothing will happen. By the way, where is Mjölnir? I need it tonight."
Stormbreaker was powerful, but Mjölnir was better suited for certain tasks.
It hurt that Miss Jane had higher authority over Mjölnir than he did...
Jane glanced at him suspiciously. For ordinary people, there seemed to be little difference between Mjölnir and Thor's fist. Still, she nodded.
Accompanied by the FBI agent, Thor got into the car and arrived at the New York branch. The agent led him into the interrogation room.
A burly figure appeared, bowing respectfully.
"Your Highness, I've arranged everything as you ordered. Do you need anything else?"
This hefty man was none other than the current mayor of New York, Wilson Fisk, the underground kingpin known as Kingpin!
---
Chapter 181: The Real Murderer
The battle between the Hulk and the Anti-Hulk armor at the airport came to an end.
The enraged Hulk clashed with the Anti-Hulk armor, destroying many of its components. However, the Anti-Hulk armor had a significant advantage—it could constantly replenish its materials and was almost always in peak condition.
Realizing he was outmatched, Hulk grabbed a steel pillar and pinned the Anti-Hulk armor to the ground. While his opponent was busy with repairs, Hulk made his escape...
Stark's face turned green. Was Hulk really acting like this these days?
"Mr. Stark, after a preliminary examination, Mr. Rhodes has multiple fractures in his vertebrae and severe spinal cord damage. He is likely to face paralysis in the future. We will do our best, but please be prepared for the worst."
At the inspection center, a doctor in a white coat reported to Stark.
Stark's face tightened in pain. With his extensive medical knowledge and field experience, he understood the gravity of the situation.
He contemplated briefly and, hoping for a miracle, took out his mobile phone.
"Hi, is this Doctor Strange?"
On a highway in the United States, a sports car sped along.
"Dingling..." The phone rang, and the driver answered the call.
"The vertebrae are comminuted and the spinal cord is severely torn. Is there any hope?" Stark asked.
Strange raised an eyebrow.
"I can handle it. I thought it would be a challenging case. But since you referred it, Mr. Stark, I'll take it on even though it's a complex procedure."
"Send me the film."
Moments later, several disturbing X-rays appeared on the screen.
Strange frowned, examining the images and muttering to himself.
"Wow, did this guy fail to deploy his parachute? What a fall! Uh, could it be that Stark crashed while in his suit?"
As a medical expert, Strange made an immediate guess.
He didn't notice an out-of-control car speeding towards him...
After ending the call, Stark felt somewhat relieved.
He had been in despair, but thanks to Doctor Strange, who once took shrapnel for him, he still had hope. Despite Strange's somewhat abrasive personality, his medical skills were beyond reproach.
Thor had recommended Strange back then.
Stark suddenly realized something.
"Friday, search for Thor. Thor?"
A female voice responded: "At 10:35 this morning, New York time, the FBI sent Mr. Thor Odinson to the New York branch to assist with the investigation into the shooting and killing of illegal intruders. Surveillance shows that Thor disappeared in the interrogation room."
It appeared that nothing unusual had occurred, but Stark's brow remained furrowed.
He knew Thor had ordered Minerva to shoot intruders, but under "Castle Law" and "Non-Background Law," his actions were legal. There shouldn't be an issue.
What was odd was that the FBI had called him for cooperation. Even stranger was Thor's compliance.
Vision, standing nearby, added, "Also, the surveillance footage from the FBI doesn't seem to be private; it appears to be broadcast publicly, which is quite unusual..."
Stark's expression darkened as he realized: "I see. He's doing this deliberately—using a seemingly normal procedure to create a public alibi!"
Damn, this could cause serious trouble!
There was a knock on the door...
"Mr. Stark, a middle-aged man named Bruce Banner is here to see you!"
In the hall, the young Black Panther, T'Challa, dialed his sister with a grim expression.
"Hello, is that Shuri? Do you know what happened to Banner?"
At the crucial moment when he was about to catch his father's killer, his prospective brother-in-law's unexpected actions had made his already dark mood even worse...
"I don't know. He answered the phone and left in a hurry."
"Who called?"
"I'm not sure, it was an American number."
Hanging up the phone, T'Challa pondered. Banner's strange behavior must be related to the mysterious call!
"I'm sorry, Your Highness, I didn't have time to explain earlier. I needed to finish my transformation before coming to you."
Banner's voice came from the door.
T'Challa was startled and asked with a stern face, "Do you realize what you've done?"
"I let the Winter Soldier go because he was wronged."
Banner took out his phone. "I was still figuring out how to prove my innocence, but now, let's review the information the Berlin police just sent."
---
Chapter 182: Tsunami
California is a state on the Pacific coast of the western United States.
Before the gold rush, it was a desolate place where no one lived and wildlife was scarce.
With the discovery of gold mines, this area gradually prospered.
Today, it is one of the most developed states in the United States, with an economic scale surpassing that of the United Kingdom.
San Diego, a city on the Pacific coast of California, is located in the extreme southwest corner of the continental United States. It is the second-largest city in California, following Los Angeles.
San Diego is home to numerous military bases, primarily for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
The most notable of these is the San Diego Naval Base, where the headquarters of the U.S. Third Fleet are stationed.
Many people believe that the most powerful fleet in the U.S. is the Seventh Fleet, which makes its presence known in the Far East. However, that is not the case.
The real powerhouse is the Third Fleet, which includes four aircraft carrier battle groups, a surface ship brigade, an attack helicopter wing, a littoral combat ship squadron, and an expeditionary detachment.
This fleet operates independently, following orders from the joint commander to carry out various tasks, such as implementing Pacific theater strategies during wartime, preventing regional conflicts during peacetime, and training the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
The Third Fleet boasts four nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and its overall strength is nearly one-third of that of the entire U.S. Navy.
San Diego enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with rare summer rains. Its warm climate, stunning coastline, and numerous beaches make it a popular resort destination.
However, today at noon, an unexpected downpour disrupted the clear sky. Vacationers, caught off guard by the unpredictable weather, could only grumble.
What no one anticipated was that this heavy rain was just the precursor to a massive tsunami!
An unprecedentedly huge tsunami, with waves thousands of feet high, obscured the sky and made everything appear tiny.
The power of the ocean revealed the true meaning of overwhelming force. Everything in the path of the colossal waves was instantly destroyed.
Inside the San Diego Naval Base, the piercing alarm blared.
"Run! The tsunami is coming..."
"It's over, we're finished!"
Desperate cries echoed everywhere as countless people fled in panic.
An officer watched helplessly as a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, appearing like a mere flatboat against the monstrous waves, was lifted thousands of meters into the air.
Then it plummeted towards a shipyard.
"Boom!" The explosion was followed by immediate submersion by the waves.
The sea giant, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, a symbol of supreme maritime power and a fate-determining entity for some nations, was instantly shattered by nature's might.
"Is this the Lihe number?" he muttered.
There was no time for sorrow. While soldiers could escape quickly, the fleet could not.
On this day, destined to be remembered in history, the San Diego Naval Base, the second-largest naval base of the U.S. Navy and the largest port in the Pacific, suffered the most devastating attack in human history.
Including the Third Fleet, nearly a hundred warships in the base were either destroyed by the tsunami or swept into the sea.
The only fortunate aspect was that, thanks to immediate rescue efforts, the loss of personnel was relatively low. Moreover, the previous heavy rain provided enough time for many to evacuate from the beach.
Even so, this was a catastrophe. For the country, the loss was several times greater than the attack on Pearl Harbor in the previous century. Four Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and four Los Angeles-class nuclear submarines had become history.
The most powerful Third Fleet, capable of decimating more than 90% of the world's countries, was obliterated in just a few hours. One-third of the formidable navy that the United States relied on to assert its dominance had evaporated.
"Revenge! This must be avenged!"
The top officials in Washington were in turmoil as they received the news.
The four-star general who had personally overseen the nuclear launch was now furiously demanding, "This is a direct challenge to us, and it cannot go unanswered! I propose an all-out war at any cost!"
The other officials fell silent. The destruction of the Third Fleet in a matter of hours suggested that the enemy had the capability to do even more damage.
After all, they did not have the courage to risk everything on a single gamble.
"Chief, there's an unknown email!"
A soldier opened the message, revealing a nuclear symbol and a small map.
Virginia?
"Norfolk! Norfolk Naval Base! They are warning us!"
A middle-aged man exclaimed, and everyone gasped in shock.
The largest naval base, with three major fleets and five nuclear-powered aircraft carriers! If it follows the fate of San Diego, it could mark the end of an era of dominance!
---
Chapter 183: Shock
News of the devastation in San Diego had not yet reached New York, but the city was already in chaos.
Several major TV networks simultaneously hijacked their broadcasts, replacing them with videos and photos detailing the dark history of the Council over the years—content that had been meticulously erased without a trace.
These included supporting wars behind the scenes, profiting from conflicts, backing terrorists in the Middle East to amplify their influence, and falsely labeling common items as weapons of mass destruction to justify bombings.
Many crucial institutions were monitored, but these records were typically stored for security reasons and later deleted.
No one could have anticipated that these surveillance recordings, which should have been long forgotten, would be exposed at this time.
When technology advances, previously impossible things become possible, especially with someone like Skyle, a super hacker, at the helm.
While the exposure of these historical misdeeds was damaging to the Council's international reputation, it was the following two videos that ignited public outrage.
The first footage showed the former S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier, with Nick Fury watching the devastation unfold on a large screen with grave concern.
The large monster visible on the screen was clearly from the New York conflict.
The video depicted a heated argument between Nick Fury and the Council:
"Director Nick Fury, after a unanimous decision, we've decided to nuke New York."
"I refuse to carry out such a reckless order!"
"Your ship is the closest to the battlefield. Dispatch fighters immediately..."
"Once again, I will not execute such an order! Unless my team is completely defeated, I will not drop a nuclear bomb on my own civilians!"
"Director Nick, the board has overridden your command and ordered the launch of a nuclear bomb on New York!"
"Damn these fools! Contact the Avengers!"
The screen then showed Stark dragging the nuclear bomb, struggling to prevent it from falling, while Thor rushed into the portal with the bomb just before it closed...
The second video was from the previous night.
"The Council decided to launch a nuclear bomb on Trudheim Manor to eliminate the threatening Avengers!"
"But that's the suburbs of New York! The consequences of a nuclear explosion would be catastrophic!"
"No, the Avengers are the source of the disaster! Besides, the distance between that location and Wall Street is sufficient. It might affect the slums, but it's just a matter of saving some relief funds!"
"But how do we justify this to the public?"
"Nuclear leaks, illegal research... civilians will only need a superficial explanation. We can blame the Avengers and cover it up with any excuse we can find!"
"Chief, the missile is off course!"
"The nuclear bomb didn't detonate; it's just that the coordinates were incorrect. It's heading towards the southwest. The impact point should be in the northeast Pacific Ocean, so it shouldn't affect the mainland!"
"It seems like an accident. Cancel the plan for now."
Following the New York conflict, Thor had asked Skye to gather information and had executed a congressman as a warning.
It wasn't necessary to deal with a mere pawn so severely. What Skye was really tasked with was obtaining the video of the nuclear launch towards New York.
As for the content from the previous night, once it was delivered by a senior official under Kingpin's control, Thor immediately instructed Skye to act, leading to the acquisition of the video footage.
If the previous content showcased the United States' international sins, the two nuclear strike plans against New York stirred public outrage.
"Are we living in a terrorist state? My God, our government is dropping nukes on us!"
"I'm moving out of New York; it's too dangerous. I've survived the mushroom cloud twice!"
"This is absurd! We want an organization that drops nukes on civilians to oversee the Avengers, who are preventing us from being nuked!"
Thor, freshly returned from the FBI, seized the moment to speak: "The primary reason I oppose the Sokovia Accords is that I refuse to let an organization that launches nuclear bombs on its own people control the world's most powerful force."
"Four years ago, thankfully, this absurd bill didn't exist. Otherwise, New York would have been wiped out. According to the bill, the Council would have threatened us with the Avengers' families and watched the nuclear bomb explode!"
"The Avengers cannot handle every situation perfectly; accidents will occur. But we have always done our utmost to save everyone, rather than treating civilian lives as expendable!"
---
Chapter 184: Riot
Public opinion is notoriously easy to manipulate. Just as the Council tries to morally coerce the public into condemning the Avengers, Thor is leveraging public outrage to undermine the Council.
At this critical moment, news of the California tsunami emerged.
This time, not just New York, but the entire United States was in turmoil.
Some authoritative experts questioned, "I never imagined that the disaster depicted in 'The Doomsday Collapse' would become a reality! There has never been a tsunami of such magnitude in California's history; not even a Category 5 hurricane could match such power."
"The nuclear bomb launched by the Council previously failed and fell off the west coast. The tsunami occurred less than an hour later. Are these events connected? Did the shockwave from the nuclear bomb cause this disaster?"
Led by New York's mayor, Wilson Fisk, critics issued 327 speeches denouncing Washington and the Council.
In front of numerous reporters, Kingpin displayed a look of faux sympathy, lamenting, "Our country is no longer the beacon of freedom and democracy! Now it's a stage for corrupt politicians. Yesterday it was New York, today it's San Diego. These shameless politicians are dragging our country to hell!"
In truth, the nuclear bomb's yield was not significant enough to cause such a catastrophic disaster. However, no matter what the Council explained, no one believed them.
The latent power that Kingpin had built up over the years came into play. Many officials under his influence spoke out in a coordinated manner, and soon the entire United States was engulfed in protests and riots.
Angry citizens vandalized countless public facilities and statues of presidents. Many buildings were set on fire, and the flames raged throughout the night. The White House was surrounded by barbed wire, and the president even had to seek refuge in the basement several times...
"What a beautiful landscape!" Thor remarked casually.
"I already regret letting Skye get involved with you," Peggy said, her frustration evident.
She had never anticipated that things would escalate so dramatically, turning New York into a scene reminiscent of Syria...
Skye, like a child who had made a mistake, hid behind Thor and stuck out her tongue.
Peggy Carter's anger level increased significantly.
Seeing her furious expression, Thor couldn't help but laugh and said, "You're not even American. Why are you so worked up? Did you not see that the Fury didn't even come to see me?"
"It's impossible to cause such severe chaos with mere provocation alone. The root cause is the Council's disregard for and humiliation of the people.
Do you know why Nick Fury hasn't approached me yet? Because he also disapproves of these politicians' decisions. They need to be made aware of the consequences of their actions."
Peggy Carter, despite her intelligence, was more driven by emotion.
"If you do something wrong, you should face consequences. Chaos is only temporary. The world needs stability, but it also needs justice."
Thor suddenly smiled and said, "Look, yesterday I was labeled a tyrant, and today I'm being hailed as a savior! It seems that in the public's eyes, the Avengers are far more trusted than the Council!"
The domestic turmoil was escalating, and neither side of the civil war was yet fully aware of the extent of the situation.
After being reprimanded in the sea prison, Stark finally discovered Steve's location.
He rushed over immediately, without even catching up on domestic news.
In a military base in Siberia, the pair living a secluded life were surprised by an unexpected visitor.
"Hey, don't shoot. I didn't come here to fight!"
"I didn't inform Ross about your visit, and I don't plan to. Otherwise, I'd be arrested."
These comments only served as a reminder of his non-compliance with the law, and in a sense, they were a tacit acknowledgment that Steve was right.
Steve put away his shield and extended his hand: "Nice to meet you, Stark."
"Likewise."
Bucky lowered his gun.
The three entered the base where the Winter Soldier was being trained.
They didn't notice a shadow lurking behind them.
T'Challa, who had learned the truth from Banner, also arrived in search of Zemo.
To their surprise, the other Winter Soldiers who were supposed to be under Zemo's control were dead in their containment pods.
An indifferent voice emerged: "Did you really think I needed these soldiers? No, their sole purpose was to draw you in."
From behind a blast door, Zemo's figure slowly became visible.
Steve stepped forward and asked, "You orchestrated the Vienna attack to lure us here?"
Stark, who knew Zemo's identity, also inquired, "You're from Sokovia. Was this your aim?"
He was puzzled. If Zemo's goal was revenge, why eliminate the Winter Soldiers here?
---
Chapter 185: The Script Is Wrong!
"Sokovia was beyond saving before you destroyed it. I lost everyone, and you will too."
Zemo opened a video showing December 16, 1991, the eve of the collapse of the Soviet Empire.
With a mysterious smile, Zemo pointedly said, "An empire overthrown by an external enemy might recover, but an empire that falls from within will be doomed forever."
All three were riveted by the video, and Zemo slowly exited the base.
The video displayed in black and white a car crashing, followed by an elderly figure crawling out.
Bucky recognized the scene and lowered his head in guilt.
In the footage, Howard Stark, lying on the ground, recognized Bucky and called out, seemingly regaining some consciousness. However, Bucky only hesitated for a few seconds before delivering a heavy punch with his metal arm...
After dealing with the lifeless Howard, the Winter Soldier in the video approached the co-pilot's seat, finding no one there. With his sole target being Howard, and Bucky no longer an issue, he destroyed the surveillance camera with a single shot and walked away...
The screen went dark.
Steve looked at Stark with concern, having understood Zemo's strategy to pit them against each other.
Stark closed his eyes, remained silent for a moment, then suddenly raised his head with a peculiar expression. "Steve, I must say, your partner seems quite unprofessional—assassinating a man who was already near death, yet he missed."
Steve, who was bracing for a confrontation, was taken aback. What was this—expansion?
It took him a moment to process, and he hesitated, "Mr. Howard, he's not dead?"
Stark nodded slowly.
The Winter Soldier, standing nearby, appeared visibly relieved. Although he and Howard didn't have many interactions, Howard had been a significant figure to Steve. If he had truly died at Bucky's hands, it would have been a heavy burden for him to bear.
Stark noticed the confusion and began to explain: "At that time, many doctors declared my father's death. Later, the body was discovered to be a fraud..."
"Additionally, he seemed to have discovered a unique ability. No matter how severe the injury, he could heal slowly. So, in the last few years of his life, he tried almost every sport he had wanted to but was too afraid to attempt. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise."
Steve's eyes widened; it all sounded too fantastical. He even suspected Stark might be making up stories to comfort himself.
"Before he died, he had a blood sample taken and asked me to study it. I found a mysterious substance, albeit in trace amounts, that set him apart from ordinary people."
"Super Soldier Serum?" Steve's heart skipped a beat.
Stark shook his head. "I wondered if the old man had used it himself, but no. Years later, I finally found the source—Maya Hansen's lab, Extremis!"
"Thor was active during that era and had many interactions with my father. All of this must be his doing. Rather than coincidence, I prefer to think he had the ability to foresee the future and orchestrated events decades in advance."
Stark, as he spoke, felt a pang of discomfort. He really didn't want to discuss his father in front of Thor; it always made him feel out of place...
The real reason his father drove alone that night was that he had just argued with his mother, largely due to Thor's previous disparaging comments about him!
The usually silent Bucky suddenly said, "I should apologize to you. I remember everything, and although I didn't mean to, I nearly killed your father."
Stark nodded, "I accept your apology.
In fact, my father never mentioned that night until his death. Since he didn't hold onto it, why should I? After that, he handed over the company to me and withdrew from public life. Many probably thought he had disappeared."
Outside the base, Zemo listened through his headphones, anticipating the sounds of a confrontation between the Avengers.
"Sorry, I apologize on behalf of Bucky."
"It's not necessary. None of this is his fault. He was under HYDRA's control at that time, merely a weapon. The true blame lies with HYDRA."
"Thank you for understanding."
Zemo, who hadn't anticipated such an outcome, was nearly overwhelmed with frustration.
Damn, this script is wrong. That's all it takes for you to forgive your father's death? Stark, are you really that generous?
...So.
---
Chapter 186: Parting Ways
The composed demeanor Zemo had always maintained finally shattered. He never anticipated that his meticulously crafted plan would unravel in such a manner.
Black Panther approached from behind.
"I almost targeted the wrong person. Is this what you wanted, to let them destroy each other? It's clear you won't achieve your goals."
Zemo's plan had a crucial premise: that Stark would lose his composure. Otherwise, Bucky's actions would be dismissed as those of someone under HYDRA's control.
Understanding this, Zemo slowly began to calm down and recount his story.
"My father lived outside the city, and I thought it would be safe. My son was thrilled at the thought of seeing Iron Man through the car window. I reassured my wife not to worry, since they were fighting far away in the city—nothing would happen."
"But when the dust settled, it took me two days to find my father and their bodies. My father, even reduced to ashes, was still holding my wife and child, while the Avengers had simply walked away."
"They offered me substantial compensation, but it's far from enough to replace my family. Knowing I lacked the means for direct revenge, I could only devise a plan to make them destroy each other."
"I'm sorry about your father's death. He seemed to have been... a good man."
T'Challa listened quietly and replied, "Revenge has already consumed you, and I won't let it consume me as well."
He then gently placed a hand on Zemo's that was moving toward a lethal decision and added coldly, "The living will settle accounts with you!"
"I had already informed General Ross of the truth behind the Vienna bombing when I arrived. However, he didn't seem to care at all."
"Perhaps you're right. The council's intention was to make the Avengers their private force."
"Superpowered individuals do need regulation, but not in this manner, and not now. You're wanted; leave now. I'll pretend I didn't see you."
Steve nodded in agreement.
Bucky said, "If possible, find a place to put me in stasis again. I can't trust my mind. It might become uncontrollable at any moment. I believe continuing to sleep is the best option."
Black Panther's figure appeared. "Come to Wakanda. I might have a way to clear the voice from your mind as compensation for pursuing you for so long."
As he walked a few steps, Steve suddenly had a thought, turned around, and handed a phone to Stark.
"If you need us, or if you need me, I'll be there as quickly as possible."
Leaving the abandoned base, Stark took a deep breath.
"Friday, what's the current situation in US?"
"Mr. Stark, you should see for yourself..."
Several news headlines popped up.
"Shocking Scandal! The council revealed to have twice approved the launch of nuclear bombs against New York!"
"The most devastating tsunami in history hit San Diego, nearly destroying the San Diego Naval Base and wiping out the entire Third Fleet!"
"Many experts believe the California tsunami was likely caused by the council's nuclear bombs being detonated in the sea!"
Stark's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Friday, are you sure today isn't April Fool's Day?"
He felt as though his world was collapsing.
Friday remained silent.
"Alright, I need to get back quickly. If my building has been targeted as well, it will be a disaster..."
"Don't worry, sir. Most New Yorkers consider you their savior for rescuing them from the disaster, and the Stark Building is already regarded as a shrine. Oh, and Nick Fury's memorial site is covered with flowers..."
Stark: ""
Is this really the only good news?
Stark was left speechless. He could deduce that the simultaneous eruption of these events was no coincidence; someone must be orchestrating it all.
The most likely orchestrator was...
Before leaving, he recalled what Banner had said when he found him: "Thor called and told me that you arrested the wrong person. The real culprit is that fake psychiatrist. He deliberately led the captain away, and the captain now has no idea what's happening—he needs help!"
"You deliberately sent us away, didn't you?"
Stark murmured.
---
Chapter 187: The Legend of History at the Low Point of Life
In the skies over New York, Stark and Vision observed the chaos below in silence.
"Is this still New York?" Stark murmured.
"Was it ever really this way?" Vision's emotionless voice responded. "The current unrest seems less about dissatisfaction with the government and more about a profound disillusionment with the American dream."
"Perhaps this is for the best. Instead of concealing the rot, it's better for people to see it all. Steve is right. This country is no longer the beacon of freedom and democracy it once was. It needs a new direction."
Stark muttered, "New direction?"
His eyes were drawn to a peculiar house.
It appeared to be an ordinary door, but whenever thugs approached it, they would inexplicably bypass it.
Vision noticed this as well: "The Mind Gem has detected a familiar aura. Beyond this door seems to be another world."
"Let's investigate. There might be some secrets inside."
The two landed and approached the door, preparing to knock.
"Never mind. It's just an old, decrepit house. There's nothing of interest here. Let's leave. The world is in chaos; we should go home and lay low."
Stark waved dismissively and began to walk away.
"Agreed," Vision followed suit.
On the other side of the door, the Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One, slowly opened her eyes.
With her millennia of wisdom, nothing in New York escaped her notice.
She observed the scene outside the door and sighed. Having witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires, such chaos was familiar to her.
"Your Highness, Sorcerer Supreme, are we really not going to intervene? You could easily calm this turmoil with a single thought."
Wang, who stood beside her, asked in confusion.
His mental fortitude was far less developed than that of the Ancient One, and he was somewhat apathetic towards the unfolding events.
The Ancient One shook her head slowly: "It's alright. We don't need to act; the chaos will subside in time. History has shown that humanity is forgetful. Eventually, they will return to their routines and repeat their patterns."
"Kamar-Taj's mission is to protect Earth from external threats, not to meddle in worldly affairs."
Wang thought to himself: "Isn't it considered sabotage if a foreign god almost destroys the world's defense? Or if California were to sink?"
Noticing his expression, the Ancient One understood his thoughts and sighed.
Theoretically, a butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon rainforest could trigger a tornado in Texas two weeks later.
So now, all signs point to the cause of the California tsunami being attributed to the nuclear bombs launched by the council.
If butterflies can be so destructive, imagine the impact of a nuclear bomb.
The Ancient One knew the truth. An Asgardian had been at the heart of a massive sea storm, wielding a Mjölnir.
Fortunately, Thor's primary targets were military facilities, not civilians.
Thor did not intend to cause extensive casualties. He understood that, in the eyes of many U.S. politicians, the death of 180,000 people is a statistic, while the loss of a few aircraft carriers would truly cause distress.
Technically, she should intervene, but given that it was Thor, she decided against it.
There was one thing she hadn't shared with anyone: She had long ago violated the rule against peering into the future with the Eye of Agamotto, including events beyond her own death.
No matter how the future unfolds, Thor remains the central force driving the world. The question is whether he will be a beacon of hope or a harbinger of destruction.
This is a presence far more terrifying than Kaecilius or any possible future, so the Ancient One was extremely cautious about anything related to Thor.
Moreover, even aside from moral considerations, Kamar-Taj's time was running out. The future would eventually be in the hands of Doctor Strange.
At this moment, provoking such a powerful being would only lead to harm without any benefit.
Thinking about this, she glanced at Strange. His hands were now covered in plaster, marking a low point in his life.
The Ancient One nodded in satisfaction. Even in such dire circumstances, he had not abandoned his treatment. As the future Sorcerer Supreme, his determination was commendable.
But it was likely to be in vain. Few options were available to save his hands.
Aside from Kamar-Taj, Wakanda—which would never fight for outsiders—and Extremis, which could regenerate limbs...
Extremis? The Ancient One's expression shifted. She saw Strange making a call with a pen in his mouth.
"Damn it!" The Ancient One muttered her first curse word in thousands of years. Shocked, she rushed towards Thor's direction immediately.
Odin's son, I won't concern myself with anything else, but if you dare to harm the apprentice I have worked so hard for, I will hold you accountable!
---
Chapter 188: The Person You Want Is Brought to You!
"Thor, did you know that my former colleague Strange was in a car accident?"
"Oh?" Thor frowned and asked, "How severe are the injuries?"
"He was trapped in the car for a long time. By the time the helicopter arrived, it was past the critical period for treating his nerve damage. Eleven stainless steel pins were inserted into his bones, multiple ligaments were torn, and the nerves in his hands were severely damaged. He now has almost no feeling in his hands."
Christine's voice carried a note of sadness. As a surgeon, she understood the significance of hands to a doctor better than most—especially someone like Strange, who was known for his miraculous abilities.
"Oh? That serious?" Thor was puzzled. In the original timeline, Strange didn't seem to be in such a dire state. He could barely shave before.
He couldn't help asking, "Shouldn't it be different? Doesn't he have a colleague named Nick who is also highly skilled in medicine?"
Christine shrugged, "Nick couldn't be reached at the time, and later I learned he was at a parade..."
Thor rubbed his forehead. So, he had been let down again?
Thor asked, "Then why not you? You were my family doctor. You didn't sign any contract forbidding you from helping friends with surgeries..."
Christine shook her head, her voice soft, "I'm not proficient enough in neurosurgery. However, Strange contacted me and said he wanted to meet with you."
"No problem, anytime."
At an upscale café, Thor got straight to the point: "Tell me, what can you offer me?"
Across from him, Strange looked far from youthful and appeared extremely distressed.
He struggled to lift his coffee cup.
With a "clatter," the cup fell heavily onto the table.
The sound of the shattered cup broke the silence of the café.
Strange looked at his hands with pain, "Did you see that? Fool doctors ruined me! Now, probably only you can help me. I've heard you have a potion that can regenerate limbs—Extremis. I'm willing to offer all my assets..."
"Wait!" Thor interrupted, "I'm not short of money. I'm willing to give you the potion since you helped Stark, but it won't work."
"Why not?"
"Because... a certain bald magician advised me not to help you."
"A bald magician?" Strange was taken aback, then his face flushed with anger. "Oh my God. Even if you reject me, there's no need to use a fortune-telling charlatan to deceive me, right?"
The Ancient One, far away in Kamar-Taj, twitched her mouth in annoyance.
Thor stifled a laugh and said softly, "Though I can't help you directly, I can point you in the right direction."
"What direction?"
"Nepal, Kathmandu."
"Are you sure? Is there a doctor there who can cure me?" Strange asked skeptically.
Wasn't Kathmandu one of the least developed places in the world? Could a hidden genius doctor really be found there?
Thor smiled mysteriously, "I didn't say it's a doctor. Go there and find a place called Kamar-Taj. There, you will discover your true destiny."
"Can you be more specific?"
Thor thought for a moment and then nodded, "To be honest, it's better to go directly. It's too complicated to navigate otherwise. Let me give you a lift."
He extended his hand and swiped through the air, causing a golden circle of light to slowly appear.
"What's this?" Strange looked wary, remembering his previous terrifying experience.
Thor ignored him, waved his hand, and the golden halo enveloped Strange.
"Ouch..."
Strange fell to the ground with a thud, looked up, and found that everything around him had changed.
"Where am I?"
He was in an antique-looking hall with many people dressed in strange attire, creating an air of mystery.
In the center of the hall, ten middle-aged bald women in yellow monk robes stared at him blankly.
Through the fading portal, Thor's voice echoed: "Master Ancient One, the person you wanted has been delivered!"
The Ancient One, her forehead lined with frustration, wondered why Thor seemed to be trafficking people.
She had intended for Strange to face more challenges and conduct a thorough investigation, but Thor had sent him directly.
Observing Strange's suspicious expression, the Ancient One sighed.
"Young man, I understand why you are here. Do you believe in the existence of magic?"
"I do."
The Ancient One's prepared speech was derailed...
A curious monk asked, "Can you explain why? It's usually difficult for those with years of materialistic education to believe in our existence."
"Because a guy named Thor used magic on me. And didn't you see how I was thrown here?"
The Ancient One, sighed.
---
Chapter 189: Black Widow's Statement
The plot involving Doctor Strange includes Dormammu, a major antagonist, and I can't get involved.
Falling in love with Doctor Strange—or negotiating terms? It feels like I've been kicked in the head by a donkey for even considering it.
Moreover, he has a body of steel, making it quite difficult for Dormammu to eliminate him.
Back in the day, I worked under Hela and gained the skill of Death Resistance. Essentially, time rewinds after death, similar to the time-manipulating powers of Doctor Strange.
Over the years, perhaps because I've become too proficient with this skill, I've rarely used it and almost forgotten it.
The next major plotline—Stark training Peter—might not unfold for a while. New York is currently chaotic, with schools suspended. Our friendly neighborhood Peter Parker is shivering at home.
"Dingling," the phone rang.
Looking at it, I realized it wasn't a typical Earth signal. There's a special communicator in the universe, which Thor has modified to merge with Earth's mobile phone functionality.
"Hi, is that Rocket?"
"Help! I'm dying! There's a mad golden woman sending a large number of troops after us!"
Previously, Thor had promised the Guardians of the Galaxy that he would help in any crisis since he had assisted with forging their battle axe.
In fact, Thor had killed his father, Ego, to fulfill Star-Lord's mission of rescuing his father. But now, this situation was clearly different.
"A mad golden woman? Did you steal something from someone?"
If I'm guessing correctly, it must be the Sovereign. The golden-skinned race is a highly evolved society with advanced genetic engineering technology and unmanned spaceships capable of interstellar control. The leader is High Priestess Ayesha.
"It's not me. It's that idiot Quill who offended the High Priestess!"
Thor:
Is this the truth?
Watching the movie, I was puzzled by why so many fleets were sent to pursue Star-Lord and his team just for a few batteries.
Are the Sovereigns really that foolish?
Well, the situation seems to be explained now.
Star-Lord's disgruntled voice came through: "Can you blame me? The High Priestess herself said she wanted to have an academic exchange with me—about the ancient methods of creating newborn!"
"So, you snuck into her room at night and got caught by the guards?"
Thor ended the call, not wanting to hear more of their excuses.
It seemed the plot had deviated slightly. In the original storyline, Star-Lord had rejected the High Priestess's advances, right?
Unbeknownst to him, his use of a brain-damaging technique had accidentally tricked Star-Lord, causing him to act awkwardly and attract unwanted attention. It was said he almost ended up naked in public.
As a result, the relationship between Gamora and him had slowed considerably.
"Hi, is Thor around?"
Stark, looking anxious, arrived at the door.
"No, he went out alone yesterday. It might be a while before he returns," Natalia replied as she opened the door.
"Damn it! I just called again, and Doctor Strange told me he has switched careers, and Rhodes is still paralyzed!"
"Perhaps you should try Wakanda. Their technology might handle such paralysis more effectively. For them, it's a minor procedure," Natalia suggested thoughtfully.
"Okay, that's the only option. I'll contact Banner later; he's on his way to becoming the Prince of Wakanda," Stark nodded and walked away.
After a few steps, he turned around, staring intently at Natalia, and asked earnestly, "Have you really decided to retire?"
Natalia smiled warmly, "It's not retirement. I'm strictly adhering to the Sokovia Accords and will never operate in any country that has signed them. I don't want to be a wanted fugitive."
"Even if the world needs you?" Stark asked quietly.
"Yes," Natalia responded without hesitation.
"That's not like you."
"Do you think I'm someone who would make sacrifices alone for the greater good?"
Stark fell silent.
Natalia lowered her voice, "You're right, it doesn't quite fit my usual demeanor."
"Honestly, if it were up to me, I might have agreed to sign the bill. But in this world, there is one person who could change my principles, and that's His Highness Thor."
"He told me that unless the Sokovia Accords are officially repealed, everything in this country and everyone in the estate are none of my concern."
"He said it, so that's what I'll do!"
---
Chapter 190: New Possibilities
The island prison was less of an island and more of an underwater fortress surrounded by vast amounts of water.
Avengers like Hawkeye were imprisoned here due to their resistance to the Sokovia Accords.
As the facility housing the world's most powerful group of heroes, security here was tighter than anywhere else.
Today, an unexpected visitor arrived at the prison.
"Why did you flee from Airport only to show up here now?" General Ross sneered as Steve entered.
"Enough," Steve replied curtly. "The bill was fraudulent from the start. The bombing in Vienna was a setup—we were all framed."
Ross remained unmoved. "Don't try to use those excuses on me. I'm not some hot-headed youth. The Avengers, those imprisoned inside, may not be guilty, but they destabilize everything."
"Even if you're the captain, I'm taking charge today!"
General Ross signaled, and a squad of heavily armed soldiers stormed in, guns trained on Steve.
"Alright, I'll persuade you otherwise."
"Boom..." The Hulk smashed through a wall, grabbed General Ross from behind, and threw him to the ground.
The soldiers were startled and stepped back, turning their guns on the Hulk.
"Don't shoot!" Steve shouted urgently. "Otherwise, no one will be able to stop the Hulk."
General Ross, now on the ground, grit his teeth and shouted, "Hulk!"
The Hulk spat in his direction, "Foolish General."
Ross, unfazed, turned to Steve. "See? The Avengers are a threat—a threat to world stability!"
Steve whispered, "You're mistaken. As a soldier, the most important duty is to uphold justice, not just maintain stability."
He looked around at the soldiers and asked, "Can anyone tell me where the Avengers are being held?"
The soldiers exchanged puzzled glances. Just as Steve was about to search on his own, a commanding officer lowered his gun and spoke.
"I know where they are..."
As Steve and the Hulk departed, General Ross glared at the officer. "Sergeant Mike, why did you tell him?"
"Because... I believe in the Captain!"
*****
The isolated island prison was breached, and General Ross contacted Stark immediately. However, Stark was in Wakanda, accompanying his friend Rhodes for surgery, leaving no time to address the situation.
General Ross angrily reported the breach to the council, demanding the capture of the fugitive Avengers.
At this time, the country was preoccupied with more pressing matters. A conflict triggered by a few videos had exposed the darker side of the nation, previously hidden behind a facade of freedom and civilization.
Externally, as the mask of pretense was torn away, many countries grew wary of the United States, including its so-called allies.
Domestically, the streets were ablaze with unrest. Despite Washington's efforts to suppress the riots, the public's anger grew, with many officials expressing support for the protests.
High-level officials in Washington turned on each other, accusing and exposing each other's misconduct in a desperate attempt to salvage their positions.
Originally, they understood the strategic importance of unity. The problem was that, whether four years ago or recently, it was the same ruling party responsible for dropping a nuclear bomb on New York. With both sides seeking to undermine the other, mutual blackmail became the norm.
Legally, the videos could not be used as evidence, as they were obtained through illegal means. However, at this moment, who cared about legality? The public needed to believe the narratives fed to them.
Thor's intention was not to pursue legal trials but to ignite a public frenzy and erode confidence in the government.
He succeeded. Many insightful individuals felt a deep sense of despair. What had become of this country?
People began to wonder if there was any hope left for salvation.
Some sensitive individuals began to consider new possibilities...
There are about 130 political parties in the United States.
Apart from the major parties, around 30 other parties are notable, with nearly 100 remaining largely unknown.
In theory, these lesser-known parties could nominate candidates for the presidency. However, they usually forgo this opportunity due to the fierce competition, which makes their chances slim from the start.
Now, with both major parties in disarray and their reputations at their lowest due to the exposure of past misdeeds, many saw an opportunity and began to make their moves.
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Chapter 191: There Is A God Watching You
"Rocket, send me the space coordinates, and then halt the spacecraft for ten seconds so I can locate and transmit."
"Are you kidding me? The Sovereign considers us the most wanted criminals and has dispatched countless warplanes. If we stop for even a second now, we'll be shot to pieces! It's all because Quill, the idiot, offended their high priest!"
"Hey, hey, don't talk nonsense; I'm innocent!"
"Quill, what are you talking about? Are you really innocent regarding the night attack on the high priest?"
Thor sighed. What a bunch of ridiculous excuses!
Fortunately, I can survive in the vacuum of space. Let's go and assess the situation.
In space, a pursuit battle is unfolding.
The numerous small fighter jets are relentlessly chasing Star-Lord's Milano spacecraft.
"Where is the nearest habitable planet?"
"Bohart Star. There's only one jump point, 47 kilometers away, but we'll have to pass through a small asteroid belt!"
"To navigate through that, you have to be the best pilot in the universe."
"Well, you're in luck!" Star-Lord smirked and piloted the spaceship into the asteroid belt.
It must be said that Star-Lord's piloting skills are indeed top-notch; he navigates easily between the asteroids.
"Bang, bang, bang, bang..." The impacts sounded one after another. The remote-controlled Sovereign spacecraft lacked the necessary technology and collided with meteorites one by one.
"Oh yeah!" Star-Lord whistled excitedly. It feels so good to show off his piloting skills!
To enhance the effect, he executed a dramatic drift...
"Dammit!? Quill, what are you doing!" Rocket yelled in horror.
"Calm down. I've been flying spaceships since I was very young. This maneuver is trivial!"
No sooner had he spoken than a meteorite in front of him rapidly grew in his field of vision. Star-Lord only had time to veer downwards, and the spaceship's wings scraped the meteorite.
The sound of metal tearing echoed as the Milano lost control, bouncing uncontrollably between the small asteroids.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
"Damn it, is this how Star-Lord flies a spaceship? It's infuriating!"
"Boom—" A loud noise erupted, and even in the vacuum of space, the Guardians of the Galaxy heard a roar that seemed to shatter the world.
The power of Bifrost struck from an endless distance, reducing the small meteor within range to dust.
"Hahaha! You're finished!" Rocket laughed wildly.
A black figure rushed forward with lightning speed, destroyed the last chasing fighter plane with a punch, and then swiftly boarded the Guardians of the Galaxy's ship.
In the control room of the Sovereign's fighter planes, a group of people watched as the last pilot pursued.
"Bang—" A figure appeared on the screen, and before they could react, the screen went black.
"What?!" They erupted in disbelief. "These bastards must be cheating!"
The crowd scattered in frustration.
"Useless."
"If you can't win, just accuse others of cheating. It's truly pathetic!"
They forgot that this pilot had actually held out until the end...
…
On the Milano, seeing Thor arrive, Drax laughed and said, "Did you see, Quill? This is a real hero, much better than you being captured by someone else's high priest!"
Star-Lord twitched at the corner of his mouth and changed the subject: "Hey, buddy, where's your super large spaceship that's like a resort?"
Thor shook his head and said, "The space teleportation is so vast and the spaceship so distant. I haven't actually done it yet."
In reality, this is just an excuse. The Sling Ring portal isn't very reliable; after all, it's not like being a professional magician. But Bifrost can handle it. Worse yet, there's the Space Gem.
However, Thor generally doesn't carry the Space Gem with him, as he finds that carrying multiple Infinity Gems simultaneously places a great burden on him.
The principle that the infinity stones should not be too close is probably referring to this.
The real reason is that the battle with the Silver Guardian 2 involves super beings, and Ego's level is higher than that of Thanos.
Five kilometers from the jump point, another large group of fighter planes approached.
"My friend, it's up to you!" Star-Lord said with a chuckle.
Smart move, he thought. Hugging this super powerful ally is definitely worthwhile!
Thor smiled slightly and said in a low, mysterious voice, "I don't need to make a move. There is a god watching over you."
"What?" Star-Lord was taken aback.
In the next instant, two beams of light flashed, and all the Sovereign spaceships were destroyed in an instant.
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Chapter 192: The Rocket's New Nickname
"Oh, handsome!"
Rocket let out an exaggerated cheer.
Star-Lord patted Thor on the shoulder and joked, "Dude, are you okay?"
"Okay." Thor glanced at him. "If I give it my all, I can handle it."
In reality, Thor was just putting on a brave face. He could indeed destroy these fighters in an instant with his full strength, but Ego had done it with just one avatar.
Such is the strength of the Celestial Being! Even if it isn't as great as Odin at his peak, it's still impressive.
"The spaceship is seriously damaged. If you don't want to scrap it, you should land on the nearest Bohart Star."
Thor pointed out, glancing at Ego, who was waving from a short distance away.
"My lord, the opponent has destroyed all our fighter planes!"
In the Sovereign control room, all the screens were darkened. An adjutant reported to the High Priest.
"Who is the other party?"
"The identity of the one behind the attack is unknown. It seems they have never been heard of before. It is inferred that this person might be an ancient being of the universe. According to the analysis, there's a 90% chance that they belong to the royal family of Asgard."
"Asgard..." the High Priest murmured.
The Sovereign race, though not lacking in courage, is not foolish. The ancient name of Asgard has recently become prominent again. At this point, no one wants to provoke these formidable beings.
"Let's issue a wanted warrant. I believe many will be interested."
No matter who the opponent is, it's always useful to find some cannon fodder to test the waters!
Beside the severely damaged spaceship, Drax laughed wildly to himself. "Wow, ha ha ha ha ha ha! Being chased by a planet is so thrilling..."
"Quill, you idiot, you almost got us killed!"
Gamora roared, her frustration evident. "And you, Rocket, you had the ability to land the spaceship safely, yet you nearly got us killed with your reckless antics!"
Rocket, refusing to back down, retorted, "It was Quill who caused the trouble! Knowing how vengeful the Sovereigns are, he still provoked the high priest!"
"Hey, little panda, don't talk nonsense."
"What?! Yell again!" Rocket leapt up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, grabbed Star-Lord's arm, and started pinching it.
"Damn it! Why are you biting me? Great, now I'm going to need a rabies shot..." Star-Lord threw Rocket off after he had lost all his strength. This raccoon bites hard!
"Who told you to give me random nicknames?"
Thor looked at the group of bickerers and was left speechless.
I often feel out of place with these guys for not being quirky enough!
"I'm Groot..."
Except for Baby Groot, who was relatively normal, everyone else was acting...
Baby?
"Wait, how did Groot get so small?"
Thor was confused. He remembered Groot was not dead and had even made him an axe!
"Yes," Rocket explained, "While forging the ancient artifact he put all his energy, Groot found an opportunity for evolution, so he turned into a seed and germinated again."
I see, Thor thought, and asked, "Does he still retain his past memories?"
"Yes, but it's quite a coincidence that his personality has reverted to that of a child."
Well-behaved? When he grows up and becomes obsessed with game consoles, I hope you still say that!
Thor chuckled.
"Hey, congratulations! You've triggered the Rocket-related mission: Nickname Storm. Complete the mission and you will be rewarded!"
"Mission introduction: Every time Rocket meets different people, he receives a different nickname, whether he likes it or not.
"Mission objective: Give Rocket a nickname and gain his approval. Mission reward: Random mount lottery ticket."
Mounts? Do Asgardians need them?
Oh, it seems they do. Aside from magical steeds like the Valkyries' Pegasus, Odin's eight-legged horse, and Hela's giant wolfhound, most Asgardians are seen with impressive mounts...
"Oh, by the way, Rocket, don't you think you need a better title? 'Rocket' is so cheesy!"
"Is there?" Rocket narrowed his eyes. "If it's a mouse, a rabbit, or a fox, forget it!"
Thor tentatively suggested, "Little Raccoon? Super Squirrel?"
"No!"
"Prosperity?"
"Don't call me a dog!"
"Bugs Bunny?"
"Not a rabbit either!"
"Pikachu?"
"Isn't Pikachu you?"
No matter what Thor proposed, Rocket shook his head vehemently.
"Alright, buddy, Rocket won't accept your nicknames!"
Star-Lord gloated.
"Well then, what would you eat if you don't take the bet?"
Thor gave him a sideways glance.
Do you want to argue with the little brat who picks fights all day long?
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Chapter 193: Are You My Father? I Am Your Grandpa!
Star-Lord glanced suspiciously at Thor and then at Rocket, considering the possibility of them colluding.
Rocket, clearly displeased, said, "Hey, what's with the look? Even though I'd love to see you eat dirt, I have principles and won't accept random nicknames without a fight."
Drax laughed heartily. "Quill, didn't you claim to be a real man? Then don't be a coward! By the way, I'm willing to make a bet! It's known for being big!"
Gamora walked away, clearly uninterested in the antics of this group.
Star-Lord grimaced and asked, "What if you lose? What will you eat?"
"Deal!" Thor patted his chest and promised.
Rocket was taken aback. Was Thor really this reckless?
Thor gave a slight smile.
"Using skill on target Rocket—brain damage! Success!"
"Pippi Bear, let's go!"
Rocket: "Hey..."
Star-Lord:
"Hahahaha!" Drax's laughter rang out, and he cheered loudly, "Quill, come on, it's time to prove you're a man!"
Star-Lord's eyes widened in disbelief. This was...
"Boom..."
The sudden roar interrupted Star-Lord.
"Look, someone is following us from the jump point!" Star-Lord seized the opportunity to change the subject.
"It looks like they're the one who destroyed over 50 fighters with a single strike!"
The Guardians quickly reacted, grabbing their weapons and hiding behind Thor.
The capsule-shaped spaceship landed on the ground.
The hatch opened, and a middle-aged man with a kind face and a girl with two antennae on her forehead emerged.
Star-Lord's biological father, Ego, and his companion Mantis.
Seeing that the newcomers seemed harmless, Star-Lord and the others stepped out.
Ego looked at Star-Lord with a complex expression and finally said, "After so many years, I've finally found you."
Star-Lord murmured, "Who are you?"
Ego smiled slightly. "I think my weathered appearance and charm should be enough to prove it."
"I'm Ego, and I'm your father."
Star-Lord froze, then suddenly said in anger, "I'm still your grandfather!"
Ego:
Thor: ""
Thor stifled his laughter and said quietly, "Star-Lord, I think he might actually be your father. You can see you're almost like two peas in a pod!"
The second part of the sentence went unsaid: still so narcissistic!
Unexpectedly, this remark only provoked Star-Lord further: "Nonsense! I'm a pure Earthling, from Earth! If he's my father, I'll do a live broadcast!"
Thor's face flushed, struggling to hold back his laughter.
Star-Lord, is it really okay to act this way?
"Hey, hey, Quill, you already owe me a meal. Can you finish that before making such claims? Ugh..."
Rocket had sobered up. Although he was unhappy about being called "Pippi Bear," he was more amused by Star-Lord's embarrassment.
Ego still maintained a look of compassion, but Thor noticed a trace of hostility in his eyes, and Mantis appeared visibly uncomfortable.
Is it really that bad? Have you been haunted by ghosts after all these years of experiences of sowing seeds in planets and women?
Thor couldn't let Ego lose his temper. He quickly pulled Star-Lord aside.
"Star-Lord, I think there's something you need to consider. If you're truly just an ordinary Earthling, why did Yondu specifically go after you?"
Star-Lord looked at him in surprise and pondered this thought.
It seemed Ego's words had also reminded him, and he nodded, saying, "After your mother passed away, I hired Yondu to go to Earth to find you and bring you to me. But he didn't deliver you to me; instead, he kept you. I don't know why."
With a sorrowful face and sincere words, Ego impressed everyone except Thor.
Star-Lord's expression began to soften.
"I'll tell you why. Back then, I was a scrawny little boy who could sneak into places adults couldn't and steal things easily. Yondu was the biggest jerk the universe has ever known."
"Wow, I thought Yondu was your real father. You two look exactly alike!" Drax exclaimed.
"Oh! He's blue; how could he be my blood relative? He's not my father at all. He just punished me harshly, beat me, and threatened to eat me..."
Thor remained silent.
Authorities obsessed with stealing things would go to Earth to kidnap a child? Yondu must have been out of his mind...
He saw Ego's unease and apparent kindness, which made him sympathetic before finally being cast out by the Ravagers!
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