Chapter 83 - 21

Chapter 244: Night Talk

Seeing Loki's pitiful state, Thor couldn't help but smile slightly, though he felt a touch of helplessness.

Just because you reward a superhero for a mission doesn't mean you've gained their combat prowess!

My own system is somewhat unreliable. The rewards for completing missions are problematic. The so-called summoned characters are merely summoned; they are only responsible for arriving. I have to handle the rest, like taming them myself...

Just like with Onyxia, who turned against me as soon as she was summoned. I had to tame her myself and put on the reins. If summoned by someone with less strength, they'd probably have been immediately overwhelmed...

The same goes for Jean Grey.

When she was first summoned, she was completely unfamiliar with me, and since I had previously fought her in the arena, her initial opinion was likely negative.

I have to work hard to build a rapport and gain her trust...

Even now, Jean and I are still mostly acquaintances. She's willing to give me some respect, but I can't expect complete obedience, at least not yet.

On the other hand, Princess Black Dragon's loyalty increased quickly, and she can bite whoever she pleases.

This is beneficial, of course. Every summoned character, whether it's Onyxia or Jean Grey, has flesh and blood, not just a tool.

"Your body is actually quite similar to Midgardians, or people from Earth. However, a different gene awakening has brought changes to you and granted you some special abilities..." Frigga explained slowly.

"Uh, that's not what I asked..." Thor replied, sweating profusely. His mother had seen through the essence of Mutants in an instant...

Frigga gave him a stern look and continued, "Additionally, there is a very powerful force within her that is dormant. If it were to awaken, even your father at his peak would struggle to control it."

Thor nodded. Once the Phoenix Force fully awakens, it will be on par with the fully awakened Chaos Force, one of the three primordial forces in the universe. Even Odin couldn't handle it.

Of course, this assumes she can truly and completely control it.

"If I'm not mistaken, you're not able to control it at the moment, and you're constantly worried that it might go out of control, right?"

Jean nodded.

"Actually, I can't find a good solution. When your emotions are unstable, it might get out of control. So, the most important thing is to learn to control your emotions."

"I... will try my best," Jean said, a little disheartened.

She glanced at Thor with some concern.

As the strongest Mutant, Jean Grey was powerful but felt timid and out of place. During her time at the academy, her uncontrolled power often frightened others, leading to her exclusion.

Even in this world, although Thor often teased her, he made her feel at ease.

Seeing Jean's worry, Thor smiled warmly: "Don't worry, I'm here! As long as it doesn't explode completely, I can keep it under control."

A smile appeared on Jean's face.

She didn't catch the other implication of Thor's words—if the Phoenix Force fully exploded, he wouldn't be able to contain it!

"Can you explain why you brought us all back?"

In the middle of the night, in Thor's palace, everyone was so exhausted they had fallen asleep. Peggy Carter, dressed in a robe, approached the window to ask Thor.

"Concern for your safety—what's wrong with that? Evacuating citizens in the event of war is standard practice for any nation. Even though you were born on Earth, you are still part of Asgard."

Peggy shook her head, annoyed. "Are you still trying to play games? Not to mention others, Jane's presence alone would be enough to protect the entire manor, right? Besides, with the extensive defensive facilities at Trudheim Manor, even Wakanda would be unable to penetrate."

Thor was taken aback and couldn't help but smile. "Haha, is this another side effect of your profession? As expected of a top-level agent, I can't hide anything from you."

"I brought you back because they haven't given up on the Sokovia Act. If we don't take action, we'll fall into the schemes of those politicians. If one issue is ignored, they'll push for more stringent measures in the future. We won't ignore the danger."

"So, your aim is to make the Council and Washington address this issue directly."

Peggy understood his intention.

Thor grinned mockingly and continued, "Moreover, as a veteran of S.H.I.E.L.D., you're theoretically obligated to follow the council's orders. If I don't act, they'll certainly order you to take the front line. Then I'd have to intervene to rescue you."

"Don't underestimate the unscrupulous tactics of politicians!"

Peggy sighed, knowing Thor was speaking the truth.

---

Chapter 134: Stirring Up Trouble!

"Actually, I think the time is almost right," Peggy said. "In fact, many members of the council now regret opposing you. As long as there's an exit strategy, it wouldn't be hard for them to abandon the bill."

Currently, everyone can see that the United States and even the entire Western world are no match for Wakanda. The technological disparity is overwhelming, similar to how Native Americans with spears fared against muskets...

At this point, clinging to the Sokovia Act is untenable. Politicians do have brains and fear their own demise.

Even though they claim that Steve and his team are acting illegally, all countries are turning a blind eye.

"That was the case originally. But now, I have seven better ideas," Thor said mysteriously.

"What do you have in mind? Care to share?" Natalia asked with a warm smile.

Thor didn't answer immediately and shifted the topic: "What do you think of Steve Rogers?"

"Justice, bravery, willingness to sacrifice, and a firm will—he represents the spirit of America from that era. He has many qualities that people today seem to lack."

Thor's face suddenly darkened as he listened.

Peggy noticed his expression and was frustrated: "What's with that look? You asked me to give my opinion! Besides, I'm just analyzing it from a third-party perspective! A good person's character being sold out and exploited isn't my style. Why are you so jealous?"

It was baffling!

Natalia snickered from the sidelines.

Thor's expression was a mix of amusement and restraint...

"Hey, Loki!"

Seeing Loki wandering in the square, Thor approached to greet him.

Loki shivered: "I have a bad feeling. It must be something bad for you to come to me!"

He was terrified of being beaten. Not just Thor, but the group of women in his palace, each fiercer than the last...

"Haha, it's a shame you misunderstand me so much!" Thor said with a laugh. "I just see you cooped up in Asgard all the time and thought I'd take you out for a change of scenery."

"If you want to catch me again, just say so! Don't act like it's for my benefit!"

Loki burst into tears—why was his elder brother more shameless than him?

"And I don't need you to take me anywhere. I can leave whenever I want!"

Thor was taken aback—didn't he take the bait?

Continuing to coax: "Don't you want to go to Earth and stir up some trouble?"

Loki was clearly tempted and thought for a few seconds.

"Don't go! Because if something happens, you'll definitely betray me, play the hero, beat me up, and everyone will thank you!"

Damn, what you said makes sense!

"Don't worry! This time, you won't have to do the dirty work yourself. Someone else will handle that. You just need to make the plan. Don't worry, we're going to save the world this time!"

Fearing Loki might still refuse, Thor added: "Our esteemed Prince of Asgard is surely a true hero, not a beast. How could you watch the world in turmoil and stay home, just sweeping the snow from in front of your own door?"

Loki's face turned green, and he gained a new understanding of his brother's shamelessness.

You're still talking about turmoil... By the way, the chaos on Earth is mostly your doing, right? But who cares, we are the gods of mischief!

Moreover, what you said implies that refusing to help means you're not a man, not even as good as a beast?

...Fine! I'll... go with you to save the world!"

Loki gritted his teeth.

"That's the spirit!" Thor extended his hand.

"What?" Loki rolled his eyes.

"Leaving whenever you want? I recall you don't have permission to use Bifrost freely. Well, hand it over then."

Loki handed over the Tesseract with a grim expression and walked away.

On Earth, the Wakandan army was wreaking havoc in various locations. The world was engulfed in smoke and flames.

Europe had become a war zone, frequently bombarded and attacked. Some elderly people reminisced about events from seventy years ago.

The Gallic chickens have surrendered, but unfortunately, they didn't receive preferential treatment. Wakanda had no shortage of leaders, just a plethora of them!

The situation was the same in Europe, but as the world's police, the United States drew more attention. Wakanda wasn't eager to conquer; what they wanted was to push their opponents to the brink of desperation.

Among other things, statues of the United States' founding fathers, once symbols of pride, were being destroyed across the country.

This outraged the proud citizens, leaving them both furious and helpless.

---

Chapter 135: Creating a Stir

The battle at the border of Wakanda ended in victory for the Avengers that day.

But it was in vain.

After Erik withdrew the protective barrier, no one could penetrate it again, and the Avengers lacked the manpower to execute their crowd tactics effectively.

Erik's goal was never to destroy the Avengers. His plan was to spread the Wakandan forces thin, causing the Avengers to be overwhelmed with fires to put out everywhere.

He succeeded, despite fighting on multiple fronts. The countries involved had entered full-scale war mode and were being battered relentlessly.

The Avengers, with their limited numbers, couldn't cover every location.

"I didn't expect that this backward planet would conceal such advanced technology," Loki remarked in amazement while watching the TV news in the manor's empty living room.

"There are more surprises than you think," Thor said, clearly annoyed. "Earth is far from being as ordinary as you imagined. Besides this technological prowess, there's also a hidden magical barrier that's even more formidable than any."

"Alright," Loki shrugged. "What do you want me to do? Simply stopping the war is something you can handle yourself."

"I'm just going to make the chaos here even worse!" Thor declared.

"I have a brilliant idea. How about blowing up the White House? That would definitely cause a huge uproar!" Loki suggested with a sneer.

Thor nodded in satisfaction, surprising Loki.

"Hey, my brother is making progress. Can you guess what I'm thinking?" Thor teased.

Loki stared wide-eyed at Thor for a moment before muttering with a resigned smile, "Brother, you're going too far!"

Thor ignored him and continued, "So, how does this place compare to Stormwind City? Do you have the confidence to stir up even more trouble?"

From the shadows, a slender figure emerged and chuckled softly, "It's too easy. This place is a powder keg, just waiting to be ignited. Plus, the people here are so weak, using a little force is all it takes!"

Thor nodded in agreement.

On this visit to Earth, Thor's mission was not one of honor, so he only brought Loki and Onyxia with him.

Loki, the god of mischief, was renowned for his troublemaking abilities. It was almost a joke; simply beating him up and explaining things was his usual routine.

As for Onyxia, she had caused chaos in Stormwind City in the original story, and even a wise king like Varian was no match for her.

The destruction of the statue of the United States' founding fathers sparked nationwide outrage.

Unlike in another world, the current president was not Obama but a white man.

Wakanda narrative of war against descendents of slavers has again ignited racial divides. Wakandan agents incited black communities and armed them .

Addressing media cameras worldwide, the President delivered a fiery speech.

"This is a day of disgrace, not just for the United States, but for the entire world!"

"Just yesterday, a group of savages attacked our homeland and destroyed the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of American spirit!"

"These descendants of slaves, these worthless people, constantly accuse us of oppression and discrimination. Yet, they never reflect on the reasons for their plight!"

"Yes, our ancestors did enslave them, but most of those slaves were trafficked to us by their own people! We brought them to America, gave them a chance at life, and even freed them from the bonds of slavery. But how do they repay us?"

"In an instant, gratitude turned into greed! There is no hope for this race. If we look at the past 10,000 years of human history, they are the only race that has never built an influential society, never advanced civilization, only barbarism!"

"Open your eyes. This is a race devoid of responsibility and honor. A race with low productivity and high crime rates. A race that hasn't fully evolved! If you've ever been to East St. Louis, you'll understand what I mean—this city is plagued by drugs and violence, all thanks to them!"

"Today, on behalf of Washington and the entire United States, I declare our determination: even if we fight to the last man, we will never surrender to a bunch of apes!"

…

The President's words shocked the entire world. His blatant racial discrimination was laid bare for all to see.

This speech made him infamous, and major media outlets across the globe reported the news extensively. After a night of coverage, everyone on Earth knew about it, and the President had become a figure of widespread criticism.

--

Chapter 137: Washington's Disaster

In the Marvel Universe's United States, freedom of speech isn't as unrestricted as one might think. Agencies monitor everything.

In reality, freedom of speech means you can't be arrested solely for what you say, but that doesn't shield you from the consequences of your words. Moreover, as a politician, there are many things—even objective facts—that cannot be spoken publicly without repercussions.

Sometimes, a casual mention can be twisted by the media and lead to severe backlash.

This situation is far beyond mere inconvenience...

Typically, Congress would immediately begin impeachment proceedings. Even if the president were part of the same political faction, such actions would be unacceptable.

However, this is a time of war. Although the president's remarks were outrageous, they were delivered with unwavering resolve. To continue like this could be seen as a sign of surrender. Washington's high-level officials were in turmoil...

"Dammit!" Stark, who was dealing with crises worldwide, couldn't contain his frustration after hearing the news.

T'Challa and Rhodes, who were nearby, also looked troubled.

Falcon sneered, "This is exactly why I didn't want to support the bill. It's hard to believe the character of these politicians. Isn't this rhetoric terrifying? It's unimaginable for a head of state to utter such words."

The President's inflammatory speech had far-reaching consequences. It sparked widespread unrest within the military, causing divisions and potential mutinies.

The Black community, with their superior physical attributes and endurance, made excellent soldiers. They constituted nearly 20% of the U.S. military, including two generals. The widespread protests exacerbated the already dire war situation.

As the storm raged outside, the President cowered deep within the White House...

"Oh my God! How could I have said that? This is disastrous, absolutely disastrous..."

He wished for nothing more than to disappear. While many of his remarks were not baseless, they were not meant for public consumption, especially through the lens of global media...

"Your Highness, how did I do?" Onyxia asked Thor with a smile.

"Excellent work!" Thor replied with approval. "You've managed to make more people lose faith in the current leadership!"

Understanding Thor's intent, Princess Black Dragon's manipulative dark magic was indeed overkill for a mortal, but it effectively exposed his true sentiments.

"What's our next move?" Princess Black Dragon asked eagerly, genuinely surprised by the success of their plan.

"For now, let the fear and hatred fester!" Thor instructed.

Three days later, Wakanda's elite forces launched an assault on the White House.

It was a decapitation operation, with Wakanda deploying the Vibranium robot, the mechanical Black Panther, which had never been used before.

A large number of high-ranking officials were killed, including the President and Vice President. By the time reinforcements arrived, the White House was in ruins.

While presidential assassinations have occurred before, this was unprecedented in terms of the scale and impact of the attack.

This year was also an election year. Given the circumstances, the previously disadvantaged competitor found himself in a favorable position to assume the presidency.

The new candidate delivered a unifying speech, urging the nation to overcome the crisis and condemning Wakanda's actions. His true thoughts, however, remained unknown.

Under normal conditions, with no preparations from the former president's team, his appointment in the upcoming election would have been almost guaranteed.

However, the new candidate made a critical error. Throughout his speech, he referred to the Wakandans using an offensive term, completely oblivious to its implications...

In any case, the next day, the unfortunate president was found dead at home, apparently the victim of an assault.

Regardless of the perpetrator, it was clear that Wakanda was blamed for the death. Ultimately, the responsibility fell on those who sought his life first.

To some extent, both deaths could be seen as inevitable given the circumstances, and there was little mourning.

Meanwhile, the vast United States found itself leaderless, with major institutions severely damaged and each one in disarray.

Amid the chaos, many previously silent factions began to formulate new plans.

---

Chapter 137: Controlling the Phoenix Force

Thor has set aside this matter for now; the groundwork has been laid, and some arrangements are nearly complete.

After all, he is not a politician, nor does he excel in that field. The responsibility for such matters rests with Onyxia and Loki.

Both of them are masters of intrigue and skilled in mind magic, making them well-suited for handling extraordinary situations.

As for the others, gold is sufficient.

Despite being a mortal without superpowers, Thor considers this individual to be even more valuable than an omega-level mutant like Jean Grey.

In a past survey, the most terrifying villain in the Marvel Universe was revealed not to be Thanos or Dormammu...

But Kingpin.

Because Kingpin is the villain most likely to exist in reality.

Right now, Kingpin is the only one who has discerned Thor's true intentions and is already putting his plan into action.

Thor is indifferent to his loyalty or lack thereof. After all, Kingpin's interests align with his own. In some ways, Kingpin is even more reliable than many of Thor's allies; at least there are no moral complications.

"This wine is excellent! Your tricks are impressive; teach me later!" Thor said, observing the rising level of his wine glass and nodding to Strange, who sat opposite him.

Unlimited refills are definitely of profound significance to Asgard!

Thor had heard about the death of the Ancient One. The Sorcerer Supreme, who had protected humanity for countless years, finally accepted his fate after selecting Doctor Strange, the most promising successor.

Had Thor not witnessed the Ancient One's final moments, he might have doubted the authenticity of the news. However, he had no such doubts now.

Even Thanos couldn't suppress Hela's strength with a mere gesture. To Thor's knowledge, only Odin or Dormammu possessed such power; even Surtur was nearly on their level.

Despite his immense power, the Ancient One faced death with calm acceptance, making it difficult for Thor to relate to him.

"If I had such strength, I wouldn't care about my fate. If you wanted my life, you'd have to take it without hesitation!"

Thor felt little regarding the Ancient One's death. They were not aligned in any way, and he could only lament the loss of another powerful figure on Earth...

If the Ancient One had still been alive, perhaps the Phoenix Force could have been better understood...

This is crucial; if the Phoenix Force were to erupt, whether as "Dark Phoenix" or otherwise, Thor did not wish to be involved.

Whether Jean Grey harmed those close to her or if he had to confront her, it was unacceptable. His concern was that the power within Jean was continually growing. Even if she managed to control her emotions, there would eventually come a breaking point.

Strange observed Jean Grey closely, frowning before shaking his head. "I'm not sure what to do now. However, you might find something useful in the many books of Kamar-Taj."

Before his death, the Ancient One had indicated that the future of the Earth was intricately tied to Thor. Kamar-Taj was willing to cooperate as much as possible, without violating their principles.

Thor nodded. He hadn't expected much from Doctor Strange, who had just become Sorcerer Supreme.

"If, hypothetically, her power were to erupt, could you use this artifact to turn back time and bring her back to a state before the explosion?"

Strange thought for a moment but ultimately shook his head. "Some entities transcend time, like Dormammu, who sees beyond the time cycle. The power within her also transcends time..."

Forget it; I should have known earlier.

Noticing Jean's troubled expression, Thor attempted to comfort her. "Actually, there are still ten ways to completely solve the problem."

"What way?" Jean's eyes brightened.

"Let that power truly become your own and be fully under your control!"

Jean remained silent. It was not an easy task...

...

Searching through Kamar-Taj's collection yielded nothing.

This was to be expected; mutants do not exist in this universe, and the this Kamar-Taj had never encountered pheonix force.

"No, I might have a solution!" Thor suddenly exclaimed as Jean's expression grew darker.

Jean glanced at him and said quietly, "I will do my best to control my emotions."

"No, I really do have a solution!" Thor replied, pulling out a blueprint.

This blueprint was acquired fifteen years ago during his time on Sakaar. After spending five years with Nebula, he had triggered a task related to her and received this reward. He had always thought it was useless, so he had forgotten about it...

He didn't expect to find an opportunity to use it now!

"Forging Blueprint: Qiankun Circle."

"From the world of 'Nezha: The Devil Boy Comes into the World'."

--

Chapter 299: The Mysterious Thug

"Qiankun Circle: The sky is represented by 'Qian,' the earth by 'Kun,' and the Qiankun Circle is a magical artifact embodying the spirit of heaven and earth. Wearing it can control the power within the body and simultaneously suppress demonic forces."

Thor had watched this film and found many aspects quite ingenious. Whether it was the deep bond between Li Jing and Nezha or the passionate relationship between Nezha and Aobing, they diverged significantly from traditional mythology.

What stood out particularly was that the Universe Circle was not merely a weapon; its greatest function was to suppress the demonic nature within Nezha.

Once the power of the magic pill was unleashed, Nezha would lose consciousness instantly. This situation closely resembled Jean Grey's Phoenix Force.

After exchanging greetings with Doctor Strange, Thor took Jean Grey and hurried to Nidavellir.

The Qiankun Circle's function is relatively straightforward—it does not have offensive capabilities. For dwarves, crafting it is not too difficult, especially with the complete blueprints available.

Additionally, according to his understanding, the dwarf King Eitri enhanced the effect by adding some rare materials.

Most importantly, it has an additional feature: it can be concealed in ordinary circumstances.

This small feature is quite practical.

It would be quite disturbing if Jean Grey had to wear a collar around her neck all the time...

"How does it feel? Can you sense the difference?" Thor asked.

"The effect is fantastic! For the first time, I feel so relaxed. I no longer need to suppress the power within me, and I don't have to worry about losing control and harming others..."

Jean cheered. When Thor first put the collar on her, she had thought he had some peculiar preferences...

Realizing she had misunderstood, Jean's eyes became teary.

She knew that they were not related by blood, but Thor had almost traveled the world to address her problem. This was profoundly meaningful for a mutant who had lacked affection since childhood.

Seeing her expression, Thor felt he was not merely a dragon knight but perhaps could achieve what the Phoenix Knight , mount a pheonix...

Though it wasn't the right time yet. Thor glanced at her and said, "Although this prevents you from losing control, it also limits your strength. When necessary, recite this spell, and the collar can transform into a bracelet, maintaining control while allowing you to release your power to its full extent."

"Alright, I will."

Thor and Jean Grey traveled the world together, enjoying each other's company. However, the United States was in dire straits. The top politicians had been nearly overthrown, leaving no one to take charge.

Originally a federal nation with weak cohesion, without Washington's overall planning, each state was left to its own devices.

Internal power struggles and civil unrest were rampant, with a new Wakanda emerging as a threat.

Bombings had become a common occurrence.

Some terrorists were looting amidst the chaos.

After years of acting as the world's policeman, the United States had made countless enemies globally.

HYDRA had been driving the turmoil, creating nearly all of the chaos.

People in those war-torn areas blamed the United States for their suffering.

While this was partially true, it was not entirely unjustified.

With internal and external crises, the country was in turmoil. Many people were desperate for another superpower that had collapsed at the end of the last century...

The current situation in the United States bore a striking resemblance to that past era!

"Troubled times create heroes"—this saying applies to every nation.

Many people longed for a genuine hero to lead them out of their predicament.

"Boom—"

"Da da da... da da da..."

"Eliminate all unnecessary people!"

A group of thugs seized control of a high-end hotel in New York.

Normally, this place was a luxurious residential area with heavily armed bodyguards.

Under typical circumstances, riots and terrorist attacks would be rare here. However, with the country in chaos, these thugs had surprisingly strong firepower, almost on par with special forces.

Several small factions had gathered here to discuss the future of the country. With two major groups severely weakened and notorious for political correctness, these smaller factions saw their chance.

Perhaps it was their only opportunity!

Unexpectedly, just as the meeting began, a terrorist attack occurred...

These were no ordinary thugs!

Well-equipped and highly trained, they excelled in any military unit. They could not be ordinary people.

The leader sneered and taunted the bound members on the floor: "It's not yours, so don't think about it. Isn't it better to stay safe and secure? If you reach for positions beyond your grasp, don't blame others!"

The muzzle of the weapon was raised and aimed at them.

---

Chapter 139: The True Leader

*Boom!*

The door was kicked open, and a tall figure appeared before everyone.

"Captain! The captain is here to save us!"

The people, who had been in despair, suddenly saw the approaching figure and shouted in surprise.

Captain America!

As a renowned hero from the wartime years, Captain America's spirit had inspired countless people over the years, and many of these congressmen had been his fans.

Perhaps the Captain isn't the strongest Avenger, but in times of crisis, he is often the most reliable!

Steve glanced at the situation around him and said in a deep voice, "In the face of such a crisis, where national ruin and personal loss are imminent, are you really going to turn your guns on your own people instead of fighting the real enemies?"

The leader of the mob gave an unreadable smile. "So it's the Captain? An old relic from seventy years ago, here to lecture me? If you're so capable, then go fight Wakanda! Oh, I seem to have forgotten—you're still wanted!"

His subordinates all laughed.

The leader waved his hand. "Deal with him!"

A group of thugs aimed their guns at Steve.

"Well, I was hoping for a civil conversation."

Steve sighed, raised his shield, blocked the bullets, and a struggle ensued.

Though these people were well-trained ex-soldiers, they weren't superhumans and fell to the ground after a few rounds.

"A bunch of trash!"

The leader cursed and looked back.

The kidnapped MPs were shocked, realizing that in times like these, they and their peers had become hostages...

Unexpectedly, the leader seemed to lose his mind and rushed into the fray.

The leader's strength was clearly superior, and his presence in the fight made a significant impact. Another wounded individual fell to the ground.

"Your skills surpass those of ordinary people. At this moment, you could be heroes, fighting to protect our people, instead of being used as tools by politicians!"

Not a single thug remained unscathed, all wailing on the ground as Steve spoke sternly.

He hadn't killed them because he noticed that this group of thugs seemed to have principles, and the bodyguards outside had only been injured and restrained.

The mob didn't appreciate his restraint. The leader laughed heartily and said, "Hahaha..."

"Who do you think you are? What you say might be true, but it's meaningless. You're just a decades-old mascot, a so-called spiritual leader. No one listens to you!"

"Move out. He's still wanted and won't be here for long!"

His subordinates followed him, stumbling towards the exit.

Among the hostages bound behind him was a leader of the People's Party named Underwood. His eyes suddenly lit up as if he had an idea, and he lowered his head in thought.

The thugs escaped from the hotel and arrived at a hidden location, where ten middle-aged men with sunglasses awaited them.

"Is the plan going smoothly? Is there any suspicion?"

"No!" The leader, seemingly transformed, responded respectfully, "The boss was right. As long as we don't kill anyone, the Captain will definitely let us go...

"The plan must be flawless. You'll receive new identities, a lot of money, and start a new life in a place where no one knows you!"

The mob left happily, relieved to be free from their precarious situation and looking forward to an early retirement.

The middle-aged man watched them leave, then turned to a shadowy corner behind him, wondering aloud, "Boss, since you want to keep this secret, why don't you..."

He made a cutting gesture with his hand.

A deep voice replied, "When dealing with those who have done their part, we must be clear in our rewards and punishments. Otherwise, who will want to take on this dirty work next time? We need to change our approach!"

In the darkness, a tall figure loomed.

....

Steve sighed. He couldn't stay there much longer and realized that his group of Avengers, who hadn't signed the Sokovia Accords, were being attacked by both Wakanda and their own government.

He approached and freed the hostages, saying quietly, "Let's go. Try not to gather everyone together again."

Everyone thanked him gratefully.

Underwood shook his head with a wry smile. "He's right, no one listens to you, even if you're right!"

Captain America was taken aback.

Underwood hesitated, then gritted his teeth and said, "Actually, you shouldn't just be a spiritual leader!"

Steve frowned and asked, "What exactly are you trying to say?"

"I mean, I hope you, Captain, will become our true leader!"

---

Chapter 140: Crazy Idea

After Underwood finished speaking, the room fell silent.

Everyone, including Steve, was frozen. Some councilors began to whisper, occasionally glancing at the Captain. Some looked troubled, while others nodded in agreement.

Steve's expression was serious. "Sir, do you know what you're suggesting?"

Underwood seemed resolute, without any hesitation. "I do. I hope you, Captain, as a candidate for the third party, will participate in the presidential election in half a month!"

"Sorry, you must be mistaken. I'm a fighter, not a politician!"

Steve flatly refused the idea, dismissing it as an absurd whim.

"Washington was also a fighter!" Underwood exclaimed. "I know the idea sounds crazy, but I believe it's the right choice! Look at the United States today—divided and fractured.

Seventy years ago, when we nearly lost our resolve in the face of evil, Captain, you risked everything to answer the call.

Today, we face even greater crises, and we need you again!"

Steve shook his head. "The role of the president requires constant compromise with harsh realities. While reality may be grim, it is dreams and hopes that make life worth living. I am someone who prefers to drown in ideals."

Underwood smiled. "There are many people here, all gathered together for ideals!"

"This country is at its most dangerous moment, like a giant with feet mired in deep mud, poised to fall at any time. The Wakanda invasion is merely a spark. Compared to the past, we are missing a spirit we once had. And you, Captain, represent that spirit!"

In debates, Steve was not particularly skilled, and this was not his strength.

Such a significant matter couldn't be decided on the spot. He told Underwood he needed time to think and then left.

"Underwood, are you serious? Is the Captain really up to the challenge? After all, he's been out of the spotlight for seventy years and lacks a political foundation…"

Everyone gathered around Underwood, seeking his explanation.

Underwood smiled. "No one starts off fully prepared. Moreover, what we need is not just a politician. This is an era that needs heroes. The Captain is the greatest one!"

"However, he hasn't agreed yet."

"I believe… he will."

In a hidden room of the hotel, Thor and Jean Grey sat across from each other.

"This is real mind manipulation! Even more impressive than the Professor's abilities!"

"Is your goal to have someone who can truly direct the country?"

Jean pondered.

She couldn't help but think about the situation of mutants in her own world.

When mutants faced exclusion and hostility in various forms, some must have had their eyes set on the presidency.

But in the end, nothing was done.

The Professor's personality made such methods unacceptable. And Magneto, given the choice, would likely seek a puppet, which was also unacceptable.

The situation in the United States was different. Whether or not the Captain agrees, he is at least a figure who is accepted by both the Avengers and ordinary people. It's a situation that both sides can tolerate.

To change the situation for mutants, policy inclination is unnecessary—fairness and justice are what matter!

Having realized this, Jean looked at Thor with a complex expression. "It's a shame we don't have a schemer like you in my world. Otherwise, the situation for mutants wouldn't be so dire."

"No," Thor shook his head with a smile. "It's not that you can't think of it. It's just that being in the midst of the game can make one biased. But from another perspective, even if the entire Earth were my enemy, it wouldn't matter."

Steve returned to his temporary residence in silence.

He wasn't someone who craved power. However, Underwood's words had touched him deeply, causing him to struggle with his thoughts.

"We need you. This country needs you to be its beacon of freedom and democracy."

But could he truly bear all of this?

Steve spent the entire night unable to sleep, consumed by these thoughts.

The next morning, the phone rang.

"Jingle bell, jingle bell…"

At six o'clock, Steve, who had not slept all night, picked up the phone. It was Stark calling. He pressed the answer button.

"Hey, Steve, you need to explain what's going on. Is this what they're saying?"

Stark fired off a series of questions, leaving Steve stunned.

"What happened? What did you say?"

"Check the news yourself."

Confused, Steve turned on the TV.

His eyes widened in shock.

---

Chapter 141: Choice

"Extraordinary! Incredible! The Captain of the United States will participate in this presidential election as a third-party candidate!"

"The hero is back! The former leader will guide us through this crisis once more!"

"Most of those interviewed said they are willing to vote for the Captain!"

In the lobby of the Stark Building, all the Avengers were gathered.

Outside, the building was surrounded by reporters.

During this period, Wakanda had become increasingly active, and the Avengers had been spreading out to address various crises. Now, however, there were evidently more pressing matters that needed collective decision-making.

"Steve, I really think you shouldn't get involved in politics... You're not suited for it," Stark said thoughtfully. "Also, sorry, but I've never been a fan of politicians..."

"However, the people today need unity and a leader to unite them. No one is more suited than Steve."

"Today's world is vastly different from seventy years ago. The ideas from back then might not solve the current problems."

"If Steve is elected, it means the Sokovia Accords could be officially repealed!"

"I never imagined that a young man from Brooklyn would come to this!"

"But, after all, Steve lacks experience in this field..."

"Experience? Does anyone care about the experience of dropping a nuclear bomb on New York?"

Everyone voiced their opinions, each one more insistent than the last, and Steve found himself overwhelmed.

"Alright, alright. There are reasons to participate and reasons not to, but it's ultimately up to Steve to make his own decision," Stark said, waving for silence.

All eyes turned to Steve.

Steve considered for a moment and was about to speak when—

"Hey! You didn't inform me of such an exciting event? I'm not late, am I?"

Everyone's vision blurred momentarily as Thor appeared at the door with a smile, Jean Grey by his side. Loki and the Black Dragon Princess were still out causing mischief.

"Everyone, long time no see!"

"Why is there a different beauty with you every time I see you?"

Stark looked frustrated but couldn't resist making a jab, hinting at Thor's numerous romantic interests.

Jean maintained a stoic expression.

Such a smooth-talking playboy was most irritating!

Seeing Stark's discomfort, Thor pulled out his phone and played a long recording.

"Dude, I bet 50 cents that your kid will be a major troublemaker in the future, surpassing you. He'll definitely be a role model for getting tired of playing and finding someone honest to marry!"

"Damn your crow's mouth! If what you say comes true, and I can't handle it, you'll have to help me beat him."

Little Spider-Man piped up, "Who's that? Why does the voice sound like Mr. Stark? Mr. Stark, do you have a son?"

Stark: "(;^)"

"Oh—" Then everyone understood.

A few people struggled to suppress their laughter, including Vision, who was hardest hit.

"Hahaha…"

Ant-Man was the first to laugh and then quickly apologized, "Sorry, Mr. Stark. I didn't mean to. Believe me, I won't laugh unless I really can't help it."

"Hahaha…"

Stark's face turned dark. He hated having his private matters exposed like that!

Pepper Potts looked at Stark with a more dangerous expression, clearly displeased.

So, it turns out I'm that honest person!

It really is!

Unable to tolerate the awkward atmosphere any longer, Stark quickly changed the subject. "Let's discuss my father later. First, let's hear your opinion. Don't tell me you're just passing through!"

Knowing he was shifting the topic, most people were still drawn to what he said and looked at Thor.

"Don't look at me. I don't understand your politics. However, this reminds me of something else."

"This is similar to what another president went through. He was first commissioned as a reserve officer in the U.S. Army, enlisted during World War II, and after Pearl Harbor, was assigned as a lieutenant to the Army Air Corps' film unit, making training and educational videos to use his acting experience."

"Steve, I suddenly realized that this guy's experience is quite similar to yours, except he didn't have super abilities."

Thor seemed to be speaking indirectly, but everyone understood what he meant.

He supported Steve's candidacy!

---

Chapter 142: Captain's Peak of Life

"By the way, where's Wanda?"

Quicksilver asked suddenly.

"She's not here. I'm taking her back to Asgard."

Thor gave a strange smile. "After all, we are all unwelcome now, and we could be legally targeted if we're not careful."

The Avengers exchanged uneasy looks.

Given the number of people gathered at the Stark Building, it was impossible for Washington not to know. If they didn't act, it was clear they were simply turning a blind eye.

After all, they dared not touch the Avengers anymore. If forced to confront them, they might preemptively announce the dissolution of the United States...

Silence often means acquiescence, but admitting that the laws were wrong was another matter entirely.

Thor seemed to be making a casual visit. After speaking, he turned around and prepared to leave.

"Are you really not going to take any action?" Stark asked, unable to hold back. "You've saved the world many times. This time—really not going to intervene?"

Thor paused, shook his head, and said, "It's not that I can't intervene. It's just that it requires more than just action. It's a political and ideological issue"

"Actually, the board of directors and Washington have tacitly ceased enforcing the bill. Otherwise, we would have troops here to arrest us. So why is he still..."

Little Spider-Man looked a bit disheartened. "Didn't you say that greater ability comes with greater responsibility?"

"No, kid." To everyone's surprise, it was Stark, who often contradicted Thor, who retorted.

He sighed and spoke solemnly. "The phrase 'greater ability, greater responsibility' is meant to restrain oneself, not to impose moral obligations on others.

In fact, for him, helping now would be akin to endorsing the bill. As he represents Asgard, he cannot accept such a compromise, even if it's just nominal."

Three days later, during a public speech organized by Underwood, Steve faced the camera and announced loudly, "I will not let you down. I will not disappoint your expectations. I have decided to win this election!"

The crowd was silent at first, but soon erupted into cheers.

As the symbol of the American Dream, the Captain received overwhelming support.

Running as a third-party candidate, he naturally faced harsh criticism from the two major parties.

The patriotic entrepreneur and renowned Iron Man was the first to announce his support for Captain Stark Industries, followed by Wilson Fisk, the mayor of New York and a major businessman.

Subsequently, a large number of officials covertly controlled by Kingpin expressed their support for the Captain one by one.

Who is Kingpin? A person who can control even organizations like the FBI. After years of operations, his potential power is unimaginable.

Mobilizing such a vast force simultaneously could significantly impact the direction of the entire country.

Within just a few days, Steve's position was nearly secured.

The results of the general election were as anticipated. Steve won by a landslide and became the first super-powered president in history.

It was a historic day.

At the inauguration ceremony, the Captain addressed the crowd:

"Thank you for being here today. I'll keep this brief. I'm honored to be elected president by the people. But I'm a soldier, not a politician. We are in a crisis right now.

Our nation is falling apart, full of doubts, and on the verge of breaking down. People are panicking."

"The people asked me to be a leader, and I ask the citizens of the United States to stand up for themselves.

My grandmother always said, don't seek challenges in terms of strength but find strength in challenges.

Children, I understand the experience of growing up in despair. I've learned that everyone should do their best.

We must do everything possible to support each other.

No exceptions.

Everyone must reach their potential.

If called upon, I will answer; otherwise, it will be a flat-out refusal."

"Looking at today, our once-great country is torn and divided.

I remember leaving everything behind to answer the call, and now I realize I can do more for my country and reach my full potential.

The crisis requires every one of us to contribute fully, to rebuild national cohesion, and to face the challenges head-on."

"I have decided to answer the call of the people. I accept the election results."

"I, Steve Rogers, Captain of the United States, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President and that I will perform my duty to preserve, protect, and defend our Constitution."

In the crowd, Thor watched the scene with a look of nostalgia.

This outcome could be considered his sole promotion.

Looking at the cheering crowd, Thor suddenly smirked and said, "What if Steve suddenly shouted: 'Hail HYDRA!' at this moment? What would that be like?"

"Pfft—" Laughter erupted.

...And so.

--

Chapter 143: Counterattack on Wakanda

"Then I'll shout right away, 'Avengers Assemble!'"

Natalia teased.

This morning, Thor brought the others back to Earth.

Missing such a historic moment would be a lifetime regret.

Moreover, Captain America's ascension means the "SOKOVIA Act" could soon be repealed. After all, it's common for a new president to withdraw from controversial policies upon taking office.

Without U.S. leadership, the Sokovia Act becomes just a piece of paper.

For at least the next few years, the Avengers will be free from constraints.

"April 47," Thor said with a wry smile, "If not for my promotion, the person on stage would be a businessman president who only knows how to run the country through Twitter and shift blame to other nations when things go wrong."

Natalia glanced at him with a knowing smile.

Interestingly, as soon as the swearing-in ceremony was over, Steve immediately became the target of a sniper.

One advantage of being a superhero president is the ability to handle assassins personally.

Captain America captured the gunman himself and handed him over to the bodyguards who arrived in haste.

Bodyguard A: "Shouldn't we be protecting him?"

Bodyguard B: "That's right! But just seeing him makes me feel safe."

After the inauguration ceremony, the new president changed out of his suit and into a combat uniform, took up his iconic, invincible shield, and headed to the plane to prepare for battle, leaving reporters' questions behind.

This is a leader who takes action and leads the people against evil.

The only one who kept up with him was Peter Parker, a part-time newspaper reporter, who chased after Steve and asked, "Captain President, who is the Vice President?"

"Are you moving to the White House?"

Captain America answered resolutely, "The United States is my White House."

The first decree Captain America made upon taking office was to announce the repeal of the SOKOVIA Act.

"This is an era that needs superheroes. We impose various constraints on heroes, but criminals face no such limits."

"Avengers should never become a weapon in anyone's hands!"

Captain America's leadership greatly encouraged the entire nation, and many who had lost hope and fallen into despair regained their courage.

The most noticeable change was within the military. The Wakandan forces were surprised to find that their previously vulnerable enemy had transformed overnight, their fighting spirit heightened.

Following Thor's orders, a large number of superheroes from the manor joined the battle.

Although Wakanda's technology is advanced, it remains within the realm of mortals and cannot compete with the powers of the mystical beings.

Especially the top-tier heroes like Wanda, Jean Grey, and Jane Foster.

No matter how strong Vibranium is, it cannot withstand their attacks.

The tide of battle turned instantly. Even with Erik hiding behind the protective shield, he was no more than a pawn to Thor—a tool for causing trouble and stirring conflict.

Now that Erik's use was over, he was worthless.

On the African plains, the rhino troops of the Wakandan border tribe charged toward Thor and the others with unstoppable force.

In the background, Erik's face darkened with frustration.

It was this group that had ruined his grand plans and turned his dreams into a farce.

Moreover, everything he had done had seemingly helped his opponents eliminate a large number of enemies.

A massive monster, towering tens of meters high, landed before them with a world-shaking roar.

The black dragon princess revealed her true form and roared into the sky.

The rhinos were thrown into chaos, refusing to advance despite the orders.

Although they had never encountered a dragon, their fear of top predators was instinctual.

Onyxia's eyes sparkled with excitement. Despite her recent intrigues, she still craved a grand battle.

She took a deep breath.

"Not good! Retreat quickly!" Wakabi shouted anxiously.

But it was too late. A vast inferno engulfed the land, turning the grasslands into a sea of flames. The herd of rhinos ran wildly in the flames, emitting heart-wrenching cries.

"No, no, no..."

Wakabi's anguished howl echoed through the chaos.

To Erik, the rhinos were mere tools. But to him, these rhinos were carefully nurtured, as precious as his soldiers.

The flames surged forward, impacting the protective shield.

Erik watched with grim determination, hoping this final defense would hold.

The next moment, a battle axe, imbued with divine power, descended from the sky.

---

Chapter 144: The Force Field

A Stormbreaker capable of withstanding even Thanos' Infinity Gauntlet blasts did not disappoint.

"Click..."

The moment the shield shattered, Erik knew it was over.

Without this large shield, even T'Challa alone was more than enough to defeat him.

T'Challa stepped forward slowly and said in a deep voice, "Surrender, Erik. You will receive a fair trial."

Erik stared blankly at the scene before him and suddenly shouted, "No! I haven't lost!"

He quickly produced a remote control and pressed a button.

"Boom——"

The ground cracked open, and a billowing cloud of smoke obscured everyone's view. A Vibranium fighter jet emerged from beneath the ground, carrying Erik and soaring into the sky.

Stark raised his hand and fired a laser at maximum power, but the fighter jet only swayed slightly and remained unharmed.

"This is the latest fighter jet, equipped with the most advanced weapons. There is only one model of the Wakanda 07. Its armor can even withstand nuclear blasts!"

T'Challa said urgently, "I must return to the control room immediately and contact the authorities. Otherwise, the destructive power of this fighter jet could rival that of an entire army!"

Stark turned to Thor, knowing he must have a solution.

Thor didn't act; it was Jean Grey who took charge.

She extended a hand, and the fighter jet in the air immediately began to tremble. Despite its maximum power, it couldn't move.

Thor nodded slightly.

The Vibranium fighter jet started to retreat slowly. As Jean's power intensified, with a sound of "whoosh," the fighter was pulled back and crashed upside down into the ground.

"Crack..." With another motion from Jean, the seemingly indestructible Vibranium fuselage was torn apart, and several metal lines transformed into spears to restrain Erik, who was still dazed.

"I'm sorry, this is my first attempt, and I didn't want to disappoint him," Jean said with a faint smile, raising her hand as if an invisible force had pulled Erik out and dropped him at Thor's feet.

Thor crouched down and looked at him, whispering, "From the beginning, you had no chance."

Erik looked up at him and suddenly laughed maniacally, "Hahaha! You're right, I lost from the start. No amount of mortal strength can stop a god. But I don't regret it!"

"I just wanted to make those who oppressed us pay for their actions. I'm only seeking revenge!"

"But most of your attacks were aimed at innocent civilians!" T'Challa said sternly.

"Our people are equally innocent!"

Thor didn't bother with the argument between the two.

Arguing about this was pointless; no one could convince anyone otherwise.

Are the civilians of the United States innocent? In fact, most of them are descendants of exiles and colonialisers, and their ancestors' actions are beyond justification. Look at what was done to the Native Americans.

Are Black people innocent? Thor acknowledges that the history of enslavement is tragic, but that's no reason to transfer one's suffering onto others.

Erik's initial attack included Hong Kong.

Had he not encountered Dormammu and had to cancel that part of the plan, the war would not be limited to West but turn true World War.

Thor, however, was not in a position to claim moral superiority. Asgard's history is also not entirely glorious. As Hela said, the resplendent Asgard was built on the blood and tears of the Nine Realms.

...

Unlike the original story, this was no longer a dispute over the throne of Wakanda, but a global catastrophe.

Even T'Challa was not in a position to offer Erik leniency; he would face a court-martial.

The death penalty was not certain, but life imprisonment was the most likely outcome.

However, Erik had no intention of being captured.

"I will not be a prisoner. Bury me at sea, like those ancestors who chose death over captivity. They understood: Give me freedom or give me death."

He drew a Vibranium dagger and plunged it into his heart.

The end of a hero.

Thor sighed and led everyone away from the scene, giving T'Challa space.

In all fairness, as a villain, Erik was one of the more sympathetic ones.

Both T'Challa and Erik deeply cared for Wakanda, and even had profound feelings for their race.

The conflict was no longer black and white but more like an extended debate between conservatives and radicals in today's political arena.

T'Challa hoped for Wakanda's continued prosperity and peace, while also wishing for Wakanda to engage more with the world, taking on global responsibilities and helping those who had suffered injustice. Yet, he hesitated.

Erik also wanted Wakanda to thrive and wished for better conditions for Black people worldwide. He used extreme measures and violence to achieve his goals, mirroring the oppression he had suffered.

Erik's defeat was not due to some simplistic notion that justice must prevail over evil but rather because he was on the wrong side.

---

Chapter 145: Prophecy

Back in Wakanda, T'Challa has taken back control of the country, recalled all foreign forces, and declared the end of the war.

As the instigator of the conflict, Wakanda must compensate for the war's losses.

However, Wakanda is not like a traditional defeated nation; it has substantial resources to weather the aftermath.

Additionally, T'Challa decided, as in the original story, to open Wakanda to the world and engage in global communication.

These matters are of little concern to Thor now. He has more pressing issues.

The year is drawing to a close in 2016, and if nothing changes, the coming year will bring the final confrontation.

Despite being mentally prepared, Thor felt some anxiety as the end approached.

Among the many adversaries he faced, Thanos is not the strongest but certainly the most formidable. He is the only villain in official history to have defeated the Avengers.

In Muspelheim, a Flame Giant stares at the figure before him.

"Thor Odinson, Odin's whelp," Surtur said, recognizing the man before him.

"Surtur, the vile fire demon. So, you're still alive? I thought my father had eliminated you half a millennium ago," Thor retorted.

"It's not so simple. At least, until I fulfill my destiny and destroy your homeland, this possibility remains," Surtur replied.

Ignoring Thor's taunt, Surtur continued, "Ragnarök is about to commence, and the great prophecy will soon be fulfilled. Your homeland, Asgard, will be reduced to ruins. I am the end of Asgard!"

"Really?" Thor sneered, "Then explain yourself."

"The end is near. When my crown reunites with the Eternal Fire, my power will awaken once more. I will stand heigher the mountains and pierce Asgard with my sword!"

"But I doubt you'll get the chance."

"No, I am the end of Asgard, and nothing can stop it! Everything will be lost forever, and everything will burn in fire. Don't you understand? This is a grand prophecy, and no one can prevent it!"

Thor smiled, "But prophecies are meant to be broken. That's a heroic act."

He extended his arm, Thunder enveloping Stormbreaker, and slashed towards Surtur.

Outside the cave, a dragon roared as it flew, attempting to assist Surtur.

"How dare you call yourself a dragon, you're grotesque!"

A female voice rang out as a black dragon appeared, sinking its teeth into the other dragon's neck.

"Roar..." The dragon struggled, turning to bite back.

A black dragon's claw held down its neck and twisted it sharply.

"Crack——"

The massive dragon's corpse fell to the ground, raising a cloud of dust.

"Boom—"

The boulder atop the cave cracked open, and a massive crown burst forth.

"Seal it. Seal it in Jotunheim."

Jotunheim is the home of the Giants. Although the giants were wiped out by Loki using the Bifrost fifteen years ago, the planet remains an icy realm.

Placing Surtur's crown there will cause his power to gradually diminish until it eventually fades away.

"I can defeat Hela without Ragnarök."

…

"Thanos is coming."

In Kamar-Taj, Thor said to Strange, who was seated on the couch, "Kamar-Taj needs to prepare."

"Who?"

"Thanos, a tyrant seeking to collect the Infinity Gems."

"Uh..."

Wang supported his forehead, joking, "Are you sure you're not talking about yourself? You seem to have three of the Infinity Gems yourself, and from what I know, you have the potential to become a tyrant..."

"I'm simply being ruthless with my enemies."

Thor said calmly, "You all don't know about the Infinity Gems?"

"Indeed, it's recorded in the Kamar-Taj tome."

Unlike Doctor Strange, who had just succeeded the Sorcerer Supreme, Wang obviously knew more about these matters.

"At the birth of the universe, chaos reigned. Then, with a tremendous explosion, six elemental crystals were created—these are the six Infinity Gems, drifting in the newborn universe."

Wang used magic to create a visual representation.

"Each Infinity Gem embodies a specific attribute—space, time, mind, power, reality, and soul."

Strange added, "The Eye of Agamotto, the sacred artifact that every Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj vows to protect, is the legendary Time Gem."

He extended his hand and chanted a spell, causing the green light of the Time Gem to flicker.

--

Chapter 146: The Future

Thor nodded and said, "You understand now. The Thanos I'm referring to is the most feared tyrant in the universe.

Every planet he invades ends up losing half of its population.

Now, he is tired of conquering planets one by one and has decided to gather all six Infinity Gems. With the power of all the gems combined, he can snap his fingers and erase half of the life in the universe."

He mimicked a snapping gesture with his fingers.

"Rest assured," Strange said. "The Eye of Agamotto is a sacred relic that each Sorcerer Supreme has sworn to protect with their life. Kamar-Taj will do everything it can to safeguard it."

"Then you can trust that Asgard will not remain passive during Thanos' invasion. Many years ago, my father defeated Thanos when he came to seize the gems, forcing him into dormancy. Now that my father is aging, Thanos is stirring once more."

Thor raised his fist confidently and said, "I will ensure that he has no chance of escape." At that moment, the communication device on his suit lit up. Thor glanced at it, and his expression changed.

"As long as you're prepared, I need to leave now."

After Thor departed, Strange frowned thoughtfully before sitting down and beginning to chant a spell.

The Eye of Agamotto spun, its green light flickering.

Wang watched as Strange floated in the air, his face tense.

With a "thud," Strange fell heavily to the ground.

"Are you okay? What did you do?" Wang asked, his voice filled with concern.

Strange took a deep breath and replied, "I ventured into the future and observed various outcomes of this war."

"How many possible outcomes did you see?"

"Fourteen million six hundred and five."

"How many of those did we win?"

Strange hesitated before responding with a strange expression, "All of them."

"Hahaha!" Wang burst into laughter. "It's too amusing to hear it described so dramatically! Thanos is so miserable; he has no chance of winning..."

"However," Strange said seriously, "in nearly all of those futures, winning is extremely difficult."

"At least in the majority of the fourteen million scenarios, it makes little difference whether we win or lose. In most outcomes, Kamar-Taj is destroyed, Asgard falls, and Earth's civilization is annihilated.

"The cost of victory is that humanity would regress to the Stone Age."

Wang gasped in shock.

"Then how many scenarios offer a win for us, or at least an acceptable loss?"

"Somewhat."

Thor returned to Asgard with a serious expression. His mother, Frigga, was waiting for him at the Bifrost, and Loki stood beside her with a troubled look.

"Have you seen him?" Thor asked quietly.

"Yes," Frigga nodded. "He asked to meet you both and speak with you alone."

"Where is he?"

"Midgard."

In northern Norway, on the edge of a seaside cliff, Thor and Loki emerged from the portal and saw the figure before them.

Is this truly my father?

Both Thor and Loki stared in disbelief.

In the past, even if Odin did nothing, his mere presence commanded a powerful aura that felt as though he could destroy the world with a mere gesture.

That was divine power.

But now, what they saw was an ordinary old man.

The greatest power in the Nine Realms, the ruler of Asgard, the All-Father—Odin—had reached the end of his journey!

The end of a legend! Those were the only words Thor and Loki could think of at the moment.

"My sons, come here," Odin's aged voice called out.

Thor approached, and Loki hesitated before following.

"Sit with me; my time is running out."

Odin said calmly, "In these final moments, I need to speak with my children."

Thor hesitated, then said, "Father, I actually have a way to extend your life."

"No need," Odin replied with a peaceful smile. "I know you have changed much through your own efforts, including altering your mother's fate, but not now.

Odin, at this moment, seemed to have seen through everything in the world. "I know your method for immortality, but it has one major limitation: you cannot bestow it upon someone stronger. The only option is for me to live as a common Asgardian, but that is not what I desire.

"I would rather die as the All-Father."

"Furthermore, as the All-Father, I will not truly die. My spirit will endure forever."

Thor remained silent.

Such is the pride of a king!

---

Chapter 147: The Fall of Odin

Odin was silent for a moment before continuing, "The child, Ragnarök, is approaching."

Loki's eyes widened in shock. This term, he had only heard in legends.

Thor interrupted Odin, saying, "No, father, I won't let it happen. Surtur has been defeated by me; his crown is sealed in Jotunheim. The power of frost will counteract the power of fire, and I can destroy him completely."

Odin shook his head and smiled. "Can you also resolve this issue?"

Thor was silent for a moment, his face filled with determination. "Yes! Ragnarök is the ultimate end where all are doomed to destruction. I will never use it!"

"Wait… Who is this 'she' you're talking about? What does she have to do with Ragnarök?"

Loki, confused by the revelation, was uncertain.

Odin explained calmly, "The Goddess of Death, Hela, my firstborn, your sister. I've spent my life trying to stop her, but now I can do nothing."

"Her ambitions grew beyond my control, so I had no choice but to imprison her."

Loki was astonished; he had never imagined Asgard had such a dark history. Perhaps this period had been completely buried, with all records lost and no one remembering that era.

Frigga knew about it but never spoke of it.

Odin glanced at Thor and said with a gentle smile, "I understand you may not agree with my methods. Your siblings, including Loki, are much like I was in my youth."

"Tyranny, conquest, treachery… It was not as gentle as it is today."

In his youth, Odin, who fought across the Nine Realms, was once the terror of the universe.

Loki smiled faintly.

"I hope you prove me wrong. After all, we are family. Maybe it is okay not to fight?"

Odin patted Thor's shoulder lightly. "It is a pity that I cannot witness it myself, regardless of what the future holds. By the way, remember that Hela's life is intertwined with Asgard's. If she returns to Asgard, her power will become boundless. You must be vigilant."

Odin's words were directed at Thor. In the face of such a crisis, Loki and the others could only provide limited support...

Only Thor could truly stop Hela and prevent Ragnarök.

Thor nodded.

"Do you know where this is?"

Odin suddenly pointed forward.

"Norway," Loki answered instinctively, then wondered why Odin didn't know where they were.

"Northern Europe, the place where the Vikings originated, and where Asgard left its legends in this world," Thor explained.

"That is correct. If, and I mean if, despite your best efforts, you cannot stop this, consider retreating. Asgard is not merely a place but a home for its people. Like this land, it can also be a stronghold."

After speaking, Odin's form transformed into golden light, which slowly dissipated.

Odin, who once commanded the universe, had finally reached the end of his life.

Thor took a deep breath.

From this moment forward, even if the sky fell, there would be no one taller to stand up for it.

In other words, he was now the highest authority in the Nine Realms, responsible for everything.

In every corner of the Nine Realms, an inexplicable sense of dread spread, though the cause was unknown.

Only Thor understood that Odin's passing marked the end of the world's novice protection. From now on, intruders from the universe would have no reservations and could invade the Nine Realms with impunity, until…

Until Thor defeats them all!

In Asgard, Frigga looked up at the sky with a complex expression.

After a moment, she abruptly thought of something and rushed to the Bifrost control room.

"Heimdall, I need to go to Earth immediately!"

"Understood!"

"Also, regardless of what happens, do not take any action without authorization. Asgard's power must not be wasted on internal conflicts!"

As the wisest person in Asgard, Frigga's greatest concern was not Ragnarök itself but the risk of depleting Asgard's strength in the battle against Hela.

Her concern was valid. In the original tale, the excessive toll of Ragnarök made Asgard vulnerable to Thanos' invasion later.

Heimdall was somewhat confused.

Frigga hesitated for a moment before handing him a scroll.

"Make the contents of this scroll public!"

--

Chapter 148: Hela Returns

Heimdall looked at the scroll with a mix of doubt and shock. His eyes widened as he read.

"This…"

He glanced at Frigga with trembling hands. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

Frigga sighed. "I believe he will understand."

Although revealing Odin's dark history at this moment was inappropriate, it was the only way to potentially mitigate Hela's anger.

On the coast of northern Norway, the sea breeze suddenly grew turbulent. Seagulls squawked nervously, fleeing in a panic as if something terrifying was making them tremble in fear.

The pale sky began to darken. Above, a massive black cloud appeared, growing larger and more ominous. It quickly obscured the light, plunging the coast into an increasingly gloomy darkness.

The black cloud descended lower and lower, so thick it seemed touchable, creating an oppressive atmosphere.

Ahead, a mass of black energy twisted and dark green light flickered as a slender figure emerged.

The Goddess of Death—Hela!

Hela took a deep breath of the salty air, opened her eyes, and sneered. "So, it seems he's dead? What a pity. I wanted to see his end with my own eyes."

Thor composed himself and greeted her. "It's good to see you again."

Hela sneered. "Oh? You don't even want to call me 'sister'?"

Loki, terrified by this formidable opponent, was initially panicked. But thinking of Thor's prowess, he gained some confidence. He said playfully, "Maybe we can talk this out!"

"Ah, you're quite like him," Hela said, "but you're so weak you embarrass Asgard. You're far from impressive."

"Nevertheless, you're somewhat acceptable. Kneel before your queen, and I might reluctantly accept you as a strategic advisor."

"A slave strategist?" Loki choked with anger and retorted, "Damn it! I'll wipe that smirk off your face. Come at me if you dare; I'm not afraid of you!"

With a swift motion, Loki drew his daggers and charged.

Thor pushed him aside. "Brother, watch out for her!"

Thor:

Hela:

Thor covered his face, regretting that he had thought his brother had made progress with negotiation. He now felt like whipping Loki on the spot.

He did just that, kicking Loki towards Hela.

Hela responded with a kick of her own, finding Loki's antics somewhat embarrassing.

"Boom—boom—boom—"

The first round ended in a draw.

"Damn… Stop it!"

Loki, now pleading for a reprieve, rolled aside, gritting his teeth.

He felt like the protagonist of a martial arts novel caught between two masters competing fiercely.

Loki brushed off the dust and said angrily, "You two settle your own scores! The throne will definitely not fall to me!"

He was exasperated, seeing that neither of these individuals was the type to show mercy or regard for him.

Hela raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Yes, you're right. You really don't deserve the throne."

She turned to Thor. "So, what's your decision?"

"I think we'll have to fight today," Thor said calmly.

Hela raised her hand, and a slender sword materialized. She smiled lightly. "As a sister, I'll let you have the first move. Show me your strongest attack, like throwing your hammer with all your might."

Thor's expression shifted. "I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. I don't need a hammer right now."

He reached out, and Stormbreaker appeared. The divine power from the weapon spread outwards.

Hela's eyes widened as she reconsidered the younger brother she had previously dismissed.

"I admit, I underestimated you. Your progress has surpassed my expectations," Hela said, her tone serious. "But is this the source of your confidence?"

Thor didn't respond. He activated the Sling Ring, drawing a teleportation circle, and stepped through.

In this intense confrontation, Loki was a hindrance.

Neither Hela nor Thor took the initiative, both glaring at each other. The immense divine power seemed to condense into a tangible force, creating a stifling pressure around them.

The battle was on the brink of eruption.

"Stop it!"

--

Chapter 159: The Battle for Kingship

The solemn atmosphere was shattered by this shout. Thor withdrew his divine power and turned to look at Frigga, who had rushed over.

"Mother..."

Frigga ignored him and focused on Hela. "My child, you... have finally returned?"

Hela's face showed some struggle, and after a moment, she whispered, "Mother..."

Unlike Odin, Frigga had always been the loving mother. Regardless of their feelings towards Odin, Loki and Hela had always held a positive view of her.

This was why Frigga had hurried here. She knew that once Thor and Hela began to fight, she would be the only one who could separate them.

Frigga sighed and said softly, "Son, go back. Your father has regretted his actions long ago, but as a god king, he cannot admit his mistakes.

"I have revealed your existence to Asgard, and your history will no longer be concealed. Return to Asgard. It should not be divided."

Hela closed her eyes and shook her head. "No, I cannot go back."

After a pause, she looked at Thor. "I know Odin declared you his heir. However, he once made the same declaration to me. As the eldest princess, I have the right to challenge for the throne."

Thor nodded, not denying it. "Yes, I understand your dissatisfaction. You are my sister, and according to the old rules, the throne should indeed be yours.

To be honest, I do not desire this position. I wish someone else would take it, but that person cannot be you. The current king of Asgard cannot afford such a risk."

"Really?" Hela sneered. "But what my mother said is true. Asgard should not be divided, not even between you and me."

Thor paused, shook his head, and said, "I'm sorry, but I won't call you queen."

"Then let's use the most traditional method to determine who holds the royal power! This ancient tradition is one that most people in Asgard will accept."

Thor understood the ancient way well. Asgard valued combat, and they revered a decisive duel.

Many disputes could be resolved through such a duel, and sometimes a duel could determine the guilt or innocence of the challenger.

The Vikings of Nordic history had learned from them.

In the last millennium, Asgard had gradually become more civilized, but its dueling culture had not faded.

"Without returning to Asgard, my strength has not fully recovered," Hela said lightly. "But it's sufficient. If you wish to fight now, I am willing to oblige."

Frigga looked at Thor, knowing that this decision was for him to make.

Thor thought for a moment and then said, "I am willing to wait for you to return to Asgard and fight me at full strength. However, you must agree to one condition."

"Condition?" Hela agreed without hesitation. "Don't worry, you are more agreeable than Odin. I will make sure you are honored as the vanguard of conquering the universe and restore your glory with me!"

"No!" Thor shook his head. "My condition is that if you lose, you will return the soul of Valkyrie who died in battle to me . Asgard needs that power now!"

Hela was taken aback, then nodded and said, "Very well. I have no other use for these souls. But I must remind you, these souls only retain their most basic essence, lacking any strength."

"That will be enough!"

The quest initiated fifteen years ago by the Valkyrie survivors on Sakaar was finally nearing completion.

Once those poor souls were liberated, the Soul Castle rewarded by the system would allow them to be reborn and form a powerful army.

"Return first," Thor instructed his mother, and summoned the Bifrost. "Heimdall, take us back!"

"Boom..."

Colorful beams of light illuminated the sky as Thor and Frigga vanished.

Hela observed this scene with a hint of hesitation. Gritting her teeth, she stepped into the Bifrost.

...

In Asgard, just as Thor and Frigga had left, Hela appeared in the Bifrost control room.

"Who are you?"

The three Asgardian warriors raised their weapons, treating Hela as a threat due to heavy death aura. They had just returned from a mission and were unaware of the legend of Hela.

"Stop!" Heimdallr commanded.

Hela ignored them, took a deep breath of Asgard's air, and felt the return of her power...

After a moment, she announced loudly, "I am Hela, the eldest daughter of Odin.

"I have returned."

---

Chapter: The Eve of the Battle

It had only been a few hours since Frigga decided to reveal Hela's history, and most people still did not know her.

The mere presence of the deathly aura emanating from Hela made it instinctively difficult for the Asgardians to warm to her.

In the square of Asgard, Hela looked at the approaching troops and declared loudly, "I see that many of you still do not know who I am."

"I am Hela, the firstborn of Odin, commander of the Asgardian legions, the rightful heir to the throne, and the goddess of death."

"Odin is dead. Soon, I will reclaim my throne by the ancient law of dueling."

"We were once a symbol of unparalleled power in the universe, and no one dared challenge our authority, but Odin's rule in the Nine Realms has stopped our destiny."

"I have returned to restore our glory and make the universe tremble before us once again!"

The anticipated cheers did not materialize, and only vigilant eyes regarded her.

"..."

It was as if a crow had flown over Hela's head...

However, Heimdallr had informed the three warriors immediately, so the soldiers did not act recklessly.

Hela did not take any action either.

In her view, these soldiers were her assets for conquering the universe when she took the throne.

No matter how powerful one is, they cannot lead an army without soldiers, right?

Although she could resurrect the fallen and form an undead army, the fighting strength of such skeleton soldiers is rather unimpressive; a burst of bullets could easily take them down.

Though imposing, skull tactics would hardly be effective...

Fandral spoke up before the soldiers, "No matter who you are, even if you are the daughter of the former king and the former heir, until you truly seize the throne, His Majesty Thor is our only king."

Although his tone was sharp, it was not hostile.

Hela understood the implication—if she could indeed defeat Thor, they would accept her as queen. If not, she would be rejected!

It was clear that they had great confidence in Thor's strength, believing that once they witnessed her abilities, they would be won over.

In reality, if she did prevail, Thor would not oppose her but would help Hela control Asgard to prevent further conflict.

Determined to defeat Thanos, if Hela proved too challenging even in 2017, it would be better to resign.

The duel was scheduled for three days later.

On the surface, Hela's strength was still slowly recovering, and the more time passed, the better it would be for her.

The problem was that she had already sensed that Thor's prestige was much higher than she had anticipated, and the people of Asgard were more inclined to support him.

If the situation dragged on, even if she succeeded in claiming the throne, many would still see Thor as their true king, which would hinder her control over Asgard.

She could exploit Asgard's warlike nature, inspiring them with promises of glory and world conquest, but Thor was not a passive king.

Hela's reputation had been buried by Odin, and even if rediscovered now, it would be perceived as mere legend to most.

In contrast, many Asgardians had witnessed Thor's remarkable deeds.

Whether it was defeating the Dark Elves or repelling Thanos, these events had happened recently.

Even Loki's past achievement of defeating the Jotunheim giants was notable!

Another important factor was that with Odin's death, Thor, as the new king, would also experience a rapid increase in strength with power of asgard ( odin force).

"A duel to decide the rightful ruler?"

Natalia smiled with interest. "Why do some races, despite having advanced technology and political systems, still resort to the most primitive methods to determine their leaders?"

"Like Wakanda," Skye added.

"No, it's not the same as Wakanda," Thor responded with a smile. "I will win."

The succession ceremony was postponed until after the duel.

Thor brought the women back to Asgard in advance. How could they miss such a significant event in their lives?

In his opinion, there was no suspense in this duel; it was merely a formality to convince Hela.

"How is the situation on Earth?" Thor asked suddenly.

"It hasn't completely recovered, but it's much better than it was a few months ago," Peggy Carter replied with a smile. "At least the captain's appeal still holds sway. After a few public addresses, there have been no riots."

Thor chuckled. The unrest had likely been stirred up by Kingpin's interference!

--

Chapter 151: Conspiracy

"By the way, for such an important ceremony, I need to inform an old friend," Thor suddenly declared, slapping his thigh.

Natalia rolled her eyes and said slyly, "...That old friend you mentioned must be a woman again, right?"

Peggy and the others looked at him with disdain.

Thor: "..."

Damn, how could the agent's intuition be so accurate?

Thor realized that he might indeed have a reputation as a womanizer.

He had many friends—most of the Avengers on Earth, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Sakaar's Grandmaster, and even Nick Fury. But at this moment, he only thought of informing Carol...

Well, it must be because she's strong and likely to be taken seriously!

"Hello? Why are you contacting me so soon? Don't you know I'm busy?"

Carol's teasing voice came through the communicator.

"Tell me, is there another supervillain to fight? Is Thanos coming again?"

Indeed, Carol's mind seemed to be set on constant combat...

Thor paused and said, "There is a new challenge, but it's one I'm handling myself. I just wanted to let you know that in three days, I will officially become the king of Asgard. Whether you come or not is up to you!"

"Roar..."

On the other side of the universe, a colossal monster hundreds of meters tall roared, its frenzied breath overwhelming the surroundings.

But this was the last roar of its life.

A hole had been pierced through its chest, and a woman bathed in golden light was walking away without a glance back.

"Boom..." The massive body crashed to the ground, sending dust and debris into the air.

Carol sighed, "It's too weak. Any Avenger could handle this easily."

"There are too few powerful beings in the universe, and most are concentrated near Earth..."

She looked helpless. Playing chess with the stinky chess basket all day was making her feel like a stagnant player again...

"Forget it, let's head to Asgard. At least there we can train and improve our skills..."

These backward planets, without the Avengers' protection, were defenseless against external threats. Carol had taken on the burden of being the space police.

But for these backward planets, most of the threats they faced were not significant.

In the next two days, Carol eliminated several threats nearby, ensuring the safety of these planets for the time being.

She visited one of the hidden planets and explained the situation.

"Go with peace of mind; we will maintain the situation here."

The leader of the Skrulls, Talos, responded with a smile, "Twenty years ago, you promised to find us a home, and you did. But you stayed on voluntarily. Everything you've done for us and these other planets has not gone unnoticed."

"The Skrulls have regained much of their strength over the years. We can protect ourselves now, and you don't have to carry the burden alone."

"Oh, and I'll send my regards to His Majesty Thor. Unfortunately, I have to oversee our internal affairs and can't be there in person."

The Skrulls were not a backward race. In fact, they possessed advanced technology. Though they nearly lost everything when they fled here, they had rebuilt their home and things had improved significantly.

Perhaps, in a few more years, the Skrulls would be able to guard this galaxy themselves, and Carol wouldn't be so occupied.

After Talos had explained everything, he flew up into the sky, glanced at the flourishing Skrulls, then turned and headed toward Asgard.

With one more day to go, she should make it in time, right?

She didn't notice a pair of eyes hidden in the dark, watching her enter the wormhole.

"She's left. The direction is likely Asgard."

In the dark space, a voice emerged, filled with frustration.

"This woman's strength is formidable and could be the deciding factor. We must prevent this."

"Send a message to the Kree... inform Yon-Rogg that the Skrull colony has been discovered!"

"He's been tracking them for years; he'll be very interested!"

---

Chapter 152: Battle of Kingship

In the past few days, Hela had been busy.

In the depths of the underground palace, Hela examined the corpse of the giant wolf before her, holding a ball of flames in one hand. This was the Eternal Flame that Odin had taken from Surtur hundreds of thousands of years ago.

"With the Eternal Flame, you are reborn now!"

With a slap of her palm on the ground, dark green energy flowed from her hand into the giant wolf's corpse through the floor.

A giant wolf, tens of meters tall, slowly rose to its feet.

Fenrir, Hela's former mount.

In duels, mounts were allowed. For Hela, there was no more fitting companion than the Fenrir wolf, with whom she had fought side by side for countless years.

Hela glanced around at the countless corpses of soldiers strewn about.

"Forget it, even if they were resurrected, they wouldn't have much strength left. Let them rest in peace."

Hela spoke to herself.

What she truly desired was the genuine army of Asgard.

In his office, Talos was sorting through documents.

He had worked tirelessly and invested a great deal of effort over the years for the rejuvenation of his race. Unlike Carol, who was busy fighting and didn't need to think much, Talos had no respite in the past twenty years.

However, he was reassured seeing the Skrulls improving every day.

"So, this is my blessing!" Talos sighed.

"My lord, an unknown flying object has been detected approaching!"

A subordinate suddenly burst in to report.

Talos was unfazed.

The Skrulls had advanced technology and had not forgotten their previous knowledge. They had rearmed themselves, and dealing with idle threats was simple.

"Have you identified the object?"

The subordinate hesitated, then cautiously said, "Not yet. The signal is heavily shielded. Preliminary speculation suggests it might be the Kree..."

"Crack—" Talos crushed the document in his hand instantly.

Was it merely passing by or heading to them?

To the north of Asgard's square lay a very ancient arena.

As a martial race, many matters were resolved through duels.

As a royal family, they possessed the largest arena, large enough for tens of thousands to witness a sacred duel.

It had remained closed for years since Odin began pursuing a peaceful path in recent millennia. Today, a battle to determine the kingship would take place there.

Seeing the giant wolf exuding a terrifying aura behind Hela, Thor beckoned.

Onyxia understood and walked to Thor's side.

Loki, unfamiliar with her identity, whispered, "Brother, bring a real mount, the one you rode during the day!"

Thor: ""

In front of the gathered crowd, the petite and elegant Count Katerina began to transform.

"Roar—" The roar of a dragon echoed throughout the arena as a black dragon, comparable in size to the Fenrir wolf, emerged in the air, its massive wingspan making her appear even larger.

Fenrir's eyes showed clear determination. While its strength was comparable, the dragon's abilities were superior.

"Can we begin?"

Thor smiled lightly.

Hela's mouth twitched; she had known she wouldn't be taking the wolf for a few days...

A transparent barrier rose slowly, enclosing the arena and isolating the combatants from external influences.

The battle for kingship had officially begun!

"Aww..."

The Fenrir wolf, not lacking in intelligence, knew that if it didn't take the initiative, it would likely be overpowered throughout the fight.

It roared and charged fiercely.

The black dragon princess showed a trace of amusement in her eyes. She spread her wings and took to the air, allowing her opponent to rise.

Before the giant wolf could react, it felt the darkness around it as a black figure descended from the sky, biting at its neck...

"Wow—" As the dragon's claw approached, the Fenrir wolf rolled on the ground.

"Boom..."

The explosive energy nearly overwhelmed everyone present, but the protective shield contained the storm.

Utilizing her natural advantages and occasionally taking deep breaths, the black dragon princess gained the upper hand. However, the Fenrir wolf, with its thick skin and revived strength, fought fiercely. The battle was far from over, and the outcome remained uncertain.

All eyes were on the arena, where the real decision of the battle was unfolding.