"Could you explain what exactly you did wrong?" Tony asked, his voice serious. "I know you made a big mistake, but without knowing the details, I can't help you figure it out."
Hearing that Thor had been banished to Earth was a major revelation. Tony knew it was no small thing. With Odin's death looming, if Thor couldn't reclaim his place as ruler of Asgard and continue as Earth's protector, it could spell disaster. Asgard's help might not be available the next time Earth faced a crisis.
Though Thor's strength wasn't quite the stuff of myths, being Odin's blood made him formidable. As long as Thor stood guard over Earth, Tony could focus on the rest of the universe. So, helping Thor get back to Asgard wasn't just something Tony was willing to do — it was something he had to do.
"There's a long story behind all of this," Thor began, seeing that Tony was genuinely willing to help him.
"Then make it short," Tony responded.
"I... acted in arrogance and recklessness. I impulsively went to Jotunheim and sparked an ancient war," Thor confessed, lowering his head in regret. "Because of me, the peace that once reigned across the Nine Realms is now in jeopardy."
He had been too caught up in the moment to think about the consequences back then. But after being cast down to Earth, he had time to reflect and understand why his father was so furious.
"Are you kidding me? Did you jeopardize peace? Was peace so unbearable?" Tony couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated.
"I had a few drinks... got a bit worked up, and before I knew it, I was... you know," Thor muttered, looking even more dejected.
Tony sighed. As much as he wanted to mock Thor, he could see how remorseful he was. "Look, as stupid as that was, don't lose hope just yet."
"You think I still have a chance to get back my powers and return to Asgard?" Thor asked though he didn't seem very convinced.
"If you didn't, Mjölnir wouldn't have followed you to Earth, landing so close after you fell here," Tony pointed out, trying to lift his spirits.
Thor's mood didn't improve. "That was my thought too... until I realized I couldn't lift Mjölnir anymore. And to top it off, you picked it up within two days of it being here."
"Mjölnir has conditions, but if you meet them, you'll be able to lift it and regain your powers," Tony said, placing the hammer down. "Trust me, I'd love to just hand it back to you and be done with this, but it looks like it's going to take some work."
"Wait... you know the conditions?" Thor's eyes lit up with a flicker of hope.
"Not exactly," Tony admitted as he walked toward his house, hammer in hand. "Someone told me after I picked it up."
"Who? And how does he know?"
"He's not interested in meeting you, so let's skip that part," Tony dodged. "What's important now is figuring out what Mjölnir's conditions are so you can get your powers back."
Thor frowned but followed Tony inside, still confused by the mystery person.
"Come on in, you're guests," Tony called out to Jane and Darcy, who had been hesitating outside.
They exchanged a glance before nervously stepping into the Stark mansion. Darcy, who had been excited before, was now overwhelmed, glancing around with wide eyes. Jane, meanwhile, was deep in thought, replaying everything she had overheard from Thor and Tony's conversation.
It seemed like she had stumbled into a world of incredible people and things without even realizing it.
Upstairs in the living room, Tony casually poured himself a drink.
"Care for some?" he offered Thor.
"Thanks, but I'll pass," Thor replied, shaking his head. Given his current situation, he had no intention of drinking his troubles away again.
"Don't beat yourself up too much," Tony said, sipping from his glass. "Your father probably sent you here to learn a lesson. Once you do, you'll be able to go back."
"And if I don't?" Thor muttered, slumping into a chair. "Does that mean I'll be stuck here forever?"
"Hey, don't get too down yet. Let's figure out how to lift the hammer before you start feeling sorry for yourself," Tony replied, trying to stay upbeat.
"What are the conditions, then?" Thor asked, looking straight at him.
"From what I was told, there are two ways to lift Mjölnir," Tony began. "First, someone with a pure heart — one who embodies righteousness — can pass the hammer's test and lift it. The second way? Use sheer force to overpower it."
Thor's expression became stern. "Forget the second option. No one can overpower Mjölnir with brute strength alone. My father's enchantment is too strong. No one's power surpasses his."
"You're still standing up for your dad, even after he banished you? That's a good sign. If you've got that much loyalty, maybe you're not so far from getting your powers back," Tony said with a smile.
"But you're saying someone can lift it through sheer strength?" Thor's brows furrowed as he considered the possibility.
"You've already proven you're not going to lift it with the second method, so that's irrelevant," Tony said with a casual wave. "What we need to focus on is the first condition — what does it mean to have a 'pure heart'?"
Tony sank onto the sofa, sipping his drink, waiting for Thor to process the question.