"As long as you can recognize your mistakes and work on them, that's all that matters," Tony said, trying to console Thor. "I wasn't exactly a saint in my past, either. Expecting me to help others back then? Not a chance."
After spending the day together, Tony understood why his impression of Thor had shifted positively. Besides knowing that Thor was a guardian of Earth, he saw echoes of his younger self in the god. The old saying goes, "A wayward son returning is worth more than gold." Thor may have made some foolish mistakes, but with Odin cleaning up after him, trouble was temporarily averted. If Thor could take responsibility for his past actions, he would make a fine king of Asgard.
"Tony, thank you," Thor replied sincerely. "You've helped me. I don't even know how to repay you."
"You're interested in technology, right?" Thor continued. "Would you like to visit Asgard? I can find a way to take you there."
"No need for that. I've got a clear direction for my life now," Tony declined without hesitation. "The truth is, as a mere mortal, I probably wouldn't be welcome in Asgard. Plus, it could land you in trouble if I broke some of their rules."
Tony didn't want to tempt fate with someone who could end his life at a moment's notice. "Fair point. Let me think of something else I can do to repay you."
"You don't need to stress about it," Tony said. "If you're ever in danger on Earth, protecting it would be the best way to help me."
"If the Nine Realms are ever threatened, I'll do my duty," Thor assured him. "You can count on me to repay this favor."
"I'll hold you to that. Time is on our side; there will be plenty of chances," Tony replied, not wanting to push further.
"Forgive my curiosity, but I can't see your face. How old are you, Tony?" Thor asked, intrigued.
"I turned 41 today," Tony answered after a moment of thought.
"41? Human lifespans are short—maybe a hundred years at most. With your current state of civilization and your advantageous background, you should easily live past ninety," Thor remarked, contemplating. "That gives you another fifty years. Seems about right."
"Yeah, I'm still young," Tony replied with a chuckle. If he avoided any major mishaps, hitting ninety would indeed be a long life. However, given his ties to the Void, he might outlive even Thor.
"Speaking of which," Thor suddenly said, "I didn't notice until now, but Tony Stark, why are you still wearing your Iron Man suit at home?"
Darcy, overhearing their conversation, asked curiously about Tony's armor.
"Meeting the God of Thunder requires a bit of security," Tony joked. "Anyway, Thor, now that you've got your hammer back, I won't keep you any longer. I'll have you over again some time."
"I need to stay on Earth for a bit. I came down unexpectedly and didn't bring much," Thor replied. "Could you lend me some cash?"
Without a hint of embarrassment, Thor made his request. He knew from Darcy that Tony Stark was one of the wealthiest individuals on Earth, and giving him a small amount of money wouldn't be a big deal. After all, he was already in debt to Tony.
"Of course," Tony said readily. He was starving, having not eaten all day since Thor's arrival. Though he wasn't feeling weak, hunger was uncomfortable. As long as Thor took the cash and left, he was all for it.
"You don't have a bank account, so I'll just transfer the money to Jane's account," Tony said, then instructed, "JARVIS, transfer five million dollars to Miss Foster's account."
"Understood. Initiating transfer," JARVIS responded promptly.
"Five million dollars?" Jane exclaimed, her eyes wide. She knew Tony was wealthy but was astonished by his generosity. For just a small request, Tony had handed over such a staggering amount.
"Jane, Darcy, you should join us; I haven't properly hosted you," Tony said. "Let Thor show you around New York on my behalf."
"Thanks," Thor said with a grateful smile, appreciating Tony's willingness.
A message quickly pinged on Jane's phone, revealing the transfer of five million and seventy thousand dollars. She was more shocked than she had been when she learned Thor was real. She had never seen so much money in her life, even if it technically belonged to Tony and was just in her account temporarily. It was worth a screenshot of her memories.
"Don't mention it. Enjoy your time in New York!" Tony waved them off.
Thor transformed his hammer into a simple umbrella, leading a still-stunned Jane and Darcy away.
Once outside Stark Manor, Darcy couldn't contain her awe. "Tens, hundreds, thousands, millions… Is this what it means to be rich?"
She edged closer to Jane, still flabbergasted by the amount Tony had just given Thor. Five million dollars was beyond her comprehension. As an intern, it would take her a decade to earn that much, even if she eventually landed a full-time job. To see Tony Stark casually hand that sum over made Darcy ponder if this was what true friendship looked like among the wealthy.
Note: If you are interested, read up to chapter 190 at patreon.com/MythicForge11.