On Harvey's side, he watched as Thor regained his powers and spent time with his future girlfriend Jane, and Jane's friend, Darcy, enjoying themselves around New York. He averted his gaze, feeling no immediate desire to see Thor.
Tony's assistance to Thor wouldn't significantly affect the situation's development. Thor would ultimately regain the recognition of Mjolnir after some trials and tribulations and return to Asgard. Tony's help would merely expedite this process.
However, if Thor were to get too close to Harvey, or even entertain the idea of joining the Void, it could attract Odin's attention and potentially disrupt the Avengers' first assembly next year.
Harvey was in no rush; he had plenty of opportunities to win Thor over. Unlike Odin, who had lived for many years and faced countless challenges, Thor was still in his developmental stage. He hadn't yet realized that his power didn't solely come from his hammer; he possessed innate strength as well.
Thor would encounter many formidable foes and obstacles along his growth path. Soon enough, he would face a moment of crisis when Jane Foster fell ill. At that point, swaying Thor to his side would be incredibly easy.
It was best not to make a move too soon, as it might lead to a confrontation with Odin.
After withdrawing his gaze, Harvey continued to leisurely enjoy his late-night snack in Chinatown. Loki would likely arrive on Earth soon, and he looked forward to witnessing the spectacle.
※※※※※※
In the week that followed, Thor took Jane and Darcy around New York's luxurious venues. During this time, Thor and Jane's relationship blossomed. Thor developed feelings for Jane because she had aided him, while Jane was drawn to Thor's handsome looks and charming personality.
Their relationship was close to breaking through that final barrier, though neither had yet taken the plunge.
One day, Thor rented a seaside villa for a vacation with Jane and Darcy. Both women were beautiful in their own right—one exuding sensuality and intellect, while the other radiated vibrancy and zest. Thor found himself enjoying the view as the three of them frolicked in the water.
Suddenly, a handsome man in a suit with long, dark hair appeared on the beach. Thor's expression shifted slightly at the sight.
"Thor, what's wrong?" Jane asked, noticing the change in his demeanor.
"My brother is here. You should take Darcy and move a bit farther away," Thor replied.
"Your brother?"
"I'll explain later," he said, swimming toward the shore.
As Loki reached the beach, Thor emerged from the water.
"Looks like you're settling in well, brother," Loki remarked, spotting Thor.
"I've made some friends who helped me through the roughest parts," Thor answered, looking around with a smile. "So while life here isn't as grand as in Asgard, it's not too shabby either."
"Which of those two women is your romantic interest?" Loki asked, glancing at Jane and Darcy, who were watching from a distance.
"Neither; they're just friends for now," Thor said, noticing that Jane and Darcy were only a few dozen meters away.
"Ah, I see. You seem quite accustomed to life on Earth," Loki said thoughtfully.
"While it's been an adjustment, what brings you here?" Thor asked, eyeing Loki cautiously.
"I have something important to tell you," Loki replied, his tone growing serious. "Father is dead."
Loki's words elicited a look of shock from Thor.
"That's impossible!" Thor exclaimed, staring at Loki in disbelief.
"Brother, I know you loved Father," Loki said, his face showing sadness. "But he died dealing with the mess you caused."
Thor couldn't accept this shocking news. He had endured his father's trials and finally understood his intentions, having regained his powers as the God of Thunder. Now, to hear that his father had died because of him was unfathomable.
"You can't be serious. I need to go back and see for myself!" Thor protested, his heart racing.
"Brother, you can't return," Loki said solemnly. "I understand that losing Mjolnir and your powers is hard to bear, but after Father's death, the throne of Asgard and its responsibilities have fallen to me."
Thor's disbelief deepened. "If you're now king, why can't I return?"
Realizing he needed to remain calm, Loki pressed on. "You should know that neither of us possesses Father's strength. To prevent a war with the Frost Giants, I had to sign a truce that included your exile. Otherwise, they would threaten the Nine Realms once again. Mother agreed to this as well."
"Loki, you're quite the liar," Thor said, disappointment evident in his gaze.
"I know this is hard to accept, but I have no reason to deceive you, brother," Loki insisted, noticing the disappointment in Thor's eyes. He felt a tremor of uncertainty but kept his composure.
"Someone as powerful as Father wouldn't just die without warning," Thor countered. "If he had died and you took the throne, a mere truce wouldn't stop the Frost Giants' ambitions. You should be finding a way to help me regain my powers to ensure the peace of the Nine Realms."
"Instead, you come here lying about our father's death?" Thor's eyes narrowed with anger. "And you claim Mother would agree to my banishment? She would have fought for me."
Thor stared at Loki with disappointment.
"All of this is just your perspective. A truce is the only way to ensure peace for the Nine Realms," Loki replied, but he could sense that Thor wasn't swayed.
"Do you still think you can deceive me?" Thor's disappointment transformed into fury. He stretched out his hand, and a storm brewed overhead.
Mjolnir hurtled down from the sky, landing in Thor's grasp as lightning crackled around him. The once casual Thor transformed into the God of Thunder.