"You did this, didn't you?" Peggy Carter demanded, eyeing Skye with a mix of annoyance and admiration. "It's rare to find a hacker who can retrieve data that's been deleted for years, and then paralyze the networks of the three biggest broadcasters overnight. And as for those specific files…"
Skye gave a sheepish smile and nodded. "I didn't fabricate anything—it's all the truth. Besides, that congressman isn't exactly a saint. Honestly, a lifetime in prison is too good for him."
Peggy's expression turned serious. "It's one thing to bring down a crooked politician. But you're holding information that could cause worldwide upheaval if released."
Skye shrugged. "It's not the time to make everything public. Thor said he hopes it'll never come to that."
"When would be the right time, then?" Peggy asked pointedly.
Skye cleared her throat and quoted Thor's words dramatically: "Politicians will always serve their own interests. Just like S.H.I.E.L.D., they'll inevitably try to control superheroes. This was only a test, and, frankly, they don't have the power to actually suppress us. When that day comes, they'll most likely incite public opinion against us, stirring up moral outrage. On that day, I'll tear away their mask and show the people their true faces."
Peggy gave Skye a long look. "You didn't need to repeat the last line in quite that tone."
"Oh, I added that part," Skye replied with a sly grin.
Peggy shook her head, though she couldn't hide a smile. "You're really making things difficult for me. I suppose it doesn't matter now—I'm retired, after all."
In Asgard's throne room, Thor walked alongside a group of guards escorting Loki to the hall for judgment.
"It was just a matter of time before he tripped up," Thor commented. "That congressman had enough dirt to bury himself with."
Loki scoffed. "As I see it, even if he hadn't done anything wrong, you'd have still found a way to ruin him."
"Me?" Thor said innocently. "I'm a law-abiding citizen. You're the one who'd do that, maybe by impersonating him at the White House or something."
Loki gave an exaggerated sigh. How is he more shameless than I am?
Nearby, Frigga approached, her face full of concern as she looked at Loki.
"Mother…" Loki blurted, his expression briefly softening before he caught himself. He shifted to a look of indifference. "Are you proud of me?"
Frigga's eyes remained filled with sadness. "Don't provoke further trouble. Your father is furious."
Loki's response was cut off by Odin's booming voice from the throne. "Enough. Let me speak with him." He looked at Loki sternly. "Do you really not understand the gravity of your crimes?"
Loki tilted his chin defiantly. "There's nothing to explain. Everywhere you go, there is death and ruin. I was meant to rule Midgard. I am born to be king!"
Odin's face softened, almost saddened. "This is all because of your obsession with the throne."
"No!" Loki's voice rose. "It's my right—my birthright!"
"Enough!" Odin's face darkened. "The 'right' you think you deserve was death! You were meant to die, abandoned as an infant on the cold stones. If it weren't for Frigga's pity, you wouldn't be here."
"Then why don't you kill me now?" Loki's voice was bitter and scornful.
"No. You'll never see Frigga again. You'll be imprisoned in the dungeons for the rest of your life," Odin said coldly. "Thor shall be king."
With that, Odin gestured to the guards, who took Loki away.
On a balcony overlooking Asgard, Thor stood in silence, gazing at the majestic kingdom below. He thought of the future—a time when Asgard would face a cataclysmic challenge. If they couldn't stand firm, everything before him could vanish.
Beside him, Odin approached quietly. "Tell me about her," he said.
Thor raised an eyebrow, playing innocent. "Which one?"
Odin's mouth twitched in faint exasperation.
In Asgardian society, Thor's behavior wasn't unusual. Odin himself had had three wives before finally settling with Frigga. Given Asgardians' long lifespans, centuries of bachelorhood often came with its own complications. Thor, who had shown no interest in romance for nearly a millennium, had surprised everyone with his sudden attachments. If Frigga hadn't assured Odin otherwise, he might have suspected his son was possessed.
Still, he was somewhat relieved that his son's favored companion is the warrior Sif, who had patiently awaited Thor's affection all these years.
"That mortal… the one who wielded Mjolnir," Odin clarified.
"Ah, Jane Foster," Thor said. "Unlike Natasha, who was only temporarily able to wield the power of thunder, Jane has become the true wielder of Mjolnir. She has been granted godhood and all that comes with it."
Odin nodded thoughtfully. "Her compatibility with Mjolnir is unusually high—even greater than yours. She wasn't able to lift it because of my spell, but because Mjolnir itself chose her."
Thor looked at Odin in surprise, and the All-Father continued, "I have a feeling that if one day you could no longer lift Mjolnir, she would still be able to wield it."
Thor fell silent, absorbing the weight of his father's words. He'd always known Jane possessed immense potential, but he hadn't expected her to earn such a high assessment from Odin himself.
He thought for a moment before speaking. "Yes, I've had a similar feeling. Mjolnir isn't really my true weapon—it's merely a conduit, helping me focus my power. It has never quite felt complete. As an artifact on par with Gungnir, it must have a deeper purpose."
Odin listened, nodding as Thor continued, "That's why I left it on Earth. I sensed its purpose was connected to Midgard. When Jane lifted it, I knew I hadn't been mistaken."
Odin patted Thor's shoulder, his expression softening. "While I'd rather not see the future king fall for a mortal, I have to say, you have excellent taste."
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