Who's the most legendary weapons manufacturer in the Marvel universe? Stark Industries, with its cutting-edge tech? S.H.I.E.L.D., with its advanced air carriers? Or Wakanda, a land decades ahead in technology?
None of the above. That title belongs to Nidavellir, the dwarven realm—a vassal of Asgard and the most formidable forge in all of Marvel's Nine Realms.
Nidavellir's reputation is legendary. Their magical weapons are unmatched, including Odin's Spear Gungnir, Mjolnir wielded by Jane Foster, Heimdall's Guardian Sword, and even the Infinity Gauntlet designed to wield the six Infinity Stones.
Simply put, if it's dwarf-made, it's high-quality.
Yet, for all their skill, the dwarves are a vulnerable race. Skilled only in forging, they're limited in combat ability, and their entire population numbers only a few hundred. Without Asgard's protection, they would have perished long ago.
In the original timeline, after Asgard fell, Thanos attacked Nidavellir, forcing the dwarves to forge the Infinity Gauntlet. As a ruthless enforcer of his own principles, Thanos generally slaughtered half of every population he encountered. But with the dwarves, he broke his own rule. Seeing how dangerous their skills were, he wiped out nearly all of them, leaving only King Eitri alive—and even took Eitri's hands to ensure he could never forge again.
This is the tragedy of the dwarves: having incredible talent but no means to defend it, a universal truth of vulnerability.
As Thor processed the urgent message, his mind raced. Who else but Thanos would dare attack Nidavellir?
"What's wrong?" Natasha asked, noticing his serious expression.
"The Nine Realms have been invaded by a powerful enemy. If I'm right, it's the one behind the Chitauri," Thor replied grimly, scanning the room. "Wanda, you're coming with me."
He gave Jane an apologetic glance and shook his head. Jane's strength was comparable to his own in his early days as the "God of Thunder," but against an enemy of this scale, her presence wouldn't make much difference. Besides, someone needed to stay and defend Earth, especially with Ultron looming.
Wanda, however, with her high potential and support abilities, would be useful in a battle of this magnitude.
Turning to Dr. Helen Cho, Thor added, "Sorry, Dr. Cho, I won't make it to the party on Saturday."
The Bifrost's light engulfed them, and in a flash, Thor and Wanda disappeared.
"What's going on?" Tony asked, arriving with Steve and the others.
"A message from Asgard," Jane said quietly. "Nidavellir has been attacked. Thor's gone to stop it."
Nebula's face turned pale. "It's my father. Thanos. He's one of the few in the universe who could match Thor in strength—and the Chitauri serve him."
The room fell silent as the gravity of the situation sank in.
In Asgard, Thor and Wanda arrived, greeted by Heimdall, who was as stoic as ever. "Welcome back, Your Highness."
"Hey, brother, why is it that you have a different woman every time I see you?" Loki teased, a smirk on his face. "You're spending far too much time on Earth, if you ask me…"
Thor ignored him, his attention on Sif. "Sif, don't launch an attack on Nidavellir yet. Gather the army, but wait for my signal. Wanda and I will go in first to delay the enemy."
Against a powerful opponent, ordinary troops would be little help. And Asgard couldn't risk bombarding Nidavellir indiscriminately.
With Odin away, it was unlikely Thanos would commit a full invasion. A small, elite force was more probable—something Thanos could quickly retreat if Asgard mobilized.
Sif, though worried, nodded, her warrior instincts overriding her concerns. "Understood, Thor. We'll be ready."
Loki, noticing the tense atmosphere, asked, "Anything I can do to help?"
"Unless you're ready to take on the one who gave you that scepter…" Thor replied.
Loki's face paled. "On second thought, I'll stay in Asgard."
Thor was about to set off when he realized he was unarmed. Quickly, he opened a portal, disappearing briefly and returning with Gungnir.
"Heimdall, send us to Nidavellir!"
The light of the Bifrost began to surround them. As they prepared for departure, Thor pulled out an old-fashioned communicator and pressed a button.
"Sending signal…"
"Signal connected!"
=================================================
Support me at p@treon.com/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other chapter.
=================================================