Alex Ray didn't expect Reed Richards to actually use Thor as a bargaining chip. First, no one could force Alex into anything he didn't want. Second, his relationship with Thor wasn't exactly warm and fuzzy.
He was genuinely baffled by Reed's approach. It was obvious Reed had no idea about the real dynamics between him and Thor.
Alex couldn't help but wonder—what made Reed think such a ridiculous threat would work on him?
He also understood Reed's capabilities quite well.
There was no way Reed alone could match him in a fight.
Which only deepened Alex's confusion—where did Reed get the nerve to challenge him?
A few possibilities flashed through Alex's mind.
Could it be Black Bolt of the Inhumans? Or maybe the sorcerers from Kamar-Taj?
He mentally revisited the Illuminati's lineup in his previous life, hoping to pinpoint the source of Reed's confidence.
But he quickly dismissed those thoughts.
The Illuminati hadn't even been able to handle Wanda—there was no chance they could handle him.
The only person who sparked a shred of doubt was Tsukasa Kadoya.
Maybe he was Reed's trump card.
On the other end of the call, Reed hurriedly added, "No, no, no. I'm sincerely inviting you, Mr. Ray, to join the Illuminati. We've never been at odds—everyone knows it was Director Nick Fury who had issues with you. I'm extending this invitation in good faith."
Reed's words were overflowing with sincerity—but his thoughts were a different matter.
The last thing he wanted was someone as dangerous as Alex Ray joining the Illuminati. Alex's mere existence posed a threat to him.
What he truly coveted were the other superhumans gathering in Hell's Kitchen. Reed saw them as a rising force that couldn't be ignored.
In his mind, once Alex joined the Illuminati, it would give him the opportunity to slowly divide and influence the rest of that group.
Reed was confident in his manipulative skills and convinced he wouldn't be any worse than Alex.
But Alex had already lost interest in continuing the conversation. He hung up without another word.
Reed, hearing the disconnect tone, turned toward the restrained blond man across from him—the one calling himself Thor—with a gleam of mischief in his eyes. "Seems like you and Alex Ray aren't exactly on speaking terms."
Thor glared at him furiously despite being bound. "Bah! You mortals are arrogant fools! Even if Alex isn't here, my brother Loki will rescue me soon!"
Reed wasn't fazed. He continued, "Mr. Thor, why be so stubborn? If you join the Illuminati, not only will you get your hammer back—we'll release you immediately. Isn't that worth considering?"
This was Reed's calculated ploy. From the brief interaction with Alex, he'd concluded that the blond man in front of him wasn't insane. People connected to Alex were usually strong. More importantly, this wasn't one of Alex's subordinates—this was a friend.
Which meant this man had to be even stronger. The weak don't befriend the powerful.
Something serious must have happened to cause this dramatic drop in strength.
His second objective was to sow discord between Alex and Thor. Reed had been using Thor as a pawn to draw Alex in.
Of course, Alex didn't bite and had hung up—just as Reed predicted. But even if he was wrong, the wedge might have been driven. Either way, it cost Reed nothing, especially with Thor now stripped of his power.
Reed found it strange, though. The man before him didn't seem impressive—aside from his muscular physique.
He'd even been captured by ordinary S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Maybe it really was just about the hammer?
Was that all Thor amounted to? A guy whose strength vanished the moment he lost his hammer?
Thor snarled, "You tie me up and still expect me to join you? You mortals are deranged!"
Then, unexpectedly, he narrowed his eyes and asked, "What exactly is this Illuminati of yours?"
Reed perked up at that, thinking he might be getting through.
If he could get one superhero from Hell's Kitchen to defect, others might follow.
He smiled and said, "We are the Illuminati—a formal alliance dedicated to preserving world peace. We believe every global issue has a rational solution. In contrast, Alex Ray and his faction are chaotic. They follow no rules, create upheaval wherever they go, and act on a whim."
"What they do, they do purely for their own benefit."
"I believe Lord Thor shares the Illuminati's values. We both care about protecting the weak, don't we?"
Thor seemed to hesitate. "Release me. Let me reclaim my hammer. If you can do that, I'll consider joining. I, Thor Odinson, have never bullied the weak."
Encouraged, Reed nodded and gestured for the nearby agents to untie him.
"Please, Mr. Thor. This is a gesture of good faith. I trust you'll give me a satisfying answer shortly."
Thor didn't respond. He seemed lost in thought, eyes locked on his hammer as he walked toward it with a gleam of obsession in his eyes.
The agents watching grew visibly tense at his demeanor.
They glanced at Reed for instructions, but he merely shook his head, signaling them to let Thor proceed.
Thor gazed at the legendary Mjolnir with intense anticipation.
He inhaled deeply. "Just wait. My power will return soon. You mortals will see."
With that, he reached for the hammer.
He extended one hand, expecting it to lift easily, just as it always had.
But nothing happened.
His confident smile faded, replaced by disbelief.
He gritted his teeth, grabbing the handle with both hands and pulling with all his strength.
The hammer didn't budge.
Confusion flooded Thor's mind, followed swiftly by rage. He didn't understand why his strength had vanished—or why his father would abandon him like this.
Eyes filled with frustration, he stared up at the sky and screamed, "WHY!!!"
The agents around him flinched at his bellow and turned to Reed, unsure of what to do.
Reed's expression soured. He shook his head and waved his hand, signaling them to restrain Thor once more.
"So much for the so-called God of Thunder," he muttered in disdain. "Turns out even he's afraid of a little taser."
As Thor was knocked unconscious by a stun baton, Reed sneered at the sight and turned to leave.
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🎊 Naruto : Tsunade You're Really Drunk 🎊
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As the plot unfolds, it dives deep into the Spider-Verse, Avengers War and the Marvel Multiverse, weaving in epic elements from Endgame, God of Stories Loki, Kang the Conqueror, the Council of Kangs, the Council of Reeds, and even Franklin Richards.
Expect mind-bending twists with Deadpool breaking the fourth wall, going on a rampage that includes killing everyone... even the authors themselves.
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Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones
2nd Bonus Chapter - 300 Power Stones
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