Tony fell silent for a long moment after hearing Soren's explanation.
He had seen Soren's power before, but every new story, crossing galaxies alone, clashing with the Goddess of Death herself reminded him how far beyond human boundaries Soren stood.
And Tony, being Tony, appreciated strength almost as much as he appreciated good engineering.
He finally exhaled, tapping the energy batteries beside him. "Alright. I'll take it from here."
Within minutes, he summoned the Avengers' specialized transport aircraft. Technicians streamed inside, carefully loading every Sovereign energy battery.
Tony was already planning how to study, dismantle, and re-engineer them… then release the resulting technology to the entire world.
Soren didn't concern himself with the details. Once Tony departed, he dusted off his hands as if the matter were settled.
He turned to Jean. "Jean, I'm heading to Norway. Do you want to come?"
Jean's expression fell instantly. "You're… going to see her, aren't you?"
"No. I have actual business." Soren nearly choked.
He rubbed his temple. "I told you before, I have the Infinity Stone 'Aether particles.' I need Asgard's elders to help me understand it."
"I'm going with you." Jean folded her arms.
There was no room for negotiation. Soren sighed internally and nodded.
He had already braced himself… if Jean and Freyja were ever going to coexist, they had to meet eventually.
✦••┈┈••✦••┈┈••✦
Warm wind swept in from the sea, carrying the scent of brine and blooming grass. Sunlight glittered across the water like scattered diamonds.
Even Jean's earlier frustration was melting slightly.
"…It's beautiful," She closed her eyes as the breeze brushed her face.
On the cliffs ahead, newly built houses rose with the Asgardian design. Soren could feel the energy signatures of Thor and the others even before they sensed him.
A ripple of spatial magic caught the Asgardians' attention.
Moments later, Thor and Freyja approached from the settlement.
The moment Freyja saw Jean pressed close to Soren's side… she descended faster than before.
Jean felt her coming too.
This was her first time seeing Freyja, her presence made her tense immediately. The Phoenix Force stirred inside her like a rising flame.
Soren let out a helpless exhale. "Thor, Freyja allow me to introduce Jean Grey."
"She's a Mutant from Earth."
Jean smiled politely, though her power hummed beneath her skin. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Thor shot Soren a sympathetic look that needed no translation… Good luck surviving this.
Freyja, meanwhile, took in everything… the closeness between Soren and Jean, the faint jealousy in the air. Her expression softened into a graceful, practiced smile, warm enough to melt stone.
"Soren, Jean… welcome. You've traveled far." Her aura receded giving Jean space.
Then, with a surprising ease, she stepped forward and looped her arm through Jean's in a friendly gesture.
"Come. Let me show you Asgard's new home here on Earth."
"…" Jean blinked, caught off guard. Freyja's sudden warmth left her with no reasonable way to object. She allowed herself to be guided forward.
Thor and Soren exchanged a look… both confused.
They followed the two women down the seaside path. But only a few steps in, Soren realized something shocking:
Jean and Freyja were talking.
Not only talking… whispering and leaning close like old friends reunited.
"Soren… incredible." Thor couldn't help giving a thumbs-up, shaking his head in disbelief.
"To charm the Goddess of War and bring another woman here without starting Ragnarok… brother, I salute you."
"…" Soren tried to maintain a dignified smile, though the praise made him uneasy.
A moment ago he had genuinely expected Jean and Freyja to tear the coastline apart. When their auras flared, he'd been ready to intervene instantly.
But now they were walking arm-in-arm like sisters.
Soren still couldn't wrap his head around it.
Ahead of them, Freyja suddenly turned and glared.
"What are you two ancient relics whispering about back there? Pick up the pace!"
Jean, now fully aligned with Freyja for reasons unknown, shot Soren a sharp half threatening glare.
Her eyes said clearly… We heard you.
Soren felt a cold sweat slide down his spine. He straightened instinctively. "Yes, yes, coming!"
Thor practically doubled over with suppressed laughter. Soren's expression darkened.
"Soren," Thor chuckled, "I fear this is just the beginning. You may be suffering for years."
Soren groaned. "And you think you're safe?"
"Just wait. Valkyrie and Jane will teach you the meaning of 'pain and joy.'"
"Huh.." Thor froze mid-step.
After everything Asgard had gone through, Valkyrie had chosen to remain, and Soren had noticed the unspoken bond between her and Thor.
Mentioning it now made Thor visibly flustered.
"Soren, Valkyrie and I are… there's nothing… don't talk nonsense," Thor stammered.
His lack of confidence was all the confirmation Soren needed.
Soren laughed under his breath. "Sure. Whatever you say."
He shifted to a more serious tone. "I came to check on Asgard's settlement… and more importantly, I need information about the Dark Elf inheritance stele."
Thor's expression hardened instantly. "Soren… a disaster hit us so fast. We never had the chance to retrieve the stele."
"You mean the inheritance stone is still in Asgard?" A chill passed through Soren.
Thor nodded heavily. "Yes. When Asgard fell… it fell with it."
The realization hit Soren.
Asgard had been obliterated by him and Hela together. If it hadn't been recovered, then it was likely gone forever.
The knowledge of the Dark Elves, the method to wield the Aether (the Reality Stone)… all of it lost in the explosion.
Soren exhaled sharply, staring into the horizon. "At the time, I was too focused on stopping Hela. I forgot…"
"…and now it's too late."
The ocean wind swallowed his regret, carrying it out over the waves.