Tony lay tiredly inside his armor. Although JARVIS had been handling the subsequent movements, it was Tony himself who felt the exhaustion deep in his bones.
"I'm such an idiot. I actually attacked and injured him first," Tony muttered, cursing himself. Then he asked, "Which planet is he from?"
Jack began explaining to Tony.
"In the Nine Realms of the universe, Earth is called Midgard. They refer to it as Midgard. They are the gods of Norse mythology, but they don't possess the exaggerated power described in the myths."
Tony was clearly dissatisfied with Jack's vague explanation. "If you don't want to explain the details, just give me the conclusion."
Jack snapped his fingers. "The conclusion is this: they maintain peace across the Nine Realms, but Earth isn't included. So for now, there's no need to be on guard against them."
Tony finally let out a sigh of relief. At least he didn't need to prepare for the apocalypse yet. He still had time to upgrade his toys instead of having his head chopped off.
After a brief silence, Tony asked, "What about their technology? It must be insanely advanced, right? Interstellar travel isn't exactly amateur-hour stuff."
When it came to technology, Jack's strongest impression was still the cannons of Asgard's palace. Other than that, he hadn't seen much—most problems were solved by Odin or Hela smashing things until they stopped moving.
"They combine technology and magic. It's not pure tech."
Tony glanced at the hammer in the room. "So that's why I can't lift that thing? Magic?"
After Wanda, Tony found magic much easier to accept—still annoying, but no longer a deal-breaker.
"Exactly. Anyone who's worthy can lift that hammer and gain the power of Thor."
Tony frowned. "So since Thor can't lift it now, is it just going to sit there forever? I was thinking of buying it and tearing it apart for research."
Jack shook his head. "Of course not. I'm the one who put it there."
Tony's calm expression shattered instantly. His eyes widened. "That's Mjolnir! When the hell did it become your hammer? You can lift it, but I can't? What kind of bullshit judgment system is that?"
Jack was very satisfied with Tony's reaction. Smiling, he walked over, casually picked up Mjolnir, tossed it into the air, and spun it stylishly before catching it.
Tony stared like his soul had been kicked in the balls.
"You—how the hell did you do that? Why were you recognized? You're just as much of a playboy as me! This hammer's standards are messed up. I'm trying again."
Tony reached out, but Jack dodged his hand and calmly placed Mjolnir back on the table.
Tony stepped out of his armor, clearly unwilling to accept reality.
"Let me find your magic switch. JARVIS."
"Sir, there are no energy fluctuations similar to Ms. Wanda's. However, the hammer's internal energy stabilized after being placed on the table."
Tony nodded and looked at Jack. "Looks like you're not cheating."
Tony grabbed the hammer, muscles tensing as he exerted force.
"Ugh—! Ah—!"
"Shit—!"
He struggled for a full minute before collapsing backward, completely drained.
Tony lay on the sofa, staring at the hammer like it had personally insulted his ancestors.
Seeing Tony's expression, Jack immediately shook his head. "Don't even think about it. I don't know magic either."
Tony sighed, disappointed, still staring at Mjolnir.
"Then why can you lift it? You're no saint."
Jack shrugged. "Maybe I'm just special."
Tony didn't press further. "This isn't the 'interesting thing' you mentioned earlier, right? I brought over a dozen armors for a reason."
He gestured toward the corner of the lab.
Jack replied, "Maybe tonight. Maybe tomorrow. Either way, a good show is coming."
As night fell, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stationed nearby began packing up after Jack removed Mjolnir.
Agent Sitwell, who had been observing from afar, reported in.
"Tony Stark fought that long-haired man calling himself Thor? And he brought multiple armors? Understood. Withdraw surveillance."
Sitwell hung up and began preparing his internal report.
In Asgard, Loki watched the Bifrost activate. Heimdall left the control room to help the Warriors Three and Lady Sif reach Earth.
Loki's expression darkened. He entered the vault, holding Gungnir, and commanded the wall behind the Casket of Ancient Winters.
"Ensure my brother never returns. Go and destroy everything."
The wall receded, revealing the giant hidden within.
On Earth, the Warriors Three and Sif arrived near Jane's lab.
Volstagg laughed as he knocked on the glass door. "Thor! Found you already!"
Thor turned around. His expression shifted from confusion to joy as he stepped forward.
But the four froze.
If not for his face, they would've thought they had the wrong person.
Thor—the God of Thunder who hadn't been bruised since he turned five hundred—was now a walking disaster.
Purple bruises ringed his eyes. His lips were swollen. One cheek was puffed up like it had been personally targeted by Tony's armor.
Thor opened his arms, but the four instinctively stepped back.
Thor lowered his arms, dejected. "I know… I'm no longer worthy. I caused Father's death. I dragged Asgard into war. I'm grateful you still came."
Sif frowned. "Who told you that? Your father isn't dead. He's in the Odinsleep."
Volstagg hugged Thor tightly. "Thor, we need you. We're taking you back."
Fandral added, "Loki is starting a war."
Thor fell silent.
Seeing this, Jack patted Tony, who was losing health rapidly in his game.
"Tony, evacuate everyone. The main event's starting."
Tony didn't even look up. "JARVIS."
"Sir, evacuation underway."
Jack sighed. "Calling you was pointless. Next time I'll just talk to the AI."
Outside the Bifrost control room, Loki froze Heimdall solid and activated the bridge.
"My brother, you will remain in Midgard forever."
Back on Earth, Thor said quietly, "Uncle, Father isn't dead."
Jack nodded. "I heard. Now evacuate the civilians."
Jarvis reported, "Mr. Jack, evacuation is difficult. Residents refuse to leave."
Jack walked outside, pulled out his Desert Eagle, and fired into the sky nonstop.
"Is evacuation smoother now?"
"Yes, sir. Very cooperative."
Tony stared. "You fired seventy-six rounds without reloading. Is your gun magic too?"
Jack grinned. "Simple magic tool."
As storm clouds gathered, Tony asked, "Jack, is that the enemy?"
Jack watched calmly. "Yep."
The Destroyer arrived.
S.H.I.E.L.D. opened fire.
Uselessly.
The Destroyer obliterated half their vehicles.
Sitwell ordered a retreat, leaving expendable agents behind.
The Warriors Three and Sif engaged the Destroyer.
Volstagg was smashed aside.
Sif pierced its back.
For a moment—hope.
Then the armor twisted, repaired itself, and hurled her own spear back.
Trapped in Jack's arms, Sif closed her eyes.
Waiting to be skewered.
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