"This way!"
A column of over a hundred civilians slipped through side streets, avoiding scattered Deep Sea creatures as they pushed toward central New York.
No vehicles. No gunfire. One loud mistake and a swarm would descend on them.
"Humans detected."
A fish-faced Deep Sea mutant leaned out from the side of a building, eyes narrowing as if appraising livestock.
Mumen Rider felt his heart drop.
"Thor, no engagement. We withdraw—quietly."
"A true warrior never retreats!"
Thor staggered forward into a stance, trying to recall the rhythm of the Divine-Forged Fist. He hadn't learned a thing from the last beating.
The creature sneered.
"Dare you challenge Lord Fish—"
"Flash Strike!"
Instinct took over. Thor's fist shot through the monster's eye socket and into its skull. It collapsed instantly.
Wolf-class. A clean, vital hit.
His knuckles burned, slick with blood and pulp—but Thor felt only exhilaration.
"Did you see that?! I took it down!"
Mumen Rider didn't smile.
"Thor… we're in serious trouble."
Rifles rose—aimed past Thor.
"Turn around."
Behind him, more than a dozen Deep Sea creatures had arrived, eyes bloodshot, drawn by the scent of fresh blood.
"You're insane! Why are you aiming at me?!"
"Look. Behind you."
They had been unnoticed—until now.
"You all go. I'll hold them!"
"Don't be stupid! There are thousands nearby!"
"Thor does not retreat!"
A massive boulder suddenly ripped free from somewhere above and crashed into the group.
BOOM.
Twenty civilians were crushed instantly. Dozens more were flung aside, broken and bleeding.
Thor froze.
"No… no…"
Gunfire erupted uselessly. Humans were dragged down, torn apart, devoured.
He saw the little girl from earlier—on the ground, sobbing, alone.
Two Deep Sea monsters pinned Mumen Rider. No one could reach her.
A clawed hand reached toward the child.
"NO!!!"
Thor charged.
In that moment, he understood why Odin had exiled him.
Reckless pride. Blind courage. Zero wisdom.
His bravado had led them here.
He couldn't save the dead.
But he could still save the living.
Lightning flickered faintly in his eyes.
Another boulder slammed down.
Thor was hurled away, vision spinning, ears ringing, regret crushing his chest.
He raised a trembling hand toward the girl.
"Sa… ve…"
A blur of gold flashed into view.
A voice, bright with absolute conviction:
"You're safe now! Why? Because—I am here!"
A shockwave of fists tore through the Deep Sea monsters. Skulls burst. Bodies fell.
Thor's hand dropped.
Darkness took him.
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