"Child, are you hungry?"
"I..."
"Child, are you thirsty!!"
Queen Mother Frigga maintained an unusual enthusiasm towards Artoria, as if she were certain that Artoria was her future daughter-in-law. This made Artoria feel very uncomfortable. Artoria seemed to sense Frigga's thoughts, but this noble Queen Mother did not give Artoria a chance to explain. That fellow Thor didn't think to explain either. This misunderstanding was simply too massive, leaving Artoria somewhat at a loss. Artoria didn't feel much about being treated as an idol, as those people couldn't reach her, but this was the first time she had been treated as a daughter-in-law, which made her feel extremely awkward. She had just come to pick up some items; how did she end up in this situation?
"Mother, Artoria needs to go to the Vault with me. Don't keep yourself busy."
At this moment, Thor finally came to liberate Artoria. Artoria wanted to leave, but Frigga kept holding her hand, preventing her from departing. Having come from Taiwanese, the land of etiquette, in her previous life, Artoria couldn't be too rude to an elder who cared for her, so she allowed Frigga's actions. Artoria could sense genuine joy and concern from Frigga. Although this was largely due to a misunderstanding, Frigga was truly happy that her son had finally'seen the light.' she was terrified her son would spend his life with a hammer, which was why she had such a strong reaction upon seeing Artoria.
"Alright! Go then! Remember to pick out plenty of good things."
Although Frigga was reluctant to let go, Odin had messaged her about the Vault, so she didn't stop them. Since her son was taking his 'daughter-in-law' there, she wanted to go along, but she knew she had to give the young people some time alone. Frigga was very 'considerate' in thinking for her son, yet she simply didn't know that this 'daughter-in-law' wasn't her son's partner at all.
"I'm sorry! That's the first time I've seen my Mother like that."
As they walked, Thor apologized to Artoria. It was his first time seeing his Mother so excited; her friendliness toward Artoria exceeded his imagination. Although he felt good that his friend was accepted, Thor always felt something was off. With his one-track mind, it was hard for him to consider why his Mother was so excited. Waiting for years for a son to marry and provide a grandson is a common trait among all parents. You can imagine it: the pig you raised suddenly uprooted someone else's finest fresh cabbage, and a high-quality cabbage at that. How could such a thing not make a parent happy? Unfortunately, the only one happy was the Queen Mother.
Both Thor and Odin knew that Artoria was only there to take some items, which made things very awkward. Not just for Artoria, but Thor was also embarrassed. Odin wasn't there, and he didn't know what had happened; otherwise, he would likely have been embarrassed as well. It was best to keep such things buried in one's heart.
"She is quite an interesting Mother. Don't worry too much about it, Thor."
Regarding Thor's apology, Artoria forgave him quite broadly. After all, such things are unavoidable; everyone has moments like this. If Thor had been born in Taiwanese, he would have likely experienced the various fancy ways of marriage pressure. 'Look at this bowl! It's big and round, doesn't it remind you of my grandson? So cute and fun.'
"Since it was my Mother's request, Artoria, please take two extra items! Consider it my reparation."
The more broad-minded Artoria was, the more guilty Thor felt. She had simply come to take items as ordered, yet she was dragged into a conversation by his Mother. This made Thor very embarrassed, so as an apology, he let Artoria take two more items as compensation. Anyway, there were many things in the Vault. Thor's words made Artoria's eyes light up. Well then! She had already planned to pocket a few good things anyway; now, Artoria could take them legitimately. After all, Thor would be the one to answer for it in the end.
"Bucky... is it really you, Bucky?"
Compared to Artoria, who wanted to fleece the wealthy host, Captain America's heart was currently racing with excitement. He had seen his 'best friend' stealing the core from the 'Project Insight.' While trying to stop the project, Captain America had unexpectedly run into his brother-in-arms. This left him thrilled yet unable to believe his eyes. Was the person before him really Bucky? Feeling like he couldn't handle such a shock, Captain America tried his best to control himself. He had seen Bucky fall into the abyss with his own eyes—a place where survival was absolutely impossible. How could Bucky have lived until now? But looking at that familiar face, it was Bucky in every way. Captain America was now in a state of total confusion.
Bang! Bang!
Relying on years of combat instinct, Captain America dodged the gunshots. He looked dazed at the retreating Bucky and didn't give chase. He was afraid the truth would be more than he could bear. Stepping out from behind cover in a daze, Captain America's mind was a mess. What on Earth was going on?
"Bucky."
Standing in place and sighing deeply, Captain America muttered his friend's name as he left the battlefield. Tony had rejected his invitation, which solidified Captain America's resolve to finish this alone. With the help of Sharon, Carter's niece within S.H.I.E.L.D., he had obtained this item. Now he needed to find a professional to help him; at the very least, the failure of the 'Project Insight' could delay this farce from unfolding.
Captain America left the place feeling despondent. While he needed help, he also needed to sit quietly and think. After all, seeing someone who had been dead for years appear before him was not an easy fact to accept. There was joy but also worry. Most importantly, Bucky's attitude toward him—those eyes were as cold as if looking at thin air, devoid of any emotion. This made Captain America very worried about what had happened to his friend.
"Professor, we..."
"No need to say more, child. I know what you want to say."
Executing alongside the 'Project Insight' was the 'Mutant Project.' As the host of the Phoenix Force, Jean possesses powerful telekinesis and telepathy. She had already sensed something wrong around the academy; that overwhelming malice could not be hidden from her perception. Worried, Jean wanted to suggest to Professor X that the entire school move away. But if she could sense it, how could the situation around them be hidden from Professor X? He understood Jean's thoughts perfectly, but because he understood, he had to treat the matter with even more composure.
From the subconscious minds of these soldiers, he had gathered a lot of information, such as who had given them their orders. It seemed this operation wouldn't be settled by a minor skirmish; this time, they might be playing for keeps. Thinking of this, Professor X felt helpless. He had dedicated his life to peace between Mutants and humans. Now, the situation was such that the United States seemed determined to eradicate Mutants, viewing them as deviants.
"Notify the students to prepare for relocation. First, move the children under fifteen. It seems some things are unavoidable; we must ensure the children's safety. Jean, help me call Scott, Logan, and Hank over. I have arrangements to discuss with you all."
After a moment of contemplation, Professor X helplessly rubbed his forehead. He asked Jean to call his three capable assistants to arrange some matters.
"I hope everything won't turn out too badly."
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