~Three days later~
The revelation of Asgard's existence and the brutal war against an extraterrestrial civilization sparked widespread global discussion and upheaval...
The overwhelming public debate and the strategic responses of nations became the focal point of attention.
Yet, at the center of this storm was an unlikely figure, a once-obscure female astronomer.
Jane Foster, an employee of Umbrella Corporation, had long published papers espousing her unconventional (some would say outlandish) theories about the cosmos. Once dismissed as fringe nonsense by the academic mainstream, her claims had now been undeniably validated.
Overnight, the laughingstock became a rising star in the scientific community. Standing in the White House briefing room, Jane still couldn't quite believe it...
Seated before her were generals from the Department of Defense, the President's closest advisors, and the Secretary of State. All people most would never meet in their lifetime. Yet they were listening to her like students.
"Either I've gone insane, or the world has." Jane rubbed her temples.
Everything had happened too fast. She was supposed to be in London for an astronomical observation, but instead, she had been whisked away by SHIELD agents to the heart of American power.
She had secretly called Darcy, hoping her friend's wealthy boyfriend could help. Harry Osborn was her best bet. The Red Queen had informed her that Sean was unreachable, having left for an Arctic expedition a week ago.
After their brief encounter in New Mexico, Jane had no love for these black-suited agents. But after exhausting all avenues, she realized the truth; this was about Asgard.
The entire world was desperate for more information. The global broadcast three days ago had cut off after the golden Sentinel and Thanos vanished. No one knew the outcome of that battle, or whether Earth would soon face an alien armada.
Like a repeat of the Cold War, a tense and suffocating atmosphere gripped the whole world. While the average person might not feel it, those at the top, the ones who shaped the world's destiny, were already moving.
As a global agency, SHIELD faced intense scrutiny from the World Security Council. Nick Fury had no choice but to disclose what little he knew about Asgard and Jane Foster, the astronomer who had firsthand contact with its people.
"Asgard is an ancient civilization. They visited Earth when humanity was still in its tribal infancy, which is the origin of Norse mythology…" Jane relayed what she knew, most of it from Thor himself.
She wondered how the Asgardian prince was faring now.
"In their cosmology, the galaxy consists of Nine Realms, connected by the branches of Yggdrasil, the World Tree. Earth is Midgard, and we are Midgardians."
"How are they different from us?" a Defense Department general asked.
"Organically, they're similar. The differences lie at the microscopic level; slower aging, enhanced regeneration, resistance to disease, lower fertility… Their warriors can achieve a body density three times that of a human's."
She paused, then continued, "According to Norse myths, Asgard left its mark on Earth long ago. Their spatial technology was advanced even then, thousands of years ahead of where we are now. But what's puzzling is that Asgardians don't seem driven by economics or politics. Their society resembles medieval feudalism; hereditary monarchy, martial enforcement of order, underdeveloped monetary systems, no industrial framework…"
"That sounds like regression," the Secretary of State remarked, frowning.
From the broadcast, Asgard's technology was an enigma. They possessed space-faring ships, energy cannons, and teleportation. Yet, their warfare was archaic, and lacked weapons of mass destruction. That was why they had been overrun by the Chitauri.
"No civilization is perfect. The Maya never invented the wheel, yet their astronomy was unparalleled. Asgard may be the same. They are physically superior, but stagnant in other ways."
She had discussed this with Sean, who believed Asgard was in its twilight and merely surviving on past glories.
"Then how do you explain magic, Dr. Foster? Your reports mention it repeatedly," a presidential advisor pressed.
"Are you familiar with the concept of tacit knowledge?" Jane countered.
Proposed by Michael Polanyi, it distinguishes between explicit knowledge (documented, formulaic) and tacit knowledge; innate and unspoken understanding.
Language is a prime example. Most people can't explain grammar rules, yet speak fluently. Bats navigate via echolocation, a natural ability human radar still can't fully replicate.
"For Thor, his 'magic' is like that. He wields lightning instinctively, without understanding electromagnetism or advanced math. To him, it's as natural as breathing."
After two hours of Q&A, Jane had painted a rough sketch of Asgard for the room's power brokers.
Stepping out of the White House under a drizzle with files in her arms, a thought struck her:
The world was on the brink of upheaval...
....
~Asgard~
What was once the glorious realm revered across the Nine Realms, now lay in ruins...
The golden spires of its grand architecture were reduced to smoldering wreckage. Even the royal palace atop the mountains hadn't been spared.
A silent fury hung over the land.
The proud and fearless Asgardians had never known defeat. Under Odin, they had driven out the Dark Elves, crushed the Frost Giants, and reigned supreme as the Nine Realms' protectors.
But the Chitauri invasion and Thanos' descent had shattered their pride into the dirt.
Odin was gravely wounded. Frigga had fallen in battle. Thor was broken. The realm mourned.
Had the Dark Order and Chitauri not abruptly retreated, Asgard's name might have been erased forever.
Thor entered the palace with Mjolnir in hand, his face etched with grief.
Yesterday, he had held his mother's funeral. A boat carrying her belongings was sent into the abyss of Yggdrasil and set aflame by his father's arrow.
The entire realm grieved... not just for their queen, but for lost loved ones. Their peace was shattered, and their fury burned fiercely.
"Father." Thor knelt before the throne.
Once mighty, the Allfather now sat frail, with his breathing labored.
Staring at his father's aged face, Thor realized that Odin could no longer lead Asgard forward...
"Is Thanos dead?" Odin asked weakly.
The enemy's sudden retreat must have been tied to the cosmic tyrant. Who had won that cataclysmic battle?
"It is unknown. Heimdall saw only their departure to the edge of the Nine Realms. The barren planet they fought on was destroyed. Nothing remains."
"Time is the greatest enemy." Odin sighed. Were he not so weakened by age, defeat would never have come.
He motioned Thor closer, his voice grave: "Asgard must change. We have stagnated too long. It is time to forge new ties with the outside..."
...
{T/N: This is where Volume 1 of this book concludes...}