Chapter 41 — A New World, New Adventures
Three days later, Thor, Astrid, Shiro, and Moana stood at the edge of their ship, staring into a thick, rolling fog that swallowed the horizon. The sound of the waves grew distant, muffled by the heavy mist as it crept closer, gray and endless.
Thor looked at Moana and said calmly,
— This will be the first unknown island we're about to explore. I think I should go first to gather some information and see what's on the other side. You all stay here.
Astrid glared at him, her tone sharp.
— Are you insane? We don't know what's beyond that fog — she snapped. — What if it's dangerous?
Moana crossed her arms, frowning.
— Astrid's right. It might be safer if we go together.
Shiro said nothing at first, but her eyes showed the same worry. She finally nodded in quiet agreement.
Thor glanced at the three of them. The wind blew through his hair as he exhaled slowly.
— That's exactly why I have to go alone, — he explained. — If it's something so dangerous that even I can't handle it — and you come with me — it'll only make things worse. If I go alone and something happens, I can retreat. But if you're with me, maybe I won't be able to.
Silence fell over the deck. Only the soft crash of waves filled the air. The women understood — if the danger was beyond Thor's control, bringing them along would only increase the risk.
Seeing their hesitation, Thor softened his voice.
— How about this: I'll just go take a quick look. I'll be gone for no more than a day. If I take longer, you can come after me. Deal?
Astrid sighed, clearly frustrated but resigned.
— Fine. One day.
She stepped closer, wrapped her arms around him, and kissed him firmly. When they parted, she met his gaze with determination.
— One day. If you don't come back by then — danger or not — we're coming after you. Understood?
Thor smiled faintly at her seriousness, then kissed her forehead.
— Yes, ma'am.
He turned to Shiro. She took his hand, refusing to look away.
— Nii-san, I want to go with you, — she said firmly.
Thor's eyes softened, but his tone remained steady.
— Shiro, we're far from home. We don't know what kind of dangers exist in this world. Once I leave, you'll be the strongest one here — and you'll have to protect the others. Can I count on you?
Shiro nodded without hesitation.
Then came the quiet goodbyes. Moana extended her hand awkwardly, unsure how to act, but Thor pulled her into a brief, warm hug. The air between them felt heavier than before — not sad, but filled with the unspoken weight of trust.
Finally, Thor stepped back and let lightning crackle faintly across his arms. Sparks danced around him like fireflies.
— See you soon, everyone. Take care until I'm back, — he said with a small grin.
In the next instant, his body became a blur of light. A flash burst across the deck, and he vanished into the fog with a sound like distant thunder.
The mist swallowed him whole.
Minutes later, Thor broke through the wall of clouds and emerged into a completely different world.
The air was icy and sharp, burning his lungs as he breathed. Snowflakes drifted down in slow spirals, covering the ground in white. The sky was pale gray, and the world below stretched out like a city caught in eternal winter.
He hovered in silence, his eyes scanning the landscape. Streets, tall buildings, and faint lights — it all looked strangely familiar, as if he had stepped into a reflection of another life. A modern world, but one frozen in time.
Thor landed gently on the rooftop of a high building. His boots crunched against the thin layer of ice beneath him. For a moment, he just stood there, watching the snow fall.
— The weather and atmosphere seem calm enough, — he muttered. — It should be safe for Astrid and Moana to land. But since this is a fantasy world, even if it looks modern, it's likely hiding something supernatural.
He looked down at his Viking armor, which stood out awkwardly among the modern surroundings. The faint glow of neon signs reflected off his metal plates. With a quiet sigh, he decided to change.
A short while later, Thor walked out of a small clothing store carrying several bags. His new clothes were simple and dark — modern enough to blend in, but sturdy enough for combat if needed.
He looked at the shopping bags and spoke to himself with a smirk.
— I even bought outfits for Astrid, Shiro, and Moana... Those bandits were really generous, — he said, feigning a teary tone. — They gave me all their money out of free will. Such kind people.
The humor in his voice faded as a sudden chill swept through the air. The snowflakes slowed. The world around him grew quieter — unnaturally quiet.
Thor straightened, his instincts immediately on alert.
A figure appeared a few meters away — a boy standing atop a streetlight, his body surrounded by a faint, blue-white glow. Silver hair shimmered under the falling snow.
For a second, Thor said nothing. His mind raced. If that boy was here… then this place was exactly what he thought it was.
The boy looked at him curiously, a faint grin on his face, holding a staff made of ice.
Thor's expression hardened as recognition struck him.
— Jack Frost? — he muttered, almost in disbelief.
A faint smile crossed his lips.
— Who would've thought... so this is the secret of the Guardians.