"Here… is this Asgard?"
Maya Hansen looked around in shock. Asgard was arguably the most spectacular realm in the MCU. Towering spires, floating architectural marvels, and advanced technologies all testified to its grandeur and supremacy. At the same time, the strong medieval atmosphere gave the realm a unique blend of both classical and futuristic styles.
"Welcome to Asgard," Heimdall said, after carefully studying Maya Hansen.
"Heimdall," Thor introduced, "this is a great scientist from Midgard, invited here by me. And he—Heimdall—is the guardian of the Bifrost, and one of Asgard's finest warriors."
"Thor, you've returned. Did your trip to Earth bring anything new?"
A heroic female warrior approached with a smile.
Sif—Asgard's foremost female warrior, the goddess of land and harvest in Norse mythology, Thor's childhood companion, and in Odin and Frigga's eyes, his future bride.
In my memory, my former self and Sif had shared a close bond, but more like comrades-in-arms than lovers.
Well, my previous self really was the textbook definition of a straight-laced blockhead.
I treat you like a brother, but you actually…?
"There were many interesting things," Thor grinned, "but the most interesting of all is—I beat Loki!"
The three Warriors Three, who had just arrived, burst into laughter. For them, mocking Loki was always fair game. Unfortunately, Thor had been the only one strong enough to do it, and he'd usually been too soft-hearted.
The blond, exuberant Fandral was the first to joke, "Hey Thor, aren't you afraid Miss Sif's hair might catch fire over this?"
Bravery and optimism together often made him seem like a mischievous husky—always picking the worst possible moment for a jab.
The three laughed again. Sif glared at them, and they immediately fell silent. When it came to combat, even all three together wouldn't dare challenge her.
Suddenly, the system's voice chimed:
"Congratulations! Mission triggered: Sif's Shura Field. As Thor's childhood sweetheart and wife in Norse mythology, you must now redefine your relationship with her. Choose one option to complete the mission and receive a reward!"
Task 1: Reject Sif. Reward: A bar of soap. (A real man should love men! Women are just big pigs!)
Task 2: Give Sif an explanation. Reward: Three random Infinity Stone experience coupons. (The goddess has waited for you for over a thousand years. Don't let her down—step up, boy!)
Thor grimaced. It's not me making a fuss—it's you, system!
Seeing Sif's calm expression, but the faint sadness in her eyes, Thor stepped forward. Gently smoothing her slightly disheveled hair, he said softly:
"Alright, don't frown. After all these years, how could I not understand what's in your heart?"
Sif, usually so fierce, flushed crimson in an instant. In the past, Thor had always treated her like a brother-in-arms, even hugging her roughly after drinking bouts. But this… this felt completely different.
The trio of Warriors were already whistling and jeering.
Behind Thor, Maya Hansen watched the scene unfold, silently cursing: Hmph. Men really are pigs.
In the gleaming golden hall, a white-haired, one-eyed king sat upon the throne, gazing intently at his son. Even Thor, awakened as he was, still felt the immense weight of his presence.
This was Odin, ruler of the Nine Realms, king of Asgard, one of the greatest powers in the universe. In his youth, he had driven back Thanos himself. Even in old age, his very name inspired awe and fear throughout the cosmos.
"You are stronger than I expected, Thor," Odin said. "In the past, you relied too much on Mjolnir. To become the true God of Thunder—and to lead in the coming war of the gods—you must cast aside that dependence. What surprises me most is that you came to realize this on your own. You will be an excellent king."
Relief softened his voice. Partly it was Thor's growth, but partly it was something else—Frigga had recently told him that the prophecy of Ragnarök had begun to blur.
That meant the once-fixed fate of the future had changed.
Loki, standing nearby, twitched his lips. He wasn't sure Thor's growth was such a good thing. At the very least, his brother never used to beat him so casually…