"The problem has shifted? Why do I have a bad feeling about this?"
"Simply put, '084' has transformed from a building into a... person," Arthur explained. "And this person happens to be Thor's girlfriend."
"You know, according to SHIELD's regulations, Thor is not only an Avenger but also classified as an 084..." Natasha said with a smirk. "I guess we all fit that description, right?"
"...You're different, but I'm definitely on the list," Arthur replied. "In any case, let's get prepared. We need to apply pressure on Dr. Selvig from all angles or use some clever tactics to get him out as soon as possible. I'll probably have to head to Asgard."
"Understood."
Natasha hesitated for a moment before adding, "Going on a business trip? Aren't you going to inform your little girlfriend?"
"...I think it's best if these matters stay far from her life."
"Feeling a bit jealous?" Natasha chuckled before ending the call.
Arthur shrugged and turned to Jane, who had moved to the window, gazing at the light rain outside. "When did it start raining?"
"Probably while we were all distracted," she replied.
Arthur said, "Let's go. We need to find a way to get to Asgard. I need to consult someone about what's happening to you."
"Who?"
"Your boyfriend's father," Arthur replied. "So, you should be happy. You'll get to see Thor soon."
In fact, Thor arrived much sooner than expected.
As they stepped out of the building, they spotted the hammer-wielding, armor-clad figure with a flowing cape.
Jane's reaction to seeing Thor left Arthur astonished.
Without a word, she marched up and slapped him across the face. Thor stood there, momentarily stunned, but before he could respond, she slapped him again.
Thor had likely never been struck like this in his life, but even after the second slap, he couldn't retaliate. He could only explain in a gentle tone why he had been absent for a year.
According to the burly god, Asgard had been in turmoil for the past year, with chaos erupting everywhere. He had spent the entire year extinguishing fires all over the Nine Realms.
Only recently did he manage to ask Heimdall about Jane's situation, and upon learning she had suddenly vanished, he rushed over from Asgard.
Watching Thor explain himself with a pitiful expression, Arthur couldn't help but recall the time he had been 'launched' into the cosmos and returned.
He touched his own face and suddenly felt that, no matter how lively or unpredictable lil was, she was as gentle as a kitten in comparison.
"Long time no see," Arthur said, recalling his own experience and feeling a strange sense of superiority as he observed Thor's miserable state.
"Long time no see," Thor greeted Arthur, then rubbed his face. "Can you tell me what's going on with her?"
"This is probably Asgard's doing," Arthur said. "You arrived just in time. I was about to head to Asgard myself. Is Heimdall on leave? I called for him earlier, but there was no response."
"It's probably because you're always badmouthing him behind his back. You know, even though he's fair, he can be quite vindictive."
Thor's expression turned serious. "You know, because of you, there's a rumor going around that Heimdall likes to peek at women while they're bathing..."
Arthur was taken aback. "Rumors can really ruin a person!"
"Who's to blame for that?" Thor showed no sympathy, then asked earnestly, "What exactly happened to Jane?"
"No time to waste," Arthur said. "Let's head to Asgard first."
He then looked up and called, "Heimdall!"
This time, Heimdall didn't hold a grudge. A Bifrost bridge descended from the sky.
Thor glanced at Arthur, then took Jane's hand and said, "Let's go."
"You're just leaving like that?" The black-haired woman and her intern hurried over.
Arthur grinned at her and stepped onto the Bifrost.
...
After nearly a year, the Bifrost Hall remained as magnificent as ever.
Heimdall stood like a sentinel, his posture straight, clad in Asgardian armor, his deep eyes seemingly filled with the cosmos.
"Heimdall, long time no see," Arthur said. "I heard you've been dealing with some rumors lately, but don't worry. Everyone faces challenges. As long as we overcome them, we'll rise to the top again!"
"...Thank you."
Heimdall's face was expressionless, but the hand that instinctively reached for his sword subtly revealed his inner turmoil.
Jane looked at Heimdall, then at Arthur, and whispered to Thor, "How has he managed to stay safe until now?"
Thor glanced at Arthur and replied to Jane, "Hmm, how do you know he's been living safely?"
This question was clearly worth pondering.
Arthur then looked at Thor and said, "I'm heading to the Golden Palace first."
"I'll take her to check on her situation," Thor nodded, and the two split up.
...
Arthur folded his Raven God wings and landed directly inside the Golden Palace.
On the throne, Odin regarded Arthur with a somewhat melancholic gaze.
"Um... don't look at me like that; it gives me the impression that you're about to deliver bad news."
Arthur said, "I'm here today to hold you accountable."
"What's wrong with my eldest daughter that warrants your visit?" Odin asked.
"...You know I'm not talking about that." Arthur rolled his eyes. "I'm talking about the Aether."
Odin fell silent for a moment, then rose from his chair. "The Dark Elves are an ancient race; they thrive in darkness and have sought to use the Aether to plunge all nine realms into a dark world. Such ambition cannot be allowed. My father led the gods of Asgard to suppress them and ultimately succeeded in reclaiming the Aether..."
At this point, Odin looked at Arthur. "Now that the Aether has awakened again, the countdown to Ragnarok has begun."
Arthur blinked. "Ragnarok? Just because of the Dark Elves?"
"No," Odin replied. "They are not yet qualified, but there have been too many signs this past year."
Arthur's eyes narrowed slightly.
A year ago, he had felt a sense of foreboding when the Ancient One mentioned that the countdown was about to begin.
Yesterday, he thought it was due to the Aether, but now Odin was telling him it was because of... Ragnarok!
(End of Chapter)
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