Marvel : I am Thor Chapter 281 - 285

Chapter 281: The Young Avengers

A few months ago, the Avengers convened an internal meeting to revisit an idea that had been shelved for years. This wasn’t a new initiative but rather a supplemental plan to the original Avengers initiative—The Young Avengers.

Back in the era of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury had conceived this concept while assembling the Avengers. However, due to various priorities and crises, the plan had been postponed indefinitely. The reasoning behind it was simple: not all Avengers possess extended lifespans, and most would eventually age, retire, or move on. To ensure the longevity of Earth's mightiest heroes, the Young Avengers program aimed to identify, train, and nurture new talents who could one day step into their predecessors’ shoes.

The idea was to give these young recruits experience by handling relatively straightforward superhuman incidents. Over time, they would grow into capable heroes, ready to fill the void left by retiring Avengers.

Notably, Spider-Man, Peter Parker, had once been considered an unofficial member of this initiative. Tony Stark had recognized Peter’s potential early on and mentored him in his own unique way.

However, Peter’s participation in the War, despite his young age, had elevated him to the status of a full-fledged Avenger. His courage and determination during that conflict had made it clear he was ready for the big leagues.

The training facilities for the Young Avengers are split between two primary locations: The Avengers Base on the New York coastline and New Asgard. The majority of recruits train at The Avengers Base under the guidance of seasoned heroes like War Machine (Rhodey) and Falcon (Sam Wilson). A select few exceptional candidates, if willing, are invited to New Asgard to train under Thor himself. After all, Thor is regarded as one of the strongest Avengers, making his tutelage highly coveted.

Of course, training in New Asgard comes with unique challenges. The island has strict requirements, and living conditions are far from ordinary. However, most recruits are eager to learn under Thor, viewing it as an honor.

Inside New Asgard’s grand castle, Thor strode through the gates with his usual confidence. Two rows of warriors clad in gleaming silver and white armor saluted him as he passed. These warriors were no ordinary fighters—they were Valkyries.

After Thor had rescued the souls of the Valkyries from Hela, it had taken years to restore them to their former glory. Over the past five years, Thor had resurrected these fallen warriors, turning them into his loyal elite forces. The Valkyries were known for their unwavering loyalty, disciplined demeanor, and unmatched combat prowess. Once they pledged their allegiance, it was unshakable—even to Hela, despite her history of betrayal and vengeance.

Thor’s reconciliation with Hela had brought the Valkyries some peace of mind, even if they had been skeptical at first. Interestingly, one of the reasons Hela’s quarters were numbered “404” was Thor’s subtle way of addressing their feelings without words.

As for the surviving Valkyrie from Sakaar, her role had shifted. Years of indulgence in alcohol and chaos had left her less suited for the battlefield. However, she had found a new purpose as the chief liaison for Thor’s dealings with the Grandmaster on Sakaar—a role that required her diplomatic and leadership skills.

The Valkyries who remained in New Asgard, however, were a different breed. These warriors were elegant yet fierce, beautiful yet deadly. Their only flaw, if one could call it that, was their unyielding seriousness. Fortunately, this trait applied only during the daytime.

At the training grounds, Natasha Romanoff stood waiting, her presence as commanding as ever. Behind her were three young women, all around seventeen or eighteen years old. These were some of the top recruits from the inaugural class of the Young Avengers program.

Natasha began introductions. Pointing to the girl on the far left, she said, “This is Gwen Stacy. About half a month ago, she was bitten by a strange spider, which triggered the awakening of her superhuman abilities. From what we can tell, her abilities are somewhat similar to Peter Parker’s. Incidentally, he was also bitten by a spider...”

Thor’s expression grew curious. “Wait a moment...” he muttered.

“What’s wrong?” Natasha asked, noticing his odd expression.

Thor’s thoughts wandered. Could I have unknowingly influenced Peter Parker’s fate in some way? While the idea seemed absurd, he couldn’t entirely dismiss it. Then again, Peter’s romantic inclinations were hardly conventional. After all, he was currently infatuated with MJ.

Shaking off the thought, Thor decided to steer the conversation elsewhere. “Ah... I was just thinking. First Peter Parker, now Gwen Stacy... What kind of spiders are roaming out there that they keep producing Avengers?”

Thor glanced at Natasha, a mischievous grin forming. “Could it be... a widow?”

Before he could say more, Natasha’s hand lashed out, landing firmly on his face with a resounding smack.

Chapter 282: Little Spider-Man's Human Tragedy

The three girls stood frozen, their eyes wide as they witnessed the unthinkable: their idol, the mightiest Avenger, the hero who had defeated Thanos himself, being playfully struck by Natasha. The scene shattered their idealized image of Thor, leaving them in disbelief.

One of the girls, her hair as white as freshly fallen snow, broke the silence. “I heard Black Widow is Russian, right? The rate of domestic violence there is supposed to be quite high...” she murmured timidly.

Gwen Stacy, standing beside her, nodded in agreement. “You’re not wrong. Isn’t it said that sometimes it’s the men who get... uh... overpowered by the women?”

Natasha, now feeling a bit refreshed after her playful slap, stretched her hand to alleviate the sting from hitting Thor’s near-invulnerable frame. The slap had no effect on Thor, of course, but Natasha’s hand throbbed slightly from the impact. She turned her attention back to the white-haired girl and continued, her tone professional.

“This is Felicia Hardy,” Natasha introduced. “She’s from Queens, New York. On the surface, her father, Walter Hardy, was a salesman, but in reality, he was a renowned thief—known as the Black Cat in S.H.I.E.L.D.’s records.”

Thor blinked, processing the information. The name Felicia Hardy rang a bell. He vaguely remembered the character from some old comics. Wasn’t she also one of the love interest of Spider-Man?

A moment of silence for poor Peter Parker, he thought.

Meanwhile, at a university in New York, Peter Parker sneezed unexpectedly.

“Peter, are you okay?” MJ asked, her eyes filled with concern.

Peter shook his head, puzzled. “I’m fine, I think. It’s just... I suddenly felt this strange sense of malice.” He frowned slightly but quickly brushed the feeling aside.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Peter focused on MJ. Her warm smile gave him the courage to continue. “MJ, there’s something I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time. I’ve never had the nerve to say it because I was afraid it might change everything between us. But now... now I’ve decided. I have to tell you.”

MJ tilted her head, curiosity evident in her expression. “Peter, you’re Spider-Man, right?”

Peter froze, his jaw dropping. “Um... how did you know?”

Inside, Peter’s heart sank. He had spent weeks, no, months, gathering the courage for this moment, only for MJ to beat him to the punch.

Back at the training grounds in New Asgard, Natasha continued her introduction of Felicia. “She’s shown exceptional physical capabilities. She has incredible balance, flexibility, and strength. Plus, she’s skilled in hand-to-hand combat and could easily be a professional gymnast or acrobat.”

Thor observed Felicia thoughtfully. Something about her demeanor seemed to suggest she was holding back a secret. His sharp gaze locked onto her. “You seem to have something else to share,” he said.

Felicia’s face turned pale, and her hands trembled slightly. Natasha’s eyes narrowed, her playful demeanor vanishing as she became deadly serious. She looked like a predator ready to strike. “What are you hiding?” she demanded, her tone icy.

Felicia hesitated, visibly shaken by Natasha’s intensity. Thor chuckled softly and placed a reassuring hand on Natasha’s shoulder. “Relax. Everyone has their secrets. As long as they mean no harm, it’s not a problem.”

Natasha shot him a glare, her expression saying, If she wasn’t a harmless girl, this wouldn’t end so nicely.

After a moment of silence, Felicia took a deep breath and spoke. “I... I’m sorry for not saying this earlier. I was afraid of the repercussions. But if anyone has the right to know, it’s you.”

Thor nodded, gesturing for her to continue.

“My father wasn’t just a thief. He was also involved in a secret experiment. He managed to replicate the Super Soldier Serum used to create Captain America. Years ago, during the original experiment, while everyone was focused on Steve Rogers, my father secretly recorded the serum’s formula and the equations used.”

Natasha’s eyes widened in disbelief. “That’s impossible! The Super Soldier Serum has been lost for decades. Captain America is the only successful subject, and the last vial of serum was destroyed long ago.”

Thor raised a hand, signaling Natasha to let Felicia finish.

“For years, my father lived in hiding, keeping the secret safe. He even allowed himself to be arrested by S.H.I.E.L.D., believing it to be the safest place to conceal his knowledge. But someone with ill intentions discovered his secret. To protect me, he injected me with the serum, ensuring I could defend myself if necessary.”

Thor listened intently, his expression calm. The story seemed to align with what he knew of the world. The forces Felicia alluded to—most likely HYDRA or Kingpin—had been relentless in their pursuit of power.

“Now that you’re here on New Asgard, you have nothing to fear,” Thor reassured her, his voice steady and kind. “You’ll be safe under our protection.”

Felicia’s tense shoulders relaxed slightly at his words. Thor turned his attention to the last girl, noting the calluses on her hands—an indicator of rigorous physical training. He filed the observation away for later.

Chapter 283: Prologue

“Her name is Kate Bishop,” Natasha began, her tone calm but tinged with admiration. “I happened to meet her in the park. She was being attacked, and I stepped in to rescue her. After that, she became fascinated with superheroes. She took it upon herself to learn archery, melee combat, and even swordsmanship. She didn’t leave any stone unturned when it came to honing her fighting skills.”

Natasha shrugged lightly, a rare smile playing on her lips. “Surprisingly, she’s incredibly talented. Her combat skills and precision with a bow are exceptional. With proper training, she could very well be the next Hawkeye.”

Thor crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow. Definitely talented, he thought. Otherwise, how could she be considered the second generation of Hawkeye? Despite his inner musings, he asked, “But wouldn’t Barton be the most suitable person to train her?”

A flicker of awkwardness crossed Natasha’s face. “You’d think so, but Barton refused. He said he’s focusing on training his daughter right now and doesn’t have the time to take on another apprentice—especially a female one.”

Thor tilted his head, unconvinced. Natasha sighed and added, “It’s probably just an excuse. Barton might have his reasons, but let’s be honest—archery training is a bit... intimate. It often requires hands-on demonstrations and close proximity. It’s not something most people are comfortable teaching to someone of the opposite sex unless it’s family. Teaching his daughter is fine, but taking on a female apprentice like Kate? Let’s just say Barton is a good man who knows how to avoid rumors.”

Thor let out a soft chuckle. “Makes sense, I suppose. Still, why come to me? I’m not exactly a paragon of moral restraint..”

Natasha shot him a sharp look, her voice dripping with mockery. “Don’t flatter yourself. I didn’t ask you to teach her because of your sparkling reputation. And don’t even think about bending the rules, Thor!”

Thor blinked, slightly taken aback. “Widow, are you slandering me in front of everyone? Doesn’t your conscience ache?”

His exaggerated expression of offense drew laughter from the three young girls nearby, their giggles filling the room. The tension eased, and Natasha’s playful jab had the desired effect of keeping Thor in check.

Later, Wanda intercepted Natasha at the castle’s door. “Sister Natasha,” Wanda began, her voice tinged with curiosity, “why do you keep teasing His Highness today? You even started sparring with him in front of others.”

Natasha leaned against the doorframe and smiled mischievously. “Thor is an old scoundrel. He has a way of charming people and taking them home when he feels like it. These girls idolize him to the core. If I don’t shatter their illusions a little, who knows how crowded this castle will get with admirers?”

Wanda’s eyes widened in admiration.

That night, the three girls shared a single room. Private quarters weren’t assigned yet, but they didn’t seem to mind.

“I always thought Lord Thor was this untouchable, godlike figure,” Gwen Stacy said, her voice thoughtful. “But seeing him today, I realized he has a playful, down-to-earth side.”

“Yeah,” Kate Bishop agreed. “I used to think superheroes were living in a completely different world from us. But now, they feel so much closer.”

Felicia Hardy leaned back on her bed, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. “Honestly, seeing this side of Thor makes him feel much more approachable.”

The other two nodded in unison. If Natasha had overheard their conversation, she might have been tempted to burst into the room and correct their perceptions.

While laughter echoed in the room, a looming crisis brewed light-years away. On a distant, barren planet, a group of strange, alien beings worked tirelessly, operating a massive machine of bizarre design. Their appearance was grotesque, their forms angular and unnatural, as if plucked from a cosmic nightmare.

Five years ago, these aliens had completed the design of their weapon, but they had decided to wait. Acting prematurely could have jeopardized their plans. Now, the time was ripe.

One of the aliens, a towering figure with luminous eyes, manipulated the machine’s controls. A sequence of buttons illuminated in rapid succession, and the final lever was pulled. As the leader pushed the main valve forward, the machine roared to life, emitting a dazzling light that engulfed the surrounding sky.

If this planet had been inhabited, the spectacle would have drawn countless eyes. Fortunately, it was located in a remote part of the galaxy, far from any prying witnesses.

The heart of the machine began to open, its mechanisms whirring ominously. The aperture widened steadily, revealing an enormous spacecraft concealed within. With a deafening boom, the spacecraft launched into the void, its engines blazing a path through the stars.

Inside the command center of the ship, a towering, burly figure stood at the helm. His purple skin glistened under the fluorescent lights, and his imposing presence filled the room. He gazed out at the universe before him, his expression unreadable.

Chapter 284: Surtur:  I’m Back!

On a desolate planet near Titan, a team of sorcerers moved meticulously, carving intricate textures into the ground. Upon closer inspection, their appearance was far from ordinary. Their eyes were sunken, shadowed by dark circles, and their spectral-like figures exuded an unsettling aura. These weren’t mere sorcerers—they were fallen ones, corrupted beings who had drawn their power from the Dark Dimension.

This planet, over the course of several years, had been transformed into a massive network of magical circles. In fact, the entire planet had essentially become one colossal magic array.

“It’s done,” one of the sorcerers declared as the final rune was etched into place. They stepped back, their gazes lifting to the sky where Surtur, the Flame Giant, lingered in the distance like a malevolent specter.

Since Titan’s destruction five years ago, Surtur had wandered aimlessly, as though devoid of purpose. The sorcerers exchanged a glance and nodded in unison. With precise coordination, they unleashed a barrage of magical lightning, sending brilliant streaks of energy hurtling toward the Flame Giant.

“Boom…”

The strikes were inconsequential to Surtur, akin to mosquito bites. Yet, they achieved their goal: provoking the monstrous being.

“ROAR!”

With a furious bellow, Surtur’s towering form surged toward the attackers, flames radiating with blistering intensity. The leading sorcerer, unfazed, activated a Sling Ring, opening a portal for the group. They vanished in an instant, reappearing aboard a waiting spaceship.

Deprived of its targets, Surtur’s rage boiled over. Its blazing eyes turned toward the planet below, and with a thunderous cry, it raised the Twilight Sword high. The massive blade descended, piercing deep into the planet’s core.

“BOOM!”

The impact was catastrophic. The planet quaked violently before shattering into fragments. Simultaneously, the magical circles inscribed across its surface blazed to life, releasing a dazzling light that enveloped Surtur’s colossal body.

“ROAR!” Surtur howled, thrashing against the light that constricted it like chains.

Aboard the distant spaceship, the fallen ones watched with frenzied excitement. This was the culmination of their efforts—a Super Transfer Circle designed to transport a being of Surtur’s magnitude. Ordinary teleportation was insufficient for a creature of such power, but this ritual, fueled by years of preparation, had the strength to achieve the impossible.

As the magic surged, the fallen ones began to scream. Dark runes etched themselves across their bodies, converging at their hearts and tracing along their veins. Their forms convulsed violently as the dark energy they had absorbed, along with their life force and magical power, was ripped from their bodies.

“AHHH!”

One by one, the fallen ones aged rapidly, their skin shriveling until they were reduced to lifeless husks. In mere moments, their corpses turned to mummified remains, a grim testament to the cost of wielding borrowed power. The allure of the Dark Dimension came with an unforgiving price.

Even Kaecilius, who once betrayed the Ancient One and dismantled the sanctuaries to serve Dormammu, had met a similar fate. Dormammu, ever treacherous, had no qualms about using his followers as expendable pawns.

Back at the shattered planet, the final sacrifice infused the magic circle with unparalleled energy. The light surged, binding Surtur completely. With a final, earth-shaking roar, the Flame Giant vanished, leaving behind only the fragmented remains of the planet as evidence of the chaos.

Outside Asgard’s atmosphere, the sky tore open. Through the rift, ten towering Flame Giants emerged, their presence a harbinger of destruction. Even with the sacrifices made by the fallen ones, it was impossible to teleport Surtur directly to Asgard. Yet this proximity was sufficient for the Flame Giant to detect the realm’s unmistakable aura.

“I am the end of Asgard!” Surtur bellowed, its voice echoing across the void as it surged toward its target with terrifying speed.

The moment Surtur appeared, Asgard’s defenses sprang into action. A piercing alarm resounded, and a golden streak of energy shot into the sky, striking Surtur’s neck and causing the giant to stagger.

Carol Danvers, radiant with power, launched another attack, aiming to disrupt Surtur’s advance. But the Flame Giant swatted her aside effortlessly, grabbing her like a ragdoll and flinging her into the distance.

Simultaneously, spikes imbued with a chilling aura of death pierced Surtur’s chest. Hela had entered the fray, her dark magic slicing through the air as she attacked with lethal precision.

“ROAR!”

Below, Loki paced frantically, his voice rising in panic. “Why is this giant back again? Damn it! It must not reach the ground, or we’re all doomed!”

Heimdall, ever vigilant, stepped forward. “Your Highness,” he said with calm urgency, “we must report this to His Majesty. The King must decide our next move. If there’s no other option, we may need to use the Bifrost again, as we did five years ago.”

Chapter 285: Shrouded in Darkness

The Hong Kong Sanctum, one of the three holy sites of Kamar-Taj, stood as a bastion of mystical defense. Five years ago, this sacred place, alongside the London Sanctum, had been destroyed during the early chaos of the War. Only the desperate defense of the New York Sanctum had prevented Dormammu’s emergence, an event that could have altered the outcome of the war entirely.

Now, the Hong Kong Sanctum was under threat once again.

A man in a green robe, his face pale and ghostly, stepped into the hallowed halls. Under normal circumstances, such an intrusion would be impossible. The Sanctums were heavily protected, their wards designed to repel unwanted guests. Even amidst a bustling city, the holy sites remained undisturbed by the mundane world.

To force entry into a Sanctum was an act of aggression.

The sorcerers within reacted instantly. Magic weapons materialized in their hands as they rushed to confront the intruder. Yet, it was clear from the outset that they were no match for him. Their spells fizzled against his defenses, and one by one, the sorcerers fell.

When Wong arrived at the scene, his heart sank at the sight of his fallen comrades. His gaze locked onto the green-robed figure standing amidst the chaos. Recognizing the intruder, Wong’s voice trembled with both fury and heartbreak.

“I refused to believe it when Strange told me you’d betrayed us,” Wong said, his voice rising. “You were one of the teacher’s most promising disciples. Why, Mordo? Why have you done this?”

The man in the green robe—Mordo—met Wong’s gaze with calm defiance. “I have not betrayed anyone,” Mordo said, his tone resolute. “I am merely restoring balance to this chaotic world.”

Wong’s fists clenched. “Balance? By aligning yourself with Dormammu? Do you realize the cost of your actions? The entire world will be plunged into darkness!”

Mordo sneered. “And what’s so wrong with darkness? It’s not as terrifying as you imagine. Our great teacher—the Ancient One—preached vigilance against the dark, yet she herself drew power from Dormammu.”

The accusation cut deep, but Wong refused to waver. “Enough! Whatever your reasons, I won’t let you desecrate this Sanctum. As long as I stand, you won’t succeed!”

Mordo chuckled darkly. “I’m afraid you won’t be able to stop me.”

With that, Mordo launched himself forward, and the two clashed in a flurry of spells and strikes. Their battle raged for half an hour, but the outcome was inevitable. Mordo, once one of the Ancient One’s finest students, was a formidable opponent even before drawing power from Dormammu. Against his newfound strength, Wong stood little chance.

As Wong lay defeated, struggling to rise, Mordo loomed over him. “I won’t kill you,” Mordo said coldly. “You’ll live to see the truth—that I was right all along.”

With those parting words, Mordo turned and left. Minutes later, the Hong Kong Sanctum crumbled in a violent explosion, its mystical defenses shattered.

At the same time, a group of fallen sorcerers infiltrated the London Sanctum. Unlike Hong Kong, no battle erupted here. When the intruders arrived, the sorcerers were already unconscious, sprawled across the floor as though in a deep slumber.

Yet their slumber was far from peaceful.

“No… don’t… help me…” one sorcerer whimpered, his face contorted in terror.

“Please… don’t kill me…” another murmured, their voice trembling with fear.

The sorcerers’ cries of distress sent shivers down their spines. Sorcerers were known for their exceptional mental fortitude and unwavering willpower. What horror could reduce them to this state of abject fear?

None among the fallen dared to voice their thoughts.

Moments later, the London Sanctum, like Hong Kong, was obliterated in a burst of energy.

At the Avengers Base in New York, a fierce battle raged. Two colossal figures—one green, one red—clashed amidst a storm of shockwaves and debris. The green figure was the Hulk, his raw power shaking the ground with every step. His opponent was the Anti-Hulk Armor, a towering red suit designed to counter the gamma powerhouse.

“BOOM!”

The two figures collided again, the sound reverberating like thunder. After another earth-shattering impact, the Anti-Hulk Armor gave way. Metal fragments scattered across the battlefield as the suit crumbled under the Hulk’s strength.

From within the wreckage, Tony Stark emerged, dusting himself off with a disgruntled expression. “Damn it, you big green wrecking ball,” he muttered. “That’s another set of armor you’ve totaled!”

The Hulk began to shrink, his hulking form receding until Bruce Banner stood in his place. Rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly, Banner said, “Uh… Hulk didn’t mean to.”

Tony rolled his eyes. “Yeah, sure. By the way, have you noticed something? Hulk’s strength seems to be increasing. It’s like he’s getting stronger every day.”

Banner nodded hesitantly. “I’ve noticed. It’s… concerning.”

Tony sighed, his usual bravado giving way to a rare moment of solemnity. “Thor’s been warning us that another crisis is coming. Says it’s not time for us to rest. The question is—are we ready?”

Banner hesitated before replying, “Maybe… almost.”

“Same here,” Tony admitted quietly. His voice trailed off as the atmosphere around them began to darken unnaturally.

“What’s happening?” Banner asked, his voice tense.

Both men looked skyward, their eyes widening as a massive fortress emerged from the shadows above. The colossal structure blotted out the light, casting the base into an ominous gloom.