Marvel : I am Thor Chapter 276 - 280

Chapter 276: The Last Supper

At that moment, a familiar system notification broke Thor's thoughts:

"Ding, congratulations on triggering the Thanos-related quest: The Last Supper. Completing the quest will grant you a reward!"

Thor’s brow furrowed as he continued to listen.

"Mission Introduction: I am a retired fruit farmer, Thanos. That day, as usual, I carried my small bag, gathered fruit, and quietly cooked soup. Who knew that before my soup was even ready, a group of robbers would rush in, beat me—a widowed old man—overturn my soup, destroy everything in my house, and finally chop off my head!"

"Mission Goal: Let Thanos finish his bowl of soup before he dies and allow him to leave as a full ghost. Mission Reward: Advanced Artificial Intelligence Red Queen."

Thor blinked. “…What?”

For a moment, he stood still, processing the bizarre task. Then, as if making up his mind, he turned back to the others.

“In our lands, it’s a tradition—out of humanitarianism—to grant a condemned prisoner their last meal before execution. So…” He paused, meeting Gamora’s gaze. “He can finish his soup.”

Gamora gave him a faint, almost imperceptible nod of gratitude.

A soft ding sounded in Thor’s mind.

"Drip, congratulations to the host for completing the mission: The Last Supper. You’ve received the reward—Advanced Artificial Intelligence: Red Queen."

Thor ignored the system for now, though its description of the Red Queen AI flickered briefly in his mind: a supercomputer from the Resident Evil universe, tasked with managing the Hive while protecting both humanity and the Umbrella Corporation. It was an AI with conflicting directives, ultimately leading to morally ambiguous decisions.

For now, the AI was far from Thor’s immediate concerns.

As Thanos finished the last of his soup, a faint glimmer appeared above the Soul Stone in Thor’s hand.

"The eternal deal has been finalized!"

Thor frowned. “What deal?”

The Soul Stone’s sentient voice echoed in his mind:

"Remember the sacrifice rule of Vormir? I don’t only crave a soul of great power—I desire the soul of one’s most beloved. That green-skinned woman, Gamora, loved the purple Titan as much as she despised him. The bond between them fulfilled my requirements. Though the exchange came late, the deal is now complete."

Thor’s eyes narrowed. “So what does that mean?”

"It means you now hold full dominion over the Soul Stone, unbound by the ten-year limit. It will remain with you until you die or willingly relinquish it. then, when my role is fulfilled, and I shall return to Vormir to await the next soul-for-soul exchange."

Thor sighed, tucking the Soul Stone away. He didn’t have time to argue with the stone’s cryptic nature.

Moments later, Gamora emerged from the small house, her steps unsteady. In her hand, she held a dagger, the blade still slick with blood. Her expression was a storm of conflicting emotions—rage, sorrow, and something close to madness. It was impossible to tell whether she was crying or laughing.

Thor watched her, a rare moment of reflection passing through his mind.

Thanos sacrificed Gamora, and now Gamora has sacrificed Thanos. Is this what they call karmic retribution?

The universe seemed to have a way of self-correcting. Thor thought back to the chain of events: Ragnarök occurring for reasons unrelated to prophecy, Asgard transforming into a destructive Titan, and Captain Marvel missing the Infinity War despite early warnings of Thanos’ invasion.

Even the Soul Stone’s sacrifice seemed to hold a twisted balance: father and daughter, bonded by love and hatred, completing the cycle.

Perhaps this was why certain key events remained unchanged despite the divergence of the timeline. It was also likely why Doctor Strange had handed over the Eye of Agamotto—despite his vow to protect it—to ensure Iron Man’s survival. Strange had foreseen the need for Tony’s continued presence in a future war yet to come.

Though Thor was curious about the full scope of Strange’s vision, he knew the sorcerer would never reveal it. That kind of foresight was a burden, and one Strange wouldn’t share easily.

Nearby, Tony Stark stood silently, staring at the aftermath. Thor placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t brood, Stark. I’ve told you before: the stones haven’t vanished. They can be found again.”

Tony shook his head, his expression troubled. “That’s not what I’m thinking about. I’m wondering if my approach has been wrong all along.”

He raised his damaged wrist armor, the metal warped and cracked. “Look at this, Thor. My best armor, built with the strongest materials I could find, and it still wasn’t enough. Not against him.”

Thor remained silent, letting Tony continue.

“Even Vision, who had a Vibranium body—the hardest material on Earth—was still torn apart like paper. And here I am, pouring everything I have into designing the next piece of tech, only to realize it’s still not enough.”

Thor raised an eyebrow. He couldn’t deny Tony’s point.

On Earth, technology had always been humanity’s greatest strength. For a genius like Tony Stark, it was the ultimate weapon. But even the most advanced technology was a slow process, often lagging behind the rapid escalation of universal threats.

“The Earth’s tech base is too weak,” Tony muttered. “We’re playing catch-up in a game we’re not equipped for. Even Wakandan tech, as impressive as it is, revolves around Vibranium. It’s not the same path I’ve been following.”

Chapter 277: Follow-Up

"So, are you planning a career change?" Thor asked Tony with a teasing grin. "I have an easy suggestion. How about I ask Banner for some gamma serum? We’ll expose you to gamma rays and turn you into a Hulk too!"

Tony stared at Thor, his forehead creased with incredulity. Images of Hulk’s destructive rampages flashed through his mind.

"Why is your imagination so… excessive? And why do you always think of the worst ideas first?" Tony shot back. “I mean, come on, really?”

Thor shrugged. “It’d be effective.”

Tony rolled his eyes. "No, Thor. I’m talking about something serious. This time, we’ve interacted with a lot of alien allies, most of whom have far superior technology to Earth’s. At least they’ve made it to the interstellar age. I think Earth needs to establish more exchanges with them, especially with the Nova Corps on Xandar. It’s a multi-planet alliance, and if possible, Earth should join them."

Thor nodded. “That’s a good idea. Earth’s technology might not seem weak at first glance, but let’s be honest—it’s your superheroes that make it stand out.” He paused, smirking. “Especially now. After this fight with Thanos, Wakanda, Kamar-Taj, and the Avengers have all revealed their cards.”

Tony grinned faintly. “Yeah, Earth is finally looking impressive. But if we don’t keep up, it won’t last.”

As the conversation shifted, Thor suddenly remembered something. Stopping Carol as she passed by, he asked, “Hey, I’ve got a question. You said Ronan was just a powerful Kree, right? But when I saw him a few years ago, he wasn’t just strong—he withstood the Power Stone for a while. That’s not normal.”

Carol hesitated, then finally answered. “You’re right. There was a rumor back then. The Kree secretly collected the corpse of a Celestial. Even though it was long dead, its energy remained immense. Ronan… bathed in the blood of that Celestial to strengthen himself.”

Thor’s brows shot up. “Bathing in Celestial blood? That sounds… extreme.”

Carol nodded. “It is. The process massively enhances physical strength, but it comes with side effects. That’s why you don’t see many Kree doing it.”

“What kind of side effects?” Thor asked, curious.

“It amplifies aggression and reduces intelligence significantly. Basically, it trades wit for brute strength,” Carol explained.

Thor blinked. “So, that’s why Ronan acted like a fool. Makes sense now—no wonder he got duped by Quill’s awkward dance moves.”

Carol gave him a suspicious look. “Wait, you’re not seriously considering—”

Thor cut her off with a laugh. “Relax. I don’t need it. My body’s already perfect.”

Carol rolled her eyes. “Good, because your type doesn’t exactly need more power.”

Tony raised a hand quickly. “And let’s be clear: I’m not considering it either. I’ll stick to inventing, thanks.”

Tony’s expression shifted suddenly, softening into a rare smile. “Speaking of which, Thor… Pepper and I are getting married next month. You’ve got to come.”

Thor’s face lit up. “Absolutely! As your uncle, it’s my duty to attend.” He chuckled. “Your father used to worry you’d be too much of a playboy to settle down. Now, you’re proving him wrong. He’d be proud.”

“Ugh, just stop,” Tony groaned, waving him off. “I don’t need your uncle vibes.”

Thor laughed heartily. Despite the banter, the mood among the team was light. Thanos had been defeated, and though the Infinity Stones were still missing, it was a victory that reverberated across the cosmos.

Thanos’ death marked the end of an era. Whether he was remembered as the destroyer of half the universe, a monstrous executioner, or a retired farmer, his passing held galactic significance. His defeat wasn’t just a triumph for the Avengers—it was Thor’s declaration to the universe.

As the new king of Asgard, Thor’s stance was clear: anyone daring to challenge the Nine Realms would face dire consequences. Unlike Odin, who had often chosen diplomacy or avoided direct confrontation outside the Nine Realms, Thor had a reputation for relentless pursuit. Even if his enemies retreated to distant corners of the universe, Thor would hunt them down.

This shift in leadership left a profound impact. Once viewed as a waning power after Odin’s death, Asgard was now marked as a high-risk zone on galactic maps. Races that once saw Asgard as vulnerable were quickly revising their assessments.

The proof was undeniable. While Odin had driven Thanos away, it was Thor who pursued him relentlessly, even to the ends of the universe. With Thanos’ death, Thor cemented Asgard’s position as a force to be reckoned with.

Even so, the universe wasn’t entirely at peace. Rumors had begun to spread about the disappearance of Titan. The planet, once a thriving world and the home of Thanos, was now nothing more than cosmic debris.

Chapter 278: Five Years

Back on Earth, Thor paid a visit to Ant-Man, who had just been discharged from the hospital.

Scott Lang had been through quite an ordeal. Prolonged use of his giant form during the battle against Thanos had taken a heavy toll on his body. On top of that, he had been controlled by the Mind Stone and later hypnotized by Mantis’ powers, leaving his mind in a delicate state. Though the immediate danger was gone, the lingering effects of the Mind Stone’s influence had yet to fully wear off.

Normally, a skilled sorcerer could cleanse such lingering effects with relative ease. However, Scott’s recovery had been entrusted to Hawkeye, who—despite his many talents—had his own unorthodox approach to handling such situations.

Hawkeye, having once been mind-controlled by Loki, swore by a method he believed to be the most effective: physical purification. After all, it had worked for him when Thor "freed" him with a well-placed strike aboard the Helicarrier.

Scott, however, was less appreciative of this method. Though it may have jolted his mind back into focus, it left him nursing a series of bruises that kept him in the hospital for weeks.

The moment Scott was discharged, he made a beeline for Dr. Hank Pym. He had made a promise to help Pym find his long-lost wife, Janet van Dyne, who had been trapped in the Quantum Realm for decades. The search, delayed by Thanos’ invasion, had been put on hold during the crisis. Now that things had settled, Scott was eager to make good on his word.

Thor had no interest in interfering with the events of Ant-Man and the Wasp. While Scott and Hope were valuable allies on the battlefield, Thor preferred to leave their adventures in the mortal realm untouched.

“Mortals fight their battles. Gods intervene only when necessary,” he muttered to himself as he left.

The same logic applied to his approach with Spider-Man. Though Thor had a fondness for Peter Parker, he wasn’t about to lend a hand with Vulture or Kingpin. After all, those battles were Peter’s to fight.

Back at his manor, Thor whispered, “Red Queen.”

A small, holographic figure appeared before him. She resembled a young girl, her expression calm and voice carrying an eerie artificiality. “Yes, boss. What are your orders?”

Thor examined her thoughtfully. “I suppose I should call you Alice, right? After all, you were based on her childhood.”

The Red Queen tilted her head, surprised by his knowledge of her origins. “Yes, boss. Please input your first directive.”

Thor paused, smirking to himself before programming a rather peculiar protocol: Protect all women who share more than a friendly relationship with Thor.

The Red Queen blinked, her expression unreadable. “…Understood.”

Time passed. Five years slipped by like a fleeting dream.

For the Asgardians, whose lives spanned millennia, five years was barely the blink of an eye. On Earth, however, those years carried weight, bringing change and quiet recovery.

The Great War in New York had been a turning point. What was once considered the stuff of science fiction—Star Wars, superheroes, and alien invasions—had become an everyday reality. The world had shifted into a new era.

From the Ultron crisis to the Sokovia Accords, Wakanda’s emergence onto the world stage, and finally, Thanos’ invasion, humanity had seen more upheaval in a few years than in most of its history. The line between fiction and reality had blurred, and the world had grown accustomed to the extraordinary.

Superheroes, once viewed with suspicion and distrust, were now an integral part of society. Peter Parker, the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, had become a household name in New York, loved by children and praised by doting aunts. Despite never showing his face, his cheerful demeanor and unwavering dedication had made him a local celebrity.

Thor, of course, maintained his own legion of admirers. Unlike Spider-Man, Thor’s fans ranged from wide-eyed children to swooning adults, drawn by his larger-than-life heroics and regal charisma.

The death of Thanos marked the end of an era.

For Earth, it was a moment of quiet triumph. After years of near-constant crises, the planet finally found a semblance of peace. The frequent global threats that had defined the previous decade seemed to vanish overnight.

In truth, the reason was simple: Thanos’ demise had sent a message. The Titan’s death, delivered by the hands of Earth’s heroes, had established the planet as a force to be reckoned with. Few races in the galaxy dared to provoke Earth, especially now that it had joined the Nova Corps alliance.

Even the most cunning intergalactic troublemakers understood the risks. Earth wasn’t just home to the Avengers and Wakanda—it was a proving ground for heroes who had bested threats like Ultron and Thanos. To challenge Earth was to court disaster.

Small-scale conflicts still arose from time to time, but they were little more than footnotes in the grand narrative. Local issues were handled efficiently by S.H.I.E.L.D., now under the leadership of Phil Coulson.

Tony Stark had also been busy, working tirelessly to improve Earth’s defenses.

Chapter 279: Endgame

Although Iron Man had largely disappeared from the public eye in recent years, it was not because there was nothing for him to do. Over the past few years, Tony Stark had been quietly working on a global UAV system—one that looked remarkably similar to the earlier Insight project, but with a critical difference.

Unlike the Insight program, which judged individuals based on their potential for future crimes, this new system would not preemptively label anyone as guilty. It was designed to be a global reinforcement force, available at a moment's notice, to protect the Earth without the same moral quandaries of its predecessor.

Steve, now serving as the president, had given Tony his approval on the condition that the system remained under Stark’s control. "If you want to master this power, I’ll approve it. But you must promise that you’ll never hand it over to anyone else."

Tony agreed without hesitation.

The UAV system had been instrumental in maintaining the peace on Earth in the years following the battle against Thanos. It dealt with smaller, emerging threats that might have otherwise escalated. Many believed Tony had retired, living a secluded life with his daughter, Morgan.

He had indeed settled into a quieter existence, enjoying time with Morgan on a farm—something he had jokingly mentioned to Hawkeye years ago. Pepper had helped make his dream of a peaceful life a reality, despite Tony’s eternal restlessness.

Still, Tony couldn’t entirely step away. The need for the protection of Earth—and the two missing Infinity Stones—kept his mind occupied. While he was content in his semi-retirement, Tony was always ready for another crisis.

Meanwhile, another couple in the Avengers had entered a phase of deep scientific collaboration: Bruce Banner and Princess Shuri of Wakanda. As the first foreign prince of Wakanda, Bruce had taken on a new life in the technologically advanced nation, a far cry from his previous life as an outsider.

Both Bruce and Shuri were notorious workaholics, constantly lost in their research and discoveries. Unlike Tony, who maintained a clear separation between work and personal life, Bruce and Shuri blurred those lines, often working long hours at the expense of everything else.

Despite their intense focus on science, their efforts were a driving force in Earth’s advancement, and their collaborations with Tony on various projects only strengthened the planet’s defenses.

Thor stood in the Holy Place in New York, listening to Doctor Strange’s latest cryptic remarks. "Thor, this is the end."

Thor frowned. “End? The world’s fine now. Who in their right mind would want to go back to the past and stir up trouble?”

Strange smiled enigmatically, saying nothing more.

Thor narrowed his eyes. This was a typical Strange move—half intentional, half enigmatic. He couldn’t help but think that Strange’s personality hadn’t improved much since his time as a doctor.

After a long pause, Strange finally spoke. “Maybe someone?”

“Someone?” Thor repeated, trying to make sense of it. “You mean... this won’t end for another six months?”

"At most," Strange said softly. "But that’s just a guess."

Thor, however, was surprisingly unfazed. “So, we’re looking at maybe ten more Avengers gatherings before the real challenge hits.”

He wasn’t worried. With the Avengers’ current strength, they were prepared for anything. The team had grown significantly in the last five years, and their collective power far exceeded what it was back in 2022. They wouldn’t be caught off guard as they were during the Infinity War.

The reason Tony had to sacrifice himself in the original timeline was due to a combination of factors: Thor’s hesitation, Wanda being interrupted, Doctor Strange’s tactical mistakes, and Captain Marvel arriving too late. In this timeline, those issues wouldn’t arise.

Furthermore, the Thanos they would face now would be vastly weaker. The Thanos of 2017 had already fallen to the combined might of the Avengers, and the version from 2014—who was far less formidable—would be even easier to defeat.

As the King of Asgard, Thor’s powers had grown steadily. His strength now rivaled that of Hela, and only he knew just how powerful he had become. No one, not even the other Avengers, could predict the full extent of his abilities.

Leaving Kamar-Taj, Thor walked through the portal and headed home. While the universe was at peace for now, there were still things that needed his attention. He wasn’t taking things too seriously, but some matters—particularly those involving Asgard and Earth—required careful planning.

Five years of rebuilding had restored Asgard to its former glory. The infrastructure of the Asgardian people was as advanced as Earth’s, and Thor had ensured that his kingdom was prepared for any future challenges.

But Thor didn’t mean Asgard when he said "home." His true home was an island in northern Norway.

Chapter 280: New Asgard

Five years ago, the war with Thanos left scars across Earth, and New York bore the brunt of the devastation. Countless buildings were reduced to rubble, including Thor’s original manor. With New York plagued by disaster after disaster, Thor decided to relocate during the rebuilding process.

In this timeline, Asgard itself had suffered only superficial damage. The above-ground structures were destroyed, but the foundations of their society remained intact. Thanks to the combined powers of Asgardian magic and advanced technology, the reconstruction was swift, allowing the Asgardians to remain in their homeland.

As for the small fishing village in northern Norway—Odin’s final resting place—it didn’t become the refuge for displaced Asgardians as it had in the original timeline. Instead, it became Thor’s personal retreat.

Five years ago, Thor used the combined energies of the Power Stone and the Tesseract to pull a meteorite from the cosmos, crashing it into the sea to create a small island off the coast of Norway. There, he built his castle—a grand fortress he named New Asgard.

By conventional law, newly formed islands on the high seas typically fall under the ownership of the first party to discover and claim them. In this case, the specifics of international law were rendered moot: there was no argument stronger than Thor’s fists. With the United States and Wakanda—the reigning superpowers—offering their support, the island was officially recognized as Thor’s.

Thor relocated everyone from his former manor to the island. New Asgard became his primary residence, though he still maintained strong ties to the rebuilt Asgard.

Unlike his previous manor, the island was not open to visitors. In fact, no male creature—human, god, or otherwise—was permitted within ten miles without explicit permission. Here, Thor reigned like a king.

Well, he was a king, after all.

While Thor held the title of King of Asgard, he was the very definition of a hands-off ruler. Most of the kingdom’s day-to-day operations were managed by others. Loki handled internal affairs, while Hela guarded Asgard’s external interests. Thor rarely attended court, content to let his siblings manage the intricacies of governance.

Loki, when he wasn’t scheming, proved to be a surprisingly competent administrator. Hela, on the other hand, had never abandoned her ambitions. Though she acknowledged Thor’s superiority in combat and growth potential, she had not given up her own designs for power.

Still, the siblings shared a unique bond. Despite their differences, they worked together seamlessly when it mattered most—especially when ganging up on Loki during one of his escapades.

Thor’s real trouble came from Hela’s… alternative plans. She had devised a convoluted scheme akin to a plotline from a Marvel comic Thor vaguely remembered reading in his previous life—something about a “New Ultimate Alliance.”

Hela even had her own room in the castle of New Asgard, marked as Room 404. The ominous number served as a clear warning: no one should enter. And when Thor did, well… he often regretted it.

“Welcome back, Master!”

A crisp, cheerful voice greeted Thor as he stepped inside his castle.

The voice belonged to the Red Queen, the advanced artificial intelligence that Thor had summoned years ago. Originally a product of the Umbrella Corporation in another dimension, the Red Queen had been repurposed to serve as the steward of New Asgard.

The Red Queen managed the island with precision, overseeing everything from daily operations to its formidable defense systems. Any hostile force attempting to approach the island would face devastating retaliation within seconds.

Her abilities extended beyond physical defenses. The Red Queen could infiltrate and commandeer any network, making her even more dangerous than Ultron in some respects. Her adaptability and advanced programming had left Tony Stark equal parts impressed and envious. Compared to the Red Queen, Tony’s Friday seemed almost outdated.

When the Red Queen’s holographic form appeared before Thor, it was noticeably different. Five years ago, she had resembled a small child. Now, she had matured into the likeness of a girl in her late teens. For reasons Thor didn’t entirely understand, the Red Queen seemed to evolve as if she were a living being.

“Did anything happen while I was away?” Thor asked, setting down his belongings.

The Red Queen nodded. “Everything is normal! But Miss Natasha brought back a group of teenagers. She said they’re worth training.”

Thor raised an eyebrow. “Teenagers, huh? You’re not much older yourself. Why do you sound like an old woman?”