Marvel : I am Thor Chapter 271 - 275

Chapter 271: Capsizing

In the original timeline, the Thanos Legion had used the massive gear chariot to lure Wanda Maximoff away, creating an opening for Corvus Glaive to steal Vision. In this altered reality, the task of infiltrating and sabotaging the Sanctum fell to Proxima Midnight.

She moved with caution, her steps silent as she crept through the corridors of the Sanctum. Kamar-Taj's elite sorcerers were engaged in the battle at Brooklyn, leaving behind only a handful of novice practitioners who couldn’t even summon a proper portal. Dealing with them had been effortless.

Though Proxima Midnight was loyal to Thanos, she couldn’t help but feel bitter about the sacrifices made for his ambitions. Still, she understood her role in this plan. There was no room for failure.

Her infiltration led her to a grand corridor. At its end stood a massive orb etched with intricate magical runes, faintly glowing with power. The object radiated an aura of protection, the core of the Sanctum's defense.

Destroying it would shatter the protective wards surrounding the Earth, allowing Dormammu to descend. In return, Dormammu had promised to relinquish the Time Stone to Thanos—a vital step toward completing the Infinity Gauntlet and initiating his universe-altering snap.

Proxima Midnight approached the orb cautiously. But as she neared, a chill crept down her spine. Something was wrong.

It had been too easy. The defenses were practically nonexistent, and there were no signs of Thor’s interference. Knowing the gravity of this place, it was impossible to believe he’d leave it vulnerable without taking precautions. Could it be a trap? The few remaining novice sorcerers could have been dispatched by any competent strike team, let alone her.

She froze, her instincts screaming at her to halt.

"Why stop? Why not continue? Destroy that magic orb, and the Sanctum will collapse," a cold voice echoed from the shadows, icy and menacing, as if it came from the depths of hell.

Proxima Midnight spun around, her weapon raised, her body tense like a startled animal. "Who’s there? Show yourself!" she demanded, her voice trembling despite her defiance.

From the darkness, a figure emerged—a tall, slender woman with an aura of death that seemed to suffocate the room. Her black hair cascaded around her, shifting and twisting like living shadows. The power radiating from her was unmistakable.

Proxima Midnight didn’t need introductions to know who this was.

The Goddess of Death. Princess of Asgard. Hela.

On the battlefield outside, Tony Stark, Black Panther, and the others were stunned by Thanos’ booming laughter.

"It’s too late!" Thanos bellowed, his voice dripping with triumph. "Soon, you will know the true meaning of despair! The Asgardians are too preoccupied to save this planet!"

Thor, standing before him, remained unfazed. His expression was calm, almost indifferent. "So, this is your grand plan? To lure me away from the Sanctum so your lackeys can infiltrate it and wreak havoc?"

Thanos’ brow furrowed. Thor’s reaction was unnervingly composed. Something wasn’t right.

Back in the Sanctum, Hela stepped fully into the dim light, her presence overwhelming. Proxima Midnight, though unfamiliar with Hela personally, could feel the weight of her reputation pressing down on her.

The Goddess of Death broke the silence with a single word: "Kneel."

Proxima Midnight sneered, clutching her spear tightly. "I kneel to no one but Lord Thanos."

Hela raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Do you intend to resist me?" she asked, her voice laced with mocking amusement. As she spoke, her flowing hair morphed into sharp, blade-like spikes, gleaming with lethal intent.

Proxima Midnight’s mind raced. She couldn’t defeat Hela. Even Thanos himself would struggle against the Goddess of Death in a one-on-one confrontation. Desperation clawed at her, and she resorted to manipulation.

"It was Odin who sealed you away," Proxima Midnight began, her tone calculated. "And now, his son has stolen your throne. Do you really wish to sacrifice yourself for him? For the very people who betrayed you?"

She watched closely for a reaction, and, as expected, Hela paused mid-step. Sensing an opportunity, Proxima pressed on. "Why not join us? Lord Thanos seeks balance, not conquest. When his task is complete, the throne of Asgard will be yours."

Hela’s lips curled into a cold, mocking smile. "A win-win deal, is it?" she mused.

Proxima Midnight nodded eagerly. "Yes, together—"

Her words were cut short as a sharp pain pierced her chest. She looked down in horror to see a black dagger protruding from her body, its blade slick with her blood. Struggling to lift her gaze, she met Hela’s icy stare.

"Do you want to know why?" Hela whispered, leaning closer. "Then think about it in your final moments."

Proxima Midnight’s lips trembled, but no words came. Her vision darkened as she crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

Hela didn’t spare another glance at the fallen warrior. She turned on her heel and strode away, her presence as commanding as ever.

Asgard’s politics were far too intricate for outsiders to understand. While Hela harbored ambitions of her own, she had no intention of aligning with Thanos or his forces. Their offer of sparing half the population was laughable—insultingly tame by her standards.

Besides, she had her own reasons for rejecting their so-called alliance. Thanos and his ilk had already caused Ragnarök, and she had yet to settle that score.

Hela’s connection to Asgard ran deeper than most realized. For all her ambitions, her loyalty to her homeland burned brighter than any of her grudges. In that respect, her resolve rivaled Thor’s, if not surpassed it.

Chapter 272: The Defeat of Thanos

Proxima Midnight had not come alone. She had brought a squad of elite commando soldiers, but their fate had been sealed the moment they crossed the Sanctum’s threshold. A barrage of enchanted flying swords had decimated her team, leaving behind nothing but skeletons as a grim testament to their failure.

Now, Proxima Midnight herself hung pinned to the wall, a black dagger embedded in her chest. Her vision blurred, the life draining from her body. Only one thought echoed in her fading mind: I won’t live to see Thanos' victory…

She was right. In truth, neither would Thanos.

Clang!

A thunderous sound rang out as Stormbreaker and the Overlord Skyblade clashed again, their collision sending shockwaves across the battlefield. Thanos stared in disbelief at his weapon—or what was left of it. The Overlord Skyblade, an extension of his might and symbol of his invincibility, lay shattered in his hands, split cleanly in two by Stormbreaker.

This weapon had been his constant companion, wielded in countless battles and unyielding in the face of any foe. Yet today, it had met its match. The realization hit him with the weight of years: his era of dominance was crumbling.

Meanwhile, inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, all had fallen silent. Thanos attempted to establish contact with Proxima Midnight, but no response came. He didn’t need an answer to know the truth—something had gone horribly wrong.

In the skies above the battlefield, Tony Stark’s voice crackled through the comms. "Good news! Steve just confirmed Corvus Glaive has been neutralized! And Strange sent word—Ebony Maw is dead too!"

The Avengers erupted into cheers, but Thor’s focus never wavered. From the corner of his eye, he noticed a skeletal Chitauri soldier stumble out of the Sanctum, clutching a weapon. It approached Thor and offered up the spear—Proxima Midnight’s weapon—as if delivering a trophy of victory.

Thor accepted it, his gaze meeting Thanos’. The Mad Titan’s expression shifted, a mixture of resignation and disbelief.

More than a decade ago, when Thanos first encountered the brash young prince of Asgard, he had dismissed him as little more than an arrogant heir with no substance. A spoiled descendant of Odin. But now, standing before him, wielding the weapon that had shattered his own, was a warrior who had become his greatest adversary.

Thanos smiled bitterly at the irony. "How could it have come to this?" he muttered under his breath.

Thor said nothing. He understood Thanos too well. The Titan was not one to surrender, and the word defeat held no meaning for him. Even now, battered and broken, Thanos was not finished.

Sure enough, the Mad Titan gritted his teeth, grasped half of the broken Overlord Skyblade, and charged forward. His every movement radiated the aura of a man willing to embrace death but determined to take his enemy with him.

Thor braced himself as the battle resumed. Their clash was ferocious, reducing the surrounding terrain to rubble. Buildings crumbled, the ground cracked, and even the air seemed to tremble under the weight of their blows.

Finally, the fight drew to a close.

Thanos knelt on the ground, drenched in blood, his body trembling as he coughed violently. Stormbreaker’s last strike had carved a massive gash across his chest, exposing thick bone beneath the torn flesh. It was a gruesome sight, and yet Thanos remained alive—a testament to his indomitable will and resilience.

If it had been anyone else, they would have perished long ago. But Thanos bore not one, but three such catastrophic injuries, each one enough to kill a lesser being.

As he looked at the Avengers gathered around him, their faces filled with resolve and exhaustion, Thanos let out a long sigh. He had always known the risks of his quest. This road had never offered the possibility of retreat. There were only two outcomes: achieving his dream or dying in pursuit of it.

I have failed, he admitted silently.

For a fleeting moment, he imagined an alternate end—one where he succeeded, where he watched the sunrise over a universe balanced in gratitude and despair. But that dream was no longer within reach.

With a heavy clang, the remnants of the Overlord Skyblade fell from his hand.

Thanos raised his gaze to the Avengers, his voice calm and measured. "I ask for a decent death."

The battlefield quieted as the remaining heroes from across the conflict zones gathered to witness the end of a legend. Among the crowd stood a hooded sorcerer, their presence blending seamlessly into the shadows. Few paid attention to them; the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj were enigmatic by nature.

Thor sighed deeply, gripping Stormbreaker as he stepped forward. Gamora, standing nearby, turned her head away and closed her eyes, unable to watch what was to come.

Thanos glanced briefly at Gamora, his expression unreadable, before closing his own eyes. He awaited the final blow, his breathing steady despite his injuries. The sound of Thor’s footsteps grew louder, each step ringing like a death knell.

But as Thor drew near, something inside Thanos stirred. A sudden spark of defiance flared to life, a single thought blazing through his mind: No! It’s not over yet!

Thanos' eyes snapped open. With a surge of adrenaline, he raised his right hand, the Infinity Gauntlet glowing with fierce energy. Without hesitation, he unleashed a blinding ray aimed directly at Thor.

"Thanos, you bastard!" Thor roared, caught off guard as the ray struck him with tremendous force. He raised Stormbreaker just in time, deflecting the beam. The impact sent him hurtling back, skidding across the battlefield for tens of meters.

The deflected ray tore through the ground, leaving deep scars and kicking up clouds of smoke and debris. The battlefield was shrouded in chaos.

As the dust settled, the Avengers and their allies stared at the scene in shock. Their gazes darted across the battlefield, searching desperately.

Thanos was gone.

Chapter 273: Garden

“Was that really Thanos?” Star-Lord asked, nudging Gamora.

“Uh… it should be, right?” Gamora replied hesitantly. “I’ve never seen Thanos retreat before…”

Thor interrupted her with a smirk. “That’s because he didn’t cross me. Besides, I already drove him off once on Vormir.”

The group fell silent, exchanging incredulous glances.

“...”

Tony Stark landed heavily nearby, the impact forming a small crater. His Mark 50 nanotech armor was battered, covered in scars and dents, and struggling to function properly. Even his landing had been rough.

“Damn it,” he muttered, inspecting the damage. “Just got this thing fixed, and it’s trashed again.” After a moment of venting, he turned to the others. “So… where the hell did Thanos go?”

Thor rolled his eyes. “How would I know?”

He turned to Strange, who had just arrived on the scene. “Did someone open a portal for him to escape?”

Strange nodded grimly. “It was one of Mordo’s followers—someone seduced by the promise of power. They helped him escape at the last moment.”

Thor’s expression soured. “Your people again. Not only did they leave their mess for me to clean up, but now they’ve gone and saved the guy I was about to finish off.”

Strange pointed to a dark stain nearby. “You won’t be able to interrogate them. Their life was consumed by Dormammu as payment for tapping into the dark dimension’s power.”

Thor froze for a moment, frowning deeply. Though annoyed, he accepted the outcome. “Fine,” he muttered. “But the real question is: where did Thanos go?”

Tony chimed in, his tone laced with frustration. “You’re telling me we just let him run off? And we’re supposed to believe he’s not coming back?”

“Impossible!” Thor declared firmly. “His army has been obliterated, and he’s sustained multiple fatal injuries. The wounds from Stormbreaker are deep. Not even the Time Stone could heal them fully. If he’s alive, he’ll probably need a wheelchair.”

Thor’s confidence seemed to ease the tension among the group. As the strongest Avenger and the one who had defeated Thanos in direct combat, his assessment carried weight.

But Tony frowned. “That’s great and all, but he still has the Time Stone and Mind Stone. Without them, there’s no way to bring Vision back.”

Thor placed a reassuring hand on Tony’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. We’ll find him. The Infinity Stones can’t be destroyed—not permanently, anyway. Even if they’re reduced to atoms, there’s always a way to restore them.”

Wanda, standing silently nearby, caught his glance. As the only person capable of destroying the stones, her presence was a subtle reminder of their contingency plan.

Tony sighed. “Alright, I’ll get back to repairing my suit. Let me know if you find anything.” He turned and walked away, his battered armor sparking faintly.

Thor watched him go before turning to Gamora. “I’ve got a few guesses about where Thanos might be.”

Gamora shook her head. “Titan’s gone. It’s just a barren wasteland now, completely uninhabitable.”

Thor thought. “Then it’s the farm. But the problem is, I don’t know its location.”

He turned to Nebula. “Did Thanos ever mention where he planned to retire after completing his goal?”

Nebula looked at him, clearly confused. “What? I’ve been off Sanctuary II for over ten years. How would I know?”

Thor raised an eyebrow but quickly dismissed the thought. It was true—Nebula had been far too young to hear about such plans when she left Thanos’ side.

Gamora, however, stepped forward. “He talked to me about his vision often, trying to convince me to embrace his ideals. I asked him once where he’d go after fulfilling his mission. His answer was always the same.”

Thor’s eyes narrowed. “Where?”

“He said, ‘The garden.’”

Star-Lord let out a low whistle, crossing his arms. “Seriously? Thanos, the Mad Titan, planned a quiet retirement on some farm? That’s wild.”

Thor wasn’t amused. “Do you know where this ‘garden’ is?” he asked Gamora.

Gamora hesitated. “I have an idea, but I’m not sure he’s actually there. He’s lost so much—his army, the battle, and almost his life. He might not retreat just yet. He could still be plotting something.”

Thor’s expression hardened. “Then we go there. I have a feeling he’ll return to that place. It’s his sanctuary.”

Star-Lord raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Are you sure about this? It’s Thanos’ home turf. This isn’t Earth. And let’s not forget, he still has two Infinity Stones.”

“We’ll take them back,” a cold voice cut in from behind.

Chapter 274: Tracking

"Is it resolved?" Thor asked as Captain Marvel stepped through the door.

"Resolved. Supreme Intelligence is history," Carol replied, her tone as straightforward as her approach.

The conversation was brief but brimming with implications. It seemed Carol had gone directly to the heart of the Kree Empire and eliminated their ruling power.

Though the Supreme Intelligence was an artificial construct—essentially an advanced version of an AI like Ultron—it was the ultimate authority of the Kree. With its destruction, the entire Kree infrastructure would collapse. The living members of their leadership were little more than figureheads, subordinates to the Supreme Intelligence.

In a sense, the Supreme Intelligence was a god to the Kree. Its downfall meant the Kree’s military power would diminish significantly. For years to come, their ability to operate in the universe would be severely crippled.

Thor gave a subtle nod. "Looks like the Kree and the Skrulls are back on equal footing."

Meanwhile, reports trickled in from the Ravagers who had been dispatched to the unnamed farming planet. They had found no sign of Thanos. It seemed he had not yet returned.

Thor wasn’t surprised. This wasn’t the Thanos of the original timeline, who left the battlefield as a victor. This was a defeated Thanos, injured and humiliated. He was likely planning his next move elsewhere.

But this time, Thanos’ options were limited. The Avengers were united, no longer splintered or fighting their battles alone. Captain Marvel had returned to Earth ahead of schedule, and Hela—once a fearsome villain—now stood as a reluctant ally. While Hela might not follow Thor’s orders in every matter, her hatred for Thanos ensured her cooperation when it came to dealing with him.

With such a powerful coalition, even a fully equipped, six-stone Thanos would struggle to pose a significant threat.

Thor instructed the Ravagers to keep watch on the farming planet. He also called on his contacts across the universe to search for any trace of Thanos. Places with high information flow, like the Sakaar arena, were excellent hubs for gossip and leads. The Grandmaster, with his vast network of informants, would undoubtedly hear whispers of the Mad Titan’s movements.

A few days later, Thor stood in Kamar-Taj, addressing Strange directly. “Where’s Mordo?”

Strange shook his head. “There’s no trace of him. He’s accepted Dormammu’s power, and now his strength rivals my own.”

Thor groaned, raising a middle finger in frustration. “Didn’t you see the future? You must’ve known this would happen. You even handed over the Eye of Agamotto. If you’ve seen the future, how do you not know where Mordo went?”

Strange hesitated, an odd expression crossing his face. “I’ve seen 14 million possible futures, yes. But in only one of them do we succeed.”

“And?” Thor prompted impatiently.

“Why would you assume Mordo’s actions are aligned with the ‘perfect’ timeline?” Strange countered.

Thor froze, beginning to understand. Strange continued, “Even now, there are infinite possibilities for Mordo’s actions. My ability to see the future isn’t all-encompassing. Using the Eye of Agamotto, I observed 14 million outcomes. That’s far from the total number of possible futures.”

Thor sighed, rubbing his temples. “So, in the end, you didn’t see every future—you just saw 14 million of them, and one happened to work.”

Strange gave a slight smile. “Precisely.”

Thor muttered under his breath, but before he could continue his complaints, Strange interrupted. “There’s another matter. It concerns Jean Grey.”

Thor turned, his irritation replaced by curiosity. “What about her?”

Strange chose his words carefully. “The artifact around her neck—it isn’t strong enough to fully suppress the Phoenix Force. Under normal conditions, it works. But if her power surges, the circlet’s control will fail instantly.”

Thor frowned. The circlet, while invisible to most, was obvious to powerful sorcerers like Strange or Wanda. A few days earlier, Wanda had made an offhand remark: “Why does your beautiful friend have a collar around her neck?” That comment had earned her three days of relentless pursuit from Jean.

Thor nodded slowly. “I’ve thought the same. The circlet is a temporary fix, nothing more.”

Suppressing the Phoenix Force was an enormous challenge. The circlet was a stopgap measure, not a solution. But Thor’s own power was growing rapidly. One day, he believed he would be strong enough to help Jean master the Phoenix Force and remove the need for any external suppression.

Before the conversation could continue, Natasha’s voice crackled through the comms. “Thor, we’ve got a situation!”

Thor straightened immediately. “What’s going on?”

Natasha’s reply was brief but urgent. “The Ravagers sent a report—they’ve found something.”

Chapter 275: The Hero's End

In the vast expanse of space, a massive spaceship sailed steadily through the void. It was packed with Avengers, all of whom had gathered for one final mission. Thor’s Millennium Falcon was large enough to house the team, but just barely. The atmosphere inside was tense, each hero silently preparing for what lay ahead.

After navigating through a series of wormholes, the ship finally stopped in orbit around a serene and beautiful planet. Its surface was a tapestry of lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and crystalline waters—a stark contrast to the grim purpose of their visit.

A smaller spacecraft approached from the distance. Onboard was an old ally: Yondu.

Yondu opened a comm channel. “You all here? Thanos arrived about twelve hours ago on one of those donut ships. We haven’t gotten too close—didn’t want to take any chances.”

Carol Danvers, already suited up, stepped forward. “I’ll investigate,” she offered, her voice brimming with determination.

Without waiting for a response, she flew out of the ship, breaking through the planet’s atmosphere like a comet. Having missed much of the Infinity War, she felt the need to prove herself and leave no doubts about her commitment.

Moments later, she returned. “No satellites, no spaceships, no armies. No defenses of any kind. It’s just him.”

Thor nodded solemnly. “That’s enough.”

The planet below was idyllic, a world seemingly untouched by conflict. Birds sang in the distance, and the air was filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers. But amidst this paradise, Thanos stood as a broken man.

His body bore the marks of his failure. Scars crisscrossed his flesh, and every step he took was accompanied by labored breaths. His armor, once a symbol of his dominance, now hung as a silent monument outside his humble dwelling.

Inside, he moved slowly, boiling a pot of soup and adding a handful of seasonings. Just as he raised the bowl to his lips, he froze. His senses, dulled by his weakened state, still managed to detect the unmistakable presence of danger.

The door exploded inward as Captain Marvel charged in, her body glowing with radiant energy. She tackled Thanos to the ground with a force that sent the table and its contents flying. Her hands gripped his neck, squeezing tightly.

“Ugh…” Thanos groaned, struggling to breathe. Despite his frailty, he pushed against her with surprising strength, forcing her to loosen her grip.

“Boom!”

Tony Stark and Bruce Banner broke through the window simultaneously. Each grabbed one of Thanos’ arms, holding him in place with all their might. The room filled with tension as Thor entered, Stormbreaker gleaming in his hand.

Thor glanced at the subdued Titan, his gaze lingering on the scars and hollow expression that replaced the once-mighty ruler. For a moment, he was transported back to a similar scene, one with vastly different stakes and outcomes.

Shaking off the memory, Thor approached Thanos and asked in a low, commanding voice, “Where are the stones?”

Carol’s grip on Thanos’ neck tightened slightly. “Answer him!” she demanded.

Thanos wheezed, his voice hoarse. “I… don’t know.”

“Boom!”

Tony shoved him back to the ground. “Are you kidding me?” he barked, his frustration boiling over. “We came all this way for the stones—to fix what you broke!”

Thanos groaned, the pain in his body evident. “I’m not lying. I truly don’t know…”

Thor narrowed his eyes. “Without all six stones, you don’t have the power to destroy them. So where are they?”

Thanos shook his head weakly. “I don’t know if they still exist… but they are no longer with me. I don’t even remember where I left them.”

Tony was frantic, pacing the room. “Search the place! He’s lying—he has to be!”

Gamora stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. “He’s not lying. My father… he’s capable of many things, but deceit isn’t one of them.”

Thanos turned his gaze to her, his expression softening. “Thank you, daughter,” he said quietly. “Perhaps I was too harsh on you… in the past.”

Thor looked at Jean Grey, who gave him a small nod. Her telepathic scan confirmed Thanos’ words. He hadn’t shielded his thoughts, and there was no evidence of deception.

It seemed the stones were truly lost.

Thor exhaled deeply, stepping back. “We’ll find the stones. That’s not why we’re here.” He leveled his gaze at Thanos, his tone unyielding. “You’ve committed unspeakable crimes against the universe. You’ve nearly destroyed countless lives. Do you have any objection to your punishment?”

Thanos chuckled weakly, his lips curling into a faint, ugly smile. “I admit to everything I’ve done, but I don’t consider it a crime. The universe needed balance, and I was merely its instrument. It was my destiny… though, in the end, I failed.”

Thor frowned, unwilling to debate Thanos’ warped philosophy. “You failed,” he repeated coldly, “and now you must accept the consequences.”

Thanos said nothing, his expression unreadable.

“I’ll do it,” Gamora said softly, stepping forward. Her voice was steady, but there was an undercurrent of emotion. She stared at the broken man who had once been her father, a mixture of pity and resolve in her eyes.

Thor hesitated before shaking his head. “No. Killing someone who can’t fight back is… unsatisfying. It’s not justice.”

He turned and strode toward the door. “Let’s go.”

One by one, the others followed, their footsteps heavy with the weight of the moment. Only Gamora and Star-Lord lingered behind.

Quill shot Gamora a concerned glance. “You sure about this? Even now, Thanos is dangerous. If he snaps, you—”

“I’ll be fine,” Gamora interrupted. Her voice was quiet but resolute. “Go. I need a moment alone.”

Quill hesitated but eventually nodded, stepping outside.

Gamora turned back to Thanos, who regarded her with weary, sunken eyes.