168

Chapter 168: S.H.I.E.L.D Crisis

In Frigga's bedroom, Jane Foster lay on the bed, the power of Mjölnir and the energy of the Aether constantly intertwining around her.

"The power of Mjölnir should be able to expel the Aether particles from her body. Why isn't it working?" Thor asked Frigga, his brow furrowed.

Frigga shook her head. "It's not that it's impossible, but she isn't used to guiding and controlling the Aether's power. Thus, the Aether particles in her body are instinctively protecting themselves and resisting other energies."

Seeing Thor's concern, Frigga smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. Remember, I am the wisest person in Asgard. I can help guide the Aether out of her body."

"That's a relief," Thor said, nodding.

While the Aether is one of the Infinity Stones, it consumes a great deal of energy and places a heavy burden on the body. Although Mjölnir granted Jane immense divine power, it didn't compensate for her fragile vitality. This had made Jane extremely powerful when she wielded the hammer, but still quite vulnerable.

Perhaps Mjölnir's judgment was that a worthy individual should be inherently powerful and not troubled by the frailties of ordinary life.

At that moment, the communicator suddenly crackled to life.

"Someone has stolen the Power Orb. I can't handle it alone!"

A panicked voice came through, and Thor immediately became alert.

"Shouldn't there be two people involved?"

"An idiot is not a human being!"

"Alright, hold on. I'll be there shortly!"

Thor glanced at the Aether slowly dissipating from Jane's body before leaving hastily. He found Sif and Lorelai and said, "Tell my father, the dark elves, have been affected by the Aether and are recovering. They might launch a large-scale invasion at any moment."

He continued, "Also, keep a close watch on the Dungeon. They might try to infiltrate Asgard disguised as prisoners!"

Sif's face changed as she immediately responded, "Understood."

"Furthermore, make sure to monitor my mother's bedroom closely. The dark elves not only seek revenge against Asgard but also aim to reclaim the Aether and plunge the entire universe back into darkness."

Sif asked, puzzled, "Your Highness, are you leaving?"

"Yes!" Thor confirmed.

Meanwhile, on Earth, the situation was rapidly changing.

Just yesterday, Nick Fury had invited Steve Rogers to tour S.H.I.E.L.D's newest weapon, Project Insight, which was nearing completion.

This terrifying system was designed to preemptively eliminate targets based on their predicted criminal behavior.

Unexpectedly, Steve had expressed strong opposition to the plan.

A crucial question arose: Is it feasible to ensure safety by targeting people worldwide?

Nick Fury, though initially unyielding, began to reconsider the flaws in Project Insight. He decided to postpone its implementation, but found he lacked the necessary authority. He approached his superior, Pierce, who agreed but had arranged for an assassin to eliminate Fury during his departure.

The assassination was meticulously planned, and if Steve hadn't arrived in time, it would have succeeded.

Now, Nick Fury was meeting a long-lost legend.

"Director Carter, it's been so long. You still look great!"

Peggy Carter shook her head. "There's no need for pleasantries. If it weren't for certain circumstances, I'd probably be a decrepit old woman by now... So, what brings you here?"

Nick Fury's voice dropped. "I suspect... S.H.I.E.L.D has been infiltrated. It's not the S.H.I.E.L.D it used to be."

Peggy's expression turned serious. "Indeed... the strongest fortress is often undermined from within... especially when some people deliberately invite wolves into the house!"

She added sternly, "I was aware of this beforehand. In fact, Agent Romanoff reported the situation to me half an hour ago. It seems they're preparing to be exposed."

Peggy continued, "The Insight Project relies solely on Zola's algorithm. Do you recall what Dr. Zola's role was before joining S.H.I.E.L.D?"

"Dr. Zola?"

Nick Fury's eyes narrowed sharply. "HYDRA!"

"Indeed, they were behind Howard's assassination because he uncovered some clues. I also faced numerous assassination attempts during that time. I deliberately went into hiding to wait for the right moment to expose them all at once."

Nick Fury breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, he wasn't alone. It seemed Thor had anticipated this situation long ago...

"Where's Thor?" Nick Fury asked.

In his view, if Thor intervened, no matter how many tricks HYDRA had, Thor's immense power could easily turn the tide.

The three space carriers Alexander Pierce relied on would be nothing compared to Thor's might.

Peggy's expression suddenly became uneasy. "Uh... Thor is not currently on Earth."

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