28

Chapter 28: Do You Want to Become Stronger?

"Uncle, where are you taking me? The United States? But why are we heading north?"

In a snow-covered forest, Natalia timidly asked Thor.

"How many times must I tell you? Stop calling me 'uncle.' I'm not that old!"

Thor sighed in exasperation. He had cut his hair, shaved his beard, and dressed formally to present himself well, but the little girl still insisted on calling him "uncle."

Natalia chuckled, "But Uncle, didn't you say you're over a thousand years old?"

Thor felt as though he'd shot himself in the foot.

"First, we're heading to the battlefield in Western Europe. I have friends there. The land route has been cut off, so we'll have to go by sea to the northern port. Is there something you're missing?"

Thor was aware that this was a rather circuitous route, but it was the only option available at the moment.

At this time, there are only a few routes from the Russian territories to the United States or the Western Front.

The nearest route would definitely be the Mediterranean one, which requires passing through the Black Sea.

The problem is that the Black Sea is still under enemy control, and there's a high chance of encountering naval gunfire. Thor wasn't afraid, but there was a small concern...

Alternatively, they could go south, navigate around the Cape of Good Hope, and return to Europe by sea. Thor could even write a book titled "Thor Crusoe."

Another option would be to head east, traverse all of Siberia, and achieve the feat of circling half the globe...

Comparatively, the Arctic Ocean route seemed the most practical.

"No, no!"

Natalia quickly waved her hand. Any place was better than being captured and taken back to the Red Room.

As the most successful child of gene enhancement, the Red Room valued her far more than one might think and always had her on their wanted list.

In the past few days, they had encountered people searching for them at various locations.

No matter how well she was disguised, Natalia could tell that these pursuers were highly trained agents.

Russian high command has always been straightforward and ruthless. If they capture someone, they brainwash them for continued use or at least dissect them for research.

The neighboring United States isn't much better, but they at least present themselves as a beacon of hope and make some superficial efforts, though they have their darker sides as well.

Just like few people know, Captain America, who was a media sensation, had to go to the lab every week to have blood drawn...

…

"Uncle, I don't think you're much older than me. Why are you so powerful?"

Natalia asked curiously.

If she had such extraordinary skills, she wouldn't be hunted down so embarrassingly.

Thor's expression remained unchanged. "Even though I'm your uncle, I'm definitely much more capable than you."

Should I tell her she needs to be reborn and reestablish Asgard?

However, the Black Widow at her age is quite young and very trainable. If she practices diligently, her future achievements could be limitless.

Historically, the Black Widow was likely used up by the Red Room. As a modified individual, Natalia's combat abilities are not as inferior as Steve Rogers', and she excels in infiltration, disguise, and assassination.

Yet, Captain America can hold his own against Thanos, while the Black Widow, despite her impressive skills and appearance, was always a supporting character and the first of the six to be sidelined.

Personal movies are only made posthumously to reap the emotional impact...

Speaking of which, Thor recalled something and asked the system, "I remember the Black Widow in the movie universe was born in 1984. Why is she here so early? Could time and space have gone awry?"

The system was silent for a moment before replying, "It's not likely. It's more probable that they have not uncovered her past, so this birth date is counted from her joining S.H.I.E.L.D." " Or it's AU universe "

Thor nodded. It wasn't too important, so he let it go.

He turned to Natalia and asked seriously, "So tell me, do you really want to become stronger? Don't rush to agree; my training will be very intense. Even with enhancements, you might not be able to handle it."

After the brief burst of divine power last time, Thor remembered some things, including his regular soldier training.

But those training sessions were designed for Asgardian elite warriors. For ordinary people, even with enhancements, it's tough to endure.

Facing Thor's serious demeanor, Natalia gritted her teeth. "I've decided. No matter how intense the training, I can endure it. Even... Uncle, if you want to give me a graduation ceremony..."

Thor coughed.