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Chapter 177: Showdown

"Are you saying this is Helmut Zemo's conspiracy?"

"Yes, he knows he doesn't have the capability to take on the Avengers directly, so he's engineered a situation for us to turn against each other."

Sharon looked puzzled. "Then why didn't you say anything? Ordinary commandos can't capture the Captain, and the council would certainly target Iron Man to arrest them."

"Bucky is being wrongfully accused, but the ideological divide between the two sides is real. The conflict was already there; Zemo merely magnified it. The bill has been passed, and Bucky is just a catalyst. Without him, other conflicts would arise."

"Besides, there are things I need to address, which would be more convenient to handle now."

Peggy's eyes widened as she realized Thor was planning something significant.

"Then you should be careful! The other Avengers are being held back. This makes it easier for you to act, but it also serves the council's interests!"

Thor responded dismissively, "I'm just waiting for them to make a move. Rest assured, there's no place on Earth safer than Trudheim Manor. Just stay here and don't leave. I'm concerned that those reckless politicians might do anything."

"By the way, let me add fuel to the fire!"

Thor held a press conference on the SOKOVIA Act.

As the most powerful Avenger, Thor's stance attracted significant attention, with reporters flocking like sharks sensing blood.

Facing the barrage of cameras, Thor delivered his speech.

"Many people are already aware of the outcome of the Vienna meeting. The 117 participating countries passed the bill unanimously, requiring the Avengers to be supervised during their missions."

"Well, you're right. In the future, while saving the world, the Avengers will need to be leashed and controlled."

The sarcasm in his tone was palpable.

"Haha, what a group of ignorant and short-sighted individuals, trying to control the most formidable force in the world, and using such a despicable method, calling it order and stability!"

"You have the security and peace you enjoy today because someone has been fighting to block danger! Just in the past few years, humanity has faced near extinction multiple times! And you blame the soldiers for the losses caused by these conflicts.

You don't even consider who makes you worthy to be in a position to judge!"

"Asgard has been protecting Earth for countless years. If my father hadn't defeated the Giants of Jotunheim, an evil race that invaded Earth, over a thousand years ago, this realm would have been frozen! My father even lost an eye in that battle."

"And now, you are attempting to enslave the future king of Asgard? My stance is clear: leave!"

"Don't worry, I will adhere to the requirements of the law.

Since you feel that the Avengers have caused damage to your lives and property during their missions, I will comply with your demands.

Next time a crisis arises, please handle it yourselves. I hope you won't regret it!"

"Rest assured, I will never intervene in a country that has signed the SOKOVIA Act. If you can't handle it, don't come to me—go to your politicians!"

Thor's fierce rhetoric caused a stir among the reporters, who began speculating about the next day's headlines.

Reporters surged forward, shouting questions.

"Excuse me, is Mr. Thor indirectly threatening us?"

"Does Mr. Thor's attitude represent the stance of the Avengers?"

"With all 117 countries passing the bill, are the Avengers going to be at odds with most of the world?"

"Half the world?" Thor smiled mockingly. He had seen the list of the 117 countries that agreed to the bill, which were essentially allies of the United States.

It made sense; if the U.S. was involved, how could they expect the Avengers to be controlled?

"117 countries? Your so-called 'half the world' is essentially just the U.S. and its allies eager to curry favor. It means nothing to me.

Oh, it's just a group of lackeys.

How dare you brazenly guess at my motives! I've never seen such audacity!"

"I even suspect these governments have been infiltrated by HYDRA, aiming to create discord between ordinary people and superpowered beings!"

"Oh, and I understand why you want to subjugate us. It's because we are different and you fear our abilities! Humanity is always afraid of what is different. I'm telling you now, to the world: you should fear us!"

"We can protect the world, but we can also deliver devastating blows! I welcome any challenge against superpowered individuals, but the consequences of such a war will be on you, and you won't be able to handle them!"

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