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Chapter 36: A Changed Future

Nick Fury's eyes widened. "You already know the outcome?" He then slapped his thigh, "I forgot, you were raised by a witch and can peer into the currents of fate."

He picked up the phone, dialed a few numbers, then abruptly hung up, slamming the table in frustration. "Damn, that guy is just a stubborn old man. He ignores S.H.I.E.L.D. entirely and does nothing but mock it. It's infuriating!" He turned to Thor.

Thor shrugged. "There's no need to stop it; you can't stop it. And while his research is bound to cause issues, it is indeed beneficial to one of your plans."

"Beneficial for me?" Nick Fury mused, "You mean the Avengers Initiative? You know about that?" This was the plan he had devised after Carol Danvers left. Originally called the Asgardian Initiative, he hadn't shared it with anyone.

Nick Fury pondered, "Are you suggesting that the monster created by the failed experiment will become a member of the Avengers in the future? How many potential Avengers are you aware of?"

"A lot, but most of them might never be known if mentioned. So, are you sure you want to hear this?"

Thor was speaking the truth. Small changes could lead to significant impacts, just as his arrival on Earth had led to unforeseen consequences. Taking Maya Hansen away altered the ending of Iron Man 3; throwing a hammer at random changed Natalia's path...

But all his actions were deliberate. Maya Hansen had minimal impact on the main plot. Natalia was bound to join S.H.I.E.L.D. sooner or later.

S.H.I.E.L.D., at this point, viewed superheroes as much of a threat as intruders. This was the reason behind the infamous "SOKOVIA Act." Restrictive measures taken too early could stifle some superheroes before they had a chance to prove themselves.

Nick Fury understood this and shook his head. He had seen terrible threats in the universe and did not want to lose any superheroes because of him.

In fact, he had several candidates in mind for his plan, but he lacked a leader. Although Thor was incredibly strong, he obviously wouldn't remain on Earth for long.

"Okay, let's not dwell on the past." Thor interrupted Nick Fury's thoughts. He had come to S.H.I.E.L.D. to confirm something. "Find a way to arrange a meeting for me with Agent Peggy Carter."

…

After leaving the office, Natalia guided Thor back to the car, and S.H.I.E.L.D. arranged temporary accommodations and an identity for him.

"So, I will become the Avenger you mentioned, correct?" Natalia asked quietly.

Thor sighed. She was a very perceptive woman and had picked up on much from his conversation with Nick Fury. He joked, "Do you think I saw your potential and only treated you well just for that reason?"

Natalia remained silent, gazing at him intently.

Thor whispered, "Whether I intervene or not, you are destined to become a hero . What I saved and helped was Natalia, not the Black Widow."

Natalia was quiet, then asked after a long pause, "In the future, will my death be significant?"

Thor's heart skipped a beat. She was perceptive indeed.

"yes , you will save many '

Thor tried to suppress his emotions as much as possible and spoke calmly. Initially, he hadn't cared much for such an ordinary mortal. Even as an Avenger, her role had been more auxiliary. Her tragic and seemingly insignificant ending had left her forgotten in a foreign land...

At the final memorial service, it was Iron Man who was remembered.

"But that is no longer your future, nor the future I want! The trajectory of your destiny changed the moment we met."

Natalia smiled, lifting the bracelet on her wrist. "I didn't have you in my future; at most, you were just a comrade and partner. But now, I have you!"