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Chapter Fifty-Five: Gods Descend to Earth

"Don't do it! I told you, cosplay is impossible, and I won't be doing it in this lifetime!"

Thor flatly refused.

"Why should I play someone else? Do they deserve it?"

"The rewards for this mission are very generous…"

The young lady's voice was enticing.

"It's tempting!"

"Drip! Task accepted - Cosplay Show: Portray a system-designated character. A 40% similarity is required."

"Mission Reward: The quality of the reward depends on the perfection of the performance."

"Punishment for failure: 1. Disdain from the system. 2. Gain a beer belly."

Thor: "??? Why did the penalty increase? Wasn't there just the previous one?"

"Because you're too thick-skinned. Simple disdain is too mild, so I decided to encourage you to gain an extra bowl at every meal..."

"You're just getting back at me!"

Thor was certain that this was the young lady's intention.

And indeed, it was.

"Alright, I've selected the character for you. This one is the easiest to complete!"

…

The Ancient One's ultimate move had cleared most of the fighters, leaving only one above Thor's head.

Ronan, on the command ship, was so frightened that he momentarily forgot to order a retreat. The swarm of drones continued their descent toward Earth.

Carol, having recovered from the earlier miracle, faced the relentless drones.

"Boom—"

A thunderous sound cracked through the sky, and the previously clear sky was suddenly obscured by dark clouds.

The clouds rapidly formed, separating her from the drones above.

Carol hastily slowed down, anticipating another move from the mysterious force.

"Boom..."

The drones flew into the depths of the thunderclouds one by one. After a deafening crackle, the planes were reduced to charred wreckage, pieces falling from the sky.

Thunder had always been a symbol of the most formidable power, often referred to as "the wrath of God."

"Crack——"

Flying high in her metal battle suit, Carol became a human lightning rod as she was struck by a bolt of lightning.

A hammer, gleaming with metallic texture, fell from the thunderclouds, and the impact site seemed to be a person.

Could this be... Thor?

"Bang—"

As he grasped the falling hammer, a thunderbolt several meters thick split the sky and the earth, engulfing him in brilliant light.

The surging energy dispersed the glare, and the thunderclouds vanished instantly, revealing a figure holding Mjölnir aloft.

A set of magnificent black plate armor seemed to materialize from the void, enveloping him.

His already impressive physique appeared even more robust.

Blonde hair and a flowing beard.

Amidst the flickering thunder, a majestic voice echoed—

"For alliance—"

The long-familiar sensation returned, and Thor focused intently on Mjölnir, reacquainted with the immense power of Thor that had been suppressed for so long.

Simultaneously, another hidden force emerged within him—Phoenix Force!

This was the eruption of thunder's power, the release of fiery fury, causing the earth to tremble and volcanoes to begin erupting.

The dark clouds from before now transformed into a blazing storm...

…

Far away in Asgard, Odin sensed the disturbance immediately. He gazed through the vast universe towards Thor, his expression a complex mix of helplessness and relief.

…

"It's so similar, so similar! What a pity, if the other hand held an axe, the beard was longer, the figure was heavier, and the overall look was sloppier, it would be almost identical... puff..."

The System's regretful voice came through, her attempt to suppress her laughter ultimately failing.