68
Chapter 68: New Weapon Plan
Bruce Banner had finally decided to leave the United States, choosing to escape rather than face the responsibilities of being a superhero just yet.
"Congratulations! You've triggered the Hulk-related task: Invincible Hulk. You will be rewarded for completing this task!"
"Mission Objective: Help Banner and Hulk accept each other and become a truly invincible Hulk.
Mission Reward: Random skill book draw."
The system's voice echoed.
A random skill book? It seemed valuable, but the task itself was quite challenging and would likely take some time to complete.
…
"You know, many people in the bureau have suggested that you should be monitored," Natalia said as she lazily reclined beside Thor on the sofa.
Peggy Carter sat nearby, watching them. It was rare for a few of them to be free at the same time, so they had come to the manor for a get-together.
"It's just a bunch of fools playing political games. What do they know?" Thor replied dismissively.
"But these fools make up the majority," Peggy Carter said with concern. "I have this uneasy feeling that S.H.I.E.L.D has changed. Is that why you asked me to leave early?"
Thor nodded. "Yes, most of the current S.H.I.E.L.D executives, except for a few like Nick Fury, have been corrupted by money and power. But don't worry, I'll take care of them. Throw them out, and they won't be able to work tomorrow with their hands on their backsides!"
The girls laughed and clinked their glasses. Peggy Carter pinched Thor, scolding him, "Your language is appalling. Can't you be more civilized? It's not an exaggeration to call you an uncivilized barbarian!"
Natalia interjected suddenly, "By the way, Thor, your Mjölnir has been lying in New Mexico for ten years. It's nearly rusted. Aren't you planning to retrieve it?"
She looked disappointed. "I went there once but found that I couldn't lift it anymore."
Thor shook his head. "My father exiled me because my views conflicted with his. Until I fully accepted his perspective, I couldn't wield Mjölnir, no matter how hard I tried. Even though he has stopped interfering, the spell remains."
"There might only be two people left who can lift it," Thor continued.
"Who?" Natalia asked.
"One is Captain America, Steve Rogers. The other is an astronomer..."
Natalia smirked, "I'm guessing it's a woman... otherwise, you would have mentioned her name directly."
Thor sighed with exasperation. Women could be so perceptive!
However, Thor realized he needed a reliable weapon. While Mjölnir was powerful, its primary function was to help him control his power. After his Awakening, the hammer's assistance had become minimal, which is why he had not considered lifting the curse for so many years.
The weapon truly suited for Thor was Stormbreaker. To forge Stormbreaker, he needed to go to Nidavellir, the realm of the dwarves. Finding it wasn't too difficult, but there was another crucial issue—he couldn't find Groot.
At this time, the Guardians of the Galaxy had not yet formed. Star-Lord and Gamora were still wandering with his godfather, Rocket and Groot were together, Mantis was still a Hypnotic Ability master, and Drax the Destroyer was still imprisoned...
He might have to wait until after the Ultron incident to go to Xandar and hope to meet them there.
For now, with the Ancient One and Odin still present, and Earth in its novice protection period, most threats were not too dangerous, so he could manage without weapons for the time being.
"What are you thinking about?" Maya Hansen asked as she brought a plate of fruit, feeding a piece to Thor. "The super soldier serum you gave me has been successfully analyzed. Although it hasn't been optimized yet, we have made progress."
Thor patted her on the head and smiled. "Don't worry. A live sample will return soon. With my connections, getting a blood sample won't be a problem!"
As Natalia mentioned, S.H.I.E.L.D had recently discovered the wreckage of a plane that crashed in the Arctic Circle last century, and excavation was underway.
Captain America was coming back!