8

Chapter VIII: Qualifications

Back on the ground, Thor handed Minerva over to Nick Fury's custody. He left a small bolt of lightning within Minerva's body; the effect was similar to a tranquilizer, rendering her immobile for a short period.

Timing his actions, Thor noted that Ronan the Accuser was approaching soon. Since Thor could only rely on jumping at the moment, he couldn't intervene in the aerial battle, and he wasn't planning to. Ronan was a coward who would likely flee.

More critically, when Thor returned, he attempted to summon Mjölnir but discovered that although the hammer hadn't lost contact, it didn't return immediately. It seemed to be signaling Thor to wait.

Thor was puzzled, but he could sense Mjölnir's location, so he decided to investigate. As for Ronan, he would leave that to Carol.

…

In a vast expanse of snow, two groups faced off.

One group consisted of fully armed adult men confronting a young girl who appeared to be around twelve or thirteen years old.

Despite her numerous scars, the girl's eyes remained indifferent, firm, and unyielding, showing no sign of fear.

…

I am an orphan.

For as long as I can remember, I've been wandering alone, without knowledge of my origins or parents. I scavenged for food during the day from trash cans and fought other beggars for a spot to sleep in the park at night.

Eventually, a middle-aged man in military uniform took me in. He brought me to a place where I had bread to eat and warm clothes to wear, so I no longer had to shiver in the cold. I met many other homeless children there and once believed it was a paradise.

Unfortunately, it wasn't.

Soon after, intimidating instructors arrived at the base to teach us combat skills, how to use various weapons and firearms. Those who failed to learn were either locked in a dark room and starved or whipped.

A few of my fellow trainees disappeared without explanation. Perhaps they were dismissed for incompetence?

Fortunately, I learned quickly and received fewer beatings.

A few years later, we were sent out on missions assigned by the instructors. These ranged from theft to protecting wealthy individuals, and sometimes even to killing people.

As a child, we were often less cautious.

I eventually learned that our base had been illegal for years and would go underground the following year. Some unfortunate companions were killed during missions. The number of initial training partners had dwindled to a few. Each time I heard about a companion's death, I wondered—when would it be my turn? Maybe next time?

I faced danger numerous times but managed to survive.

I considered resisting and even escaping.

I didn't want to live like this forever.

But I lacked the ability to resist and couldn't escape.

In reality, I was watched every time I left the base.

They thought I was unaware, but I had already discovered it.

Every escape attempt by others ended in a tragic death.

I can still remember their horrifying faces.

In a few days, I would graduate. I had heard that the graduation ceremony would be particularly terrifying...

Is this my fate? Perhaps dying in a mission is the best end?

Would I just die like this?

No, there are no absolutes. Anything can happen as long as you're breathing. As long as I have a chance, I will escape from this hellish place. Just one chance!

…

A loud explosion jolted me from my thoughts. A nearby building collapsed into ruins, and deafening air raid sirens blared. A group of heavily armed soldiers approached.

An enemy attack? This organization is very powerful and secretive, so such an event was unexpected.

As I approached the explosion site, my eyes fell on— a hammer?

I stepped forward cautiously, examining the unusual hammer. Taking a deep breath, I reached out and grasped the handle, lifting it.

In the next moment, the atmosphere trembled, the sky darkened, and thunder and lightning roared.

…