97

Chapter 97: The Legendary Doctor's History

In a dark corner of the universe.

A gloomy voice echoed—

"Earthlings are not as weak as we imagined."

"They're resilient, rebellious, and it's difficult for them to be controlled by others."

"Most importantly, that damned Asgardian is aiding Earth. He's offended us more than once."

The figure of a tall, burly man turned slowly, revealing a cruel smile on his purple face.

"He won't have the chance to be arrogant for much longer. Odin is aging. When Odin is gone, he will pay for his actions."

"According to the latest information, it seems that the traitor Nebula is also on Earth."

"Let her be. She will face the consequences of her betrayal in due time."

....

"Cheers!"

Having won this grueling battle, the Avengers needed to unwind.

Stark initially suggested going to a nearby barbecue restaurant, but Thor's strong objections led to the venue being moved to the Stark Building's banquet hall.

Thor knew the barbecue place was not up to his standards.

"Tomorrow morning, I'm taking Loki back to Asgard for judgment. What are the plans for everyone else?" Thor asked.

"Oh, you are leaving again, what can I do? I can only cry in secret..." Natasha pretended to wipe away tears, her tone filled with mock sorrow.

"Come on, everyone knows you're the renowned Black Widow, so stop pretending to be a damsel in distress!" Thor laughed and teased Natasha, who shot him a knowing look.

"There's a fascinating celestial phenomenon recently. I plan to study it in detail after you leave." Jane Foster said, resting her chin on her hand, her tone excited. She had been training daily with Thor, leaving her little time for her own research.

"I promised Pepper that after this, I would take off the armor and spend some time with her."

Thor thought for a moment and asked, "Haven't you considered removing the shrapnel from your body? Although the reactor sustains life, it also consumes more energy for the armor. Do you plan to live with it forever?"

Stark smiled wryly and shook his head. "I've considered it, but I have a lot of shrapnel, and it's finely fragmented, making removal very difficult. Due to my identity, many doctors are hesitant to take the risk."

Being Iron Man and one of the richest men in America makes most doctors hesitant to operate.

Thor thought for a moment and said uncertainly, "You'll need the best surgeon. Perhaps I have a candidate."

He picked up his phone and dialed a number.

"Hi, is this Dr. Palmer?"

"Yes, this is she. Are you... Thor?" A timid female voice responded.

"Yes, I am. I'm inquiring if there's a surgeon named Strange in your hospital?"

"You mean Dr. Stephen Strange? He was transferred recently. His surgical skills are the best in our hospital, though he's not widely known yet. How do you know him?"

"That's not important. What matters is I have an opportunity to make him famous. If he succeeds, he'll gain worldwide recognition!"

"May I ask who the patient is?" Dr. Palmer asked, curious. For someone to be mentioned by Thor, the surgery must be for a high-profile individual.

"Tony Stark, the famous Iron Man. Is he famous enough?"

After hanging up, Stark asked curiously, "What's the name of the doctor you mentioned? Dr. Strange? I haven't heard of him. Is he reliable?"

Thor laughed. "Trust me, if he can't do it, no one in the world can."

"But he has a temper and can be quite difficult, not as easy to deal with as I am," Thor added.

"No, when did I lose my temper? And are you sure you are easy to talk to?"

When Jane Foster was unconscious, she had visited Dr. Palmer. At that time, Thor had only noticed her beauty, but it hadn't registered with him.

Later, when she left, Thor received a business card with the full name: Christine Palmer.

While not widely known, she worked with someone significant: Stephen Strange—an outstanding individual who had watched 14 million futures without spoilers, the sorcerer who made himself drink endless beer, and the appointed successor of the renowned Doctor Strange!

Setting aside his magical future, Dr. Strange's medical skills were exceptional. Even War Machine Rhodes, who suffered a severe spinal fracture in the future, would find such a surgery trivial in his hands.

In the middle of the night, after a hearty meal, the Avengers turned on the TV to watch the news.

"Although this episode was confirmed as an alien invasion causing massive damage, the superheroes known as the Avengers have brought relief to many, and their presence is something to celebrate. It's wonderful to have them here," the host cheerfully reported, followed by interviews with the public.

"I love you, Thor!" a blonde woman shouted into the camera.

Thor's face turned slightly red, and he murmured, "I'm not that kind of person!" Suddenly, he was met with a series of contemptuous glances.

"Oh my god, I met Captain America! I want to marry him!" Steve looked embarrassed, his true affection being for Bucky!

"Did you know? At that critical moment, the Hulk appeared. Oh my god, he is so handsome when he fights monsters, full of raw power! I used to think he was a monster, but I apologize for the misunderstanding. The Hulk is a hero!"

Bruce Banner felt a surge of excitement from the Hulk within him.

"These so-called superheroes are responsible for the damage this city has suffered! They caused it and then walked away. I suggest they be put on trial!" A congressman's harsh words drew attention. Stark and Steve fell silent.

A glint of concern flashed in Thor's eyes.