Chapter 33: The Classic “Hero Saves the Beauty”

"So, you're saying that the hammer that crashed down in New Mexico is actually yours? And you're a god hiding among us?"

"Yes," Thor replied with a smirk. "And if you're lucky, you might get a chance to witness the true power of a god."

In a lively, neon-lit bar, Thor and Betty Ross were laughing over drinks.

"Wow," Betty scoffed, her lips curling in amused disbelief. She looked young, fresh out of college, with dark hair and a hint of innocence. "Is this your idea of a pickup line? It's a fun story, I'll give you that."

"I'm telling the truth," Thor insisted, though he refrained from pushing the point. "There are a few people on Earth who know about me, but they keep it under wraps. But that won't last forever."

"Right," Betty teased, rolling her eyes. "Sure thing, Mr. God."

Thor smiled and didn't argue further. Soon, Stark would reveal his identity as Iron Man to the media, marking the beginning of a new era. Superheroes would step into the spotlight, and she'd see the truth for herself.

"I'm feeling a bit dizzy…" Betty muttered, standing up and swaying slightly. Growing up under her father's strict watch, she had little experience with alcohol, and graduation had been her first taste of freedom. "I think I'd better head home."

As she turned to leave, a small group of men suddenly stepped in her way.

"Whoa there, beautiful," one of them sneered. "It's late and is not sage to go home alone. Why don't we make sure you get back safe?"

Betty shook her head, trying to maintain composure. "No, thanks. My place is close by."

She wasn't clueless; she could read their intentions. The men only grinned, surrounding her. As she pushed at them, trying to move past, they merely laughed and crowded closer.

"What do you think you're doing? Let me go! Do you have any idea who I am?"

A dull thud echoed through the bar as one of the men went flying, crashing into a nearby table. The others froze, looking over to see Thor standing protectively in front of Betty.

"Are you all right?" he asked her.

Betty, still shaken, managed a nod. "I… I'm okay. But there are too many of them. Let's just go—I'll call my dad to handle this…"

"Don't worry. I've got it." Thor's voice was calm, reassuring.

The lead thug eyed Thor, suddenly less sure. Thor's powerful build and the way he'd effortlessly kicked their friend across the room sent a chill through him.

"Hey, man, what street you run with?" he demanded, signaling for his men to draw weapons as they slowly closed in.

Thor simply smiled. Then, with a swift, well-placed kick, he sent another thug sprawling. If he could settle things with a few quick blows, he wasn't one to drag it out.

As Betty tried to make a call, the sounds of the scuffle died away sooner than expected. She looked up to see the entire gang lying on the floor, groaning in pain. Her eyes went wide in astonishment.

"Come on," Thor said, chuckling as he reached out and ruffled her hair. "Let's get you home."

Betty wanted to decline, but after what she'd just witnessed, she found herself following him to his car without hesitation.

After they drove away, the bar fell silent. Then, as if on cue, the leader of the thugs got to his feet, dusting himself off.

"All right, guys, show's over. Get up," he muttered.

The others who'd been lying around in apparent agony rose without a scratch on them.

"Man, that guy was serious. Thought he was gonna break my ribs," one of them griped.

"Yeah, what was that even about?" another asked. "We're getting paid to mess with this guy by some agent? Whole thing feels weird."

"Right?" the leader smirked, but his face quickly turned stern as he heard someone chuckling. "Shut it, unless you want to end up in real trouble."

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