130

Chapter 130: Distress Signal

"Your Highness Thor, will you be attending this Saturday's gathering?"

Helen Cho, dressed in overalls, asked Thor.

"Definitely. When we're not on a mission to save the world, social events are a great way for us to unwind. How about you? Will you be joining us?"

Helen Cho smiled. "I'm not as free as you guys. However, if it's your invitation, I suppose I'll make some time to attend to avoid any issues."

Two days ago, Helen cho had agreed to join Thor's research center, not only due to her admiration for him but also because Thor had promised to fund her research without hesitation.

The large sum of money she had drawn was already substantial.

Nearby, Natalia observed the scene with a frown and muttered, "Another moth to the flame..."

She then looked at Wanda and joked, "See? Men are like this, always looking at what they don't have. Little sister, you're still young; don't let yourself be deceived."

Wanda's feelings were quite evident. How could she hide them from Natasha, a seasoned agent?

Wanda blinked at Natasha and then smiled, "But sister, don't forget that I can sense your emotions a little, and you seem quite taken in."

Natasha's face turned slightly awkward.

"Alright, Natasha, don't tease Wanda. She's still a child," Thor interjected, having overheard their conversation.

Natasha rolled her eyes and responded with a charming smile, "It's like I'm speaking nonsense. Why are you poaching people from your own team? Don't tell me it's just to attract talent. In my opinion, you're being greedy."

"I'm still greedy for you," Thor said, grabbing her hand.

In front of Wanda, Natasha, trying to maintain her composure, found herself in a rather uncomfortable situation.

She pulled her hand away and changed the subject abruptly, "Alright, let's stop the jokes. I want to ask if the SOKOVIA base was the last HYDRA stronghold. Have we really eradicated them all?"

She was concerned, knowing that HYDRA was notorious for regenerating. S.H.I.E.L.D had learned this lesson the hard way over decades. If HYDRA wasn't completely eradicated, it was bound to resurface.

Moreover, HYDRA's brainwashing techniques were notoriously effective and easy to propagate.

Thor shook his head, "HYDRA, in the traditional sense, no longer exists. If any remain, they are just a few ordinary followers and will gradually fade away."

"Traditional sense?"

"Yes. All the HYDRA that S.H.I.E.L.D encountered were remnants of the Red Skull's faction.

The original HYDRA emerged thousands of years ago as an ancient organization.

They worship a so-called god named Hive. This deity is imprisoned on other planets, and HYDRA has been striving for years to bring him back.

Red Skull's faction was merely their attempt to prepare for the Hive's return and global domination."

Natalia processed this information, "It doesn't sound promising. It seems like just another brainwashing cult. Hive? A god? What kind of god is he? Is he like you?"

Thor couldn't help but laugh and tapped Natalia gently on the forehead, "The gods aren't as mysterious as you might think. If you took Miss Cho and an AK-47 to the Middle Ages, you'd still be revered as a deity by your ancestors.

Of course, you might also be burned as a witch."

Natasha and Wanda smiled, while Helen cho muttered in dissatisfaction, "Why use me as an example..."

"As for his strength... I could take on ten of him," Thor said with a playful boast.

"Hahaha—" Helen cho burst into laughter, and the room was filled with a lighthearted atmosphere.

Just then, Jane Foster rushed in from the door.

"Thor, urgent news from Asgard!"

During their time on Earth, Sif had stayed in Asgard to handle various matters, supervise Loki, and Miss Jane had been managing communications between Thor and Asgard. Heimdall would immediately notify Thor of any critical updates.

"Oh? An urgent message?" Thor asked, puzzled. There hadn't been any major events recently. Could it be that Loki was causing trouble? "If it's just Loki acting up, Sif can handle that."

Thor took the communicator and read the message.

Upon reading it, his expression turned serious.

The message from Heimdall was brief:

"Nidavellir has sent a distress signal to Asgard!"