33

Chapter Thirty-Three: The Classic "Hero Saves the Beauty"

"So you're saying that the hammer that fell from the sky in New Mexico is actually yours? Your true identity is a god hidden among mortals?"

"Yes, if you have the chance, you might witness the true might of the gods!"

In a brightly lit bar, a young man and woman chatted and laughed quietly.

"Tsk tsk," Betty Ross, with her black hair and an innocent look right after graduation, curled her lips. "Is this how you pursue women? Your story is quite intriguing."

"What I'm saying is true. There are still many people who know of my existence but choose to keep it a secret. However, it won't be for long."

"Tch, I don't believe you. You're just making things up..." Betty Ross had intended to relax before heading to work, and while she didn't mind Thor's conversation, she didn't expect him to be a magician.

Thor smiled and didn't refute.

In a few years, Stark would reveal his Iron Man identity to a multitude of media outlets. At that point, superheroes would no longer be concealed and would officially enter the public eye.

"I'm feeling a bit dizzy; I'm heading back," Betty Ross said. Clearly, she wasn't great with alcohol. Under her father's strict control growing up, she'd only recently allowed herself some indulgence. She stood up, swaying slightly, ready to leave.

But just a few steps away, a group of thugs surrounded her.

"Hey, pretty lady, have you had too much to drink? It's not safe to go home alone so late. Let me walk you."

Betty Ross shook her head. "No need, my home is very close..."

Even though she had always been a good girl, she wasn't naïve. She knew exactly what the thugs were up to.

The thugs refused to let her pass and began to harass her. Betty Ross tried to push them away.

"What are you doing? Let me go! Do you know who I am..."

"Bang—" With a thud, the thug grabbing her was kicked across the room and crashed onto a nearby table.

The thugs were startled and looked at Thor, who now stood protectively in front of Betty Ross.

"Are you alright?" Thor asked with concern.

Betty Ross, still in shock, shook her head. "No... It's okay. There are too many of them. Let's run, I'll call my dad to sort this out..."

"Don't be afraid. It's alright," Thor said with a reassuring smile.

The lead thug scrutinized Thor. Although there was only one of him, his imposing physique and the impressive kick he delivered made the thug uneasy.

"Hey, which way is this road?" the thug asked, signaling his companions. They all drew their weapons and surrounded Thor.

Ignoring them, Thor took to the air, determined not to be forced into a fight.

Betty Ross, anxiously dialing her phone, heard the sounds of fighting before she could finish. When she looked up, she saw all the thugs lying on the ground. She stared in disbelief.

"What are you standing around for? Let's go, I'll take you home," Thor said, smiling and ruffling her hair.

Betty Ross wanted to protest but, recalling the earlier scene, she hesitated and accepted. The two got into a car and left.

After they departed...

"Alright, everyone, get up," the leader of the thugs said, standing up suddenly.

As soon as he finished speaking, the thugs who had been lying on the ground groaned and got up, as if nothing had happened.

"Boss, that guy was really tough. I almost thought I was done for..."

"Yeah, and he was just trying to pick up a girl. I don't understand why the agent Romanov gave us such a weird assignment."

"This guy might be a bit of a troublemaker. Could it be..." the thug grinned maliciously.

"Shut up, or you'll be the next one lying on the ground!"