Chapter 10: The Showdown of the Strongest

Once again, Thor felt the mischievous malice of Mr. System.

Even without the ominous warning of a "dimensional reduction strike," his own sense of honor prevented him from completing the first task option. Besides, even if he acquired the Soul Stone now, Odin would likely confiscate it. Without the necessary strength, wielding such power could only lead to disaster. Even Thanos moved quickly and strategically when collecting the Stones. As for a potential invitation from Kamar-Taj, Thor figured he could manage that on his own if he showed up with a bit of humility.

After sorting through his options, Thor casually took out his phone and snapped a few pictures of the "Lolita" version of Black Widow—something he wouldn't likely see again.

Considering the timeline, it was now 1995. Seeing young Natasha, he confirmed that he was indeed in Universe 199999, the cinematic universe he knew well. Natasha Romanova, born in 1984, was only twelve or eleven years old.

"Uncle… is this hammer yours?" Natasha asked cautiously, eyeing Mjolnir. She didn't seem hostile but remained understandably wary.

"Ever heard of Norse mythology?" Thor asked, lifting Mjolnir with ease. "This is Mjolnir. Anyone who proves worthy can gain the power of Thor by lifting it. Since you've already earned its approval, I'll give you a choice: I can take you away from here, to a place where no one can use you, where you can choose your own path."

High above Earth, the space battle came to a close. Ronan the Accuser, who prided himself on his warrior's courage yet always knew when to retreat, took in the sight of Carol Danvers destroying dozens of fighters and two warships with relative ease. He cast a sidelong glance at his adjutant, silently urging him to suggest a retreat.

But the adjutant missed the cue, forcing Ronan to issue the order himself. "Return to the jump point. Those weapons will be ours someday." He sighed inwardly, resolving to replace his clueless underling once back in safer territory.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Yon-Rogg watched Carol's return with a mixture of shock and dread. Gritting his teeth, he held his weapon tightly as he prepared for their final confrontation.

Then, without warning, he changed his approach, putting away his weapon and forcing a smile. "I'm proud of you, Vers," he said, his tone shifting to one of false mentorship. "Since the day I found you by the lake, you've come a long way."

"But can you control yourself? Can you really fight me without those powers of yours, or are you still as reckless as ever?"

"I've always told you that one day you'd have to face me on your own. Well, today is that day. Now is that moment!"

"Vers, put away your 'fancy' superpowers and prove you can—"

Boom! Carol's fist slammed into him, cutting off his monologue and sending him flying.

"I don't have to prove anything to you," she said calmly. "And this is my own strength."

"Hahaha!" Thor, who had just arrived, couldn't help but laugh at the scene. Yon-Rogg was skilled at manipulation and pushing people's buttons, but unfortunately, he was dealing with Captain Marvel, who had zero tolerance for his nonsense.

Jumping down from his own fighter, Thor called out, "Once all this is wrapped up, maybe you'd like to put your powers aside and go around with me?"

Just moments ago, as Carol had been demonstrating her strength in space, the system had presented Thor with yet another mission:

"Congratulations, host, for triggering the Captain Marvel-related mission: Showdown of the Strongest! As one of the mightiest Avengers, you are destined to face Captain Marvel. Defeat her and prove yourself the strongest!"

Note: There is no branching option for this mission. It can only be accepted or declined.

Mission Objective: Defeat Captain Marvel. Mission Reward: Gain a random ability from Captain Marvel.

Without a powerful weapon like Stormbreaker, Thor knew this would be a brutal match, so he decided to just let it happen, trying to cope with this option.

Carol nodded thoughtfully. She didn't know much about Thor's newly enhanced strength, but judging from his recent performance, he seemed powerful enough to warrant a fair fight. They agreed to set aside their powers for their battle, purely on skill and strength. Perhaps this was the difference between a warrior and a master of cosmic energy.

She dragged the dazed Yon-Rogg and shoved him into his ship.

Yon-Rogg looked around desperately, realizing he had no allies left. "Please, I can't return empty-handed!"

Carol's gaze was icy. "Deliver a message for me. Tell the Supreme Intelligence—I'm ending all of this."

With a final blast to the ship's engine, it sputtered to life and wobbled away into the sky, leaving Yon-Rogg and his aspirations far behind.