35

Chapter 35: Returning to S.H.I.E.L.D.

Natalia stared at Thor, her expression troubled.

Thor, suddenly aware of the need to salvage the situation, sat up straight, placing one hand over his heart and gently pressing Natalia's face with the other. He said earnestly, "I once had a true love before me, but I didn't cherish it. Regret comes too late; the most painful thing in the world is this."

Natalia's face flushed with this unexpected confession, her eyes softening with visible emotion.

Thor breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "If the gods were to grant me another chance, I would say three words to that girl: I love you. If I had to set a time limit for this love, I hope it would be..."

"Ten thousand years." The final part of the sentence wasn't spoken by Thor but...

Natalia interrupted with a smirk, "Unfortunately, a few years ago, I was on a mission in Hong Kong and watched a movie."

Thor couldn't help but feel a pang of self-reproach.

Observing Natalia, whose youthful radiance had faded, Thor sighed and suddenly embraced her. Natalia froze for a moment before relaxing into his hold.

"Little girl, I know you're upset. I shouldn't have left you for so long. " Initially, Thor had used some subtle tactics to leave a lasting impression on Natalia, who was then still young.

The term "little girl" seemed to stir something in Natalia's memory. She stared blankly at Thor, her eyes beginning to well up with tears.

She suddenly lowered her head, then looked up with a bright smile as if nothing had happened: "How sad. What are you doing? Isn't it a good thing that we're meeting again? It's like parting from life to death."

Gazing at Thor, she said softly, "You don't need to apologize. You've done so much for me. Without you, I don't know where I'd be now. I understand you must have had other things to do over the years. Maybe tomorrow, you'll be busy with something else, so now..."

"Stop talking. Kiss me!"

…

The next morning, when Thor entered S.H.I.E.L.D. holding Natalia's hand, many agents stared in disbelief.

Natalia's allure was undeniable, and it was impossible for no one to be attracted. However, all her admirers had been left unresponsive, especially since she had sent several persistent suitors to the emergency room. The Black Widow's reputation was firmly established, and no one dared to provoke her.

Seeing Thor's intimacy with Natalia, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents were in shock...

In the director's office, Nick Fury looked on with a resigned expression. "You've caused quite a stir since your return. I estimate that 80% of the male agents now see you as their rival..."

Thor remained unfazed. "They're just a bunch of sycophants. Don't worry about them."

Nick Fury set aside his amusement and asked seriously, "Alright, I need to understand your purpose here. What are your thoughts on General Ross's research?"

He certainly didn't believe Thor would return merely to pick up girls. The most plausible reason for Thor's interest was the military's research.

Thor nodded. "The military appears to be investigating the super-soldier program. I'm somewhat interested in certain aspects and might be able to offer some assistance."

Nick Fury replied, "If it's a matter of cooperation, S.H.I.E.L.D. can help with negotiations. What exactly do you need? The super-soldier serum formula?"

"No." Thor shook his head. "The military's formula is far from perfect. Even if successful, it won't be like Steve Rogers. More likely, it will create an uncontrollable monster. There is a special fate"

Thor's interest lay in the Hulk, an uncontrollable anomaly.

In his previous life, Banner's so-called acceptance of the Hulk, and the supposed integration of strength and intelligence, had squandered the Hulk's potential. Without the rage and anger, even with the Hulk's power, the deterrent effect was lost.

Moreover, becoming Dr. Banner meant that his enormous size couldn't even fit into the Anti-Hulk armor—a high price to pay!

As one of the most powerful combat assets, the Hulk's potential should not be wasted.