589

[Thor Takes the Hammer]

Donald's life suddenly became much happier.

His relationship with Peter Parker progressed further; after all, he's now the only male classmate who knows Peter's Spider-Man identity.

But that's not the main point; what's more important is that he's in love.

Donald and Jane Foster have officially become a couple, and the news has caused a stir at school.

Donald, who is usually overlooked, contrasts sharply with Jane Foster, who attracts attention wherever she goes due to her good looks and grades.

Their pairing seemed like an unlikely match, which naturally shocked everyone.

The same could be said for Peter Parker and Gwen.

Peter's reputation among his classmates is slightly higher than Donald's, but Gwen's status matches her father's as a New York sheriff.

Perhaps under the pressure of Peter and Donald, their friend Fat Ned also found a girlfriend to envy, making the three of them a symbol of overcoming adversity and a legend on campus.

However, before Donald could fully enjoy his newfound happiness, it was interrupted by the arrival of two mysterious men.

"It's you!" Donald exclaimed, looking at Forseti.

The other man was tall and thin, with long black hair and a perpetual smile. Donald had never seen him before, but he inexplicably felt a strong sense of familiarity every time he looked at the man's face.

Each time Donald tried to speak, he found himself unable to utter a word.

"Who are you and what do you want?" he asked.

Loki grinned. "Little brother, would you like to cure your disability?"

"Who's your little brother?" Donald blurted out, feeling an unexpected surge of anger. Hearing the term only made him want to turn away.

Forseti cleared his throat. "Donald, would you like to cure your leg disability?"

Donald naturally thought, "Do you have a solution?"

Forseti nodded. "Yes, but it comes with a price."

"What price?"

Forseti continued, "Walk from here to New Mexico, and your disability will disappear, transforming you into a strong, able-bodied person."

Donald frowned. Although it sounded absurd, he had seen Forseti heal Peter Parker, so he knew this was no joke.

The requirement to simply walk to New Mexico struck him as odd.

And frankly, it wasn't simple. New York to New Mexico spans over 2,000 kilometers—a daunting journey for him to undertake on foot with his disability.

Forseti and Loki could roughly guess what Donald was thinking. Loki said, "There's no such thing as a free lunch, little brother. Walking over 2,000 kilometers can cure a disability. Most people with disabilities would agree without hesitation."

Donald understood this, but he had other concerns. "I still need to study, go to college, and I may not have that much time..."

Forseti reassured him, "With your grades, college isn't a problem. Delaying a few months won't matter. But opportunities to cure your disability are rare, possibly just this once."

"Miss it, and you'll remain disabled forever, even with Jane Foster as your girlfriend."

This statement struck a fatal blow, instantly dispelling Donald's inner hesitation.

How much he desired to be whole, especially now that he was Jane Foster's boyfriend!

"Alright, I agree. But first, I need to apply for a leave of absence from school."

Donald nodded.

"No need for that trouble; just come with us. We've already handled it for you." Loki produced a document signed by the principal granting the leave of absence.

"Now?" Donald was taken aback.

"Yes."

Donald asked, "Can I say goodbye to Jane first? This journey may take several months."

"Go ahead," Forseti nodded.

Donald immediately sought out his girlfriend Jane Foster, explained the situation, and finally said affectionately and eagerly, "My dear, I promise I'll return, and when I do, you'll see a different me!"

Jane Foster naturally believed him and even bid him farewell with a kiss.

A few days later,

Under the scorching sun, Donald Blake limped along the wasteland beside the highway, cane in hand, wiping sweat from his forehead and panting heavily.

This was his first time leaving New York City.

Never had he imagined that he, a man with a disability, would leave New York City on foot.

The pain and suffering were evident. In fact, he nearly collapsed within the first hour. To him, making it this far was nothing short of a miracle.

"Hu-hu-"

Donald panted and shuffled along the road, his shirt soaked with sweat, one step at a time.

"I'm so tired..." he occasionally complained.

"Come on, Donald, there are only three kilometers left; you can rest today," Loki encouraged with a smile.

Having said that, he finished his ice cream cone and pulled out another to continue eating.

Donald: "..."

During these days of travel, the physical torture was secondary. What made it unbearable was Forseti and Loki's behavior.

They spent each day eating, drinking, and having fun, all while driving a car!

At this moment, Forseti and Loki sat in a sports car, eating, drinking, and watching Donald endure his ascetic journey on foot.

Their encouraging words, accompanied by ice cream, only added to Donald's despondency.

"We have 2,600 kilometers left; we'll reach our destination," Loki encouraged once more.

"Why do I have to walk to New Mexico?" Donald asked.

Forseti pondered for a moment. "Donald, have you heard the legend of ' Journey to the West'?"

"I've heard a little about it."

Forseti continued, "In Eastern legends, Xuanzang had to journey on foot despite having faster alternatives. It was a trial, and now you face a similar test."

"..." Donald fell silent.

Days turned into weeks.

Donald Black, with his crutches, continued his long journey, always accompanied by Forseti and Loki—in their car.

For a man with a leg disability, it was a difficult journey, but he gradually adapted. Almost every day, he achieved his set goals, steadily progressing toward New Mexico.

That evening, as they rested, they suddenly heard gunshots in the distance.

"Bang-boom!"

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