Chapter 51: After the War is Over, We Will…

"It's all well and good to fight together," Thor declared, grinning across the table at Steve and the Howling Commandos. "But there's one thing you've got to do with us."

"What's that?" Steve asked.

"Have a drink!" Thor replied, raising a tankard with a mischievous grin.

…

Later that night, the makeshift barracks were alive with laughter, stories, and the clinking of glasses. Peggy Carter entered the room in a striking red dress, and every head in the hall turned—except for Thor, who seemed entirely unphased. His Asgardian physique made him more resistant to the alcohol that was quickly knocking out his comrades. Steve, despite his enhanced tolerance, was wobbling a bit himself.

Peggy shook her head. "Can't you let me save a little face?"

Thor held up his hands innocently. "Blame these guys! They insisted on challenging me," he said, gesturing to the unconscious Commandos around him. He was used to downing Asgardian ale by the barrel—did this group of mortals think they stood a chance?

Steve hadn't wanted to participate, as he was usually a good guy who avoided drinking. But Bucky had coaxed him into joining, and one drink had led to another.

"Anyway," Peggy said, "Howard has some new equipment for you both. You should check it out tomorrow." She turned to Thor with a raised eyebrow. "And you—you could ease up on the boasting."

Thor smirked, catching her gaze. "What's that look for, Miss Carter? You planning to ask me for a dance?"

She crossed her arms. "Maybe when the war is over."

"Then it's a promise. When the war ends, we'll go dancing!" Thor said confidently, feeling every inch the Asgardian prince. What was one more vow to him?

…

The next morning, Thor and Steve arrived at Howard's workshop, still feeling the effects of the previous night's celebration. Howard showed Steve an array of advanced shields he'd designed, yet Steve's eyes landed on a simple, sturdy buckler that suited his fighting style.

Meanwhile, Thor was busy equipping himself with various high-tech firearms, nearly achieving unlimited firepower. Everyone present had seen Thor's ability to use a Gatling gun with the precision of a sniper rifle, and they'd unanimously agreed that he was possibly the best sharpshooter they'd ever encountered.

Originally, Thor had asked Howard to craft a vibranium hammer modeled after Mjölnir. But after Peggy's firm objection—since the sight of Thor wielding both a gun and a hammer was a bit unconventional—he reluctantly let the idea go.

But then Steve tried out the hammer. As soon as he picked it up, it felt natural in his grip. In fact, he seemed almost as excited about the hammer as his new shield.

With his trusty shield in one hand and the hammer in the other, Steve looked every bit the hero who could one day go toe-to-toe with Thanos. Although he lacked the power of lightning, his setup certainly foreshadowed the legend he'd become.

"Mr. Stark, thanks for the new equipment," Thor said as he clapped Howard on the back. "I've got a gift for you, too."

"Oh?" Howard raised a brow. "Well, if it involves introducing me to some beautiful young lady, I might be interested," he replied with a smirk. Even Steve, usually oblivious, couldn't help but notice the unusual way Peggy had been watching Thor, and Howard, as usual, couldn't resist a jab.

Thor chuckled, giving Howard a pat on the shoulder and a hug. "No need for that," he said. "Consider this my token of friendship from Asgard. A gift you'll appreciate in the future."

Howard rolled his eyes, half-amused and half-skeptical. Thor's confidence was unmatched, but his cryptic gift turned out to be valuable indeed. During the hug, Thor discreetly slipped a small syringe into Howard's pocket. It contained an improved version of the Extremis serum—a formula that would grant Howard improved strength, enhanced regeneration, and accelerated healing.

The effects of this "gift" wouldn't be apparent for decades, but it would one day save his life.

Drip! The mission system pinged in Thor's mind. Congratulations, Host! Mission "Eternal Secret" Branch 2 completed: Save Howard Stark and prevent his death at the hands of the Winter Soldier!

Thor noted that only one branch remained. He suspected it had something to do with HYDRA's leader, the Red Skull.

…

In the following days, the Howling Commandos went on the offensive, taking down HYDRA's strongholds across Europe. They moved from factory to factory, destroying the enemy's weapons caches, labs, and bases. Their victories grew more legendary by the day.

Armed with his shield and the new hammer, Captain America became nearly unstoppable. He didn't just beat HYDRA—he dismantled them, often taking out entire squads single-handedly. His reputation as the ultimate soldier spread, and he became a beacon of hope for the Allied forces.

When Captain America threw his indestructible shield and raised his mighty hammer, evil forces knew to surrender—or risk being crushed.

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