The Aether appeared in the plot of Thor: The Dark World.
In the original storyline, the destruction of the Bifrost Bridge, which once connected the Nine Realms, led to widespread conflict.
Thor was occupied suppressing the resulting uprisings and was unable to return to his girlfriend, Jane Foster, for some time.
During her astrophysics research, Jane accidentally discovered and merged with the Aether.
Following this, Thor and the Dark Elves arrived in quick succession, setting off a chain of events.
However, Anton suspected that Jane's understanding of astrophysics might not have been as deep as he had originally thought.
Of course, Anton had his own way of expediting matters.
The method of the wealthy.
He pulled out his phone and called his "father."
"John, do me a favor," Anton said bluntly. "Jane Foster—she's an astrophysicist. I want to invest in her."
"What?"
John Jameson sounded confused. "Jane Foster? Wait, I've never heard—oh, hold on, I just looked her up. She's not bad-looking. Anton, be honest—are you really investing in her, or are you trying to date her?"
"Cut the nonsense. I value her research. Just put up the money, buy her research institute under Wayne Enterprises, and don't ask any questions."
Anton couldn't be bothered to explain further.
"Fine, whatever you want," John sighed.
Although John was his father, Anton's current status was beyond comparison. In every sense, he was now the most powerful person in the Jameson family. Even the old man had to listen to him—let alone John.
After confirming Jane Foster's details, Anton ended the call.
The Astrophysics Institute, where Jane Foster worked, suddenly received an investment of tens of millions of dollarsfrom Wayne Enterprises.
Immediately after, Anton appeared before Jane and her colleagues.
"Hello."
Anton scanned the unfamiliar faces in the room before settling his gaze on Jane Foster and the others, whom he had specifically come to see.
"I believe we've met before."
Pausing briefly, he added, "I don't think I need to introduce myself."
Jane Foster and the others were visibly stunned by Anton's presence.
Of course, Anton didn't need an introduction.
In today's world, very few people didn't recognize him.
Anton's current fame rivaled that of Hollywood's biggest superstars.
Especially after the Skrull invasion, when The Daily Bugle leaked some confidential details about the incident. That article had catapulted Anton and others behind the scenes into near-mythical status.
One person in particular understood Anton's true influence better than anyone else.
That was Erik Selvig.
Ever since the Battle of New York, and his departure from S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Project Pegasus, Selvig had been investigated by the government's classified departments.
He knew about Anton's close connections to Batman.
For a moment, countless thoughts raced through his mind.
Could Anton's sudden appearance be connected to Batman?
The entire room was filled with shock and uncertainty.
Why would someone as important as Anton show up here?
"I'm here because your research is outstanding," Anton finally said.
"I deeply admire your work in astronomy. Also, I assume you've heard about the Nine Realms from the Asgardians?"
"Yes, we have," Erik Selvig nodded.
"Good. That makes things easier."
Anton continued, "From what I know, around this time—maybe right now, maybe in the near future—a unique astronomical event is set to occur. The Asgardians call it the 'Convergence of the Nine Realms.'
"During this period, something unexpected may happen. Your research could help us prevent a catastrophe."
"The Convergence?" Erik muttered, deep in thought.
"Yes. The specific mechanics behind the Nine Realms aligning will require your expertise."
Anton's tone was firm—a leader issuing orders, leaving no room for doubt.
"So, this will be your next research focus."
Some of the researchers hesitated.
"Now that you're using Wayne's funds, you'd better listen to me."
Anton added, "This is what Batman wants."
The moment they heard those last words, everyone fell silent.
Batman's status in the public's mind was now comparable to that of a religious figure.
After The Daily Bugle article was published, people not only marveled at Superman's incredible combat power but also recognized Batman's efforts behind the scenes.
This further elevated Batman's already legendary reputation.
"In that case, we understand," Erik Selvig finally said.
The others nodded, dropping their objections and agreeing to follow Anton's suggestion to study the Nine Realms Convergence.
"No matter what, we'll do our best to support Batman."
Of course, their motivation was entirely for Batman—not for Anton.
Anton didn't care what they thought. He was only interested in results.
Upon returning, Anton received a call from the Men in Black headquarters.
The organization's second-in-command, Agent Z, was reporting in.
Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Justice League's experimental team, the research to counter the Skrulls' shapeshifting ability had reached its final stage.
The technology was now complete.
With the combined efforts of the Men in Black and world governments, many Skrulls embedded within the World Security Council had been exposed and captured one by one.
The hidden dangers lurking within human society were beginning to disappear.
Seeing how deeply infiltrated they had been, the World Security Council had no choice but to applaud the Men in Black—they couldn't say much else.
Notably, Anton had personally named the new Skrull-detection technology "light Pen"—a nod to the "Neuralyzer"traditionally used by the Men in Black.
Like the Neuralyzer, the Light Pen resembled a simple handheld device.
But instead of erasing memories, it emitted a special flash that momentarily confused any nearby Skrulls, causing them to instinctively revert to their original forms.
This simple yet effective mechanism left no room for the Skrulls to hide.
Governments around the world immediately began purchasing the light Pens in large quantities, pouring billionsinto Wayne Enterprises—the company responsible for manufacturing them.
Simultaneously, military forces were deployed to key locations.
High-traffic intersections, major transportation hubs, and airports worldwide were now equipped with surveillance cameras integrated with light Pens.
This initiative exposed even more Skrulls who had been secretly living among humans.
With their cover completely blown, many Skrulls had no choice but to flee Earth.
In recent weeks, it had become a common sight to see spaceships hurriedly departing from airstrips and hidden launch sites.
Most of these vessels carried Skrulls desperate to return to space.
After Carter and the other Super Skrulls had been eliminated, the remaining Skrulls completely abandoned the idea of resistance.
The presence of Superman had instilled a level of fear in them that even the Kree Empire couldn't match.
Fighting meant certain death.
Escape was their only option.
By now, the general public had grown accustomed to this reality.
Especially in the United States.
After The Daily Bugle publicly revealed Skrull infiltration, it also announced that governments had successfully developed countermeasures against their abilities.
For the first time, humanity fully understood that they were living through a radical societal shift.
As a result, most people gradually accepted the existence of extraterrestrial life.
Some, however, took it a step further.
A group of thrill-seekers had even started organizing events to search for aliens.
"Alien Hunting?"
Anton raised an eyebrow, staring at Agent Z.
"Why are you even telling me this? Does it matter?"
He was genuinely confused.
"Aren't the Men in Black busy enough? Why are you paying attention to a bunch of kids playing detective?"
"Because it is a big deal," Z replied, his tone unusually serious.
After a brief pause, he added, "Because these thrill-seekers actually found aliens."
Anton froze.
"What?"
For a moment, he thought he had misheard.
Aliens? Again?
Was this some kind of endless cycle?
…
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