"So, are you planning a career change?" Thor asked Tony with a teasing grin. "I have an easy suggestion. How about I ask Banner for some gamma serum? We'll expose you to gamma rays and turn you into a Hulk too!"
Tony stared at Thor, his forehead creased with incredulity. Images of Hulk's destructive rampages flashed through his mind.
"Why is your imagination so… excessive? And why do you always think of the worst ideas first?" Tony shot back. "I mean, come on, really?"
Thor shrugged. "It'd be effective."
Tony rolled his eyes. "No, Thor. I'm talking about something serious. This time, we've interacted with a lot of alien allies, most of whom have far superior technology to Earth's. At least they've made it to the interstellar age. I think Earth needs to establish more exchanges with them, especially with the Nova Corps on Xandar. It's a multi-planet alliance, and if possible, Earth should join them."
Thor nodded. "That's a good idea. Earth's technology might not seem weak at first glance, but let's be honest—it's your superheroes that make it stand out." He paused, smirking. "Especially now. After this fight with Thanos, Wakanda, Kamar-Taj, and the Avengers have all revealed their cards."
Tony grinned faintly. "Yeah, Earth is finally looking impressive. But if we don't keep up, it won't last."
As the conversation shifted, Thor suddenly remembered something. Stopping Carol as she passed by, he asked, "Hey, I've got a question. You said Ronan was just a powerful Kree, right? But when I saw him a few years ago, he wasn't just strong—he withstood the Power Stone for a while. That's not normal."
Carol hesitated, then finally answered. "You're right. There was a rumor back then. The Kree secretly collected the corpse of a Celestial. Even though it was long dead, its energy remained immense. Ronan… bathed in the blood of that Celestial to strengthen himself."
Thor's brows shot up. "Bathing in Celestial blood? That sounds… extreme."
Carol nodded. "It is. The process massively enhances physical strength, but it comes with side effects. That's why you don't see many Kree doing it."
"What kind of side effects?" Thor asked, curious.
"It amplifies aggression and reduces intelligence significantly. Basically, it trades wit for brute strength," Carol explained.
Thor blinked. "So, that's why Ronan acted like a fool. Makes sense now—no wonder he got duped by Quill's awkward dance moves."
Carol gave him a suspicious look. "Wait, you're not seriously considering—"
Thor cut her off with a laugh. "Relax. I don't need it. My body's already perfect."
Carol rolled her eyes. "Good, because your type doesn't exactly need more power."
Tony raised a hand quickly. "And let's be clear: I'm not considering it either. I'll stick to inventing, thanks."
Tony's expression shifted suddenly, softening into a rare smile. "Speaking of which, Thor… Pepper and I are getting married next month. You've got to come."
Thor's face lit up. "Absolutely! As your uncle, it's my duty to attend." He chuckled. "Your father used to worry you'd be too much of a playboy to settle down. Now, you're proving him wrong. He'd be proud."
"Ugh, just stop," Tony groaned, waving him off. "I don't need your uncle vibes."
Thor laughed heartily. Despite the banter, the mood among the team was light. Thanos had been defeated, and though the Infinity Stones were still missing, it was a victory that reverberated across the cosmos.
Thanos' death marked the end of an era. Whether he was remembered as the destroyer of half the universe, a monstrous executioner, or a retired farmer, his passing held galactic significance. His defeat wasn't just a triumph for the Avengers—it was Thor's declaration to the universe.
As the new king of Asgard, Thor's stance was clear: anyone daring to challenge the Nine Realms would face dire consequences. Unlike Odin, who had often chosen diplomacy or avoided direct confrontation outside the Nine Realms, Thor had a reputation for relentless pursuit. Even if his enemies retreated to distant corners of the universe, Thor would hunt them down.
This shift in leadership left a profound impact. Once viewed as a waning power after Odin's death, Asgard was now marked as a high-risk zone on galactic maps. Races that once saw Asgard as vulnerable were quickly revising their assessments.
The proof was undeniable. While Odin had driven Thanos away, it was Thor who pursued him relentlessly, even to the ends of the universe. With Thanos' death, Thor cemented Asgard's position as a force to be reckoned with.
Even so, the universe wasn't entirely at peace. Rumors had begun to spread about the disappearance of Titan. The planet, once a thriving world and the home of Thanos, was now nothing more than cosmic debris.