Chapter 181: Thor Steve
Captain America Steve and Tony held opposite opinions.
"His tone doesn't sound like he's lying, and considering the future images George predicted, it's not impossible."
"Perhaps the aliens invading us are soldiers from the Divine Realm."
Banner analyzed:
"Some stories in mythology aren't baseless."
"In the eyes of ancient people, our current technology would undoubtedly be considered mythical, miraculous."
"If Odin, Thor, and Loki are actually aliens, and the Divine Realm is an extraterrestrial civilization—when Earth's human civilization was still underdeveloped, they came to Earth, leaving behind mythological legends."
"That's not impossible either."
"So, in the future George saw, Loki leading aliens to invade Earth is likely because he wants to kill Thor, firmly secure the throne, and then rule Earth."
Tony was also swayed by Banner's speculation.
Though self-centered, he wasn't foolish. If Banner's reasoning was plausible, he'd adjust his views accordingly.
"What are you talking about? Loki would never want to kill me or invade Midgard!"
Thor's expression darkened with anger upon hearing Tony's group's conversation.
Tony looked at Thor incredulously:
"Seriously, big guy? You still don't get it? It's obvious your brother Loki is behind all this."
"Hasn't he been egging you on to go to Jotunheim? And your father Odin showing up in the end—that was definitely his doing."
"With you exiled, he gets a shot at the throne. Isn't this a blatant conspiracy?"
"When did he egg me on? I went on my own! He kept trying to stop me!"
Thor roared in defense.
He refused to believe these mortals' conspiracy theories.
"If you insult my brother again, even out of respect for George, I'll beat you senseless!"
"If this is the intellect of a god, then I guess we don't need to worry about those alien invasions."
Tony rolled his eyes.
It was clear: if this guy wasn't Thor, he was a delusional madman.
And if he really was Thor, then he was just a muscle-headed brute.
"My psychic abilities confirm he isn't lying, and I've detected immense energy within him similar to that hammer—though it's sealed."
George spun his lie with a straight face:
"Since he's Thor, we must find a way to help him return to the Divine Realm and stop Loki from becoming king. Only then can we prevent war between the Divine Realm and Earth."
He didn't bother correcting their misconceptions—it wasn't necessary.
The outcome was the same either way.
Stopping Loki, ensuring he's imprisoned in the Divine Realm, would prevent him from allying with Thanos.
Without Loki's aid, Thanos couldn't use the Space Stone to send Loki to Earth, averting the subsequent alien invasion.
So this misunderstanding wasn't entirely wrong.
Explaining Thanos and the Chitauri now would be too convoluted anyway.
"Thank you, but you can't help me. Unless Father forgives me, I can't return to the Divine Realm."
Though still upset over their accusations against Loki, Thor softened slightly upon hearing George's offer to assist.
"Let's head back to town and discuss this properly. There's always a way."
George patted Thor's shoulder before addressing the others:
"Let's all try lifting Mjolnir. If someone succeeds, we might find a way to restore Thor's power."
"Alright, let's give it a shot."
Everyone was curious about the hammer that even Tony's armor couldn't budge. Eager, they lined up to try.
First up was Wolverine Logan. Gripping the hammer with both hands, he strained with all his might—but it didn't move an inch.
Tony tried again, but the result was the same.
Seeing Logan and Tony fail, Banner and Betty lost confidence. They gave half-hearted attempts before stepping aside.
Banner didn't want to unleash the Hulk for this, and George didn't push him.
Last was Captain America Steve. No one held much hope—while Steve surpassed normal humans, his strength couldn't rival Tony's mechanized armor.
Yet George's eyes narrowed slightly. He knew Steve was the only one who stood a chance.
If Odin truly wasn't interfering, Captain America could lift Mjolnir and temporarily wield Thor's power.
After all, in Endgame, Steve had secretly mastered a whole combo with it.
*"Huh? It's... light?"*
Steve gripped the hammer's handle, bracing for immense effort—only to lift it effortlessly, nearly stumbling from the unexpected ease.
*"This power—!"*
As Mjolnir rested in his hand, Steve felt overwhelming energy surge through him. Instinctively, he pointed the hammer skyward—and a bolt of lightning struck where he directed.
*"HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE?!"*
Thor's mind shattered. A mortal not only lifted Mjolnir but also wielded the power of Thor, summoning lightning with ease.
What was Father's meaning? Deny him, yet grant it to a mortal?
*"GIVE ME BACK MJOLNIR!"*
With a roar, Thor charged at Steve—who promptly offered the hammer without hesitation.
Mjolnir belonged to Thor. Even wielding its power, Steve had no intention of keeping it.
Yet when Thor took hold of it, the hammer immediately fell to the ground, immovable as before. Devastated, he sank into despair.
"Well done, Cap!"
George's eyes gleamed.
If Steve could wield Mjolnir, they could handle the Destroyer's threat—even if Thor remained clueless.
Crafted by Odin from Uru metal and imbued with his power, the Destroyer's defenses—especially its magic resistance—were formidable.
Only a higher-tier relic like Mjolnir could destroy it.
*"HOW CAN A MERE MORTAL—?!"*
Loki, now ruling Asgard as regent after Odin's slumber, also watched in horror through his magic.
Having dispatched the Warriors Three and Sif, he'd turned his gaze to his exiled brother—only to witness Steve lifting Mjolnir and gaining Thor's power.
(End of Chapter)