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Chapter 51 - Chapter : 49.1 : Thor: Well, He's Adopted

Thank You,

Knight Teir: "Makoa"

For Becoming A Member On My Pa'treon. The Emperor Protect.

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Thor's hammer struck with a deafening crack. The terrifying thunderbolt that erupted when his hammer collided with Rogers' shield sent ripples of shockwaves across the Terra Federation, a moment so powerful it seemed as if the forces of man and nature had clashed head-on.

Major media outlets seized on the event, reporting it as a milestone of human achievement, a testament to mankind's courage, and proof that humans could withstand the sheer, raw force of nature itself.

Even though Rogers' resilience was owed in part to the Superhuman Serum that flowed through his veins, the display still stirred a deep sense of pride and inspiration among the public. Screenshots of the collision spread rapidly. Millions immortalized that precise moment, setting it as their phone and computer backgrounds, a symbol of hope and defiance.

In Tanner's live stream, viewer donations surged, breaking the three-million-dollar mark in record time. Tanner, overwhelmed with joy, was nearly moved to tears by the outpouring of support.

Meanwhile, Tony's suit became another topic of admiration, rivaling even Thor's legendary might. Viewers were captivated by Tony's ingenuity; his suit symbolized a vision of human advancement and potential that resonated deeply within the hearts of Terra Federation citizens.

Unlike Thor, who wielded divine power, Tony represented human determination, crafting strength from intellect and perseverance. To countless viewers, he was the embodiment of possibility, proof that one could rise to godlike heights through sheer ingenuity.

"They're incredible!"

"We have to win this battle!"

"S.H.I.E.L.D. is impressive. Honestly, everyone's doing great, well, except maybe Dr. Banner."

"Hey, don't dismiss Banner! He's crucial! He's the one who's supposed to track down the Cube!"

"I don't know, even with these heroes, there's just a handful of them… and the enemy has an entire Chitauri army!"

"Don't panic! Loki's in custody, right? As long as we keep him under control, nothing else matters."

"Yeah, that's true."

"Then why are we still experiencing this 'historical fault' on Terra Earth?"

"How should I know? That's a question for the Federation's officials; they're the ones keeping secrets."

Despite the exposure of the ancient dangers lurking behind Terra's history and the preparations already underway, confusion still gripped the Federation. The reason for the historical fault remained shrouded in mystery.

Within the hallowed chambers of the Supreme Court, elders convened under tense silence.

"Are we certain we should proceed with the launch now?" one voice finally asked.

The discussion centered on space telescopes. In Terra Earth's age, humanity had deployed the renowned Hubble Telescope. The modern Federation had surpassed those achievements, sending numerous instruments into orbit. Yet one project, the Webb Space Telescope, had been in development for years, never launched, never revealed.

The telescope, designed primarily for infrared observation, had the potential to peer deeper into space than ever before. With the threat of unknown cosmic forces looming, several elders argued that the time for hesitation was over.

"Launch it," someone urged. "Send it into deep space. Gather as much intel as possible."

The Webb Telescope, with its massive 6.5-meter primary mirror composed of eighteen hexagonal sub-mirrors and a five-layer deployable sunshield, was the Federation's most advanced marvel. Due to its enormous size, it would need to launch in a folded configuration.

After a long pause, the elders exchanged uneasy glances.

"All in favor?" A unanimous vote followed.

Hyeon, with a grave expression, spoke: "The results of this launch should remain classified for now. We cannot risk panic."

Originally, the launch had been planned for next year, with a celebratory live broadcast. Now, secrecy took precedence.

"Seconded!" one elder called.

"Seconded!" another echoed.

The decision made, orders were swiftly dispatched. The Webb Telescope would launch within eight hours, beginning a historic mission to peer into the unknown. Still, unease gnawed at every elder's heart.

"Don't be nervous," Gladwin said, forcing a reassuring smile. "Even if we uncover something unexpected, the Terra Federation will remain safe, for now."

His words brought no real comfort. The elders smiled faintly, their tension betrayed by their restless hands. Whatever truths awaited them in the vastness of space, none could say with certainty that they'd be ready to face it.

[ Loki was escorted down a sleek metallic corridor aboard the aircraft, two armed warriors flanking him. As he passed Dr. Banner, Loki's lips curled into a sinister grin. Banner averted his gaze, rubbing his temples uneasily. Moments later, Loki was confined to a massive glass cell, transparent but fortified with advanced tech. ]

[ Fury approached the control console, his voice level yet dangerous. "I'll make this clear, try anything, even scratch the glass, and…" ]

[ A massive vent beneath the cell opened with a thunderous hiss, the winds howling like a storm. Fury gestured to it, "You'll plummet thirty thousand miles straight down. Understood?" ]

[ Loki chuckled softly from behind the reinforced glass. "Impressive cage. Though… I doubt you built it for me." ]

[ Fury's tone was calm but cold. "No. We built it for someone stronger than you." ]

[ "Ah," Loki said with mock intrigue, "the beast without thought. How desperate you must be to summon such a monster for protection." ]

[ Fury's expression hardened. "Desperate? You waged war on Earth and stole a power you can't control. You speak of peace, yet you kill for amusement. Tell me, Loki, who's worse?" ]

[ Loki's smirk widened. "You're angry, Director. It doesn't suit you." ]

[ He leaned closer to the glass. "You're hunting the Cube, seeking infinite energy. What will you do with it once you hold that power?" ]

[ He glanced around the room, eyes gleaming. "A beacon for humanity, you say? You don't even understand the force you're wielding." ]

[ Fury remained silent, then turned to leave. "Fine. You're a 'real power.' Let me know what magazines you'd like in your cell." ]

[ Surveillance cameras captured every word. Across countless screens, people watched in tense silence. ]

The exchange between Fury and Loki left the Federation's citizens uneasy. Billions watching the livestream traded theories and speculations.

"What does that mean? Did he just call the monster… human?"

"Fury's hiding something. You can tell."

"Loki gives me chills. He knows something we don't."

"He's Thor's brother, remember? Who knows what else he can do? Maybe mind-reading?"

"Wait… that cage was meant for Thor, wasn't it?"

"Thor sounded… sad."

"The Cube's too dangerous. If Fury mishandles it, things will spiral out of control fast."

"Isn't the Cube with Dr. Eric right now? What's he planning with that Iridium?"

"Something's off… Loki's smirking like he's already won."

[ In the conference room, Dr. Banner spoke first. "He's buying time. He's stalling." ]

[ Rogers nodded, glancing at Thor. "What's his next move, Thor?" ]

[ Thor's gaze darkened. "He has a Chitauri army. They're not warriors of Asgard. I don't know where he found them, but they've pledged to help him conquer Earth… in exchange for the Cube." ]

[ Rogers frowned. "An entire army? From space?" ]

[ Banner adjusted his glasses. "They'll need another portal. That's why they want Eric." ]

[ "Eric?" Thor asked. ]

[ "Astrophysicist," Banner replied, his voice tense. ]

["He's my friend," Thor muttered.]

[ Widow chimed in. "And Loki's got another ally. Someone is helping him behind the scenes." ]

[ Rogers slammed a fist on the table. "Why didn't Loki just bring the army with him? Why come alone?" ]

[ Banner leaned back. "We're focusing too much on Loki. He's unpredictable, unstable… a madman." ]

[ Thor's voice was low, his glare fixed on Banner. "Watch your words. He may be lost… but he's still my brother." ]

"Thor's a protective brother, huh? Gotta respect that."

"Love him for it! Loki doesn't deserve him."

"Loki's scheming face creeps me out. What's he planning?"

"Thor deserves better. Protect this man at all costs."

"Banner's disgusted face though, bet Loki scared him good."

"Where's Jane in all of this? Thor's worried about Eric, but no one's mentioned her!"

The feed continued to stream, tension mounting. Every word, every subtle smirk from Loki only fueled the audience's unease.

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