Chapter 133: The Life of an Ordinary Person

Although Thor remained somewhat bewildered by Gu Zhongyan’s suggestion to live a life as an ordinary mortal, the words had sparked a vague realization within him. He felt as though he had caught a glimpse of something profound, and thus, he did not refuse.

Soon, under the arrangements made by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, Thor arrived at a nearby small town, casting his gaze upon the lives of ordinary people for the first time.

"Will this actually work?" Nick Fury asked, casting a skeptical look at Gu Zhongyan’s plan.

"Rest assured," Gu Zhongyan replied with certainty. "If all goes as expected, Thor will soon realize his errors and be able to lift Mjolnir."

Hearing this, Nick Fury agreed, though a hint of regret flickered in his eyes. Sensing that Fury still harbored ambitions regarding the hammer, Gu Zhongyan whispered, "Do not set your sights on Mjolnir. While others might be capable of lifting it, its master must be Thor. Do you understand?" As he spoke, he gestured discreetly toward the sky.

Nick Fury was no fool; a flicker of contemplative light passed through his dark, single eye, and he nodded silently without further comment.

Life as a commoner was monotonous and dull. Thor was restless at first, but as time passed, he gradually grew accustomed to it. Because of his robust physique, handsome features, and a certain endearing clumsiness, he became quite popular among the townspeople, eventually making a few friends. During these interactions, following Gu Zhongyan’s advice, Thor framed his own experiences as diplomatic relations between two nations and inquired about their views on war.

Though most Americans avoid political discussions, they were generally willing to share their thoughts when prompted by the well-meaning giant. Depending on their background, gender, age, or even personal style, they offered a variety of perspectives. Their views—approving, abhorrent, radical, or conservative—were as diverse as they were reasoned. These small insights allowed Thor to gain a deeper understanding of the common folk, just as Gu Zhongyan had promised.

Just as Thor was refining his philosophy on kingship and war from the perspective of an ordinary man, the clear blue sky suddenly churned with gathering clouds. Accompanied by a brilliant streak of the Bifrost, four figures appeared out of thin air.

"Sif? Hogun? How did you get here?" Thor blinked in surprise, then his face lit up with joy. The four figures, three men and one woman dressed in medieval knightly attire, were none other than Sif, the Asgardian goddess of harvest, and the Warriors Three.

"Thor, we finally found you!" The four were equally moved. Sif stepped forward and pulled Thor into a bear hug, squeezing him tightly.

Asgardians possess physiques far superior to those of humans. Even Sif and the Warriors Three, while not on the level of deities like Loki or Thor, were far beyond the capabilities of an average mortal. Thor, who had once been able to return such a fervent embrace, was now merely a strong human. He could not withstand such a display of Asgardian affection. With a sharp crack, his expression stiffened instantly.

Watching from the shadows, Gu Zhongyan sighed. Now, Thor would surely have a deeper understanding of the mortal life. The gap between an ordinary human and a super-powered being was like an abyss; what a god could endure with ease could inflict bone-breaking, life-threatening injuries upon a mortal.

"Thor? Are you alright?" The sound of the fracture startled Sif. She quickly released the pale-faced Thor, looking at him in a panic.

"I’m fine, I'm fine," Thor forced a smile, quickly changing the subject. "Never mind that—what about you? Why have you come to Earth? Did Father send you?"

At this, the four grew somber. Sif spoke with a heavy heart: "Thor, we have come to bring you back. Loki... Loki has colluded with the Frost Giants and is attempting to seize control of Asgard. We must stop this. You are the heir to the throne, and we need your help."

"How can this be?" Thor was bewildered. "Did Loki not return to Asgard to handle the reparations? I recall we had made peace."

It was not only Thor who had this question; Nick Fury, listening from the shadows, looked at Gu Zhongyan with renewed suspicion. *Didn't you reach an agreement with Loki? What is this? A breach of contract?*

Gu Zhongyan remained stoic, his eyes fixed on Thor and his companions.

Sif shook her head. "Thor, do you not know Loki yet? He is a born liar, a rebel, a cunning fox. He must have deceived you. There is no time for this now; you must return with us immediately."

"I think that will not be necessary!"

As Sif finished speaking, a cold, mechanical sound echoed from the sky. Above, the clouds swirled into a funnel. *BOOM!* A beam of light descended, and a three-meter-tall mechanical construct encased in shimmering metal landed outside the town, radiating a terrifying, murderous aura.

"The Destroyer?!" Thor and the others gasped, recognizing the guardian of the Asgardian vault—the most formidable killing machine in the realm.

"Quick! Get the townspeople to safety. I will hold it off!" Thor’s face shifted as he shouted to those nearby, then rushed toward the machine.

"Thor!" Sif, pale with fear, grabbed him. "Are you mad? You are a mortal without your powers now! The Destroyer will tear you to shreds. Stay back; we will deal with it!" She glanced at the Warriors Three, who nodded and prepared to charge.

However, before they could move, a hand blocked their path. Though the owner of that hand lacked their strength, he stood as firm as an unshakable mountain.

Thor looked at them solemnly. "I know I have no divine power. I am just an ordinary man, perhaps even weaker than a common Asgardian soldier. But I am the heir to Asgard, the God of Thunder, and I will not allow this town to be destroyed because of me. Loki’s target is me. Let me speak with him. If I can persuade him, then all is well. If not, the Destroyer will depart once it has taken my life. Either way, the town will be saved."