Chapter Twenty-Six: Thor, the God of Thunder

In a small town in New Mexico called Enchanting Wonderland, three days ago, someone witnessed a tremendous storm followed by a meteor crashing onto the nearby sand dunes. Curious, he went to investigate and discovered a massive circular crater with a hammer standing upright at its center. He tried to pull the hammer out with all his might but found it utterly immovable.

Word quickly spread, drawing crowds from far and wide, each eager to try their luck at lifting the hammer from the ground. Yet the hammer seemed rooted, not budging for anyone, even when someone tied it with a rope and tried to tow it with a car—it was as steadfast as ever.

Someone suggested digging out the soil beneath the hammer to see if that would help, but all they managed was to clear the earth around it. The soil directly underneath the hammer seemed compressed into a hardness resembling steel, impossible to excavate.

Arthur sat in Coulson’s car, gulping mineral water and complaining, “I hate these dry, scorching places. I can feel the energy in my body slowly draining away…”

Coulson glanced at the pile of empty bottles at Arthur’s feet. “Don’t worry, there may be no lakes here, but it rains often enough. It shouldn’t affect your abilities, right?”

“It’s not that bad. I’m just not used to it. I’ve lived by the seaside all my life,” Arthur replied.

“That’s good to hear,” Coulson said, focusing on driving.

At last, the two arrived at the location of the hammer, which had already been cordoned off by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents. Everyone entering wore protective suits, as Coulson was concerned the hammer might emit some kind of energy radiation.

Inside the isolation zone, Arthur caught sight of the legendary Mjolnir: a silver, square-headed hammer with a handle wrapped in brown leather, adorned with simple engravings.

A staff member reported to Coulson, “The hammer’s energy is stable. No signs of radiation.”

“Good, keep me updated,” Coulson replied.

Arthur walked up to the hammer, gripped its handle with both hands, and exerted all his strength to lift it. “Ah…” Despite his immense effort, his feet sank into the soil, but the hammer remained unmoved.

Arthur gave up, concluding that the hammer would never accept him. It only recognized Thor and Captain America. He considered himself a good person too, often defeating villains and rescuing people from danger, but the hammer’s judgment puzzled him.

“I wonder where this hammer came from. According to our scans, it’s made of material not found on Earth—must be from outer space. It holds vast energy, but fortunately, it’s stable for now,” Coulson explained.

“I know what it is!” Arthur said.

“You do?” Coulson looked at him.

“Yes. You could say it’s one of my abilities: I know some things about the future.” Arthur had to fabricate a lie.

“Oh, you have precognitive abilities? Tell me about the hammer’s origin, then.”

“It’s the legendary weapon of Thor, the prince of Asgard, forged from the core of a neutron star. Only Thor can wield it. And Asgardian gods really exist—you can think of them as aliens,” Arthur said.

“Is that true? I have to report this to the Director. This is vital intelligence.” Coulson hurried off to call Fury.

Arthur stood atop a small hill, glancing at the distant town called Enchanting Wonderland, and scoffed. How could such a shabby place be called Enchanting Wonderland? Thor should already be in town by now.

Coulson approached, accompanied by a blond man carrying a bow. “This is Clinton Francis Barton, our ace agent, codenamed Hawkeye. And this is the Arthur I mentioned earlier. You two should get acquainted.”

“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Barton,” Hawkeye said, extending his hand.

“Glad to meet you. I’ve heard much about you. Just call me Arthur,” Arthur replied, shaking Barton’s hand.

Coulson briefed Barton on Arthur’s ability to know the future and shared information about Asgard.

“You really can predict the future? Then what do you see for me?” Hawkeye asked, skeptical.

“You have a loving wife, a daughter, and two sons, living in a place no one can find,” Arthur said.

Hawkeye gave Coulson a look. “I only have a little girl and a son. How do you know that?”

“Then congratulations, soon you’ll have another son,” Arthur replied.

“I’ll take your word for it,” Barton said, starting to believe Arthur’s foresight.

Coulson turned to Arthur. “What else do you know about Asgard?”

“All I know is that Thor angered King Odin, who stripped him of all his divine powers and banished him to Earth—right in that town,” Arthur said, pointing to Enchanting Wonderland.

…

Thor was deeply regretful. To prove his prowess, he had secretly led his friends to the realm of the Frost Giants—Jotunheim—and fought a battle against them.

When his father, Odin, learned of this, he brought Thor back to Asgard and scolded him. Thor, overcome with emotion, retorted and even called his father a fool, which led Odin to strip him of his powers and exile him to Midgard—Earth.

Thor vented his frustration by devouring the food piled high on the table.

Watching the man who had already eaten a whole box of jam pastries and kept eating, the three people beside him were dumbfounded. Was he even human?

These three were the astronomer Jane Foster, her friend Darcy Lewis, and astrophysics doctor Erik Selvig. They were the ones who had saved Thor during the storm.

As Thor ate, he heard the fat man nearby mention the satellite crash (S.H.I.E.L.D.'s official story was that a government satellite had fallen). Thor could not sit still; he had to retrieve his hammer.

He rose and left the restaurant, heading in the direction the fat man had mentioned. The three scientists chased after him.

…

Jane asked Thor, “Where are you going?”

“I need to get back what’s mine!”

“You mean the thing from the crash is yours? You want to retrieve the satellite the government has quarantined?” Jane asked.

“Yes. If you take me there, I’ll tell you everything you want to know!” Thor replied.

Jane discussed it with the others, wanting to help him, but Erik and Darcy disagreed, thinking Thor was crazy.

Thor set off alone. Just then, Jane noticed their home surrounded by several cars. Many men in suits were rummaging through their house, and the trio rushed over.

Watching the agents load their work materials and equipment into cars, Jane demanded loudly, “What are you doing?”

“I’m Agent Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D. We require your research materials,” Coulson explained.

“This is theft! These are the results of my life’s work! These devices are vital to me. I’ll sue you for infringing on my rights!” Jane protested loudly.

“Let me explain,” Arthur stepped forward and stopped Coulson.

“I’m Arthur. We need to use your research materials. Of course, we’re only borrowing them; we’ll compensate you,” Arthur said.

“You can’t take my things. I don’t agree!” Jane insisted, while Erik tugged at her sleeve, not wanting to oppose the authorities.

“You’re Dr. Erik Selvig, aren’t you? I’ve heard much about you. Not only do we need your materials, we also need your help—all three of you.”

“You want to take us, too?!” Jane shrieked.

“Not take you away, but enlist your help. You know a man named Thor, right? I want to meet him. Your belongings will be returned afterward, and here is your compensation,” Arthur said, signaling Coulson, who reluctantly handed over a check. Arthur gave the check to Erik.

After a brief discussion, Erik said, “Alright, we’ll take you to him!”