Once again, Thor felt the deep malice of Mr. System.
Not to mention this so-called "dimensional reduction strike," the bottom line in Thor's heart would never allow him to do such a thing.
Moreover, even if he obtained the Soul Stone at this time, there was a high probability Odin would confiscate it. Without enough strength, holding an Infinity Stone was a sin in itself. Even Thanos only made quick, decisive moves when he was about to launch his plan.
As for Kamar-Taj—well, even without an invitation from the Ancient One, Thor knew that with his status he wouldn't be turned away if he shamelessly showed up at the door.
After figuring this out, Thor suddenly pulled out his phone and snapped a few pictures with a loud "click click." A Lolita-style Black Widow would never appear again in the future.
Speaking of which, it was now 1995. Seeing Natasha, Thor finally confirmed that he was indeed in Earth-199999, the cinematic universe he was most familiar with. In this timeline, Natasha Romanoff was born in 1984—only twelve years old this year.
"Hey, uncle, is this hammer yours?" Natasha asked cautiously, staring at the weapon in Thor's hand. She didn't seem hostile, but she was still habitually on guard.
"Have you heard of Norse Mythology? This is the legendary Mjolnir. Anyone worthy enough to lift it will gain the power of Thor. Since you were able to gain Mjolnir's approval, I can give you an opportunity to change your fate. I can take you away from here, to a place your organization can't touch you, and let you do what you truly believe is right."
Outside the atmosphere, a fierce battle was coming to an end. Ronan, who always preached "fight with grandeur, retreat without cowardice," turned back to look at his adjutant after watching Carol Danvers destroy dozens of fighter jets and two warships.
How could his subordinate even suggest something as shameful as retreat?
But unfortunately, this adjutant lacked any tact. Ronan had no choice but to grit his teeth and give the order himself: "All ships, return to the jump point. The weapons will be ours sooner or later." He silently decided that when they returned, he'd find a reason to dispose of this ignorant fool.
On Earth, Yon-Rogg stared blankly at Carol's return. He clenched his weapon tightly as the two of them slowly closed the distance, the decisive battle imminent.
Suddenly, Yon-Rogg holstered his weapon, his face shifting instantly as he said:
"I'm proud of you. After I found you by the lake, you've truly grown."
"But can you really control your emotions and fight me? Or are you still just as reckless as before?"
"I've always told you—one day, you would defeat me with your own strength alone. And today is that day, this is that moment! Now, set aside your flashy powers and prove to me that you can—"
Boom! —the impatient Carol blasted him away with one punch.
"I don't have to prove anything to you. Besides, this is my strength."
"Hahaha—" Thor, who had just arrived, couldn't help but laugh at the scene. He had to admit, Yon-Rogg was talented at stirring emotions with words—but unfortunately for him, he was up against Captain Marvel, whose EQ was practically zero.
Leaping off the fighter, Thor called out cheerfully: "After this is all done, put away your powers and spar with me instead?"
When Carol had been tearing through Kree forces in space just moments ago, the System chimed again—
"Congratulations, host! You've triggered the Captain Marvel-related mission: 'The Clash of the Strongest.' As one of the mightiest Avengers, you are destined to face Captain Marvel. Defeat her and prove you are the strongest!
Note: This mission has no branching choices—it can only be accepted or declined.
Mission Objective: Defeat Captain Marvel.
Mission Reward: A Random Ability of Captain Marvel."
At this stage, without Stormbreaker, accepting the challenge would be asking for a beating. Thor decided it was wiser to play it safe.
Carol nodded slightly. Truth be told, she didn't know the full extent of Thor's newly enhanced strength. But judging from what she'd seen earlier, he seemed much stronger than her. If the two of them agreed to a sparring match with no energy blasts or godly tricks, perhaps she might even have the upper hand.
Hmm. This was probably the difference between a warrior and a mage, right?
Dragging Yon-Rogg's limp body, she stuffed him into his spaceship. The two heavyweights standing nearby made any struggle pointless. Desperate, Yon-Rogg pleaded:
"No—I can't return empty-handed like this!"
Carol's face remained indifferent:
"Bring a message to the Supreme Intelligence for me—tell it I will end all of this."
A cannon ignited, engines roared, and the spaceship shuddered before lurching skyward.