Marvel : Super Soldier at the Start

Chapter 183: Missing



"I don't understand. How can such a small planet like Earth have so many countries and such complex politics? You humans are really complicated. Even the other eight realms combined don't have as much going on as you do!" 

The news was broadcasting recent events in Japan, discussing their impact on Japanese politics, economy, and international relations. 

Thor was getting a headache just watching. Back in Asgard, politics in the other realms were simple: wars, defeating rebels, and peace. It was just that straightforward. 

In comparison, Earth's complexity made his head spin. 

In fact, not just the Nine Realms governed by Asgard, but even across the universe, Earth's political structure and the intricacy of relationships between its many nations were among the most complicated in existence. 

"Maybe that's one of the reasons Odin sent you to Earth: to learn about its societal structure and the intelligence of humans—especially geniuses like me!" 

Tony casually poured himself a drink, thinking how backward Asgard's society was. Sure, their magical energy was impressive, but a place claiming to be the realm of gods didn't even have refrigerators or telephones. It fell far short of Tony's standards for an advanced civilization. 

"My father sent me to Earth to help your people and to learn how to live as an ordinary person," Thor retorted, snatching Tony's drink and downing it in one gulp to make a point. 

"Oh? Learning to live as an ordinary person? Then maybe you should figure out how to use adult websites on your own instead of having JARVIS help you every time!" 

Tony smirked as he spoke. 

"Damn it, JARVIS! You promised not to tell anyone!" 

Thor's face turned red as he crushed the bottle in his hand. 

"I assure you, Thor, I have not disclosed your nightly habit of browsing adult websites to anyone," JARVIS's voice chimed in, sending the group into fits of laughter. 

"Thor, don't you know Tony has access to JARVIS's entire database?" Blake said, grinning as he patted Thor's shoulder. 

"But seriously, Jane's only been in Europe for a little over a week, and you're already this desperate?" Blake teased. Inwardly, he considered whether he should let the Hulk out to spar with Thor to help him burn off some of that excess energy. 

Thor muttered a few curses under his breath, choosing to ignore Blake's comment. 

But Tony sprang up from the couch. 

"Why didn't I think of this before? Guys, I should start a company in Asgard! KTVs, shopping malls, entertainment centers—they need it all! Those poor Asgardians, they still have to go to tailors just to get decent clothes." 

"The only things they do before bed are drink or huddle under their blankets to make the next generation. Their entertainment options are seriously lacking—they don't even have TVs!" 

"Blake, let's go to Asgard and save them from their backwardness!" 

Thor wanted to argue, perhaps by pointing out that Asgard's level of civilization was far more advanced than Earth's. 

But when he thought about Earth's vast array of entertainment options, he had to admit that technology did bring more comfort and joy to the everyday lives of ordinary people compared to Asgard. 

"My father likely wouldn't agree. Asgard has lived this way for hundreds of thousands of years, long before humans on Earth even knew how to make fire. But if you're serious about it, I can ask for you." 

Whether Tony's idea of starting a company in Asgard would work was a matter for later, but the thought of visiting Asgard, seeing the fabled realm of the gods, and experiencing its medieval European-style civilization intrigued everyone. 

The decision was made on the spot. With Blake in the group, it was easy to act quickly. Not only was he a walking portal, but also a mobile warehouse, carrying vast amounts of supplies, even military-grade weapons and spare equipment. With him around, they could venture beyond the Milky Way without worry. 

Still, out of respect for Odin, they decided Thor should return first to inform him, while the Avengers would follow an hour later. 

Led by Blake, the group—Captain America, Peggy, Falcon, Natasha, Hawkeye, Banner, Tony, Hill, and Blake himself—made their way to Asgard through a portal. They stepped directly onto the Rainbow Bridge near the Bifrost Gate. 

The portal's appearance caused a ripple in space, making Heimdall immediately raise his sword in vigilance. 

When he saw it was Blake stepping through, Heimdall lowered his weapon. He stood at the gate, silently watching as one person after another exited the portal until nearly ten people had arrived. 

Heimdall's lips twitched slightly at the sight of such a large group but said nothing, turning to walk back toward the gate without greeting them. 

Blake, however, wasn't the type to be deterred by Heimdall's solitary nature. He strode up to him, throwing an arm around his shoulders and calling out to the group. 

"Come, come! This is Heimdall, guardian of the Bifrost and the God of Light. His eyes can see every corner of the universe, and his ears can hear sounds from anywhere." 

"Take a look at his golden eyes—no, these aren't fancy contact lenses. This is godly power manifesting in his gaze. Didn't you all read about him in Norse mythology as kids? Bet you never thought you'd see him alive and in person!" 

Heimdall, a quiet and reserved man by nature, was already unhappy about the unexpected intrusion. Blake's overly enthusiastic introduction only made his expression darker. 

He was about to tell Blake to leave when Blake, pretending not to notice Heimdall's growing irritation, cheerfully continued. 

"Anyone want to take a photo with him? It's a rare opportunity! Come on, Heimdall, we've got guests—lighten up and smile for the camera, my friend!" 

Blake knew perfectly well what Heimdall was like. He was deliberately teasing the ever-serious, ever-watchful gatekeeper to get a reaction out of him. 

After finishing his spiel, Blake led the group into the Bifrost Gate to look around. 

Banner, ever the awkward one, pulled out his phone, walked up to Heimdall, and struck a peace-sign pose for a selfie. 

"Get out!" 

Heimdall raised his Guardian Sword, gesturing at Banner's neck with it. 

Banner yelped, shrinking back and hurrying into the Rainbow Bridge's gate. 

After teasing Heimdall, the group toured the Bifrost Gate and took a few photos of the endless seas visible from the bridge. Blake, playing the role of tour guide, pointed out sights and let the group soak in the view. 

Just as they were preparing to head toward the Golden Palace, a figure flew through the air toward them. 

It was Thor, and judging by his grim expression, something serious had happened. 

The group assumed he'd come to greet them, but Thor's first words shattered that assumption. 

"Odin is missing!"

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