I am Thor

Thor was taken aback by Odin's change of heart.

In the original timeline, Odin had fiercely opposed Thor's relationship with Jane Foster, trying to obstruct it in every way. Sensing Thor's surprise, Odin gave a gentle smile and said, "The lifespan of mortals can never compare with that of Asgardians. Even the simplest of our people live for thousands of years, while a human's lifespan barely reaches a century. Asgardians have rarely, if ever, found true harmony with mortals—it always ends in decades of joy followed by centuries of loneliness. I never wanted that for the future King of Asgard."

Odin paused, looking contemplative. "But now, it seems you've found a way to overcome that limit. The shackles of her lifespan have been removed, haven't they?"

Thor nodded slowly.

"The most important reason, however, is that Ragnarök is close. When it arrives, Asgard itself may face its greatest test, and having another Thor—a new Thor—would be an immeasurable help."

Surprised, Thor immediately retorted, "No, Father, Ragnarök won't happen!"

Odin shook his head. "The future is fluid, yes. You've already changed much with your actions. But remember, Ragnarök was foreseen thousands of years ago, and that kind of prophecy is rarely broken."

Thor murmured, "Does that mean it's even harder to change?"

"Your mother has foreseen it countless times. While the details may shift, in every vision, Surtr rises again, reborn in fire. It may happen differently, but that moment will come."

Thor's face grew grim. Odin's words made it clear that, even though he hadn't triggered Ragnarök by confronting Hela, Asgard still might face its destruction through another path.

Meanwhile, on Earth, several political and military leaders sat around a long table in a heated discussion.

"This is a clear provocation! An absolute mockery of the law!" shouted a white-bearded councilman. "I propose we arrest everyone in Trudheim Manor immediately!"

"Ahem." Nick Fury cleared his throat. As Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., he was invited to this meeting. "First, there's no evidence linking Trudheim Manor to any of these actions. At present, it's all just speculation. You also need to think carefully about the consequences of that action. There's more than one Asgardian at Trudheim. Even if Thor isn't on Earth, our conventional forces aren't likely to pose much of a threat to them. Unless…"

Fury gave a dry smile. "We plan to drop another nuclear bomb on New York."

A stunned silence filled the room.

"We still have Captain America!" another councilman protested.

"Captain America, sure. He'll help out, but not in the way you might be hoping."

"What about the Hulk?" another asked.

"I'd love to see how your 'friendly conversation' with him turns out."

"Well, we still have Iron Man!"

Nick Fury's smirk widened. "Last I heard, Stark's lying in a hospital bed."

In a hospital room, Happy Hogan and Pepper Potts leaned over Tony Stark, who was lying in bed, still recovering.

"How are you feeling, Mr. Stark?" Happy asked, concern etched into his face.

"Fantastic," Tony replied with a smirk. "I feel lighter than ever. I'll finally get a good night's sleep without that reactor weighing on me."

"Any regrets?" Pepper asked.

"None at all," Tony said firmly. "Reactor or no reactor, armor or no armor—I'm still Iron Man."

"Excuse me, it's time for the doctor's rounds," came a dry, emotionless voice.

Stark groaned as Dr. Stephen Strange strode into the room, clipboard in hand, his expression no less severe than usual.

"As a billionaire, philanthropist, and superhero, you're a big deal out there. But in here, Mr. Stark, you're just my patient. So when I tell you to rest and listen to me, I mean it."

Stark scowled, but kept his silence, acutely aware that his life was in Strange's hands for now. He had little choice but to humor him, even though Strange had imposed a strict, two-week bed rest with Pepper backing him up. Stark glanced at Happy.

"So, how's the media circus outside? How are we being received?"

Happy, usually cheerful, hesitated before answering. "Most people are grateful to you all. They see you as the heroes who saved the world. But some believe the Avengers should be held responsible for the destruction in New York. At least partially."

Tony sighed. "Well, try to help out the citizens who suffered losses. It wasn't their fault, after all."

Pepper leaned over and said gently, "Actually, Tony, none of the Avengers are obligated to compensate for damages caused by the battle. If anything, the government would handle the reparations."

Tony shook his head with a sad smile. "I know, Pepper. But I think of it as charity… Stark Industries can cover it."

Ever since his experience in Afghanistan, Tony's empathy for war victims had only grown stronger.

Back in Trudheim Manor, Thor, who had just returned to Earth, listened to Tony's decision with a sigh.

"What's wrong?" Peggy Carter asked, noticing his serious expression. "Isn't it a good thing to take responsibility?"

"Yes, he did a good thing. Stark knows he isn't obligated to pay, yet he's stepping up anyway. But there's a deeper problem. His decision will set a dangerous precedent," Thor replied thoughtfully.

"If the Avengers start compensating for every bit of collateral damage, people will begin to see it as our obligation. And if Stark Industries can't keep up, who will? The public will start expecting us to foot the bill for every future alien invasion."

Peggy's eyes widened as she realized the implications. "But isn't it good to help people who've suffered?"

Thor nodded. "Certainly. But there's a balance. Stark only needed to support those most vulnerable, those without resources or access to government aid. Instead, he's opened the door to expectations that could become unreasonable."

Thor's expression darkened. "Human nature is… complicated. You give them a helping hand, and it's kindness. But if you give them too much, they'll start seeing it as your duty. And the next time, they won't be grateful—they'll demand even more."

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