Chapter 175: Chapter 175: Explosion
"Beep—"
The sharp chime of the doorbell echoed through the estate, interrupting the tranquil evening. Thor, lounging in casual attire, walked over and pulled the door open.
Standing there was a woman draped in an oversized coat, her face partially concealed by large sunglasses. She looked as though she were headed to a masquerade ball, her attire comically out of place.
Thor raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Miss Agent," he said, amusement lacing his voice, "are you auditioning for a costume party? Or are you testing the limits of Asgardian humor?"
Sharon Carter, visibly annoyed, pulled off her sunglasses and shot him a glare. "I would've liked to come in without making a spectacle, but your manor is surrounded by prying eyes. The crowd out there could rival a press conference!"
She stepped inside and shrugged off her bulky coat, revealing her usual sharp and professional demeanor. The tension in her expression, however, was unmistakable.
"My aunt's place is under constant surveillance," Sharon said in a low, serious tone. "She can't leave, and her phone's being monitored. I had to come in person to warn you. Thor, you need to be cautious—now more than ever."
Thor wasn't surprised. He had anticipated this ever since General Ross had handed him that suspiciously worded bill earlier in the day. Embedded within it had been a cleverly hidden monitoring device, a futile attempt to keep tabs on him. His open disdain for their bureaucratic games had likely set many politicians on edge.
With an air of indifference, Thor leaned back against the doorframe and let out a derisive chuckle. "Tell me, Sharon, how do you think the council views my estate now? A radioactive wasteland like Chernobyl? Or perhaps something more apocalyptic, like Raccoon City?"
Sharon couldn't suppress a laugh at his jest, though the underlying truth behind his words made her uneasy. "I'd go with Raccoon City. At least that's what the chatter suggests. Some have even floated the idea of nuking this place."
Thor's demeanor darkened, his piercing gaze hardening like steel. "Let them try," he said coldly. "But tell them this—before their precious bomb falls, I'll deliver it personally to Wall Street."
Sharon studied his expression, sensing his unwavering resolve. She exhaled slowly, the tension in her shoulders easing. "You seem prepared. That's a relief."
Before turning to leave, she added, "By the way, my aunt wanted me to remind you of something. She said: Give in when it's prudent to do so, but never when it's not. Even if the world insists you're wrong, even if the entire planet screams at you to yield, stand firm like a tree in the storm, unshakable and true."
Thor's expression softened briefly, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you," he said quietly. "Is it not considered a dereliction of duty for her to say such a thing?"
Sharon laughed lightly, her tone turning mischievous. "She's retired, remember? So, technically, she's off the hook."
Her voice dropped, tinged with regret. "If anyone's guilty of dereliction, it's probably me…"
Thor straightened up, his voice firm. "Losing a thankless job isn't the end of the world. Come to Asgard; I'll find you something better."
Sharon rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "You make it sound so appealing, working under you. What a nightmare that would be!"
Three days later...
The grand conference hall in Vienna buzzed with activity as world leaders and their entourages gathered for a pivotal discussion. Amid the dignitaries, Steve Rogers and Tony Stark made their way inside, both impeccably dressed in tailored suits.
As they entered, a young man in formal Wakandan attire approached them. His bearing was regal, his movements purposeful. It was T'Challa, the Prince of Wakanda.
"It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Stark," T'Challa said warmly, extending his hand. "Dr. Banner has spoken highly of both of you."
Steve returned the handshake with a firm grip. "The honor is ours, Your Highness. Please accept my condolences for what happened in Nigeria."
T'Challa inclined his head slightly. "Thank you. Truth be told, I find this gathering… uncomfortable."
Tony, ever the pragmatist, cut to the chase. "Let me guess—you're not a fan of the Sokovia Accords?"
The Wakandan prince hesitated before responding, his tone measured. "Personally, I find certain aspects of the agreement flawed. But politically, Wakanda supports it. I trust you understand the nuance."
Steve frowned, his conviction unwavering. "If the agreement remains as it is, I can't support it. I'll do everything I can to persuade the other nations to reconsider."
T'Challa's expression was thoughtful, his words carrying a hint of warning. "I wish you success. But be cautious—many of these nations have their own agendas. Their intentions may not be as simple as they appear."
On the podium, King T'Chaka stood tall, his voice resonating through the hall. "Justice must be pursued within the framework of order," he declared. "Without order, justice risks descending into chaos."
The Wakandan monarch paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "The Avengers have done extraordinary work safeguarding the world. But unchecked authority is a dangerous precedent. We cannot ignore the collateral damage left in the wake of their battles."
He gestured emphatically. "Therefore, on behalf of Wakanda, I advocate for the adoption of the Sokovia Accords!"
Thunderous applause filled the room, the weight of his speech undeniable. Yet, as T'Chaka stepped back, he turned to the Avengers' table with a magnanimous smile.
"But no legislation is perfect. To that end, I invite Mr. Rogers to the dais to share his perspective. Wakanda values open dialogue, and we wish to hear dissenting voices."
Steve stood, shaking hands with T'Chaka before addressing the assembly. As he began to speak, T'Challa wandered toward the window, glancing idly at the scene below.
Outside, security personnel inspected a vehicle parked nearby. One of the guards suddenly shouted, his voice filled with alarm. T'Challa's instincts kicked in immediately.
"Danger!" he bellowed, racing into the hall. "Get down—everyone, take cover!"
The explosion came a split second later, a deafening roar that shattered the windows and unleashed a powerful shockwave. Glass rained down like deadly shards, and chaos erupted in the hall.
T'Challa sprinted toward the smoke and rubble, his heart pounding as he searched desperately. When the dust cleared, his eyes widened in horror. His father lay motionless on the ground, a pool of blood spreading beneath him...
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