When Dragon Balls Descend Upon Marvel

Elsewhere, Ivan Vanko sat within his company headquarters, skimming through the news of the Dragon Balls' reappearance. The corner of his mouth lifted in a faint smirk before he dismissed it entirely. His father, Anton Vanko, had already undergone treatment in the Assassins League's medical pod—every illness erased, his body restored to that of a man in his prime, and his lifespan extended considerably.

With his father's health secured, Ivan had no real use for the Dragon Balls. His sole ambition now was to surpass Tony Stark by unlocking the secret of the new element.

Smith Dole had already informed him that the element existed, recorded long ago by Howard Stark, though never extracted due to technological limits. Tony hadn't discovered it himself—he had simply inherited the research. If Ivan could succeed where both Starks had failed, he would prove his superiority once and for all. And if he could not, Smith had made it clear: the League would provide the formula, though that would forever mean conceding to the Starks.

Driven by this rivalry, father and son threw themselves wholly into their laboratory work. The whips of Whiplash were rarely seen now, save for when Ivan needed to clear his mind with a brief bout of vigilantism. The Dragon Ball Tournament no longer held his interest.

······

Meanwhile—

Darcy Lewis barged into Jane Foster's office, her face lit with excitement.

"Jane, the Dragon Balls are back!"

Jane blinked, confused.

"How do you know that?"

Darcy tapped her temple.

"The information appeared right here. They've revived, and there's going to be another tournament."

Jane sighed, shaking her head.

"Darcy, those things aren't for us. Do you really think you'll stumble across a Dragon Ball again by sheer luck?"

Darcy laughed at herself.

"Not likely. They're selling for thirty million dollars now. And buyers are saying the price is negotiable."

Jane's jaw dropped. Thirty million could fund years of research equipment. Before she could respond, a sudden gust of wind swirled through the room.

Thor stood before them, one hand gripping Mjolnir, the other holding a glowing orange orb.

"Thor!" Jane cried, rushing into his arms, kissing him deeply. Darcy's eyes, however, were fixed on the Dragon Ball in his hand.

When they parted, Jane struck his chest with her fist, her voice trembling.

"I thought you'd never come back. It's been more than half a year—I heard nothing from you."

Thor held her gently.

"After defeating my brother, I was forced to destroy the Bifrost. Without it, I could not return. Only now has my father sent me back."

Darcy finally spoke, her gaze never leaving the orb.

"That's the three-star Dragon Ball, isn't it?"

Jane turned to look. Thor nodded.

"Yes. I have been commanded to gather the Dragon Balls, to fulfill a wish."

Jane gasped.

"You're a god already. What could you possibly need from them?"

Thor's expression softened.

"I will enter the tournament. I will wish for my brother Loki's resurrection. He fell into the abyss during our last battle."

Jane and Darcy exchanged uneasy glances. The last time they had seen Loki, he had tried to kill Thor. But Jane saw the pain in Thor's eyes and could not argue.

"I already have one Dragon Ball," Thor said warmly. "Now I only need to wait for the host's summons. Until then, Jane, I will remain by your side."

Jane smiled brightly, thrilled at the thought. Darcy, however, groaned inwardly. With Thor here, she was officially the third wheel—and yet, curiosity gnawed at her. She wanted to know who these mysterious hosts of the Dragon Ball Tournament really were.

······

Elsewhere—

Smith Dole leaned back in his office chair, his consciousness extending outward. He traced the trails of the Dragon Balls, watching as visions flashed before his mind's eye.

One image froze him in surprise.

Kamar-Taj.

On a golden mat lay the four-star Dragon Ball. Standing over it was none other than the Ancient One.

Smith narrowed his eyes. He had expected Stark, Wenwu, even Thor. But the Ancient One? That was beyond prediction.

The Sorcerer Supreme gazed calmly at the orb, already aware of its secrets. She had no wish to summon Shenron, no desire to compete. She had lived long enough, guarded Earth longer than most could comprehend. What she sought now was rest.

Still, she knew the Dragon Ball Tournament was inevitable. And so, she made her decision.

She would entrust this opportunity to Baron Mordo, hoping the struggle would broaden his view of the world. Perhaps it would teach him that even without the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, he could still dedicate his life to Earth's defense.

Smith Dole exhaled slowly, his surprise giving way to curiosity. The board was set: Thor, Wenwu, Stark… and now, the Ancient One's disciples. This tournament would be more dangerous than he imagined.

······

(End of Chapter)

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