Chapter 57 - 57: Stay Out of This, Odin

New Mexico, USA – Desert Region A group of men in black suits suddenly arrived, swiftly setting up camp. Within moments, a portable base was fully deployed. Scientists in white lab coats busied themselves, monitoring various data streams inside. "Oh my god, this is unbelievable." "The density of this hammer surpasses anything I've ever seen." "But with such immense mass, why isn't it sinking into the ground?" "There's a strange energy signature hidden within its metal." "What is this thing?" The researchers stared at the data on their screens, their eyes wide with disbelief. The hammer defied scientific understanding—it simply should not exist. Then, without warning, alarm sirens blared throughout the base. "Alert! Unauthorized intrusion detected! All agents, prepare for engagement!" Flashing red lights illuminated the base as scientists were quickly escorted to safety by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, who immediately assumed combat positions. Outside, the skies darkened. Rain poured heavily as a large, muscular figure moved under the cover of night, stealthily taking out a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent with a single punch before sprinting toward the hammer. "INTRUDER! INTRUDER ALERT!" The sharp warning echoed through the base, but the figure had already reached the hammer's resting place. Eyes blazing with determination, he gripped the handle and pulled with all his might. The hammer remained completely still. "No… NO!" The rain pelted down on the man's face, adding to the sorrow in his expression. This man was none other than Thor, the exiled Prince of Asgard. S.H.I.E.L.D. agents quickly surrounded him, their weapons trained on the defeated god. Agent Phil Coulson stepped forward, his expression unreadable as he looked down at the kneeling Thor. "Alright, let's start with—" Before Coulson could finish his sentence, a flash of golden light erupted in the air. A circular portal, shimmering with golden energy, appeared right in front of him. From within the portal, a humanoid machine, clad in jet-black armor, stepped forward. Its V-shaped visor glowed a menacing crimson. Thunder roared overhead, lightning streaking across the sky, illuminating the imposing figure in an eerie glow. "Well, looks like I have quite the audience." A mechanical voice, cold and synthesized, rang out. Coulson's expression changed instantly. He recognized that voice. A memory surfaced—three years ago, in the Baxter Building. "You… You're Gene Mason!" Coulson's throat went dry. "Ah, Agent Coulson. Glad to see your memory is still as sharp as ever." Gene's voice carried a hint of amusement. "Then you should also know that those guns of yours are utterly useless against me." Searᴄh the nôvel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without sparing the agents a glance, Gene walked past them, heading straight for Thor. The Asgardian prince barely reacted, still staring at the hammer in despair. "A prince of Asgard, reduced to this?" Gene mused, his synthetic voice filled with mockery. "Truly, a tragic sight." Then, he turned to Mjolnir, extending a hand toward the hammer's handle. Thor's head snapped up. "No! You won't be able to lift it! Only one who is worthy—" Gene ignored him, his vast psionic energy surging forward, invading the depths of Mjolnir. Inside, he found the hammer's hidden lightning essence, a remnant of Odin's will. However, in the face of Gene's immense mental power, that will cowered—as if an obedient pet submitting to its master. BOOM! A massive bolt of lightning split the sky, momentarily turning night into day. In the next instant—Gene lifted Mjolnir. Thor's eyes widened in utter disbelief. Above them, the sky churned with gathering storm clouds. A sea of crackling silver lightning surged, coiling around the hammer like a living entity. The sheer power sent static charges through the air, making every hair on the agents' bodies stand on end. Then, from above— "HOW DARE YOU!" A voice, regal and furious, thundered across the heavens. Odin. The All-Father had been watching. And now, his rage erupted. High above, the storm intensified, forming into a colossal serpent of lightning, which then descended toward Gene with terrifying force. A blinding rainbow light shimmered in the sky—the Bifrost was opening. Odin was making his move. Gene's red visor glowed brighter. "I said… STAY OUT OF THIS." His mechanical voice carried a chilling finality. A surge of sapphire-blue energy exploded outward from his body. Intricate, ancient-looking runes surfaced along his black armor, glowing with cosmic power. Every S.H.I.E.L.D. agent present felt an overwhelming pressure weigh down on them. Their instincts screamed at them—this was not a force they could comprehend, let alone fight. "RETREAT! IMMEDIATELY!" Coulson commanded. Meanwhile— The giant silver lightning serpent crashed down upon Gene. At the same time, his own energy manifested—a celestial dragon formed of pure destruction, roaring defiantly as it met Odin's attack head-on. The two forces collided. CRACK! The very fabric of reality shuddered. The seven-colored energy of Odin's attack fractured like shattered glass, dispersing into nothingness. But Gene's attack did not stop. His energy dragon surged forward, piercing through Odin's defenses and shooting straight into the Bifrost portal. Asgard – The Throne Room Seated upon his golden throne, Odin suddenly coughed up blood. His face paled. His fingers trembled. Impossible. His attack had been countered—no, overpowered. What kind of monstrous existence had appeared on Midgard?! His one good eye widened in shock. "…Who… is he?" For the first time in centuries, Odin felt a trace of fear. -------------- T/N: Access Advance Chapters on my P@treon: [email protected]/MPHFics