Chapter 148: The Conversation Between Tony and Thor

Tony had also gathered some information: there had been a medical disturbance at a hospital in New Mexico. A patient, who called himself Thor and seemed almost mad, had fled the hospital. Most people would dismiss this man as either insane or a deeply troubled individual role-playing as a character. However, Tony held the real Mjolnir, the hammer of Thor, and, having received precise information from Harvey, he was certain that this man claiming to be Thor was indeed the genuine article.

"J.A.R.V.I.S., pull up the surveillance footage around that hospital in New Mexico. I want to see exactly where Thor has gone," Tony instructed.

"And contact the nearest phone or computer—I want to speak with him," he added.

Tony gave J.A.R.V.I.S. direct orders. As long as the hammer remained in his possession, he could not rest easy at home. The agents from S.H.I.E.L.D. dared not storm Stark Manor directly, but Thor was no ordinary man—though not a god in the traditional sense, he was a higher life form from the cosmos, and his power was undeniable. If Thor learned of the situation, he could appear at Tony’s estate at any moment. Thus, Tony was eager to return the troublesome artifact as quickly as possible.

"Understood, sir. I am gathering information now," J.A.R.V.I.S. replied, aware of Tony’s urgency as it scanned various surveillance feeds across New Mexico.

Within about half an hour, J.A.R.V.I.S. pinpointed Thor’s whereabouts, though the man had no phone on him. Consequently, J.A.R.V.I.S. began contacting people nearby.

In New Mexico, Jane had brought Thor to her studio and given him a change of clothes. Suddenly, her phone rang. Before she could check the number or decide whether to answer, the call connected. On the screen appeared a figure clad in a red and gold iron suit, his face masked by a golden helmet.

"Iron Man, Tony Stark?" Jane said, hardly believing it.

Though she was in New Mexico and not New York, Tony Stark was a renowned figure across America. His moniker, Iron Man, had become world-famous over a year prior. The world knew of a genius scientist who, equipped with his advanced technological armor, had saved many places and defeated countless terrorists. Though Tony had been laying low for the past year or so, anyone who read newspapers, watched the news, or surfed the internet knew the name Iron Man, Tony Stark.

"This is Jane Foster," she identified herself cautiously.

"This is Jane Foster. I’m looking for the Thor who’s near you," Tony said politely after realizing she recognized him. "Please put Thor on the line."

"Jane, are you saying this is really Iron Man, Tony Stark, speaking to you now?" Daisy, standing nearby, asked incredulously.

Jane paid no mind to Daisy’s remark; Tony Stark’s voice buzzed in her mind. She had doubted whether this Thor was the real Asgardian god, but someone as busy and important as Tony Stark wouldn’t casually ask to speak to Thor unless that man truly was the genuine Thor.

As Jane watched Thor emerge from the changed clothes, her mind connected the dots.

"Thor, someone’s calling for you," Jane said, holding out the phone.

"Who is this?" Thor asked after taking the phone. Seeing the armored figure on the screen, he was momentarily stunned.

"Thor, the god of thunder, I’ve heard much about you," Tony began. "I’m Iron Man, Tony Stark."

"I know you’ve arrived on Earth, and I know you’re probably looking for your hammer," Tony said, sizing up the striking, muscular man before him. He introduced himself with a hint of flattery before getting straight to the point.

"Do you know where my hammer is?" Thor’s body tensed slightly, urgency in his voice. If he could retrieve Mjolnir, he could return to Asgard and see his father.

"Of course. Your hammer is currently in my possession," Tony said. "If you want it back, come to this address." He sent the location without hesitation, seeing Thor’s anxious expression.

"Are there any conditions?" Thor asked, eyes narrowing. Though eager to reclaim his hammer, he knew that such things usually came with a price.

"Conditions? None," Tony replied with a smile. "Just come and take what’s yours. I’m done babysitting it."

Tony was momentarily surprised at Thor’s question but quickly discerned the man’s character. Someone willing to pay a price for what they wanted wasn’t foolish—not like Steve.

"Can I see my hammer?" Thor asked cautiously. Despite the mask, he felt the need for reassurance.

"You can just take a photo and send it over," Tony suggested.

Anticipating Thor’s skepticism, Tony had already arranged for the hammer to be displayed prominently on a table, well cared for.

"Is that your hammer?" Tony asked.

Thor examined the image carefully and nodded. "Yes, I’ll be there soon."

"Good. I’ll be waiting," Tony said, then ended the call.

"Are you really the god Thor?" Daisy asked, astonished after hearing everything.

"Of course. Who else would dare use this name?" Thor replied proudly, lifting his chin.

"So, are we saying goodbye?" Jane asked, having confirmed Thor’s identity and knowing his departure was imminent.

"… Not just yet. I need your help," Thor said hesitantly.

"What? You’re a god—can’t you just fly back?" Daisy, who had believed Thor moments ago, now looked doubtful again.

"Something happened—my powers have vanished temporarily," Thor explained. "Even if I had my power, I’m unfamiliar with this place."

"So I need you to take me to the location Tony Stark mentioned," Thor requested.

"Will you help me? I promise to repay you when this is done," he added, facing their skeptical gazes with some embarrassment.

"No need for repayment, but I’d like to learn about you and your world," Jane said, setting a condition. "Would you be willing to talk with us along the way?"

"Of course," Thor replied, a smile breaking across his face.