I don't know whether it was because I'd already gotten used to it after drinking the Hulk serum last time, or because my body had completely changed.
This time, I drank the so-called Intermediate Super Serum.
There was no obvious pain.
My whole body felt a little sore for a few minutes—that was all. Compared to last time, it was like being bitten by a mosquito.
Afterward, I could clearly feel that my body had become tougher. My resistance to impacts had definitely improved a lot.
However, changes in strength and speed weren't very noticeable. I could sense some improvement, but it definitely wasn't more than ten percent.
Instead, I felt an indescribable change deep inside my body.
But since it was called a divine body, it had to have some unique characteristics. I hoped that one day I'd get the chance to go to Asgard.
Maybe this sacred body would bring some unexpected benefits.
Otherwise, if it was just an Asgardian body with unawakened divine power, it might be better to continue down the Hulk route instead.
Of course, that was assuming lifespan extension wasn't taken into account.
All in all, I had neither the status of a god nor divine power.
Unlike Thor, who could summon lightning with his bare hands the moment he woke up.
As for the third-floor mall, it could only be unlocked once total points exceeded 10,000—a very long way off.
But there was good news as well: after the next mall upgrade, some items would become available that the host could purchase and give to others.
At present, all products only worked when used by Qin Xiao himself.
That finally put Qin Xiao's worries to rest.
Even if he really did find a few women in this world, lifespan would still be an issue. He couldn't live for thousands of years while everyone around him aged and died one by one, leaving him alone in the end.
Idiot—what kind of life would that be? What, are you gay? Would having a goddess fiancée help?
At last, the unbearably dull opening ceremony of the Stark Expo was over.
Qin Xiao was just wondering whether he should find some big, dumb guy to torment. Naughty children needed a little suffering to grow up faster.
Who would've thought Thor would suddenly call him?
"Qin, I need your help. I want to find a job."
Hearing that, Qin Xiao was confused. He couldn't understand why Thor was suddenly so determined to work.
"All right, a job is fine—but tell me your reason first."
Qin Xiao chose his words carefully and asked in a tone befitting an elder.
"I can't regain Mjolnir's recognition for now," Thor said."I can only follow Jane around every day. But I'm a man—I can't rely on her forever. You understand what I mean, right?"
Thor sounded a little embarrassed.
Did you eat too much and annoy people?
Qin Xiao joked with a grin.
"No, Jane treats me very well. I do eat a lot. What I mean is—Jane never asks anything of me, but I have to learn to support myself. Didn't you say you wanted to become a true Thor? Don't you first have to learn how to be an ordinary person?"
"I'm learning how to live like a normal person—working, earning money, treating my girlfriend to meals, giving her small gifts… You know what I mean, right? Qin, you'll help me, won't you?"
Good kid.
He spoke at length, full of reasoning—but the real point was in the last part: treating his girlfriend and buying her gifts.
Besides, the heir to the Asgardian throne should always retain some self-respect.
In fact, letting him work and experience ordinary life wasn't a bad idea. That way, when he eventually faced Odin again, he'd have more confidence.
But if Thor was really allowed to work freely—and Loki still sent the Destroyer—innocent people would inevitably get hurt.
Qin Xiao wasn't a saint, but he wasn't willing to sacrifice innocent lives either.
After weighing everything carefully, he decided it would be better to go personally.
In New Mexico, Black Widow had been assigned another mission by Nick Fury.
Coulson was leading a group of scientists in a frantic study of the hammer embedded in the ground.
They were also benefiting from Jane and her team's research data.
It was almost certain now—the so-called Asgard and the Nine Realms truly existed.
They were located somewhere in the universe, connected through subtle spatial links.
Jane's research wasn't baseless science fiction.
This wasn't just Norse mythology anymore.
It reminded Coulson of his bet with Qin Xiao about his hair, making him hesitate a little in his words.
Qin Xiao didn't mind—it had just been a joke. He was here to take this fool out and let him see the world.
But he still needed Coulson's help. Otherwise, the fake IDs Jane and the others had spent hundreds of dollars on wouldn't fool even a state trooper.
Originally, S.H.I.E.L.D. had planned to restrict Thor and Jane's movements in the town.
But considering the research results—if everything was true—Thor was like a ticking time bomb.
No one knew when he might cause trouble.
With Qin Xiao around, Coulson felt much safer.
Even though Qin Xiao was often synonymous with trouble, his strength was undeniable.
"Can you tell me now what happened with Blick 177A?"
After discussing Thor, Coulson returned to the topic of the suddenly appearing business card.
After all, spatial teleportation technology was terrifying. Whether for assassination or intelligence theft, S.H.I.E.L.D. wanted to control—or at least understand—it.
Qin Xiao knew exactly what Coulson was thinking.
"I advise you not to get involved with them," he said calmly."They're an organization on Earth whose combat power rivals Odin, the All-Father. This time, they acted mainly because of some stupid incident. In fact, their leader is an old friend of Odin's."
Qin Xiao's vague answer made Coulson uneasy, and he said anxiously,
"That was spatial teleportation. Do you know what that means?"
"I do. I know you're worried about Earth's safety," Qin Xiao replied."But trust me, friend—they've been protecting the world far longer than you have. The last time they elected a leader, the light bulb hadn't even been invented yet. Not for another thousand years."
Qin Xiao patted Coulson's stunned shoulder, letting him process it slowly, then walked straight over to Thor and the others.
"These are your Earth documents—passport, bank card. I've deposited one hundred thousand dollars for you. That should cover your living expenses here."
He handed Thor a kraft paper envelope.
"One hundred thousand dollars?" Thor exclaimed."Why give me money? Just get me a job!"
Clearly, Thor's time with Jane hadn't been wasted. He'd developed a basic understanding of money—and common sense.
"Your father's old friend on Earth asked me to look after you," Qin Xiao said."So you don't need to find work. After all, you're still a prince. Follow me—experience the joys and sorrows of ordinary people."
"And if you insist on working," he added,"then be my personal bodyguard. This is your first month's salary."