"I'm sorry."
That was the first thing Thor Odinson said when he stepped into the president's office.
Aiden Cross looked up, surprised by the guilt written plainly across Thor's face.
He hadn't expected the proud God of Thunder to apologize so sincerely.
"What happened?"
"Ten days ago, my task was to escort civilians to safety. But because of my recklessness, many people were put in danger… and some died. They didn't have to."
Thor's voice was heavy.
Since regaining consciousness, those images had replayed in his mind again and again.
For the first time, he truly understood how foolish it had been to start a war between races out of pride.
"The dead are gone. That cannot be undone. All you can do is become better than you were."
Thor clenched his fist, then slowly released it.
"I understand my mistake now. President… can you send me back to Asgard? I want to apologize to my father in person. I want him to know how ignorant and reckless I was."
He did not ask for his power back.
He did not ask to return to Asgard.
He simply wanted to face Odin and admit his fault.
"Of course," Aiden Cross said with a faint smile.
If he remembered correctly, Thor's foolish brother currently held the Mind Stone.
And if Thor did not return to Asgard…
How would Loki ever come to Earth and "deliver" that Infinity Stone?
Another Vice-President-tier summon opportunity.
He could not miss that.
"Really?! Thank you!"
"But I'm not sending you back," Aiden Cross added. "You will go back yourself."
Thor blinked in confusion as Aiden Cross rose and walked out.
"Follow me."
They entered the Hero Association's training chamber and selected the plains terrain.
"President… what are we doing here?"
"Thor, do you understand the true power your father possesses?"
Thor thought for a moment, then shook his head.
"I've challenged him countless times over the centuries. I've never won. I couldn't even resist."
Odin had always crushed him effortlessly.
"Your father wields terrifying power. And as his son, that blood flows in you as well."
"You are the God of Thunder. Lightning that can annihilate everything."
"Odin never truly took your power away. You simply lacked the heart to control it."
Aiden Cross looked at him steadily.
"Now, you are ready."
Thor nodded.
"If I can regain my power… I will not waste it again."
"No need to be nervous," Aiden Cross said calmly. "You're just going to have a little dream."
"A dream?"
"Yes. A pleasant one."
His eyes turned crimson.
Three tomoe spun rapidly—
Then fused into a six-pointed pattern.
Eternal Sharingan.
Borrowed from Raven Blackwell and elevated by Aiden Cross's ability to a higher stage.
Overwhelming ocular power surged forth.
Thor, still mortal and powerless, collapsed instantly into an illusionary world crafted by Aiden Cross.
He fell to the ground, completely trapped in the dream.
Aiden Cross looked down at him quietly.
"It's time to awaken, God of Thunder…"
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