Marvel: My Sign-in System

"Well, it should all be the same."

Thor was unsurprised. There were countless magic systems throughout the universe. In essence, they all focused on different directions, but their nature remained similar. They harnessed energy in one form or another. As for the practitioners, some were called witches, others mystics, or by various other names. The terminology varied, but the core principles were largely alike.

To Thor, Wanda clearly fit into this category.

What truly surprised him was how someone from a seemingly backward civilization could possess such formidable power. It defied his expectations.

"So, is your target also here to find me?" Thor asked, his voice deep and steady.

Wanda stood tall, unflinching. "I came to watch the show, and, incidentally, to meet you—the prince of Asgard."

"There's nothing better than forging new friendships," Thor said with a smile, casting a glance at the silent Blackheart. "You are very straightforward, madam. Thor Odinson. Pleased to meet you."

"Wanda."

"Sergei."

"Pietro."

The two sides formally exchanged names, signaling the beginning of a tentative friendship.

Blackheart, standing off to the side, could only watch with a sense of helplessness.

He knew why. His identity and ulterior motives made it impossible to earn Thor's trust.

After a brief moment of thought, Blackheart finally spoke. "Although I've not yet earned your trust, I still hope to gain your friendship, Thor. I look forward to our next meeting."

"I hope that next time, your intentions are more genuine," Thor replied solemnly.

Blackheart smiled faintly, gave a polite nod to Wanda, and then his form dissolved into a plume of black smoke, dissipating into the air.

His departure caused little disturbance. Thor remained largely unaffected, his thoughts elsewhere. In Thor's mind, he and Blackheart existed in entirely separate worlds. He was never one to withhold friendship, but his respect was reserved for those who earned it. Blackheart, despite his strength, could not.

Blackheart's ambitions and schemes reminded Thor far too much of his brother Loki. Yet, when it came to others, Thor's judgment was clearer. Impulsive and reckless though he often was, he knew where to draw the line.

After losing his divine power, Thor experienced life as a mortal. He met Jane, Dr. Selvig, and Darcy. Spending a day with them, he found himself both confused and fascinated by their kindness and humanity. Jane's intelligence and beauty, Darcy's outspoken charm, and Dr. Selvig's wisdom and experience had an unexpected effect on Thor—they made him reflect on himself and begin to calm the storm within.

Thor's naturally perceptive instincts, now unclouded by arrogance, gave him an immediate sense of disgust toward Blackheart. But unlike Blackheart, the trio of Wandas exuded an undeniable aura of strength. This wasn't something that could be faked—their confidence and clarity were apparent in their eyes.

As the son of Odin and prince of Asgard, ruler of the Nine Realms, Thor was used to commanding respect. Yet Wanda and her companions faced him without hesitation or intimidation, their confidence unshaken by his status. This earned his admiration.

"Wow, the annoying guy is finally gone. I was getting itchy just looking at him," Pietro said, visibly relieved.

"I think you just want an excuse to fight a demon, especially one like Mephisto's son," Sergei commented dryly.

Pietro shrugged shamelessly. "Is that a problem?"

The real reason for Pietro's disdain toward Blackheart was simple: Wanda hated him. As her twin brother, Pietro had always been deeply connected to her. While the two often bickered and teased each other, they shared an unspoken bond and deep care for one another. Wanda knew this, so instead of retorting with her usual sarcasm, she simply rolled her eyes at him.

"I admire your confidence, son of Pietro," Thor said with a booming laugh. Pietro's boldness and spirit resonated with him.

"Well, to be honest, being called 'Son of Pietro' feels... weird," Pietro replied. In an instant, he disappeared and reappeared in front of Thor, moving so fast that no one could follow him.

Thor raised an eyebrow, impressed but composed. Pietro circled him, rubbing his chin as if appraising him. "Muscles often mean strength," Pietro mused. "I bet when you had your divine power, you were a hell of an opponent."

He made no attempt to hide his enthusiasm for a fight. Sergei seemed to share the sentiment.

"Believe me, my friend," Thor said with a grin, "when I regain my power, our battles will be legendary."

Thor appreciated Pietro's fiery fighting spirit. It stirred something within him—a primal yearning for battle. If circumstances allowed, he'd love nothing more than to test himself against Pietro.

Jane, however, didn't quite understand this male camaraderie built on the promise of a fight. Watching Thor and Pietro's intense expressions as they stared each other down, she decided to interrupt.

"Honestly, how about joining our barbecue party instead?" she offered, breaking the tension with a warm smile.

As the host, Jane extended the invitation naturally. Despite the surreal presence of demons and mythical figures, she found herself liking Wanda and her companions. Their confidence and poise, along with their striking appearance, made them stand out in every way.

Wanda met Jane's gaze, noticing her sincerity. She glanced at the barbecue on the table nearby, then tilted her head slightly. "Our appetites might be... bigger. So, these foods may not be enough. Let me help."

With a snap of her fingers, Wanda conjured a grand feast. In an instant, a large table appeared on the lawn, laden with an array of dishes—barbecue, fried beef and lamb chops, roasted suckling pig, fruit salad, hairy crabs, king shrimp, and more. Beneath the table, crates of beer were stacked neatly.

Jane, Dr. Selvig, and Darcy stared, their mouths agape.

"Oh my god," Darcy exclaimed. "Are you a goddess? Did you just create food out of thin air? How did you do that?"