Loki's plan was stopped, and Asgard returned to its usual peace. Because Thor returned in time to stop Loki, there was no full-scale war with Jotunheim. Though the Frost Giants had lost their king, they dared not act rashly under Asgard's overwhelming power.
In the end, Loki was sentenced to fifty years of imprisonment. However, unlike ordinary prisoners, he was given his own cell, a comfortable soft bed, a golden wool carpet, and plenty of books to pass the time—enjoying a luxurious VIP treatment.
The three warriors, now healed, bragged loudly at the feast about how brave they had been in battle—conveniently leaving out how Asura had easily beaten them.
Thor, however, did not attend the banquet. Instead, he left alone to find Odin.
This scene did not escape Sif's eyes. Watching Thor's lonely back, she followed him to the hall entrance, gazing quietly as he walked away.
"How is he?" Frigga asked Sif, pretending not to know.
"He feels guilty for the crimes his brother committed… and… he misses her."
At those words, Sif's tone turned sorrowful. She had grown up with Thor, always loving him from childhood, believing she was destined to be his future wife. It wasn't just Thor's strength or his heroic presence that captivated her—she had felt since birth that she was meant to be his wife.
Frigga felt conflicted, unsure how to comfort Sif. Since Sif's divine soul had not yet awakened, there were many truths that could not be told to her just yet.
As Thor's mother, Frigga understood that her son's turmoil was far more complex than Sif imagined. That mortal woman, Jane Foster, indeed held a place in Thor's heart—but to the Thor whose divine soul had awakened, Jane occupied only a small corner. The one who truly held the most important place was still Sif.
Thor, however, did not know how to face these tangled emotions. The Sif before him was not yet the wife he once knew, and before his awakening, he had fallen in love with a mortal woman.
Then there was his brother Loki, the new Asgard, and his new responsibilities.
All of this—a world now completely different—was what Thor was struggling to make sense of.
"Give him time, and give yourself some time too, alright? Everything will be fine," Frigga comforted her.
"Yes, my Queen," Sif replied.
Meanwhile, Thor stood beside Odin, the two looking down at all of Asgard from the highest tower.
"You remember everything now?" Odin asked first.
"Yes, Father."
"You will be a wise king."
"No one can be wiser than you."
"Not even Melin?" Odin asked with a chuckle.
"In my heart, no."
"Hahaha, I like that answer."
"But, Father, Earth is in turmoil. The Nine Realms are stirring as well. I wish to—"
"Of course you may, but not now. Or is it that you just want to see that mortal woman?"
"Uh…" Thor's face reddened. His little secret had been exposed by Odin.
"And what about Sif? How do you plan to face her?" Odin continued.
"I… I don't know…" Thor said helplessly, shaking his head.
"So you plan to run away?"
"No, Father, I… my current memories are mixed with those of my past. I need time to sort them out."
"Is that so?" Odin asked with an amused look, clearly seeing through his son's excuse but not calling him out directly.
"Uh… yes."
"Then…"
"Thank you, Fath—"
Before Thor could finish, Odin cut him off with a splash of cold water.
"No."
"Huh?"
"Although Jotunheim wasn't attacked, Laufey's death has still unsettled the Frost Giants. Reports from the borders say that pirates and raiders are beginning to grow restless. You must stay here to stabilize the situation."
"But Father, isn't that what you're here for? With your divine power, they wouldn't dare cause trouble."
"Perhaps… my name no longer carries the weight it once did," Odin said with a mysterious smile before turning to leave, leaving a bewildered Thor behind.
"Oh, one more thing," Odin said suddenly, turning back. Thor's heart lifted, thinking there might be hope—but Odin's next words left him completely stunned.
"Through stimulation, Melin successfully awakened your divine soul. So… perhaps we should try to 'stimulate' Sif as well?"
"What!?"
"I'll need to discuss your engagement ceremony with your mother."
"Wait—"
Before Thor could protest, Odin vanished from sight.
Thor's outstretched hand fell weakly. He suddenly felt a great mountain pressing down on him, leaving him breathless. To ease his frustration, he decided to visit Heimdall.
At the end of the Bifrost, Thor stood shoulder to shoulder with Heimdall, gazing into the cosmic void.
"Welcome back, Thor."
"Long time no see, Heimdall… or should I say that?"
"Of course. You are now the true God of Thunder."
"Yeah, Melin said the same thing. But my head's still a mess—you know, two sets of memories clashing and blending together. It feels terrible."
"I know. But how do you plan to deal with Sif? She's my sister now, you know." For once, Heimdall's eternally stoic face cracked into a mischievous grin.
"Uh… well…" Thor instantly looked awkward. But remembering what Odin had said earlier, he sighed and confessed, "Father said he's going to talk to Mother about arranging an engagement ceremony between me and Sif—to 'stimulate' her awakening."
"And what do you think about that?"
"Me? What can I think? Father and Mother have already decided. What choice do I have?"
"And the mortal woman on Earth? She's been looking for you nonstop."
"I don't know… maybe… sigh…"
"Actually, you don't need to worry too much, Thor. Melin did you a favor after you left Earth."
"What did he do now?" Thor raised an eyebrow, already sensing trouble.
"Nothing much. He just explained to her the difference between gods and mortals—and told her to think carefully about continuing a relationship with you."
"That… bastard…" Thor muttered, twitching his lips. Since when did that guy enjoy breaking up couples? Why did he have to meddle in this too?
"And Jane?"
"Actually, that mortal woman is quite remarkable. She's rational. Though she was heartbroken at first, she soon regained her composure and began reflecting on your relationship—and the differences between you. She's looking for you because she wants to talk things through. After all, what you two have isn't really love."
"Is that so? Maybe… maybe I should go back and talk to her properly."
Like Jane Foster, Thor himself wasn't sure if what he felt for her was truly love. Love at first sight was something out of fairy tales. In reality, such things didn't exist.
He admitted Jane had a charm that attracted him—but love? That was uncertain.
Was it gratitude for her care when he was banished? Admiration for her courage, intelligence, and stubbornness? Or comfort from her presence when he was at his lowest?
He couldn't tell. But none of those were enough to call "true love."
"But not now," Heimdall reminded him. "The Allfather gave strict orders—you can't return to Earth. If you do, both of us would be branded as traitors."
"Ugh…" Thor groaned, torn between admiration and exasperation. Odin's cunning truly knew no bounds.
…
On Earth, Melin returned directly to New York with Asura. Taking the opportunity, he decided to bring Asura to the Stark Expo for a bit of leisure. As Golden Saints, they rarely had chances to relax—always either guarding the Sanctuary or carrying out missions.
"Hey, Asura, what a surprise seeing you here." When they arrived, Garon came out to greet them.
"Looks like you've been working hard, Garon," Melin teased.
"Eh, not really. I'm just accompanying Pepper and keeping her safe. After all, Stark Industries isn't the main star of this Expo, and…" Garon shrugged, leaving the sentence unfinished.
The two exchanged knowing smiles. They both sensed that something unusual was bound to happen at this Expo—Garon and Asura had a warrior's instinct for danger, while Melin simply knew.
Garon was about to lead Melin and Asura to the VIP area where Pepper was when a familiar voice called out to him.
"Melin… sir?"
"Hm?"
Turning around, he was surprised to see Athena calling him.
"It really is you! I had a feeling I'd meet you here today," Athena said brightly.
"Is that so? Then it's truly my honor, beautiful lady," Melin replied softly, keeping his tone polite to hide the affection he could barely contain.
"I've wanted to thank you properly for saving me and my friends that day."
"Oh… you still remember that? I'm honored, lovely—"
"Athena. Athena Archibaldo. That's my name."
"What a beautiful name, Miss Archibaldo. I just happened to be nearby that day, but please, keep what happened between us a secret."
Melin felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if he had returned to the past—to the first time he met Athena, when they fell in love. The feeling was both familiar and warm.
But now, with their apparent age difference, he couldn't help worrying—did he look like some kind of creepy old man?
"Just call me Athena, Melin," she said with a gentle smile.
"Alright then, Miss Athena. But may I ask—how did you know my name? I don't recall ever introducing myself."
"The Archibaldo family is one of the top financial houses. Finding someone in New York isn't very hard," Athena said gracefully. Her elegance as a lady of high society was impeccable—but Melin could see through it easily.
Still, it didn't matter. Even if she hadn't fully awakened, she was still Athena. The invisible bond between them remained strong.
"By the way, Melin, I have a small request. Would you be willing to grant it?"
"Please, go ahead, Miss Athena. If it's within my ability, I won't refuse."
"My bodyguard and maid had to leave for a while, and I'd like to ask if you could accompany me around the Expo," Athena said, her face blushing slightly. Realizing how sudden her request sounded, she quickly added, "It's just… there are so many people here."
Melin almost laughed—this version of Athena was too adorable—but he kept his composure and replied politely, "It would be my honor."