NOVEL NEXT Chapter 203: C196
"We extracted his fingerprints and blood but found no matching data. This means he is either an untraceable figure in the world—or not from Earth."
"So, Dr. Jane Foster, Dr. Selvig, can you provide any answers?" Coulson stated, laying out the S.H.I.E.L.D. investigation findings.
He opened the files displayed on the desktop. One of them featured images taken through an astronomical telescope. A red-tinged photograph of the distant starry sky revealed a faint but discernible figure.
"Do you have any explanation for this image?"
Faced with Coulson's evidence, Jane Foster, who had been fuming moments ago, now found herself at a loss for words.
"Um, this... uh—" she stammered, clearly flustered.
Coulson maintained his polite smile, though to Jane it now resembled a devil's grin, sending a chill down her spine.
Dr. Selvig, the calmest of the group, stood up. Gently guiding Jane back to her chair, he turned to Coulson. "I wasn't aware the FBI had taken an interest in so-called alien matters," he remarked.
"Then again," he continued, "I recall an old acquaintance mentioning he'd joined a mysterious and powerful organization—one not exactly public, with an equally enigmatic research scope."
"You're sharp, Dr. Selvig," Coulson replied. "You're correct. I'm not with the FBI. We're S.H.I.E.L.D., a division tasked with managing supernatural phenomena—including your recent 'guest.'"
Coulson's honesty was disarming. Sincerity, after all, was one of his greatest tools. By the end of this conversation, these three would either sign confidentiality agreements or join S.H.I.E.L.D. outright. Their post-incident processing capabilities far exceeded those of typical agencies like the FBI.
"Since we're being upfront," Coulson continued, "there's no need for pretense. Doctor, this world has never been as peaceful as it seems. Your 'friend' may have noble intentions, but his arrival introduces uncertainties that concern not just us but the entire world. To maintain order, we must understand him—and whatever forces might be linked to him."
Coulson leaned in slightly. "So please, don't try to withhold information. Consider this goodwill on our part in welcoming extraterrestrial guests."
Dr. Selvig exchanged a look with Jane and Darcy. After a moment, he turned back to Coulson. "I'll share what I know—but only if your assurances are genuine."
With that, Selvig began recounting the events surrounding Thor's arrival and what followed.
The more Coulson listened, the more his mind raced. He had suspected Thor might be an alien visitor, but to learn he was the Thor of Norse mythology, the son of Odin? It was beyond belief.
And it didn't stop there. Selvig mentioned other extraordinary figures: Blackheart, the demon son of Mephisto; Wanda and Pietro, human allies with uncanny abilities; and Sergei, another enigmatic figure. According to Blackheart, he had encountered Wanda—and hinted at a shadowy figure orchestrating events, someone capable of outwitting even Mephisto himself.
The implications were staggering. Coulson couldn't help but think of the still-unsolved mystery in Houston—a massive crater and golden anomaly that defied explanation.
He muttered under his breath, "What the hell..."
Asgard, Odin, Thor, demons, Mephisto—their existence meant humanity's understanding of the universe would be irrevocably shattered. And the sudden appearance of Wanda and Pietro raised more questions than answers.
Coulson nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you for your cooperation, Dr. Selvig. Trust us—we'll treat all parties with fairness and goodwill."
He straightened. "Once we've confirmed some details, you'll be free to go. But before that, we'll need you to sign a confidentiality agreement."
"What about Thor?" Jane asked hesitantly.
"Ma'am, we'll need to speak with him further. This may well be the first meaningful dialogue between a god and humankind." Coulson's tone carried a weight of deeper implications.
With that, he turned and exited the room, leaving Jane, Selvig, and Darcy to their thoughts.
Coulson stepped into the hallway, signaling to his assistant. "Encrypt all surveillance footage from this room, Room 577, and Thor's quarters. No one views the data before it reaches the director."
"Understood," the agent replied crisply, hurrying off.
Coulson made his way to Thor's room. As he opened the glass door, he was taken aback by what he saw: Thor, seated, his posture slumped, exuding an air of profound sadness.
Dr. Selvig had mentioned Thor's initial emotional instability after being exiled by Odin and stripped of his powers. Yet Thor had reportedly grown more cheerful during his stay in the small town. What had happened to reduce him to this state once again?
Coulson's sharp mind raced, trying to piece it together. Decadence was one thing, but this sadness... it hinted at something deeper.
After a moment's hesitation, Coulson broke the silence. "Thor Odinson," he said formally.
"I'm here to meet with you on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D."
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