NOVPUB
Chapter 316 - 305
Boom!!
A bright beam of colorful light fell on a remote factory building in New York.
After his last experience on Earth, Thor knew that most of the planet was filled with ordinary humans. Arriving via the Rainbow Bridge was too shocking and could easily cause panic among them. So this time, he deliberately asked Heimdall to find a more secluded location in New York. Anyway, he could fly directly to his destination—it wouldn't take long, and he wouldn't attract too much attention.
It was still daytime on Earth.
The ceiling of the factory where Thor landed was shattered, and the distinct burn mark of the Rainbow Bridge appeared on the ground beneath his feet. However, as soon as he arrived, Thor sensed something was wrong.
He turned sharply and found himself facing two groups of armed mortals, all staring at him in shock, their weapons—what humans called guns—aimed at him.
Unlike the residents of the small Mexican town he had visited before, these men exuded a violent and ruthless aura. Thor, well-versed in battle, instantly recognized that these people had taken lives before.
Thor frowned, instinctively unimpressed by these mortals. However, he had more pressing matters to attend to, so he simply said, "I apologize for the disturbance."
With that, he spun Mjolnir and prepared to take off.
Bang!!
A gunshot rang out.
A bullet cut through the air, heading straight for Thor's forehead. Reacting swiftly, he grabbed Mjolnir mid-spin and raised it to shield himself.
With a sharp "ding," sparks flew as the bullet struck Mjolnir's surface and shattered instantly.
Silence filled the factory.
"He stopped the bullet?!"
Thor lowered his hammer, his eyes growing cold as he glared at the group. "I apologized."
"A mutant?" someone muttered.
"Doesn't matter who he is! We can't afford to let this leak. Kill him!" the white man leading the transaction barked.
Both groups understood that what they were dealing in was too dangerous. If word got out, the consequences would be severe—possibly fatal. Whether Thor was just passing by or not no longer mattered. He had to die.
As gunfire erupted, the muzzles of their weapons flaring with each shot, bullets rained toward Thor like a storm.
Thor was stunned. He had a good impression of Earth. Despite his instinctive dislike for these people, he had chosen not to act against them, even offering them an apology—something rare for a god. His past experiences on Earth had softened him; he had made friends here.
More importantly, Leon, Natasha, Wanda, and others were protectors of this world.
But that did not mean mortals could attack him without consequence.
Boom!!
A raging torrent of lightning erupted.
Screams echoed throughout the abandoned factory as Thor wielded Mjolnir, sending electricity surging in all directions. In mere moments, charred bodies lay scattered across the floor.
Thor barely spared the scene a glance. He had merely eliminated a group of criminals.
Soaring into the sky, he quickly located Leon's manor—one of the grandest estates in New York, easy to spot.
As he descended, he could sense Leon's presence. A magic barrier enveloped the manor, but recognizing Thor's identity, it did not activate against him.
He landed before the main mansion.
The manor's butler and several maids had already been notified of his arrival and were waiting for him. None of them showed any surprise at Thor's dramatic entrance.
Unlike typical household staff hired through American unions, Leon had personally bought out their contracts for life. Until their deaths, these butlers and maids belonged to the manor.
Their contracts included numerous benefits—fully paid vacations, tuition for their children, and even career opportunities for their descendants within the estate.
Initially, these were standard agreements. However, as time passed, Leon, Natasha, and Wanda inevitably revealed their inhuman abilities. Anyone observant enough could notice the differences.
Leon had never intended to hide it.
Eventually, Natasha gathered everyone and made them an offer. She demonstrated her inhuman strength and presented them with a choice:
Pledge loyalty to Leon, and they would receive a vial of serum granting them enhanced physical abilities and a lifespan beyond ordinary humans.
Or, they could remain as they were, but Wanda would use her magic to alter their memories, ensuring that any supernatural events they witnessed within the manor would be replaced with mundane recollections.
The choice was not mandatory.
But no one was foolish. Was there really anything to consider?
Thus, the manor's staff became more than just employees. They became true followers.
Their descendants, too, would have the opportunity to ascend beyond ordinary mortals—even to godhood.
Certain potential guests were recorded in the artificial intelligence system, Veronica, which also automatically connected to their mobile devices. Veronica had informed them of Thor's arrival long before he landed.
As soon as Thor touched the ground, the butler stepped forward respectfully. "Welcome, Your Highness Thor."
"Hello. Is Leon here?" Thor asked politely.
The butler nodded and gestured. "The master is at the swimming pool. Please, follow me."
An electric car rolled up, having been summoned in advance. Thor, unfazed, took a seat in the back.
The butler sat in the front, though the driver's seat remained empty. Veronica was in control, automatically steering the vehicle toward the pool.
