607

[Wedding]

University of Cambridge, UK.

Jane Foster stared silently at the photo of herself and Donald Blake for a long time, her expression darkening.

In the beginning, Donald had promised her that he would return to her within three to six months at the most.

However, until now, from high school to entering Cambridge University, Donald had not returned.

At first, Donald still contacted her occasionally, which made Jane hopeful that she would see him again soon.

But when the Chitauri invaded Earth, Donald suddenly cut off all communications. No one could reach him, leading Jane to believe that he had died in the battle against the Chitauri.

Technically, this was only speculation, but there seemed to be no other reasonable explanation.

"Jane?"

Jane snapped back to reality from her memories of the past. She sighed and looked up. "What is it, Daisy?"

"Well... are you alright?" Daisy Louise, her classmate and friend from university, asked with concern.

Jane forced a smile. "I'm fine."

Daisy nodded, then hesitated. "There's been some unusual activity reported in the abandoned warehouse. I think we should check it out."

Jane Foster composed herself. "Alright, let's go."

Before long, they arrived at a decrepit warehouse abandoned by a shipping company. The building looked like it could collapse at any moment or be marked for demolition.

Children who enjoyed adventure often frequented such places, and today was no exception.

"Who are you?" Several children confronted Jane. "Are you cops?"

"No, we're students from Cambridge. We're here to... conduct some experiments," Jane explained.

The children relaxed. "Oh, we've been conducting some interesting experiments too."

"What kind of experiments?"

"Follow us!" A boy eagerly led Jane and Daisy deeper into the warehouse, arriving at a well surrounded by stairs.

"Alright." The boy pulled out an empty bottle like a seasoned magician. "Prepare to witness something extraordinary."

With a flourish, he let go of the bottle, which instead of falling to the ground, vanished mid-air, much to Daisy and Jane's astonishment.

"Hey, it just disappeared! Am I seeing things?" Daisy exclaimed incredulously.

Jane Foster pondered. "It seems to be connected to other dimensions..."

---

Asgard

For thousands of years, Asgard had rarely witnessed such hustle and bustle.

Today marked the wedding between Hela, Odin's eldest daughter and Asgard's goddess of death, and the sun god Forseti.

It was also the day Hela ascended the throne. After Odin's reign of over 2,000 years, he was finally relinquishing the crown of the All-Father to his daughter.

The ceremony was grand and majestic, befitting its importance. Celebrities from across the universe graced the occasion, and Asgardians celebrated with song and dance.

Forseti and Hela were not fond of such grandeur, but like many elderly Asgardians, Odin insisted on making it a spectacle.

To set the mood, Odin had managed to procure two red dragons, their fiery breath lighting up the sky like fireworks.

In the magnificent Golden Hall, Odin sat atop his throne, observing Forseti and Hela below in their wedding attire with a proud smile.

Guests from the Nine Realms and beyond filled the hall, including Hogan, who represented the Vanir as their prince, King Eitri of the dwarves, the light elf monarch, the Nornheim envoy, the Hall messenger, and the Collector, Taneleer Tivan.

To the surprise of many, even the Devourer of Worlds had sent an emissary—the Silver Surfer.

Clad in shimmering silver, resembling a sculpture of a cosmic "discus thrower," the Silver Surfer stood out amidst the festivities.

Earth was also represented by a few dignitaries, including the Sorcerer Supreme, Ancient One, and Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers.

Under Odin's meticulous planning, the wedding was a grand affair.

Amidst the gaze of all present, Odin began his speech: "My dear daughter, I am delighted to witness your union today. Forseti is an exceptional husband, and I believe you to be an outstanding wife. May your marriage bring joy and prosperity to Asgard..."

Forseti and Hela exchanged glances. Despite being intimately familiar with each other, the grandeur of the ceremony made them somewhat uneasy.

"I can now call you my wife, Your Highness," Forseti whispered.

Hela smiled, taking his hand. "It's time for our first kiss as husband and wife."

Amidst cheers and applause, Forseti leaned in, sealing their union with a kiss.

The guests celebrated, but in a quiet corner of the hall, Thor brooded over a glass of wine, his expression melancholy.

"What troubles you, brother?" Loki asked casually. He had chosen to sit there, and Thor had joined him out of camaraderie.

Thor remained silent.

Loki understood his thoughts. "Thinking about your Earthling girlfriend?"

Thor sighed, conflicted. "You wouldn't understand, Loki."

"Indeed..." Loki fell silent. Like Frigga, he had never experienced romantic attachment.

Thor finished his drink and decided to take a walk outside, where he encountered Heimdall.

"You're here as well," Thor greeted him.

"Usually it is I who say that to you," Heimdall replied. "You know festivities are not my preference."

Thor leaned against the railing. "My time on Earth has changed me. I am now more refined and reserved."

Heimdall was momentarily speechless.

After a pause, Thor asked hesitantly, "Heimdall, can you check on Jane Foster? How is she faring?"

Heimdall nodded, his eyes gleaming as he activated the all-seeing Eye. Across light-years, he observed Earth.

"She's a student at Cambridge, and appears to be well," he reported.

"Cambridge is one of Earth's finest institutions, and she always wanted to study there," Thor mused.

However, after a brief observation, Heimdall's expression turned grave.

"What's wrong?" Thor asked anxiously.

Heimdall spoke solemnly, "I can no longer see her."