Aftermath

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With the death of Malekith, the Aether storm he had unleashed gradually dissipated. Seeing this, the others quickly gathered, ready to assist Kai in battle if necessary.

But when the storm cleared, only Kai remained standing, and Malekith's lifeless body was revealed. A wave of relief swept over everyone.

Kai walked toward the group, nodding. "Malekith is dead. The threat is over."

A cheer erupted. Another world-ending crisis had been averted.

"Oh, run!" someone shouted.

The dark elves' spaceship, now without an energy source, plummeted toward them. Kai wasted no time—he teleported the entire group to safety before using his spatial abilities to send the massive ship into the Dark World.

"Done. No cleanup required," he said, dusting off his hands.

Natasha quickly radioed Nick Fury. "The enemies are neutralized."

"Copy that," Fury replied as SHIELD's aircraft changed course, heading back to base.

With the celestial convergence peak passing, the space rifts above Greenwich sealed one by one, leaving behind only battle-scarred ruins.

As Kai and the others prepared to leave, the British Secretary of Defense arrived, attempting to discuss the aftermath. Before tensions could rise, Fury and Coulson landed.

Coulson approached Kai. "You're free to go. We'll handle the cleanup."

Kai smirked. "Oh, I know exactly what that means. You'll sweep the field for anything useful and haul it back for SHIELD's research."

Coulson looked mildly embarrassed but said nothing.

Kai continued, "Tell Fury not to act like he's doing me a favor. We took out the enemy—if anything, he owes me."

With that, Kai led the team back to New York.

-----

*Asgard*

With the battle over, Thor bid farewell to Kai and Tony before returning to Asgard with Loki.

Odin awaited them. "Thor, you once said there would be no king wiser than me. You were wrong. The Nine Realms have witnessed your courage. How shall Asgard repay its new king?"

Thor shook his head. "My life is dedicated to protecting the realms, but I cannot sit on the throne."

He turned to Loki. "He understands things I never will. The sacrifices power demands... the weight of the crown. Loki is more suited to rule than I am."

Loki stared in shock. "You... what?"

Odin studied his sons, his voice heavy. "One son craves the throne too much, the other refuses it entirely. Is this the legacy I leave behind?"

Loki swallowed, realizing the opportunity before him. "Father, let me prove myself. Teach me. If my brother will not take the throne, let me help protect Asgard."

Thor nodded. "I believe in him. We should give him a chance."

He glanced at Mjolnir, then offered it to Odin.

"If you are worthy of it, it is yours," Odin said.

Thor smiled. "I'll do my best."

"I cannot bless your choice, nor can I wish you luck," Odin said, his voice softer now.

Thor nodded in understanding.

Odin then turned to Loki. "You will study under me. You will learn the burden of the throne."

For the first time, Loki saw true approval in his father's eyes. He bowed. "Thank you, Father."

Before leaving, Thor turned back. Odin's voice followed him: "Though I will not say it aloud, know that I am proud of you."

Thor smiled. "Thank you, Father."

As he left the throne room, Odin turned to Loki. "Your cunning helped defeat Malekith. You have proven your intelligence. And for that, I, too, am proud."

Loki bowed, a rare smile on his face.

Meanwhile, Sif and the others were tasked with delivering the Aether to the Collector for safekeeping.

-----

*Earth*

Two days had passed since Thor's departure, and Jane was miserable. She barely touched her food, lost in thought.

Daisy, exasperated, finally said, "He'll come back. I mean... he was gone for two years last time."

"But this time, it's only been two days," Jane mumbled.

Eric asked, "Did he say anything before leaving?"

Jane sighed. "Just that he had to explain his treason to his father."

With that, she scooped another large spoonful of oats and ate, lost in thought.

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