The Time Gem, a relic I swore to protect, now sat in Thor's possession.
When had Doctor Strange become so generous?
Of course, this wasn't generosity. Strange was cunning, and he knew his limits. Without magic, he couldn't wield the Time Gem, let alone protect it. In Thor's hands, however, the gem could serve a purpose—something far greater than gathering dust.
Strange's logic was simple: if Thor claimed something as a trophy, it wasn't coming back. Infinite Gems included.
Thor, unlike Thanos, wasn't foolish enough to destroy the gems just because he couldn't use them. No, Thor would find a use for them—perhaps as diamond rings for the women in his life, or something equally audacious.
Thor pocketed the gem with a grin. Even the Mind Gem wouldn't be returning to its previous owners.
Tony raised an eyebrow. "You're saying Vision isn't just the Mind Gem?"
Thor nodded. "Exactly. Vision is a complex being, a combination of J.A.R.V.I.S., Ultron, Tony Stark, Bruce Banner, and the Mind Gem. It's a delicate balance, and honestly, the gem might be doing more harm than good."
"So... you're saying we can separate him from the gem and still bring him back?"
"Not only can we," Thor said, smirking, "we should. I've heard Vision struggled to control the gem's power. Removing it could make him even better."
Tony hesitated, his suspicion flickering. "You're not just angling for the gem, are you?"
Thor shrugged innocently. "Does it matter? You're not resurrecting Vision for the gem—you're doing it because he's family. Right?"
Tony sighed. "Fine. What's the plan?"
Thor raised his hand and made a casual gesture. A portal appeared in mid-air, and Vision's lifeless, headless body floated through.
The Time Gem glowed faintly, casting an ethereal green light over Vision's form. Slowly, his body turned red once more, and the damage inflicted by Thanos began to repair itself.
When the process was complete, Vision stood before them, whole again—only now, his forehead was smooth and empty, devoid of the gem.
"Vision," Tony said, stepping forward, his voice trembling. "How do you feel?"
Vision blinked, then smiled. "I feel... good."
Tony let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.
Nearby, two Valkyries tended to a still-unconscious Wanda. Their expressions were tinged with worry—not just for her, but for themselves.
The Valkyries, once Asgard's most formidable warriors, had lost their divine powers during the battle. Without their strength, they feared they might no longer have a place in the new Asgard.
Thor approached, sensing their unease.
"Brundhilde," he said, addressing one of them directly. "Do you know that Valkyries have another duty beyond fighting?"
The two women exchanged confused glances. Thor's playful smile made them nervous.
"What duty?"
Thor's grin widened.
Realization dawned on the Valkyries, and their faces flushed. "You are the king," they said in unison, their voices flustered. "You have the final say!"
Thor chuckled, patting Brunhilde on the shoulder. "Relax. You're not going anywhere. Asgard needs you."
He waved them off, then knelt beside Wanda.
Wanda looked frail, her body overdrawn from the battle. She was no longer the vibrant Scarlet Witch who had stood against Nightmare and nearly reversed Thanos' six-gem snap. Yet, even in this state, her strength and resolve remained evident.
The Mind Gem floated into Thor's hand.
Most people would hesitate to touch such a powerful artifact, fearing its influence. But Thor held it with ease, unaffected.
Wanda stirred, her eyes fluttering open. When she saw Thor, she managed a faint smile.
"Did I... screw everything up?"
Thor's voice was soft. "No. You were incredible."
He gently rubbed her head, his tone full of warmth.
Wanda smiled again, her tension melting away. She leaned into Thor's chest, her eyes closing as sleep took her once more.
Drip!
A familiar voice echoed in Thor's mind.
"Congratulations, host! Task complete: 'Witch's Growth Plan.' Reward unlocked: Skill—Reversal Infinity."
Reversal Infinity: Active skill. Negates the effects of any reality-altering abilities. When reality is modified by external forces, this skill can restore it to its original state within one hour.
Thor smirked. "Well... wouldn't a world without superpowers be a bit boring?"