When Hela suggested a rematch in Asgard, Thena readily agreed.
"Alright, let's spar in Asgard next time," she said, unaware of the hidden implications in Hela's words.
Charles, however, raised an eyebrow. While Thena didn't grasp the full significance, he understood it all too well.
Even he wasn't confident about defeating Hela in Asgard, where her powers would be amplified to an absurd degree. A body that could instantly heal even after being pierced by Gungnir was no joke.
Charles thought to himself, 'Let's see if Thena can remain this calm once she understands what she's agreed to.'
Breaking the moment, Charles declared, "That's enough for today. It's time for us to leave."
Thena and Gilgamesh nodded, stepping up to stand beside him.
Just before they departed, Charles left Hela with a parting remark:
"Hela, I hope you'll seriously consider my earlier suggestion. I don't want any unfortunate surprises in the future."
With that, he used Hiraishin to teleport himself, Thena, and Gilgamesh out of the sealed land.
Hela watched them disappear and reflected on Charles's words about conquering the universe.
She glanced at the now-empty battlefield and thought about his growing strength, especially with his ability to gather powerful allies like Thena and Gilgamesh.
"Who will he bring next?" she wondered.
Hela was well aware of her limitations. As Asgard's goddess of Death, her powers peaked within Asgard.
However, leaving Asgard to conquer the universe meant forfeiting that advantage.
Outside of Asgard, while still formidable, she was no longer an unbeatable force in the cosmos.
Yet the idea of bowing to Charles unsettled her. She recalled her resentment towards Odin, who had once led her only to betray her by sealing her away.
What if Charles, like Odin, decided halfway through his conquest that it wasn't worth continuing? Would she face another betrayal? Another internal conflict?
These thoughts swirled in Hela's mind, but she eventually decided:
'If Charles can defeat me in Asgard, I'll follow him. If not, our relationship will remain purely one of cooperation.'
…
Meanwhile-
Just after leaving the sealed land and still in Helheim, Thena questioned Charles.
"You said you wanted to reason with her. Why didn't you say anything and just leave?"
Charles smiled.
"I've already spoken to her about it last time," he explained, "I trust she'll come to understand my words more deeply with time."
He then turned to Thena and Gilgamesh, his tone becoming serious, "One more thing—avoid sparring with Hela in Asgard. Anywhere else is better."
Thena, surprised, asked, "Why?"
"Do you know why Odin sealed Hela here in Helheim instead of keeping her in Asgard?" Charles asked.
Both Thena and Gilgamesh shook their heads.
Charles continued, "Hela is different from Thor."
"As the goddess of Death, her powers are tied directly to Asgard. Within its borders, she receives immense amplification—limitless strength, boundless energy, tireless stamina, and an extraordinary healing factor."
"In Asgard, she's second only to Odin himself. With your current strength, neither of you would stand a chance against her there."
Thena froze for a moment, then remarked, "I didn't realize she was that powerful."
Gilgamesh added, "No wonder Odin chose to seal her in Helheim. If she were sealed in Asgard, the confinement would've been meaningless."
Charles nodded slightly, "Unless you can unite the strength of all the Eternals on Earth."
Thena immediately objected, "Ten against one? That would be so dishonorable."
Charles smiled without further explanation. He didn't mean for all the Eternals to gang up on Hela.
Instead, he was suggesting that if the other nine Eternals channeled their energy into Thena, she could become a 'super Eternal', powerful enough to rival even Hela in Asgard—or face Thanos in battle.
"Alright, let's head back to Earth."
Charles used the Space Stone to open a portal, leading the trio back to their base.
…
Elsewhere-
At the Mist Village's Earth Base-
Natasha Romanoff was in conversation with Mei Terumi.
"We appreciate the Mist's bravery in stepping up during this crisis," Natasha said.
"This is a medal of heroism awarded by the U.S. government, along with a $10 million reward."
Looking at what Natasha brought, Mei Terumi raised an eyebrow. While $10 million was a substantial sum, it was hardly significant compared to the value of physical enhancement serums or other shinobi assets.
"Although I don't care much for these things, I'll accept your gesture of goodwill."
"Chojuro, take care of these," Mei instructed.
At her command, Chojuro stepped forward and collected the items from the table.
A free $10 million wasn't something to pass up lightly. As for the medal of heroism, no one in the Mist Village seemed to care much about it.
Seeing the items accepted, Natasha smiled in relief. She had been worried they might dismiss the offering entirely.
After all, for major ninja villages like the Mist, earning money on Earth was remarkably easy.
Whether through commissioned missions or selling enhancement serums, or even hiring Tsunade for medical services, the prices they earned were exorbitant.
"So, with the Mist ninja arriving here, I assume you've found a stable passage to Earth?" Natasha asked.
Mei nodded, "Yes, the passage between the Mist and Earth has stabilized. More Mist shinobi will be coming here in the future."
"Although I must say, the strength of Earth's warriors is rather impressive."
Mei's assumption that Thena and Gilgamesh were Earthlings startled Natasha for a moment. However, she kept her composure and continued the conversation.
"Who will the Mist appoint to oversee matters here on Earth?"
Mei smiled, "I will continue to be in charge here on Earth. After all, this place isn't exactly peaceful."
Natasha was surprised, "Won't the Mist struggle with you away for such a long time?"
Mei waved off the concern. "I have full confidence in the Mist's stability. Besides, I'll be traveling back and forth between the two worlds. It won't be a problem."
Hearing this, Natasha became visibly excited.
"That's wonderful! I was worried that if someone unfamiliar came in, it'd take time to build understanding. But with you, everything will be much smoother."