Thunder rolled faintly across the desert sky it wasn't the violent roar of a storm. Just a low, distant rumble like the sky itself had taken a slow breath.
Alex stood at the edge of the crater, his hand no longer touching the hammer. The system message had already faded.
The glowing runes on Mjolnir dimmed again, returning to their original silent state. To everyone else, it looked exactly the same as before.
But Alex knew better the refinement had succeeded. A small upgrade, perhaps but still an impossible achievement.
A divine weapon had been altered before he could examine it further, the sharp sound of engines tore through the desert air.
Several black SUVs raced toward the site, dust billowing behind them. Alex didn't need to look twice. SHIELD.
He stepped away from the hammer immediately, blending into the confused crowd climbing out of the crater.
People were already whispering. "Government guys?"
"Why would they care about a hammer?"
Alex kept his head down as he walked up the slope behind him, agents in dark suits spread out quickly, pushing everyone away from the crater.
"Step back please this is a Restricted area."
Professional, fast and organized. They were clearly used to situations like this.
Alex didn't linger. The moment he reached the outer edge of the crowd, he continued walking until the crater disappeared behind the hills.
Only then did he allow himself to slow down a faint blue panel flickered in front of his vision.
[Refinement Record Updated]
Weapon Refined: Mjolnir
Refinement Level: +1
Then a new line appeared.
[Refined Weapon Resonance Detected]
Alex blinked. "…Resonance?"
The system expanded the notification.
When a weapon is refined by the host, the host may access a small portion of its power.
Current Resonance: Mjolnir
Accessible Ability: Minor Lightning Authority
Alex stopped walking. For a moment, he simply stared at the screen. "…Wait."
"You're telling me…" His eyes slowly widened as he looked down at his hand.
If the system description was accurate then refining a weapon didn't just strengthen the weapon itself.
It also granted the refiner a partial connection to that weapon's abilities.
Alex glanced around the desert road was empty now. Most people had already left after SHIELD arrived.
Which meant… he raised his hand slowly. "Let's test this."
He focused on the strange sensation lingering deep inside his body. Something felt different.
Like a faint current flowing beneath his skin not painful. Just… powerful.
Alex pointed toward a small metal road sign standing beside the dirt path. "Alright…"
He concentrated but nothing happened. He frowned. "Come on."
For several seconds, there was only silence. Then a tiny spark of blue electricity flickered between his fingers.
Alex froze. "…Oh." The spark jumped suddenly. Crack.
A thin bolt of lightning shot forward and struck the metal sign. The impact wasn't strong.
The sign merely shook slightly but the sound echoed loudly across the empty road.
Alex stared at his hand then at the sign and back at his hand.
A grin slowly spread across his face. "…Holy shit."
Lightning actual lightning. Sure, it was weak.
Compared to Thor, it was probably nothing more than static electricity. but that wasn't the point.
The point was what it meant if refining Mjolnir granted him even a tiny portion of its authority…
Then refining other weapons could grant other abilities.
Swords, Spears, Alien weapons even magical artifacts.
Alex chuckled. "This system is more broken than I thought."
He flexed his fingers again and a few more sparks danced between them before fading away.
The power was clearly limited using it repeatedly would probably drain his stamina quickly.
But that didn't matter This was only level one.
Alex glanced again at the system information.
Mjolnir — Refinement Level +1
Which meant the hammer could be refined further much further.
The thought alone was terrifying and incredibly exciting.
But for now… Alex needed to leave. SHIELD would soon begin questioning people in the area.
And if anyone mentioned the strange glow coming from the hammer earlier… things could get complicated.
He walked back to his truck and climbed inside. The engine started with a familiar rumble. as he drove back toward town, the desert gradually returned to its usual quiet state.
Just endless sand and sunlight. Puente Antiguo appeared on the horizon after a short drive.
The small town looked unchanged. Like the events in the desert had never happened.
Alex parked beside the café and stepped out the bell above the door rang as he entered.
The owner glanced up. "Back already?"
Alex nodded casually. "Nothing special out there." he continued "Just a hammer."
The man laughed. "A hammer?" he chuckled "That's what the news said."
Alex grabbed a glass of water and leaned against the counter on the television behind the bar, live footage of the desert site was already playing.
Large floodlights temporary structures and security fences. SHIELD had completely taken over the area.
The reporter's voice echoed through the café. "Authorities have refused to comment on the object's origin…"
Alex watched quietly. He wondered how long it would take before Thor arrived. If the timeline matched what he remembered…
Not long. Very soon, the God of Thunder would come looking for his hammer.
Alex tapped the counter thoughtfully. When that happened… he might have another chance to refine Mjolnir.
And maybe raise its level again. The idea made him smile slightly but before he could think further—
The café door suddenly slammed open and a tall figure staggered inside.
Dust covered his clothes his blond hair was messy and his expression looked both confused and irritated.
The entire café fell silent. The stranger looked around the room like someone who had just arrived in a completely unfamiliar world.
Then he walked straight toward the counter. "I require sustenance," the man said.
His voice was deep and confident. Like he was used to being obeyed.
Alex slowly turned his head and immediately recognized him.
Thor even without armor or his iconic hammer. The man still carried the presence of a god.
Alex leaned slightly against the counter, studying him carefully. The God of Thunder had arrived earlier than expected.
Which meant the real story… Was about to begin.