Loki's Startled Joy

London was even livelier at night than during the day. It was not just because of the nightlife, but also because the alien invasion of the past few days had become a hot topic.

Ever since last year's Battle of New York, aliens had become a global talking point. This year, it was finally London's turn. What did that mean? It meant that Great Britain was still a global leader... at least one of them! Otherwise, why would the aliens choose London as their second target? Wasn't it because London was an international hub, under the world's gaze?

Driven by certain politicians who could do nothing but grandstand for attention and compete with lettuce for longevity, quite a few people had jumped on the bandwagon. Rumor had it that countless idle onlookers traveling in groups to pay homage to the battlefield had clogged the roads completely, leaving the people actually responsible for clearing the rubble and repairing buildings stuck outside, unable to get in.

Some especially reckless people had apparently been burned by magma of unknown origin or frostbitten by sudden wind and snowstorms. Only when confirmed reports emerged that people had gone missing at the site of the battle did anyone finally remember the warnings issued by the renowned astronomer Dr. Selvig and Thor's girlfriend, who had publicly declared the dangers of the Convergence.

As soon as the news spread, the reckless crowd became even more excited, calling up friends to "go explore another world." Fortunately, the current British government was not entirely incompetent. Realizing that something was wrong, it decisively placed the relevant areas under military control.

Then came the inevitable war of words over freedom, democracy, military rule, and the like, stirring London into a lively, bustling mess.

Amid this vibrant atmosphere, a ghostly figure quietly slipped