『Nick Fury』: This mission will be led by Coulson.
『Nick Fury』: You two don't need to do much. Just find out how Superman feels about us, and about the people of Blue Star.
『Nick Fury』: Just in case—Clint, accompany Coulson.
『Nick Fury』: Try to avoid any conflict with Superman.
『Nick Fury』: If you sense any hostility from him, retreat immediately. Prioritize your safety.
Nick Fury paused for a moment, then added:
『Nick Fury』: Actually, there's no need to worry too much. S.H.I.E.L.D. has its own way of dealing with Superman.
『Nick Fury』: We just don't want to fight him here on Blue Star, that's all.
『Nick Fury』: So don't put too much pressure on yourselves.
What Nick Fury meant by "a way to deal with Superman" — was of course, his old comrade: Carol Danvers.
Captain Marvel.
『Coulson & Hawkeye』: Understood.
However, the two had very different thoughts in mind.
Coulson, who had studied Superman's data in detail, was skeptical of Fury's claims. As one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top agents, he knew a lot about their true capabilities. From what he understood, S.H.I.E.L.D. as it stood likely had no real way to counter Superman.
Of course, Coulson was also aware that decades ago, Fury had once been in contact with a peculiar woman named Carol. She was originally just a regular pilot, but somehow gained immense power. Coulson had read the reports about the incident, but he wasn't directly involved—he'd been a young agent at the time.
Regardless, Coulson didn't believe Carol could stand toe-to-toe with Superman. After all… this was Superman—the symbol of heroism itself.
Coulson also knew that Nick Fury had long held the ambition of forming a superhero team to defend Blue Star against enemies beyond the scope of conventional measures—superpowered criminals, aliens, etc. This idea had sprouted after his encounter with Carol and the alien incident they faced together.
A team of superheroes dedicated to protecting Blue Star. That was the plan.
Unfortunately, it hadn't made much progress over the years.
But now, things were different.
Fury wanted Coulson and the others to make contact with Superman, Iron Man… and that green monster.
Clearly, all of them were part of Fury's plans. They were powerful beings—perfect candidates to form a superhero team.
But before recruiting them, Fury had to make sure they didn't pose a threat to Blue Star. Otherwise, the moment the team was formed, they might become a danger themselves.
Coulson found himself excited by this. He understood Fury's true aim: to gauge Superman's stance.
If Superman's attitude was favorable, then there was a real chance he'd join Fury's new team.
For a superhero fan like Coulson, that was a dream come true.
As for Hawkeye, he didn't think that deeply. He simply followed orders. He wasn't aware of Fury's superhero initiative, despite also being a senior S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Much of the deeper background was hidden from him.
After all, Coulson had fought alongside Fury since the '80s and '90s, and had helped him gather much of the superhero-related information.
Hawkeye simply didn't have that level of access.
...
13:42.
Zhao Helen's plane was scheduled to arrive just after 2 PM. It was about time to head out.
Carl changed into a comfortable outfit, grabbed his keys, and left.
This time, he didn't fly directly to the airport. Instead, he went to the garage and took out one of his cars.
Soon, a sleek black vehicle rolled out.
It was a low-profile, aerodynamic beast. Black body with electric blue accents.
A Bugatti Chiron.
As a wealthy man, Carl naturally owned a few luxury cars. This Bugatti was one of his favorites—costing him over two million dollars when he bought it.
Carl chose to drive because he planned to take Zhao Helen out for a meal afterward, let her rest, then figure out their next move.
After all, flying from the capital of Korea to New York took over ten hours. Even in business class, it was exhausting.
Carl knew it firsthand—despite being well-trained and physically tough, he always felt drained after those long trips to see Zhao Helen. Let alone her—a girl.
He drove swiftly. Perhaps it was just good luck, or maybe the people of New York were on their best behavior today—everyone gave him plenty of room on the road.
Pedestrians were also well-behaved, following traffic rules religiously.
But curiously, when Carl walked around the city, it was a different story. Cars often wouldn't stop even when he had the green light.
It was odd how the city's manners fluctuated so wildly.
...
Soon, Carl arrived at the airport.
Thanks to the high "civic awareness" of the people today, the trip was quick.
Zhao Helen's flight hadn't landed yet.
He got out of the car, used his phone to find a nearby flower shop, and walked over.
Inside, he bought a bouquet of blue enchantresses—spending several dozen dollars.
Unsurprisingly, prices at the airport were steep.
With the flowers in hand, Carl waited outside for Zhao Helen.
Before long, passengers began streaming out of the arrivals gate.
Among them, he spotted a familiar figure.
Tall and graceful—even in casual clothes, her long legs couldn't be hidden.
Though she wore sunglasses, Carl recognized her instantly.
Zhao Helen.
Holding the bouquet, Carl walked toward her.
She saw him midway and broke into a run, her lips curling into a smile.
『Zhao Helen』: Carl!
She jumped into his arms.
Carl smiled and gently hugged her back.
After a moment, they separated. Carl handed her the bouquet.
『Carl』: Let's go grab something to eat.
Looking at the vibrant flowers in her hands, Zhao Helen's smile brightened.
『Zhao Helen』: Okay.
End of chapter...
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