The sun slowly rose, its gentle light spilling across the vast land like a soft veil.
Bathed in the warm sunlight, the Ghost Riders lost their formidable power, and their terrifying skeletal appearances gradually reverted to normal human forms.
Carter adjusted the distinctive cowboy hat on his head at a leisurely pace, then affectionately stroked the mane of his beloved horse.
Johnny sat slumped on his motorcycle, his eyes dazed as he glanced around in confusion. Then, without warning, his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed unconscious like a puppet with its strings cut.
"What happened to him?" Wes asked, puzzled.
Carter shrugged casually, replying in a calm tone, "Don't worry about it. Rookies are always like that."
With that, he calmly pulled a cigar from his coat, lit it with a lighter, took a deep puff, then asked, "So… who's the Sorcerer Supreme? Why was Blackheart so afraid of her?"
Before Wes could respond, the roar of car engines suddenly broke the silence. Five vehicles sped over, kicking up clouds of dust as they approached.
Moments later, a group of heavily armed, well-equipped men leapt from the vehicles, quickly surrounding Wes and the others in a tight formation.
Though their weapons weren't aimed, their presence radiated tension.
Coulson, balding slightly but moving briskly, approached Wes with a polite smile and handed over a business card.
"Mr. Elwin, we're from S.H.I.E.L.D.—"
"I remember you," Wes interrupted coldly. "You were at the auction."
"I'm glad you remember," Coulson replied, keeping his diplomatic tone and smile. "We mean no harm. We just have a few questions."
"No harm?" Wes raised an eyebrow, casting a sharp look at the agents surrounding them. "Do you really think I'd believe that?"
"Well, I'm just an ordinary man," Coulson said, trying to sound sincere. "Facing people like you—people with special abilities—it's only natural to feel a little… insecure. But please, rest assured, they won't do anything rash."
"Is that so?" Wes replied with a mocking smile that sent chills through everyone nearby.
Then, something completely unexpected happened—half the agents suddenly raised their weapons, flipped off the safeties, and aimed them directly at their own comrades.
The sudden turn of events left the entire unit stunned, frozen in place with fear.
"Whoa—whoa, easy! Everyone stay calm!"
Coulson panicked, quickly raising his hands to show he wasn't a threat.
"Mr. Elwin, please—let's not escalate this. There must be some misunderstanding." His smile was now visibly strained and awkward.
"Misunderstanding? I don't think so." Wes twirled his fingers slowly, his voice icy. "Your first appearance at the auction was a year ago. That means you've been watching me in secret for at least that long."
He rubbed his temples as if trying to soothe a headache.
"I'm guessing you tracked me all the way here from New York. And that fight yesterday? You were hiding somewhere, watching it unfold from the shadows, weren't you?"
"What—did you think I'd be drained of magic after a long battle, and you'd swoop in for an easy catch?"
Coulson's back was instantly soaked in cold sweat, his shirt clinging tightly to his skin.
Everything Wes said was completely accurate.
According to Nick Fury's orders, they had indeed planned to subdue Wes while he was weakened after the battle—then extract magical secrets from him.
But to their dismay, Wes still had plenty of strength left.
"Looks like I guessed right," Wes said coldly, a flicker of deadly intent flashing in his eyes. The tension instantly soared.
Just as he was about to make his move, a shrill ringtone abruptly rang out.
Coulson quickly pointed to his pocket and said cautiously, "It's a call from our director. He'd like to speak with you."
Wes didn't hesitate. He pulled the phone out and put it on speaker.
"Hello, Mr. Magician," came Nick Fury's voice clearly from the phone. "It seems my subordinates have gotten off on the wrong foot with you. I sincerely apologize."
"Hmph. What do you want?" Wes said flatly, then reached out and yanked a button off Coulson's jacket. Embedded in the button was a pinhead-sized surveillance camera.
"Looks like I underestimated your tech a little. You must've gone to great lengths to track me down."
"Mr. Elwin, please understand. As an organization dedicated to protecting the people of the world—"
Nick Fury launched into a long-winded spiel, full of noble ideals and official-sounding rhetoric.
Wes stood there listening with a blank expression, inwardly sighing.
"So it's true—whether what place, bureaucrats always come armed with a full set of talking points."
"Alright, enough nonsense," Wes cut in. "I don't have time for your monologue. Let's get to the point."
Fury frowned on the other end. Ever since he became director, no one had dared talk to him like this.
But with his own agents still at Wes's mercy, he had no choice but to swallow his anger.
"I can let your agents go."
"What's the catch?"
"How much power does your organization really have?" Wes asked coolly.
Fury replied proudly, "In America, there's nothing we can't handle."
Wes didn't bother poking holes in that obvious exaggeration. Instead, he said calmly:
"Listen. If you want your agents back in one piece, get me some heavy-duty excavation equipment—cranes, bulldozers, the works. Deliver it all to the location I specify, before sundown today."
Hearing this request, Fury breathed a subtle sigh of relief.
"That's easy enough."
"Don't try to shortchange me," Wes added sharply. "Unless you're hoping to bring Hell to Earth."
"Hell to Earth? What's that supposed to—"
Fury didn't get to finish. Wes hung up without hesitation.
Fury exploded in rage on the other end of the line, slamming his desk and shouting,
"Motherfuxxer!"
Wes casually tossed the phone back to Coulson.
"Mr. Elwin… can you lift your spell now?" Coulson asked cautiously.
"No." Wes's reply was cold and firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
Coulson opened his mouth to say more, but Carter placed a steady hand on his shoulder.
Coulson looked at the cowboy in confusion.
Carter said solemnly, "Don't push it. This wizard doesn't have much patience. Don't make it worse."
Coulson could only sigh helplessly in defeat.