Reading the diary, Wanda's eyes sparkled with excitement.
So Pietro and I will develop superpowers in the future?
Does that mean we'll finally have the chance to find that damned Tony Stark and avenge our parents?
But according to the diary, their abilities would be awakened by something called the "Mind Gem."
What even is the Mind Gem? It can't be just some ordinary ruby or sapphire…
She really wanted to ask Baron Strucker—surely he would know what the Mind Gem was.
But the contents of the diary couldn't be shared with non-holders.
When she first received it, she'd tried to tell Pietro, only to be struck by a sudden, intense palpitation.
That feeling was truly awful.
Still… what kind of powers would she and Pietro develop?
The thought was thrilling.
Really, that annoying Su Che… why didn't he write the important parts clearly?
If I really do become his girlfriend someday, I'm going to ignore him for three whole days!
S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters, Nick Fury's Office
"Director, it seems I won't need to investigate too hard," Natasha said, a faint smile on her lips.
"He's written his location plainly in the diary—a café he owns right across from Stark Industries in Manhattan."
She looked at Fury. "Should I pay him a visit, or bring him in for questioning?"
"No." Fury thought for a moment, then shook his head.
"Clearly, this Su Che doesn't trust S.H.I.E.L.D.—or at least, not the S.H.I.E.L.D. of now."
"I still don't fully understand why he trusts us but not the organization… but I'll figure it out. Until then, do not bring him here."
He studied Natasha. "Based on what he's written, what's your assessment of Su Che's current state?"
"A superhero—one who's saved the world countless times," Natasha replied without hesitation.
"If the diary is true, then he's undoubtedly a respectable hero."
"Analyzing a person through intelligence is a basic skill for any professional agent."
"As for his mental state… it's not hard to see between the lines that he's exhausted."
"Mentally, I mean."
"Let's assume the diary is real. He's been in our world for over half a month now, yet he's still haunted by dreams of his world's destruction."
"That suggests high levels of stress, anxiety, and likely deep guilt over failing to save his Earth."
"Otherwise, he wouldn't be subconsciously searching for ways to save this world even in his dreams."
Natasha smiled slightly. "That said, the diary also mentions he's been an Avenger for over a decade—a veteran hero."
"That alone shows remarkable mental fortitude. Ordinary people can't keep fighting world-ending threats for that long."
"Even if he ultimately failed and his world was destroyed."
Fury nodded slowly. His own analysis had led him to similar conclusions.
Seeing his agreement, Natasha continued carefully, "Director, he wrote that Tony hasn't been kidnapped yet—that 'nothing has officially begun.'"
"So for now, he just wants to live an ordinary life. I can understand that."
"I've been tired of mission after mission myself sometimes."
"But if the events he described really are destined to happen here…"
"Then I suggest you reach out to him sooner rather than later. Even if he wants a normal life right now."
"You're interested in him, aren't you?" Fury saw right through her.
"Of course. How could I not be?" Natasha uncrossed her legs, a playful yet serious glint in her eyes.
"A superhero from a parallel world? That sounds… intriguing."
"Besides, he's clearly under immense stress, burdened with guilt over failing his world."
"Maybe what he needs right now is a good psychiatrist. And I happen to be fairly professional in that area."
"More importantly, I want to verify the diary's authenticity."
"Only by meeting him can I truly assess him."
"Whether he recognizes me immediately, pretends not to know me, or reveals my identity—any reaction would help validate the diary."
She leaned forward slightly. "He wrote that, among everyone in S.H.I.E.L.D., I'm one of the few he trusts."
"This is a perfect opportunity. I think I should go meet him."
"After all," she added with a light but intent tone, "I really want to know whether in that Avengers team…"
"…I was the first to retire, or the first to die."