"We do have our differences, but you have to understand the harm caused when superpowered individuals act recklessly is immense."
Tony Stark's expression was pained. The creation of Ultron had been a massive blow to him. At the time, he hadn't fully grasped the full consequences of what had happened. Only while dealing with the aftermath did he realize how much the world had suffered because of Ultron.
Nolan didn't argue.
"Ultron isn't your fault."
"No, it is my fault," Tony replied, shaking his head.
"I understand what you mean. Ultron's creation might be linked to that so-called Supreme Sorcerer, but ultimately, if we hadn't developed Ultron, none of this would have happened."
Nolan had already informed Tony Stark and Bruce Banner about the existence of the Ancient One, hoping to ease their guilt. But clearly, while they were angry at the Ancient One, neither believed it absolved them of responsibility.
This was the mindset of a true superhero.
Nolan had to admit, he could never reach that level. That was why he would always be Hero Nolan, not a real superhero. Their mentalities were fundamentally different.
Right now, he saw nothing wrong with his own choices. Even if something catastrophic happened later a rogue AI from LockTech causing chaos with its robots he would not regret it. In his eyes, what mattered was what he did while alive. After that, no matter if the world drowned in chaos, it was no longer his concern.
Watching their conversation, Phil Coulson felt like he was seeing things beyond comprehension. The names "Watchers" and "Supreme Sorcerer" were completely unfamiliar to him. He doubted even Nick Fury knew about them.
"How many secrets does this cursed world still hide?" he muttered under his breath.
"I'm not signing that agreement. If you insist on enforcing it, go ahead," Nolan said, his voice firm.
"I won't give up my rights. No one can take them from me."
Tony Stark's face darkened at the expected answer. He didn't want to fight Nolan, and he wasn't confident he could win if it came to that. Yet he didn't back down.
"Then get ready. Coulson, let's move."
Coulson nodded, silent. He was satisfied with the predictable result. After all, they hadn't come to fight today.
Once Tony Stark left, Nolan sat back, thoughtful. The solution to this problem was surprisingly simple: he just needed to show the White House how difficult enforcing the Superhuman Registration Act would be.
And the best way to do that? Hit Nick Fury directly. Nolan didn't believe this plan was anything Fury wasn't behind. In fact, it was quite possible Fury had been the one to propose the Act in the first place.
Waiting for the Act to unfold wasn't an option. Although the public debate had started, and Tony and his allies were set in their stance, the Act still had multiple procedural steps before being fully enacted. Once it was official, there would be no room for negotiation, leaving them completely disadvantaged. But not yet. Not today.
Nolan had to act before the law came into effect.
Meanwhile, Peter Parker, the young Spider-Man, had been restless for days. His superhero activities were even being affected.
"Hey, Peter, what's on your mind?"
His friend, Ned, approached.
"That Act… the Superhuman Registration Act," Peter said, careful not to elaborate. They were at school, and being too direct might attract unwanted attention.
Ned frowned. "Even Mr. Nolan can't stop it?"
"Mr. Nolan told me to wait. He said the Act won't take effect." Peter's face fell. He felt Nolan's words were meant to comfort him. The law's enforcement didn't hinge on one person.
Ned nodded knowingly. Looking around to ensure no one was watching, he said, "Peter, you're Spider-Man. Maybe it's time to think differently. Mr. Nolan can't stop the Act, but there are others who might be able to. People who can actually make a difference."
Peter's eyes lit up. "You mean… S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"Exactly. You know what S.H.I.E.L.D. is? Never mind, it doesn't matter. What matters is you go to them. Mr. Nolan might not be able to stop it, but S.H.I.E.L.D. can. You just need to tell them your idea."
Peter felt a surge of determination. He couldn't just wait; he had to act.
"I got it! I'll go after school!" he said, excitement in his voice.
Seeing Peter's enthusiasm, Ned grinned. This was exactly what being a superhero sidekick was about. Peter was a hero, and heroes needed heroic solutions.
After school, Peter called Nolan for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s address.
"S.H.I.E.L.D.? Why do you need that?" Nolan asked. "Their headquarters is in Washington. It's a secretive place, but I imagine many in the city know about it. Still, you shouldn't go there if you don't have to. Especially if there's trouble, it's not a place for kids."
Peter didn't dwell on Nolan's warning. As a superhero, he'd already had a few interactions with S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Thanks, Mr. Nolan!" he said, hanging up.
Washington wasn't far from New York, and with modern transportation, he could get there quickly. By nightfall, he had arrived. True to Nolan's description, once he mentioned S.H.I.E.L.D., someone pointed him in the right direction. Peter couldn't help but think it was bizarre a secret agency with no secrecy.
"Who goes there?" a guard demanded.
"I want to see Director Fury. I can make an appointment," Peter said, knowing it was a long shot.
"No way, kid. Leave now."
After being refused, Peter didn't hesitate. He switched into his Spider-Man suit.
"Hey! I need to talk to Director Fury about the Superhuman Registration Act!" he announced, confident this time.
Two agents responded by raising their weapons.
"Damn it, take off your mask."
"I can't take it off. I just need to speak to the Director," Peter stammered, panic creeping in. He was just a high school kid, unprepared for this kind of confrontation.
"Take it off, or we shoot!"
Reacting instinctively, Peter shot webbing at the agents and leapt toward one, landing a whip-kick that sent the agent sprawling.
"Oh, thanks, Set!" Peter froze, realizing what he had done. He had just taken down two S.H.I.E.L.D. guards outside their headquarters. Sirens blared as more agents approached. He swallowed hard and bolted, knowing he had gotten himself into serious trouble.
Suddenly, a thunderclap erupted ahead. Lightning flashed, revealing a man holding a hammer, watching him with a teasing smile.
"Hey, kid. If I were you, I'd drop the weapons and surrender. You do know who you're facing, right?"
Peter hung his head, defeated. He knew there was no escaping Thor.
The next day, Ned arrived at LockTech, panic written all over his face.
"Sorry, Mr. Nolan! I didn't know who else to turn to. Peter said he was going to S.H.I.E.L.D., but he didn't come home last night."
Nolan's eyes narrowed in anger. Peter was still a child a high schooler, unlike the two previous generations of Spider-Man. What gave S.H.I.E.L.D. the right to detain him?
"I understand. I'll confirm with S.H.I.E.L.D. You go home and wait for news," Nolan instructed. Turning to Red Queen, he said, "Activate the Thor Hammer Armor. I'm heading to S.H.I.E.L.D."
He also ordered, "Alert Wanda, Pietro, Dr. Pym, and Rogers. We need a formal discussion with S.H.I.E.L.D."
Meanwhile, Peter faced Nick Fury, who looked as cold and piercing as ever. Even as an ordinary human, Fury's gaze left Peter feeling helpless, like a lamb stripped bare.
"Spider-Man Peter Parker, active in Queens. Why are you here at S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
Peter stammered, "I-I want to talk about the Superhuman Registration Act."
Fury's lips curved into a small, sharp smile. He didn't care about Spider-Man's welfare; he knew that Peter's presence meant he had a leverage point. Once the opponents of the Act were systematically neutralized, Nolan would have no choice but to compromise when it went into effect.
"You seem unhappy with the Act," Fury said, his voice unnervingly calm.
"This isn't about you personally. The Act exists to protect civilians from those who misuse their powers. How many lives were disrupted because of Ultron? If Stark hadn't recklessly created those dangerous robots, the government would have been none the wiser. How many crimes have superpowered individuals caused over the years? These are all consequences of power misused.
"Now, tell me are you refusing to sign out of selfishness? Or are you planning to oppose the law violently, making yourself a new criminal?"
Every word struck Peter painfully.
"I-I…"
Seeing Peter flustered, Fury continued, "As a superhero, you should set the example. I know your concerns, but have you considered that if you sign this, the world won't need superheroes anymore?"
He pushed a copy of the agreement toward Peter.
"Let's see if you're really a superhero."
Peter hesitated, then picked up the pen. Fury was quietly satisfied. He had trapped Spider-Man overnight; the young hero's defenses had been broken. Fury's words gave Peter no room to hesitate.
Peter gritted his teeth, almost ready to sign.
Then a cold, commanding voice cut through the room.
"Using that kind of manipulative speech on a child, Nick Fury this is your way as a chief agent?"
It was Nolan. His voice was icy, and Fury understood immediately: Nolan Locke was furious. And not just a little.