Absurd.
That was the only thought in Nick Fury's mind.
Everything he had done was for world peace. He had spent his entire life working toward that goal.
And now Carol Danvers was saying that he was the one who had brought disaster upon the world?
What kind of joke was that?
He glanced at Nolan Locke standing beside Carol, that faint mocking smile still on his face, and felt a surge of bitter irony.
But no matter how furious he was, he forced himself to stay calm.
"Danvers, do you even know who you're helping right now?"
His voice was steady, controlled.
"Nolan Locke is the largest arms dealer on this planet. He's spread his influence across the entire world through weapons. And now, aside from you, no one is left who can stop him."
"Danvers!"
There was frustration in his tone, the kind that came from seeing someone make what he believed was a terrible mistake.
"The man standing next to you is the greatest threat this world has ever faced!"
Carol shook her head.
Maybe some of what Fury said made sense. But in her eyes, he was the one who had started all of this.
At the very least, one thing Nolan had said was true.
If Fury hadn't kept pushing things forward, none of these crises would have happened.
So no matter what he said now, it didn't change the fact that he was the one who had ignited this situation.
Before dealing with Nolan, she needed to deal with Fury.
As for Nolan Locke…
Her gaze turned to him, complicated and conflicted.
Even she couldn't put into words how torn she felt.
Her mind had been through countless internal battles.
In the end, she made her decision.
She would stay on Earth.
If Nolan truly disappeared, then she would take it upon herself to guard Locke Technologies.
But if he didn't…
Then she would become the balance that kept him in check, ensuring he never crossed the line.
And if one day he really tried to control the world…
She would not hold back.
With that thought, her resolve hardened.
Seeing the change in her expression, Fury's heart sank.
It's over.
If Carol Danvers refused to stand with him, then no one on Earth could stop Nolan Locke.
A trace of mockery crept into his eyes as he looked at Nolan.
"So, you madman who wants to destroy the world, you've won. What now? Are you going to kill me? Do you really think that will help you rule the world?"
Nolan's expression didn't change.
"Kill you?"
He let out a soft laugh.
"You're overestimating your importance."
Fury was still trying to bait him even now.
If Nolan killed him, it would only escalate tensions with Carol and the council.
After all, Nolan's control over global weapons had already broken the unspoken rules of the world.
Most people might stay silent under his overwhelming power.
But if he kept pushing, especially if he started directly threatening lives, no one would remain quiet.
Because everyone would start wondering when that blade might fall on their own neck.
And besides…
Nolan let out a quiet scoff.
Killing Fury?
That would be far too merciful.
Letting him rot in prison, cut off from the world, that would be far more fitting.
Fury had acted on his own, nearly causing a disaster and putting Nolan in real danger.
The council would hate him for that.
Prison would be far worse than a quick death.
But before that, Fury still had a use.
Glancing at the soldiers who had rushed in, weapons raised but too afraid to fire, Nolan didn't hesitate.
He grabbed Fury by the collar.
"Now…"
A faint smile curved his lips.
"It's time we talked about compensation."
This wasn't something that would end with Fury's capture.
Things had already escalated too far.
If anyone still refused to accept it…
Then they could settle it the hard way.
As the three figures disappeared into the sky, the soldiers looked at each other, at a complete loss.
"What… what do we do now?"
No one had an answer.
At that moment, reports were flooding into the White House and the council.
Nolan's first stop was obvious.
The White House.
Operating within this territory, there was no way they were completely unaware of what had happened.
Inside, President Jonas Bennett's face was ashen.
"Damn it, what have you people done!"
He roared, panic barely concealed beneath his anger.
Too much had happened today.
He never imagined that Nolan Locke had retained control over all of his weapons.
And even worse, people under his command had bypassed him entirely and made a deal with the council.
Damn it!
His fury burned hot.
Those people weren't even from his political faction. They belonged to the previous administration.
No wonder they had acted so recklessly.
But what terrified him most was something else.
If you were going to assassinate someone, at least succeed.
Failing like this…
Anyone with half a brain could guess what Nolan would do next.
Now that the truth about weapon control was exposed, even saving the world wouldn't be enough to silence other nations.
This crossed a line no one could ignore.
Even for him.
And yet, he was also the one who didn't dare say a word.
North America was where the Titan system was most developed.
The world-ending Emperor Titan was practically next door.
Speak out now?
The White House might be reduced to ashes in a single shot.
He was trapped.
Forced to make a decision, yet unable to make one.
Would Nolan come?
The thought barely formed before he dismissed any doubt.
Of course he would.
Anyone in his position would.
Taking a deep breath, Bennett spoke coldly.
"I'm done talking. Prepare the mobile command unit. We're relocating immediately."
The moment he finished
Boom!
A thunderous crash.
The reinforced bulletproof glass shattered.
Nolan and Carol stepped in, dragging Nick Fury with them.
"Mr. President. It's been a while."
Bennett's face turned even uglier.
"Mr. Locke."
He greeted him stiffly, then glanced at Fury.
The last trace of hope vanished.
"About the attack on you… I had no knowledge of it. You know our cooperation has always been smooth. My governing principle has always been freedom."
"Of course, Mr. President."
Nolan nodded, then glanced at the two officials standing beside him.
"I've never done anything to harm this country. In fact, not long ago, I saved the world."
"But in return, I was met with this."
"The Titan system was mobilized. Even the Emperor Titan, which was meant only for extraterrestrial threats, was turned against me."
"So I believe I have every right to defend myself."
Relief flickered across Bennett's face.
He straightened slightly.
"Of course. Everyone has the right to defend their own safety. That right is sacred."
Then, without hesitation, he gestured to the two men beside him.
"These two are the ones who coordinated with Nick Fury. They acted behind my back and made the deal themselves."
"I was already planning to deal with them. But since you're here, you may handle it as you see fit."
The two men stared at him in disbelief.
They couldn't believe the president had just thrown them away.
Bennett rolled his eyes internally.
You didn't inform me when you caused this mess, and now you expect me to take the blame?
Not happening.
As for the future, he had already made peace with it.
If worst came to worst, he'd just step down.
He had barely taken office and had already faced Inhumans, alien invasions, and now internal conflict.
To hell with this job.
Going back to being a senator sounded a lot better.
Facing Nolan's cold gaze, the two men were filled with despair.
But Nolan didn't move against them.
If he hadn't killed Fury, why would he kill these two and create more trouble?
Instead, he turned to Bennett.
"Mr. President, these are high-ranking officials. This matter is beyond my authority."
"I trust you'll handle it fairly."
"Of course!"
Bennett nodded immediately.
Better them than me.
Their own political faction wouldn't protect them after offending Nolan Locke.
As the two men silently rejoiced at being spared, Bennett's anger only deepened.
You caused this mess and still think you're safe?
Enjoy the rest of your lives behind bars.
Let's see if you're still smiling then.
His gaze shifted to Fury.
"What about him…"
Before he could finish, Nolan smiled.
"Nick Fury still has his uses. He's… valuable evidence."
"Understood, understood."
Bennett nodded quickly.
Once the troublemakers were gone, he turned to them coldly.
"You both know the scale of the disaster you've caused. Go back. I'll be speaking with your party leaders soon."
Their faces turned deathly pale.
What they didn't see was the growing hatred in Bennett's eyes.
Today, he had come within a breath of disaster.
Meanwhile, Nolan and Carol had already taken Fury and moved on.
Their final destination.
Fury's expression was grim.
"Nolan Locke, what exactly are you planning?"
He shouted angrily.
Nolan glanced down at him, a faint smile on his lips.
"No rush. Next… we're going to pay a visit to your superiors."
Fury's pupils shrank.
"Damn it… are you trying to start a rebellion?"
Nolan chuckled.
"Isn't that what you've been calling it all along?"
"Now I'm just fulfilling your expectations. Why the surprise?"
Before Fury could respond, Nolan added casually,
"Relax. I'm not interested in something like that."
"A rebellion?"
He smirked.
"Making money is far more interesting."
With Carol standing beside him, he had no intention of giving the wrong impression.
Carol shot him a strange look.
Money?
That sounded almost… trivial.
She had always assumed it was just a side business for him.
As for his real calling…
Clearly, it was being a hero.
After a brief silence, Nolan turned to her.
"Danvers, our next stop won't be as peaceful."
She wasn't surprised.
The world's highest authority wouldn't back down as easily as the White House.
By now, they had definitely been warned.
And that was exactly what had happened.
When the council received the report, they were stunned.
Someone was coming to attack the council?
That wasn't just rebellion.
That was defying the entire world.
The council represented over a hundred nations, the highest authority on Earth.
Elite forces from countless countries were stationed nearby.
The council members who had granted Fury authority were uneasy.
"Damn that Nick Fury. Useless."
One of them cursed.
Another spoke calmly,
"It's too late for that. According to the White House, Fury has been captured and is likely on his way here."
"What about our forces? And the Titan system?"
At the mention of Titans, the speaker's expression twitched.
Those so-called safety experts were clearly incompetent.
They had bought weapons that could be turned against them.
"We'll have to try."
The first man sighed.
"They're attempting to isolate the Titan system with firewalls. Completely sealing it off isn't realistic, but we might be able to shut it down temporarily and replace it with our own AI assistance."
"It will significantly reduce combat effectiveness."
"At this point, who cares about combat effectiveness…"
"Just getting them to function would be a miracle."
Silence fell over the room.
Their pride, their supposed trump card…
Had become someone else's weapon.
There were no words to describe that feeling.
"We're out of time."
That final statement ended the discussion.
Everyone knew it.
They had done everything they could.
Would it be enough to stop those monsters?
No one knew.
Outside, the military roared to life.
APU exoskeleton units formed tight formations.
Tanks rolled into position.
Armed helicopters circled overhead in waves.
This was the strongest military force on Earth, composed of elite soldiers from countless nations.
And yet, every face was shadowed with unease.
Because the enemies they were about to face…
Had once saved the world.
No.
Not one.
Two.
Two monsters.