After Steve eliminated the Spider Gurongi, he deactivated his transformation, but the tension on his face did not fade.
According to the memories inherited from the Amadam Stone, the Gurongi were not limited to just this one individual; this battle with the Spider Gurongi was merely the beginning. Once the Gurongi fully awakened, they would undoubtedly restart their "Gegel"—the murderous game of hunting humans.
Steve had already resolved to use the power of Kuuga to stop the Gurongi's hunting games. He immediately sought out Nick Fury to request SHIELD's assistance in tracking down the Gurongi as they appeared.
"So, you're saying this spider-monster belongs to an ancient race called the Gurongi. And this race has been conducting 'killing games' against humanity since ancient times? But Captain, how did you suddenly become an expert on the subject?" Nick Fury asked, his expression grave after hearing Steve's summary.
Steve nodded and explained, "After I put on the Kuuga belt, my mind was flooded with memories of the battles between the previous Kuuga and the Gurongi in ancient times. The Gurongi were sealed by the Kuuga of that era, but now they are waking up again."
"Kuuga? You mean that form you took to beat the spider-monster? A super-soldier of an ancient civilization?!" Coulson asked, looking at Steve with visible excitement.
"So, because the expedition team disturbed the belt sealing the Gurongi, the whole race is reviving? And they can just... wake up after being sealed for ten thousand years?! Also, what exactly is the deal with this 'Kuuga'?" Fury's tone was skeptical and wary.
Steve shook his head. "What I saw were mostly flashes of combat between Kuuga and the Gurongi. As for the specific details, I'm not entirely sure. However, we might find answers in the records within the ruins where the ancient Kuuga slept."
"But the script in those ruins is from a lost civilization dating back thousands or even tens of thousands of years. We've never seen it before and have no reference materials. We can't decode it yet," Coulson said tentatively. Then, seeing Steve's confident expression, he reacted immediately: "Unless... Captain, you can read it?"
Steve nodded. "The information infused by the Kuuga belt allows me to understand the general meaning."
"When the holy spring withers, a grim warrior shall appear like lightning, and the sun shall be buried by darkness."
Nick Fury muttered the sentence Steve had translated, looking troubled. While "burying the sun" was likely poetic exaggeration, it clearly indicated that if the Gurongi's game reached its conclusion, a catastrophic disaster would follow.
"Director," Coulson said, pushing the door open.
"Are the results of the Captain's examination in?" Fury asked. He had previously requested that Steve cooperate with a full physical check-up, with Coulson overseeing the process.
Coulson nodded. "After the Kuuga belt merged into the Captain's body, it seems to have further enhanced his physique. His physical stats have significantly increased across the board compared to our previous data."
When SHIELD first recovered Steve from the ice, they had naturally conducted comprehensive testing and collected cell and blood samples. Fury had long intended for researchers to use those samples to attempt to recreate the Super Soldier Serum—though those attempts had clearly failed.
Fury pondered for a moment. "It can enhance the user's body? Were you able to locate where the belt is inside him? And what about the analysis of the new samples?"
Coulson replied with a hint of confusion, "Our instruments can't find the belt at all. It's as if the belt has become a literal part of the Captain's body. We've collected new cell and blood samples, and the researchers are currently analyzing them."
"How much do you trust the information from these ruins regarding the Gurongi and Kuuga?" Fury asked abruptly.
Coulson thought for a moment before replying, "Since a Gurongi has already appeared and the Captain has become Kuuga, the actual situation shouldn't deviate much from the records. According to the translated info, the Gurongi will eventually begin their hunting games. We'll be able to verify everything soon enough."
Fury nodded thoughtfully.
"One more thing. The Captain intends to visit that ruin before the Gurongi start their games," Coulson added.
"Why go back there?" Fury asked, slightly puzzled.
"Deep within the ruins, there should be a beetle-like mechanical construct that fought alongside the ancient Kuuga: Gouram," Steve said, walking into Fury's office having finished his exam. "It possesses a degree of self-awareness and flight capabilities, and it can move through soil and sea. In the ultra-ancient era, Gouram served as armor for Kuuga's horse, enhancing its defense and allowing it to carry Kuuga's energy during a charge. It will be a massive asset in the fight against the Gurongi."
Fury nodded. "I'll have Coulson accompany you."
Coulson was clearly thrilled at the prospect of a mission with his idol. "I have no problem with that at all." He paused, then added logically, "In ancient times, Kuuga used a horse, so Gouram became horse armor. But in this day and age, the Captain obviously won't be riding a horse into battle."
Steve agreed. "True. A motorcycle would be more appropriate. I'll leave that to you, Director Fury."
A motorcycle was a small request; Fury agreed immediately.
"Nick, what exactly happened at SHIELD headquarters today? The Council has been grilling me for a specific response," Alexander Pierce complained to Fury, his tone seemingly helpless.
Fury looked at his old boss—the man who had promoted him and the former Director of SHIELD—and gave a professional smile. "Nothing major. It's all been handled. I'll leave the communication with the Council to you."
Pierce gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "An enemy breaking into SHIELD HQ is not a small matter, and they know it. If I don't have something concrete to give them, I won't be able to convince them. You're making things difficult for me."
Fury smiled. "I'll give you plenty of leverage." He then informed Pierce about the Gurongi.
"Ancient beings asleep for ten thousand years? Hunting games? An ancient warrior named Kuuga?" Pierce's expression shifted through a range of emotions.
Fury nodded. "This is a serious matter. The Gurongi race poses an immense threat. Therefore, I hope you can persuade the World Security Council to formally approve my Avengers Initiative. SHIELD needs a specialized team to respond to these kinds of crises."
"I see. I'll do my best," Pierce replied, his eyes flickering with a strange light.
Whether it was Kuuga or the Gurongi, both seemed to possess immense value.