Jessica descended from the sky and landed beside Peter, her expression wary as she eyed the three monsters, including the Leopard Gurongi.
"Is that cheetah-headed one the female monster you mentioned who was killing people in the streets?" Jessica whispered to Peter. "But what about the other two? Are all three of them together?"
Feeling that all three monsters looked formidable, Jessica's hand moved toward her Claydoll Memory, ready to transform at a moment's notice.
After transforming into Kuuga, Steve possessed hearing many times sharper than an average person's. Despite Jessica's low voice, he heard her clearly.
He pointed at the Leopard Gurongi with a hint of helplessness and explained, "Don't misunderstand. Both of us are here to hunt down this Gurongi who has been indiscriminately hunting humans. We're here to stop her from killing more innocent citizens. We aren't the bad guys."
"Coulson, you explain things to these two," Steve said, tossing a communicator to Peter before turning back to focus on the Leopard Gurongi.
Peter caught the device and looked at Coulson's receding hairline. "Uh, mister, who are you exactly?"
Coulson's eye twitched slightly. "Spider-Man, I know who you are. Peter Parker."
Peter's hand shook, nearly dropping the communicator. "How do you know my name?"
Coulson gave a mysterious smile. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Phil Coulson, a Senior Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. We are a special organization under the World Security Council, dedicated to handling various supernatural or exceptionally dangerous events across the globe."
"Anyone who displays abilities beyond those of ordinary people is on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s surveillance list. Your recent actions as a masked vigilante in Queens have been under our observation. Knowing your true identity wasn't difficult; we learned the details from the relevant parties during the incident where your classmate obtained a Gaia Memory."
In truth, S.H.I.E.L.D. had identified Peter so quickly because he had accidentally revealed his identity and displayed superhuman strength—abilities identical to Spider-Man's—during the incident where Basel obtained the Violence Gaia Memory.
Peter's expression changed. "What do you want?"
Coulson smiled reassuringly. "Don't be nervous; we mean you no harm. S.H.I.E.L.D. only acts against superpowered individuals who pose a significant threat to social stability. In fact, the reason your identity hasn't been leaked yet is that we've been cleaning up after you in the shadows."
"In that case, I guess I should thank you. This S.H.I.E.L.D. sounds like quite the organization," Peter said, letting out a small sigh of relief.
Hearing the mention of Gaia Memories, Jessica couldn't help but chime in. "Your S.H.I.E.L.D. knows about Gaia Memories too?"
Coulson nodded and glanced at her. "The appearance of Gaia Memories has caused massive ripples in New York's underworld. Those who use them gain immense power, but that power is extremely prone to spiraling out of control, causing great destruction. S.H.I.E.L.D. has been gathering intelligence, trying to find the organization behind the sale of these Memories."
"Since S.H.I.E.L.D. is so all-knowing, have you found any leads on this organization?" Jessica asked directly.
Coulson's tone faltered slightly. "We haven't found any key leads yet. Every time we find a contact, they die suddenly before they can talk. It's likely the work of a leader using a specific Gaia Memory ability. I know you two are also investigating them. If possible, we'd like to speak with Mr. Danny Rand."
Jessica's mind raced. It seemed Coulson only knew Danny had a Gaia Memory but was unaware she possessed the Claydoll Memory.
"I'll pass along the message," Jessica replied, keeping her composure.
Suddenly, an explosion erupted nearby, sending a shockwave toward them.
The Leopard Gurongi had been struck by a silent kick from Steve. Injected with sealing energy, she exploded.
"Kids, the Gurongi tribe are dangerous beings. Don't go involving yourselves in such dangerous matters so casually in the future," Steve said, undoing his transformation and walking toward Peter.
"Are you... Captain Rogers!?" Peter stared at Steve's face, then at the iconic shield, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"But didn't Captain America die during WWII while fighting the leader of Hydra? It's been nearly 70 years. Even if he were alive, he'd be a man in his nineties," Jessica said, her voice filled with suspicion.
"The man before you is the genuine Captain Rogers," Coulson explained with a smile. "Actually, when Captain Rogers' plane crashed, he didn't die. He was frozen in the ice in a state of suspended animation. I personally led the team that found and awakened him not long ago."
"Unbelievable... a legendary hero, alive and standing right here," Peter stammered, his excitement palpable.
He pulled off his mask and spoke nervously, "Captain... hello. I'm Peter Parker... I live in Queens... I'm a high school senior. I usually act as Spider-Man to fight crime."
Steve gave a kind smile. "Easy, son. Take a breath."
"Captain, you said 'the Gurongi tribe.' Does that mean there are many more monsters like the one you just destroyed? What exactly are they, and why do they kill for no reason? And what was that form you transformed into?" Jessica asked curiously. Her time as a detective had sharpened her instincts.
"The Gurongi tribe views killing as a hunting game..." Steve began, his tone becoming solemn.
He briefly explained the nature of the Gurongi and how he had become Kuuga.
He concluded with a stern warning: "Now you know how dangerous they are. Taking lives is just a game to them. Every Gurongi is an experienced warrior who views human life as worthless. Though you two have special abilities, you aren't trained soldiers. You shouldn't get involved so easily. Even I would have struggled against any of them without the power of Kuuga."
"But if I see a Gurongi attacking someone, am I supposed to just stand by and watch?" Peter asked, his voice rising with indignation.
Steve sighed. "I'm telling you not to confront them head-on; I'm not saying don't save people. However, you're still just a student. Fighting these monsters isn't your responsibility."
Peter shook his head firmly. "Since I have these powers, I can't look the other way when people are in danger. I have a responsibility to do something."
Steve looked deeply at Peter, his eyes filled with unmistakable admiration. He stopped trying to force Peter to stay out of it.
He pointed to the communicator in Peter's hand. "If you spot a Gurongi or run into trouble you can't handle, use that to contact me immediately. And remember: you have to protect yourself first to have the strength to protect others."
Peter nodded solemnly.
(End of Chapter)