Chương 17: Chapter 17 Fury
Chapter 17: Fury
"We are conducting an investigation," Coulson stated, maintaining a composed demeanor. His smile masked his deception, and Tony didn't pry further as Pepper hurriedly entered the room.
"Quick, turn on the TV," Pepper urged, swiftly activating the television and switching to the Clarion TV channel. The host, J. Jonah Jameson, boisterously introduced, "According to our sources, billionaire Tony Stark donned a peculiar suit last night to confront Stark Group Director Obadiah..."
While Jameson spoke, the screen transitioned to footage of the battle from the previous night. The video's overall quality was remarkably clear, allowing even the conversation between Tony and Obadiah to be heard distinctly.
Tony furrowed his brow. "How is this possible? Coulson, didn't you assure me that everything was settled?"
"Yes, our technical department had already processed all the videos," Coulson hastily attempted to contact Clarion TV to halt the program. Unfortunately, Clarion TV declined his request, and the broadcast continued unabated.
Unquestionably, this was the work of Andrew, who sought to expose the truth and bolster the credibility of Clarion TV, ultimately aiding him in amassing more souls in the future.
"As per our understanding, the conflict between Tony Stark and Obadiah arose from Obadiah secretly supplying weapons to Middle Eastern terrorists, unbeknownst to Tony, with the recent attack on Tony being orchestrated by Obadiah as well," Jameson gushed, leaving Tony exclaiming, "Who is this guy? He seems to know more than I do."
As Tony expressed his frustration, he casually discarded his prepared speech, for it had become inconsequential since the world now knew he was Iron Man.
As the TV station continued to air the footage, the Knights of Peace and the Ghost Rider appeared side by side.
Jameson eventually continued, "Many individuals have claimed that the videos they recorded last night mysteriously vanished, and they were subsequently warned by enigmatic figures in black to remain silent.
"I have every reason to suspect the existence of an organization encroaching upon the public's right to privacy and information. Nonetheless, I shall not cease my pursuit to uncover this organization.
Furthermore, numerous videos from last night are circulating on the TikTok app, available for free download on mobile devices."
Upon Jameson's concluding words, a QR code materialized on the screen. Pepper and Tony instinctively retrieved their mobile phones and simultaneously scanned the code. Coulson, observing the scene, was rendered speechless.
Coulson, with a hint of exasperation, said, "We must revise our prepared statements."
"No need. Since it has become public knowledge, let's tell the truth. After all, I never intended to conceal it," Tony declared.
"From now on, I'm Iron Man."
Coulson hesitated momentarily but refrained from dissuading Tony. Strangely, he felt a sudden shift, as if a veil had been lifted.
[The era of superheroes had officially dawned.]
...
Inside the Rebirth Building,
Andrew walked toward his office, feeling somewhat uneasy. Susan, exhausted from last night's "battle," remained asleep.
Andrew's discontent did not stem from the prospect of work but rather from a peculiar dream he experienced the previous night.
In the dream, a young boy with an ever-changing face stood outside a glass-like barrier, angrily shouting at him. However, the barrier muted all sounds, leaving Andrew feeling disheartened.
"This can't be an ordinary dream. After all, I am a demon king, and dreams rarely haunt me," Andrew pondered silently. Soon, he sensed an unsettling presence within his office, intensifying his sour mood as he opened the door.
As he entered, Andrew found the boss's chair swiveling around, revealing a bald, one-eyed African-American man who spoke in a deep voice, "Are angels truly present in this world?"
Unperturbed, Andrew expressionlessly retrieved his mobile phone and dialed the guardhouse. "Send two security guards to my office. There's an intruder, and please inform the police as well. This man doesn't seem to have good intentions."
Nick Fury, taken aback, had employed this tactic to intimidate many individuals in the past, yet no one had ever summoned the police. It wouldn't be amusing if the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. got apprehended for trespassing.
Nick Fury rose from the chair and inquired coldly, "Calling the police? Aren't you concerned about your secrets being exposed?"
Proudly, Andrew proclaimed, "I, Andrew, have always been forthright and fear nothing if my true nature is revealed."
Nick Fury abandoned his pretenses and stated, "Andrew, the Ghost Rider, I am Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. On behalf of the United Nations Security Council, I wish to converse with you."
"S.H.I.E.L.D.? I'm unfamiliar with it. Moreover, don't try to intimidate me with the UN," Andrew scoffed.
"You are full of sins, your organization must be an evil organization, so you better get out"
"Full of sins?," Nick Fury was stunned but admitted, "but it is a necessary burden. Everything that S.H.I.E.L.D. and I have done is to safeguard the world."
Andrew retorted, "Save those words for the police when they arrive." Observing that his conversation with Andrew was fruitless, Nick Fury grew somewhat irritated. "Andrew, I harbor no ill intentions toward you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come to meet you personally."
Nick Fury's purpose in visiting Andrew was to recruit him, recognizing his suitability for the Avengers.
Chuckling, Andrew remarked, "I don't mind your ill intentions at all. In fact, I'm eagerly awaiting your move."
Speechless, Nick Fury witnessed the security guards making their way upstairs, prompting a sigh of helplessness. He raised his hand, shot a bullet through the floor-to-ceiling window, and an invisible Quinjet descended from the sky, materializing outside the shattered glass.
Hawkeye piloted the Quinjet, while Black Widow Natasha concealed herself in an adjacent room with her team. Nick Fury would never gamble with his life.
"Andrew, I will return to see you," Nick Fury stated, glancing at Andrew before heading toward the Quinjet.
"Leaving so soon? Have you bothered to inquire if I agree?" Andrew coldly sneered. He raised his hand and unleashed a black flame toward the Quinjet, which swiftly merged with the aircraft. Hawkeye immediately found himself losing control of the jet.
Simultaneously, the Quinjet's six-barreled Gatling gun swiveled toward Nick Fury. Startled, Fury swiftly turned and queried, "Andrew, do you comprehend your actions?"
"You damaged my $100,000 glass and desecrated my $900,000 chair. Either compensate me or wait for the police to handle it through legal proceedings," Andrew asserted rightfully.
Nick Fury gritted his teeth, finding himself, the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., being blackmailed. Who would believe such a tale?
Reluctantly, Nick Fury acquiesced, "I will have funds transferred to your company's account."
Retrieving the hellfire, Andrew declared, "Do it promptly, for each passing day incurs an additional interest on the $100,000."
Fury, maintaining a composed facade, returned to the fighter. Moments later, the Quinjet belched flames and ascended into the distance.
Meanwhile, Natasha commanded her elite squadto retreat from the Rebirth Building, while she herself remained, continuing her duties with a bitter expression.
"They ran away? Isn't S.H.I.E.L.D. supposed to be formidable? Why are they so feeble when it comes to me?" Andrew muttered, feeling somewhat disappointed. He had been provoking Nick Fury, eagerly anticipating a confrontation that would provide him with numerous souls. Yet, it seemed that his expectations had been in vain.
"S.H.I.E.L.D., bah!" Andrew scoffed, unimpressed by their display.
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