Damn it, why does he harbor such murderous intent toward me? Fury thought frantically. Coulson is the one watching him, and Barton's the one aiming an arrow at him. Why does he hate ME so much? Can we switch places?
Despite his internal panic, Fury maintained his composure outwardly, not revealing any fear as he forced a smile. "I am Nick Fury, Director of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. We are a vast organization supported by the five most powerful countries in the world. Our reach extends across the globe, and we serve as a critical force in maintaining worldwide stability and peace. There is nothing we cannot find when we decide to investigate, and no one we're determined to catch ever escapes."
Coulson and the other two agents exchanged confused glances. What was the Director doing? Why was he suddenly giving this formal introduction to SHIELD?
And bragging about yourself like this... how shameless, Coulson thought.
Nick Fury ignored their surprised expressions and continued, "Mr. Iron Man, would you be interested in joining us? We have many extraordinary individuals like yourself in our organization. Perhaps you could benefit from communicating and learning from one another."
Coulson's eyes widened instantly. A lot of extraordinary people? Boss, are you sleepwalking?
These words significantly dampened Jason's excitement.
Nick Fury keeps a pager hidden on his person, Jason realized. If I kill him openly, I might find myself obliterated by a meteor from the sky someday. If I want to kill him, I need legitimate justification! Whether the reason is sensible, correct, or factual doesn't matter—as long as it leaves Captain Marvel with now legal way to deal with me. At worst, I could just bow my head at Fury's grave and admit my mistake! No big deal!
Jason finally released Nick Fury's hand, leaving several pale pressure marks on his dark skin.
Fury calmly moved his hand behind his back and addressed Coulson. "Well, I don't believe Iron Man is someone who kills innocent people indiscriminately, so withdraw those dozens of snipers we've deployed around the area. Besides, I just remembered I forgot to turn off my gas stove at home, so you can handle this meeting for me today."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Coulson and the others stood bewildered.
Fury moved with surprising speed, as if genuinely in a hurry.
Watching his retreating back, Jason felt a profound sense of missed opportunity.
Suddenly, an epiphany struck him like lightning.
The system employed two criteria for determining target level: personal strength and social status.
Nick Fury's high rank clearly stemmed not from physical prowess but from his position as SHIELD Director.
Consider it from another angle—if President Darius Freeman were designated as target, what would his level be? Diamond or higher? There's something significant here!
Of course, assassinating the U.S. President isn't realistic, but there must be plenty of high-status, physically weaker individuals who qualify as target!
Having reached this conclusion, he turned his attention back to Coulson and the others.
Black Widow and Hawkeye seemed composed, but Coulson was visibly uncomfortable.
He forced a smile. "Haha, Director Fury really loves his jokes. There are no snipers around—I promise!"
Jason stared at him blankly.
The smile gradually disappeared from Coulson's face. He shrugged, pursed his lips, and awkwardly snapped his fingers.
A chill ran through Coulson's heart. Before the meeting, Fury had specifically instructed him not to display any hostility, so he hadn't positioned any snipers or additional agents.
But now, a thousand curses filled his thoughts.
The murderer before him had hundreds of lives on his hands. Even with Hawkeye and Black Widow present, Coulson felt deeply anxious.
Jason, still preoccupied with thoughts of high-status targets, waved dismissively. "What do you want from me this time?"
Coulson was relieved to get straight to business.
"Last time, you mentioned an impending disaster in New York. The Director asked me to inquire if any criminal organizations have recently offended you? Perhaps you could exercise some self-control and kill fewer people?"
Jason's eyes widened in disbelief. Is that really how they perceive me now? Such slander!
"Are you insane? I'm not some villain who murders innocent people! I'm a hero who executes justice and punishes evil! A HERO! Do you understand what that word means?"
Coulson nodded rapidly. "Hero, absolutely a hero! I'll issue you a certificate right away!"
Jason rolled his eyes in disgust, disdaining further explanation. "There will be a catastrophe in New York because the Hand, an underground criminal organization, plans to summon an ancient demon god! According to my intelligence, it's happening tonight!"
Coulson, Hawkeye, and Black Widow were stunned.
"Summoning a demon?"
"Those fools from the Hand may summon the demon god, but they can never control its power! Once the demon descends, New York will face unimaginable devastation—countless lives lost, rivers of blood flowing through the streets. Only one in ten will survive!"
Jason refrained from mentioning his suspicion that this demon was likely targeting him specifically. SHIELD didn't need to know that detail.
"Gulp!"
Coulson swallowed hard.
He exchanged glances with Black Widow and Hawkeye, speechless.
Pulling out his cell phone, he said, "One moment, I need to inform the Director about this situation."
He dialed the number.
"Hey, Coulson, what's that maniac planning now? Which unfortunate soul has offended our murderous friend this time? Is he on another killing spree?"
Fury's voice played clearly through the speaker.
"Sir, this is genuinely serious. Mr. Iron Man reports that the Hand plans to summon an Ancient Demon! If they succeed, all of New York will face catastrophe!"
Coulson spoke urgently. For some reason, he didn't inform Fury that Jason could hear everything.
"Summoning a demon? Is this legitimate or fabricated?"
Fury's voice stretched out thoughtfully. "Is it possible he's lying to you, Coulson? Have you toughened your approach with him? You're too accommodating. When dealing with a murderer like him, you should confront him directly! You see, I wasn't intimidated by him at all. This Hell's Butcher Iron Man is nothing but a minor nuisance in my view!"
Coulson glanced at Jason with an awkward smirk, looking helpless.
Jason nodded calmly.
Black Widow and Hawkeye widened their eyes in disbelief. Coulson, you've turned to the dark side!
Clint Barton, ever the straightforward agent, considered intervening to inform Fury that the "killer" was listening to every word. But remembering Fury's recent distrust toward him, he hesitated.
Fury continued, "In my assessment, even if the Hand truly intends to summon this demon, Hell's Butcher must be connected to it somehow! You should monitor him closely—he's likely trying to misdirect your attention! Ideally, I'd want a complete record of his daily activities, down to what he eats and what comes out the other end..."
"Haha! Director Fury is remarkably perceptive. The Hand indeed had plans for dealing with me through this demon summoning. But the people of New York are innocent bystanders. Do you really intend to stand idle? As for my digestive outputs, don't worry—I can package and deliver them directly to you!"
Silence.
Deathly silence.
"Beep, beep, beep..." The call abruptly ended.
Coulson smiled genuinely. "It appears the Director now understands the situation. Mr. Iron Man, time is of the essence—shall we discuss our approach?"
Jason nodded. "It's straightforward: find them and kill them!"
Coulson's eyes brightened. "What's the plan?"
"Step one: be prepared."
"Uh-huh."
Coulson nodded. "And then?"
"Step two: wait for the bald man."
"What?"
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