Chapter 121: Nick Fury Gives Up Thinking

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At the same time Odin was visiting Roald, Hill, aboard the airborne carrier where she was stationed, received a report from an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.—or rather, Hydra.

Unlike the old S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, who spent their working hours playing games, drawing a salary without doing much, or worrying all day about retirement and insurance, Hydra’s members were models of diligence. They never cared about bonuses, never complained of hardship or exhaustion, and fulfilled every mission with absolute devotion. Even sweeping the floor was done with meticulous care. They worked with profound reverence and unwavering conviction, always prepared to sacrifice themselves for Hydra’s glory.

After establishing the Hammer Bureau, Hill reorganized the intelligence deployment of every agency. With the addition of countless controlled ghosts and the support of the Security Council, Congress, and the military, the intelligence network was rapidly spread across the globe.

As she adjusted the computer, Hill accepted the smart tablet handed to her by her adjutant.

It contained the intelligence gathered during this period concerning Nick Fury, Rogers, and the others.

“Director, according to the feedback from our detectors, our satellites have detected abnormal energy readings over the southern Pacific. Near the latitudes approaching Antarctica, we have recorded extensive anomalous magnetic activity during this period. Although Antarctica naturally possesses a magnetic field, our analysis indicates that the field in that region is behaving unusually. In addition, there are other unidentified magnetic signals and radio waves. Shall we have the navy send two submarines to investigate?”

Staring at the cloud imagery on the computer, Hill began to analyze the situation. Her adjutant continued:

“Although we do not yet have sufficient grounds for suspicion, we are quite confident that the enemy’s new base may be located in Antarctica.”

With a slight movement of her finger, Hill brought up a satellite map of Antarctica. One magnetic anomaly map after another appeared on the screen.

The Arrival of Heaven

One particular region showed an exceptionally dense concentration of magnetic disturbances.

The interference was being caused by a vast quantity of electronic equipment.

“All right. While dispatching the navy, we will also use other methods to search the area. To avoid provoking unnecessary international disputes in Antarctica, I will first contact the Security Council and draw up a clear investigation plan. While the navy and air force conduct their search, we will also deploy a new rapid-response ground unit as a precaution.”

As she spoke, Hill brought up another map.

“How is our other subject of observation?” Hill asked her adjutant.

She was referring to Rogers.

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“According to information from our informants, Rogers and his new team are currently carrying out a mission in South America. They appear to be fighting some terrorist organization in the tropical rainforest. According to the report received two days ago, a new member has joined their team. This could introduce an unexpected variable into your plans. Shall we dispatch an action team as well?”

“No. Rogers must remain alive. The Superhuman Registration Act will be far more effective with him alive. The more superhumans who gather around him, the less effort we will have to spend finding them one by one. As for their base in the rainforest, simply maintain surveillance.”

Her adjutant spoke as he brought up another report. The screen displayed Wakanda’s highly advanced, technologically sophisticated landscape.

“Based on our deductions, Nick Fury may be cooperating secretly with Wakanda. Judging from the magnetic readings, their Antarctic base may contain a considerable amount of technology supplied by Wakanda. They may even be planning a new countermeasure. We still need to monitor Wakanda’s movements. If—”

“Then suspend the operation in Antarctica. Shift our focus to Wakanda. The great calamity needs them.”

After tracking him across the world for more than three months, they had finally found a trace of Nick Fury. There was no need to rush into capturing him now.

“Then the new order is this: focus your observation on Antarctica and Wakanda beneath the sea. At the same time, pay attention to something called the Heart-Shaped Herb and to the Black Panther. I hope he can bring me good news.”

Hill handed the smart tablet to her assistant.

“I am certain you will find something.”

“Yes.”

The adjutant saluted and left the room. Hill once again fixed her gaze on the map, a faint smile appearing on her face.

At that same moment, Nick Fury was also gazing with satisfaction at his new base. Through his own channels, he had obtained a measure of assistance from Wakanda, and the entire facility was equipped with newly purchased Wakandan products. It looked exceptionally high-tech. The new base was far better than the former S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, which had been entirely infiltrated by Hydra.

Whenever he recruited new members, he first administered a large dose of truth serum and investigated them thoroughly, inside and out, before accepting them.

Relying on his financial resources and connections, he had also established a new organization.

“Can we locate Rogers now?” Nick Fury asked his adjutant.

His deputy handed him the smart tablet.

“His most recent appearance was in South America. Our intelligence network is insufficient in the tropical rainforest, so…”

“What about the others?” Nick Fury asked, unwilling to give up.

“After the Washington incident, several members of the Defenders, along with the new team members, have all become difficult to locate. Aside from Blade, we currently have no reliable information on any of them.”

“We found Blade, but the result was not ideal. I think he may be somewhat disappointed in you.”

Nick Fury fell silent.

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After a moment, he asked tentatively, “What about Coulson?”

“We only know that Mr. Coulson is somewhere in Eastern Europe. Beyond that, we have no information.”

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Once the turmoil had subsided, Nick Fury began to reflect. He had now worked out numerous points of suspicion.

From the moment Tony appeared onward, he had repeatedly reviewed every detail of the Washington incident. At the same time, by gathering intelligence from every available source, he had gradually begun to understand the deeper truths of this world.

The more he learned, the more frightened he became.

He had even begun taking myths and legends seriously.

There were legends of lost civilizations such as Atlantis, as well as stories of subterranean worlds. After all, Asgardians had already appeared on Earth, and Thor was the best example.

Perhaps countless extraterrestrial beings and alien species would appear in the future. Perhaps Earth itself concealed all manner of ancient races and monsters.

The more Nick Fury thought about it, the more anxious he became. Hydra had already left him terrified of every shadow, but at least that was still within the realm of ordinary human affairs.

When dealing with ordinary people, he could rely on his experience and judgment to resolve problems. But when confronted with supernatural powers, he felt that calling Captain Marvel was the only solution available to him.

Yet Captain Marvel did not come to him every time he called.

Besides, it took time for her to travel from some distant corner of the universe back to Earth.

At one point, he simply gave up thinking about it.

He even felt himself growing thinner by the day.

Damn it. Why?

The tiny man inside Nick Fury’s heart was roaring furiously.