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Chapter Ninety: The Avengers Assemble

"Agent Romanov, we need you to return to S.H.IE.L.D. immediately!" Phil Coulson's urgent voice came through the phone.

In the cluttered living room, Natalia Romanov was lounging on the sofa, recovering from her recent battle with Thor. She had been seriously injured, but her condition was slowly improving.

She lazily picked up her phone. "I'm currently on a mission; it will take some time."

"This is critical. The Tesseract has been compromised, and Barton is under enemy control!"

Natalia's relaxed demeanor shifted to seriousness instantly. She replied coldly, "What do you need me to do?"

"Activate the Avengers Initiative!"

"Seriously? Shouldn't I be going after those people? They're not exactly the best at staying in touch."

…

"What's the matter? Is the bureau after you?" Thor asked with a grin after Natalia ended the call. "Who are you accountable to—Stark or the Hulk?"

"Neither," Natalia responded with a bright smile. "My job was to gauge your response."

"Because of Loki?"

Natalia's expression was one of anticipation. "You already knew?"

Thor nodded. "S.H.I.E.L.D.'s excessive use of the Tesseract's cosmic energy has attracted the attention of some cosmic forces. To them, it's a signal."

"A signal?"

"A signal that Earth is prepared for a major conflict."

Natalia began to understand. She shifted the conversation back to its original topic. "So, what's your stance? Will you assist us?"

Thor waved his hand dismissively. "If I intervene, it will only provide a temporary fix. S.H.I.E.L.D. won't learn from their mistakes; they will just become more obsessed with weapon research. The repercussions this time are manageable, but next time might not be."

"So, you're not going to intervene?"

"Not until Nick Fury acknowledges his error. However, I can have Jane Foster assist in the meantime." Thor indicated Jane Foster. "As the new Thor, Jane's strength should be more than sufficient to handle Loki."

…

In a secluded town, Bruce Banner stared helplessly at the bald man before him.

"I've been hiding here for a reason. Why are you bothering me? Are you from the military?"

Nick Fury shook his head. "No, I'm from S.H.I.E.L.D. We keep track of individuals with super abilities. Over the past year, we've shielded you from various threats."

Bruce Banner, being astute, knew S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't help him out of the goodness of their hearts. He sighed. "What's your agenda? What do you want from me?"

"It's not about what we want, but rather what the world needs."

"An extraterrestrial force has taken the Tesseract, and the consequences are unpredictable. The gamma radiation from the Tesseract is too faint for us to trace, and you are the foremost expert on gamma rays."

"So you didn't come here to hunt monsters?"

"No, not monsters. For someone with your abilities, S.H.I.E.L.D. sees you as a potential Avenger."

…

Outside Stark Industries, Phil Coulson, having endured numerous difficulties and Stark's constant interruptions, finally sighed in relief. Convincing the playboy billionaire was no easy task.

He dialed Nick Fury. "Boss, Tony Stark is on board. Have you managed to reach Bruce Banner? That leaves only Captain America. Should I contact him?"

"No, Steve has already taken care of it."

…

Ten minutes earlier, Captain America was in the middle of a boxing session when he received Thor's call.

"Steve, the world needs you again. Are you prepared?"

"I'm always ready."

…