The Containment Breach's Impact on Everyone!

"Our Foundation's full name is the Special Containment Procedures Foundation, commonly referred to as the Containment Foundation," Natasha began.

"The so-called 'containment items' are those supernatural anomalies, like the carnivorous ivy you encountered today."

Tony interrupted Natasha's explanation, skeptical, "Wait! You're saying that thing wasn't something you guys created? Then how did it show up?"

"Uh…" Natasha was stumped, realizing she was out of her depth. She looked to Dr. A167 for help.

"To date, we haven't figured out any consistent pattern for the appearance of anomalies," Dr. A167 began to explain. "They might have existed before humanity, or they might emerge from an accident, or even be artificially created. However, all containment items share one trait: they are uncontrollable and pose significant dangers to humanity, even if that harm isn't intentional."

Sharon Carter, standing nearby, had a sudden realization. This sounded a lot like S.H.I.E.L.D.'s designation for 084 objects, just under a different number system. But what was the Foundation's true goal in collecting so many 084s? Was it really for protection, or was there a hidden agenda?

Unlike Tony, Sharon didn't buy the Foundation's claim of containment and protection. She was deeply suspicious, believing only S.H.I.E.L.D. had the responsibility to handle such matters, while anyone else doing so must be driven by personal ambition.

"Carnivorous ivy? You mean that strange plant we ran into today?" Tony raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, containment item 307, the carnivorous ivy. It feeds on warm-blooded animals and can grow indefinitely. If left unchecked, it could consume all the warm-blooded animals on Earth," Dr. A167 confirmed with a nod.

Tony, ever the prideful and inquisitive man, caught onto a critical point. "Containment item 307? You're telling me there are 306 other things like this?"

"In fact, there are more. Since the Foundation's inception, nearly a thousand containment items have been secured and protected," Dr. A167 said, his tone laden with meaning.

Hearing this horrifying and chilling number, the others felt the temperature in the room drop several degrees. Even Coulson and May, who had just reached the door, stopped in their tracks, a cold sweat running down their spines.

Nearly a thousand?

What did that mean? In places S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't know about, world-ending crises had been averted a thousand times?

How was that possible?

How could such terrifying things exist in reality? This wasn't a movie—where were all these doomsday threats coming from?

The four undercover S.H.I.E.L.D. agents found it hard to accept this reality. If this was true, what was the point of S.H.I.E.L.D.? How could they claim to protect humanity?

If Ethan were here, he might have said, "Protect humanity? How many divisions does S.H.I.E.L.D. have? Do they even qualify to make such claims?"

In truth, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s so-called protection was as laughable as their limited perspective.

Dr. A167 smiled and shook his head, "No, don't overthink it. Items like Containment 307, which could endanger the entire world, are relatively rare. Most containment items are just dangerous. You'll understand more once you've seen more of them."

Tony, who was nearly traumatized by the experience with Containment 307, was eager to explore further. "I'm really interested in these containment items. As a consultant, can I study them?"

"You'd have to ask the President," Dr. A167 replied with a smile.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room…

Task 6547 had successfully returned and handed a sealed metal box to Ethan.

"President, Containment Item 307—the carnivorous ivy—has been successfully secured!" reported Task 6547.

Ethan accepted the metal box with satisfaction before tossing it into the containment space. Containment Item 307 was one of those anomalies that, if it grew large enough, could end the world.

Ethan dared not leave such a dangerous containment item in the real world, especially with S.H.I.E.L.D. already infiltrating their ranks, not to mention the meddling Hydra. If Containment 307 were to breach containment in a crowded area, the consequences would be catastrophic.

As much as he wanted more people to witness the terror of these containment items, Ethan wasn't so far gone as to sacrifice an entire city just for some extra fame.

After securing Containment 307, Ethan returned to the room. By then, Tony's face was deeply contemplative, and Yinsen appeared hesitant.

Having lost his family, Yinsen had been searching for a new purpose. Returning to his homeland, he had hoped to use his talents to make it a better place. But now…

Yinsen found himself aiming higher.

If the Foundation was truly as Dr. A167 described, why shouldn't he join them and contribute his talents to the betterment of all humanity?

Seeing Ethan return, Tony stood up and solemnly declared, "I request that you include me in your future operations. If I can confirm the righteousness of your cause, I am willing to spare no expense in funding the Foundation!"