Chapter 7: Life Is a Play, All About Acting

Having made up his mind, Harvey knew it wasn't the time for major actions yet, so he didn't dwell on it too much. He simply took a stroll, sold a few pieces of information, and made ten million dollars—an amount Harvey found quite satisfactory.

In a good mood, Harvey swam in his pool for several hours, enjoying himself.

This was also a way for him to refine his control over his powers.

After evolving over two hundred times, Harvey could cause significant damage effortlessly. A simple swipe could shatter the pool.

In fact, Harvey had often destroyed things right after evolving because he couldn't perfectly control his strength.

This was one of the reasons he didn't want a permanent staff to manage his estate.

He wasn't yet at the point where he could perfectly control his powers every time he evolved.

Any mishap could affect his current identity.

Later, Harvey lounged in a sun chair in the estate's garden, sipping freshly squeezed juice, eating fresh fruit, and enjoying the vibrant sunset—living as comfortably as possible.

After resting for a while, as night fell, Harvey changed into a sharp suit and drove out in his Ferrari convertible.

He planned to do some post-dinner exercise as well.

But just as Harvey was leaving the estate, a woman stood in his way.

She was a stunning woman in a tight leather outfit with red hair—Natasha, whom he had seen recently in Washington.

Harvey was puzzled as to why Black Widow Natasha was blocking his path.

Had he been exposed? He quickly dismissed the thought.

He believed he hadn't done anything out of the ordinary. He was low-key and even his outings were normal drives to various restaurants.

Eating large amounts of food was not only enjoyable but also brought him many evolution points, so it was a daily routine.

Harvey's car had to stop abruptly. Even though he knew Natasha had the ability to dodge, he couldn't just run her over.

"You crazy woman?"

"That's not how you do a shakedown."

Harvey stopped the car, glanced at Natasha, and yelled, "You're not even trying to hide it."

"Mr. Harvey Amberlock, I'm from the Department of Homeland Strategic Defense, Attack, and Logistics."

"I mean no harm; I just have some matters to discuss with you."

Natasha, unfazed by Harvey's outburst, took out an ID and stated her purpose.

Having learned that Earth was exposed to the cosmos and that a potential alien Grim Reaper might be on Earth, Natasha needed to determine whether Harvey Amberlock had superpowers.

To expedite this, she decided to intercept him. Meeting face-to-face would simplify any discussion and testing.

"Let's not talk about the department you mentioned. Is this how you approach someone to have a conversation?"

Harvey didn't know Natasha's intent but, following normal behavior and expectations, replied rudely.

The Department of Homeland Strategic Defense, Attack, and Logistics was a special unit handling unusual events, hidden from the public and managing supernatural incidents.

It was normal for most ordinary people not to have heard of it.

"I apologize for the attitude, but I have my own reasons."

Natasha, after apologizing, drew a gun and aimed it at Harvey.

Seeing the black barrel, Harvey understood Natasha's intention was merely to test whether he was an ordinary person.

"Let's talk this out; there's no need for a gun."

"What do you want? Money? How much? I can give you whatever you need."

Harvey's expression softened, his hands raised, and he spoke in a somewhat pleading tone.

Natasha noticed Harvey's slightly changing expression and tone, making her uncertain of his thoughts.

However, Natasha knew that in a crisis, even if Harvey tried to hide, he wouldn't be able to do so perfectly, so she moved her finger closer to the trigger.

"Don't—"

Seeing Natasha's movement, Harvey's face showed fear as he curled up and shouted.

He wasn't resisting because he believed the bullets couldn't penetrate his body and didn't think Natasha would dare to shoot him directly.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Three shots rang out in the night sky.

However, Natasha's gun, which had been aimed at Harvey, was turned and fired into the air.

After a few seconds, Harvey, still shaken, checked his body and realized he wasn't hurt. "I'm not dead?"

"What do you want, you crazy woman?"

Harvey quickly regained his composure, glaring at Natasha.

"It's fine now. You can go."

Natasha, seeing Harvey's reaction and feeling somewhat disappointed, said this and stepped aside, heading towards the nearby woods.

After Natasha disappeared into the forest, Harvey knew she hadn't left but quickly restarted the engine and sped away.

After Harvey's car vanished, Natasha emerged from the woods.

She had confirmed that Harvey Amberlock was not a superpowered individual.

If Harvey had been a superpowered person, he would have instinctively displayed some extraordinary abilities to protect himself when faced with imminent gunfire.

However, throughout the encounter, Harvey had acted like an ordinary person.

He didn't call the police in front of her, which was consistent with his wealthy persona. Wealthy people wouldn't be so foolish as to openly threaten to report someone to the FBI.

That would only provoke a more dangerous response.

Of course, it was also possible that Harvey was just putting on an act, but if it was, his acting was exceptionally realistic.

Natasha then rode off on her motorcycle.

Just half an hour later, Nick Fury sent a message inquiring about what Natasha had done with Harvey Amberlock.

Harvey had already arrived at the FBI headquarters, claiming he needed to apprehend a crazy woman, describing her appearance and attire that matched Natasha exactly.

"I only conducted the most efficient test."

"Based on the test, I can confirm that Harvey Amberlock is not a superpowered individual."

Natasha provided this answer to Nick Fury's query.

"Are you completely sure?"

Nick Fury, upon receiving the message, felt somewhat disappointed.

"Yes."

Natasha confirmed with certainty.

"Alright, you don't need to observe Harvey Amberlock any further."

"I'll handle these issues."

Seeing Natasha's prompt reply, Nick Fury knew she had thoroughly tested Harvey, so he rescinded the order for Natasha to keep monitoring him.

Although Nick Fury could pay for the Grim Reaper's assistance in crises, the Grim Reaper was an uncertain factor.

He couldn't be sure that, when humanity faced other hostile aliens, the Grim Reaper would protect them just for the sake of money.

Now was the beginning stage where they lacked helpers, but rushing to find superpowered individuals and heroes was not effective.

He could only hope for a smooth process and that he could find superheroes willing to help Earth before other hostile aliens arrived.