Chapter 78

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Nick Fury's Confusion: Something's Off with Stark

"Alright, Pepper. You can leave the rest to the legal department to monitor; there shouldn't be any problems now. Next, I have another important task for you. I plan to relaunch the Stark Industries Expo. Yes, indeed, it is a very interesting venture, and I'm sure it's going to be a lot of fun."

At Stark Tower, in the office, Tony Stark had a brief meeting with Pepper Potts to wrap up concerns related to the Iron Man armor. He then assigned his assistant the important task of organizing the Stark Industries Expo. After giving his instructions, Iron Man greeted her, patted his bottom, and got back to being the hands-off manager, leisurely returning to his luxurious villa.

Hmm? But as soon as Tony Stark entered the door, he felt something was off. Too quiet. Normally, as soon as Tony Stark arrived home, JARVIS would immediately come online and greet him, promptly gauging Tony Stark's mood to adjust the lighting and ambiance of the room to his liking, as well as setting the temperature of the air conditioning, deciding whether to play music, and other operations according to Iron Man's preferences, ensuring that Tony Stark would reach a state of utmost contentment upon arriving home.

However, JARVIS was unusually silent now; there was no sign of activity, as though it had gone offline suddenly. This was not normal, even unprecedented.

"JARVIS?" Stark called out curiously.

"I am here, sir!" It was only after Stark himself initiated the call that JARVIS responded in a mechanical manner.

This was not right! Stark realized immediately and began to frown, a hint of wariness in his expression. Could someone have tampered with JARVIS? It seemed likely.

Considering the high level of artificial intelligence JARVIS possesses, the probability of it encountering bugs was slim to none. And if someone was capable of this feat, they were no ordinary individual!

As expected, in the very next moment, under Tony Stark's vigilant and stern gaze, Iron Man inadvertently looked up to see a stranger standing in front of the vast floor-to-ceiling window!

What's going on? Stark was startled to discover an intruder in his home, despite having the world's most advanced artificial intelligence for security. This was nearly impossible before. Who was this person?

With this question in mind, Tony Stark began to look closely. He saw a man wearing a black robe, standing with his hands behind his back. Since the man was back to him, Stark couldn't make out his features clearly. However, when Tony Stark's gaze landed on the man's head, he had an epiphany.

"Nick Fury! Director of SHIELD!" Tony instantly guessed the man's identity.

"So, 'it's not a rumor', 'I am Iron Man' – you think you're the only superhero in the world?"

Then, accompanying this profound and deep voice, the bold head turned around, revealing his features fully to Tony Stark. Just as Stark had figured, indeed it was Nick Fury from SHIELD! Having been involved in extraterrestrial wars and in charge of a massive intelligence agency like SHIELD, it wasn't too surprising he could bypass JARVIS. After all, despite his unassuming bald appearance, Fury was no ordinary man according to the numerous spoilers in the notebook.

"Mr. Stark, you've become a part of a much bigger universe, you just don't know it yet!" Fury said cryptically as he approached Stark.

"First of all, I've never claimed that I am the only superhero in the world – I know I'm not. But, no doubt, I will be the most powerful superhero," Stark confidently replied. "Maybe not now, but surely in the future. Secondly, when you talk about 'a much bigger universe,' do you mean aliens? Well, I bet what you consider 'a much bigger universe' is just the tip of the iceberg."

Facing the all-knowing and controlling gaze of Nick Fury, Tony Stark spoke with ease and certainty.

Fury was taken aback. This was not going according to plan; the tone seemed off. He had intended to awe Stark with a mysterious and formidable demeanor, ideally to intimidate him and thus establish his own credibility, control the rhythm of the negotiation, and gain the upper hand. He started with grand propositions like "You are not the only superhero" and "a bigger universe" to overwhelm Iron Man. However, Stark's reaction was more composed than he anticipated, unfazed by the weight of the information.

Furthermore, Stark's composure didn't appear feigned. It seemed as if he was well aware of the heavy news Fury had hinted at. And according to the information Fury had, Tony Stark was arrogant, but not someone who feigned knowledge.

If Stark didn't know about the things Fury mentioned, he wouldn't pretend to understand. 

Therefore, according to Fury's judgment and analysis, Tony Stark must have an understanding of those matters!

Aware of the existence of other superheroes in the world, as well as about aliens!

I must say, it came as a bit of a surprise to Nick Fury.

He didn't expect Tony Stark to be so "well-informed."

This feeling of things being out of control, even if it's just slightly, is really unpleasant.

Especially when the other party looks at you with slight disdain and ridicule, as if you're just a clown showing off!

It left Nick Fury feeling quite frustrated, like punching into cotton.

"Oh, so you already know all this?"

Nick Fury raised his eyebrows, both curious and probing further, "So then, besides yourself, do you know of any other superheroes?"

"And these aliens you speak of, are you sure you're not referring to some science fiction movie?"

"Cut out your clumsy probing."

Tony Stark didn't have the patience to waste words with Nick Fury, "Seeing through the true nature of this world and knowing the realities that others don't isn't exclusive to you!"

Seeing the conviction and matter-of-fact manner in Tony Stark's demeanor, Nick Fury inwardly made a judgement.

It seems he had indeed underestimated this Iron Man before.

This man was more than just a mere super-scientist!

He must possess and understand many secrets unknown to others.

There's a good chance he truly knows a piece of the real world.

"The last point!"

As Fury's thoughts were racing, Tony Stark continued, "Even if you're the Director of SHIELD, it doesn't mean you can just barge into my home!"

He actually knows my identity?

On the surface, Nick Fury maintained his composure, still presenting a mysterious and grand demeanor.

But internally, he couldn't help being caught off guard.

Tony Stark even knows who I am?

SHIELD might rank above agencies like the FBI and CIA.

But its notoriety is far less, to the point of being incredibly low-key.

Even SHIELD agents on missions often don't use their SHIELD identity but pose as FBI or other intelligence agencies.

It can't be helped.

SHIELD's low profile means less recognition and legitimacy.

It's not as effective as the FBI's brand.

Yet under those circumstances, Tony Stark knows about this obscure intelligence department's director!

Iron Man's scope of knowledge really is extremely broad, isn't it?

It turns out that I truly underestimated Tony Stark before.

"Since you know who I am, things should be easier now, at least saving the trouble of introducing myself."

With those thoughts quickly passing through his mind, Nick Fury continued to speak methodically, "I see this as a good starting point."

"A starting point for what? I'm all ears."

Tony Stark spread his hands, eyes intently fixed on Nick Fury.

He was indeed very curious about this.

What was the purpose of Fury's uninvited visit?

Was it to resolve his palladium poisoning issue, the matter of the Avengers, or something else?

"Stark, I'm here to talk to you about the Avengers."

Facing Tony Stark's gaze, Nick Fury seriously presented his proposal.

It was not at all unexpected to Iron Man.

With the information spoiled in the notebook, Nick Fury's sudden visit only had a few possibilities.

But the question was, should he join the Avengers?

After a brief consideration, Tony Stark made up his mind.

"Sorry, no matter how unimpressive this league sounds, I'm not interested."

Tony Stark's response was negative and definitive.

Of course.

His supposed ignorance of the Avengers was just a pretense, otherwise, it would be too suspicious.

Knowing he's not the only superhero, aware of aliens, aware of the Director of SHIELD,

This could be attributed to Iron Man's extensive knowledge and worldliness.

But if he showed the same attitude towards the Avengers, it would be truly odd.

The only source of information about that organization would be... the notebook!

In other words, it's something most people wouldn't know.

Especially since the founder of the Avengers hadn't even established the organization yet.

Tony Stark wouldn't reveal such a flaw in front of a chief of intelligence.

"Stark, I expect you understand that adult decisions aren't driven by personal interest."

"And besides, I haven't told you what the Avengers do, so how can you be sure you're not interested?"

Still unshaken, Nick Fury began to explain what the Avengers are all about.

Originally, Fury thought.

Since Tony Stark knew the truth about the world and the superhuman threats it faced,

And considering his past actions against criminals, he'd be somewhat receptive to the Avengers.

But Tony Stark firmly rejected it.

On one hand, Iron Man truly had not made that decision yet.

He knew from the notebook that another version of himself was indeed an Avenger, but that person wasn't him and didn't represent him!

At least the current Tony Stark, lacking those necessary experiences, really had no such intention.

And on the other hand?

He, the great Tony Stark, was annoyed with Nick Fury!

This guy, having something his father left him, remained secretive, only coming forward as he was close to death!

Logically, Tony Stark understood Fury's approach and even had to admire it as cunning.

But emotionally, Iron Man really disliked it.

"Things don't look too promising!"

Nick Fury felt slightly down but didn't take it too personally.

These things don't get resolved in one or two attempts.

He had prepared for a gradual approach all along.

Even to this point, Tony Stark was just one of the candidates for Fury, nothing more.

Fury hadn't decided to fully recruit Iron Man.

It was only a stage for initial contact and assessment.

So even though Tony Stark wasn't very enthusiastic, Fury's mission wasn't a failure.

"Goodbye, Stark."

"I have a feeling we'll meet again."

With a wave of his hand, leaving his magniloquent parting words,

Nick Fury left Iron Man's mansion.

"Director, where are we heading next?"

Having just entered his car, Agent Hill, who was driving, soon sought her superior's instruction.

"Well..."

Without hesitation, Fury gave his response, "Let's go see another interesting individual."