House of Ideas

The large stage gleamed under the bright lights, perfectly set up for the inauguration of Vought Studios.

Hundreds of guests filled the expansive hall—a mix of media, politicians, and influential businesspeople—all waiting for the speech that would set the tone for this new chapter in Vought International's empire.

Niklaus stood at the podium, his face the picture of earnest determination. He wore a perfectly tailored suit, every detail in place to sell the image of a young man stepping up to honor his family legacy.

Inside, though, he was calm and calculating, his mind far removed from the emotions he was about to project.

The murmurs in the crowd died down as he took a breath, gripping the edges of the podium, his gaze sweeping the audience. Finally, with a poised smile, he began.

"Thank you all for being here today," Niklaus started, his voice strong and clear, with just the right hint of emotion. "Today marks a new beginning, not just for Vought International, but for the vision my mother built—one that we're committed to expanding beyond anyone's imagination."

He paused, letting his words sink in, while the cameras clicked and the crowd listened intently.

"As many of you know, my mother was a woman with dreams that went far beyond just superheroes and entertainment. She believed that Vought could do more—more for the world, more for every single person, regardless of their background or status."

"She believed in a future where people from all walks of life could live better, safer, and more fulfilling lives, all thanks to the innovation and compassion that Vought stood for. But her vision wasn't just about the present. She understood something deeper—something I think is often underestimated. Entertainment doesn't just entertain; it shapes society. It influences. It has the power to inspire revolutions, unite people, and create change."

Niklaus leaned forward slightly, his eyes sharp, yet passionate, as he continued, his voice growing stronger with every word. "Think about it. Throughout history, art and poetry have sparked revolutions. In France, during the Enlightenment, poets and playwrights spoke out against oppression, igniting the support for the French Revolution in many. Words have toppled empires, and ideas have inspired movements."

His hand lifted slightly as he gestured to the crowd. "In the United States, literature like Uncle Tom's Cabin challenged the very foundation of slavery, giving people the courage to stand up against injustice. "

"In India, poems by the likes of Tagore stirred millions to rise against colonial rule. What do all these have in common? They were stories—stories that resonated with the human experience, stories that moved people to action."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in before continuing with more intensity. "Entertainment is no different. What we create today—the shows, the films, the media—it all influences how people see the world, how they see themselves, and how they think about the future. These aren't just passive experiences. Entertainment can inspire someone to stand up for what's right, or it can reinforce old prejudices. The stories we tell shape how generations grow."

The crowd remained hushed, every word hitting its mark. Niklaus was pulling them in now, feeding on their focus.

"And that is what we aim to do here at Vought Studios. This isn't just a place for mindless content production—it's a place where we will craft the future. We will tell stories that matter, stories that unite rather than divide, stories that challenge the wromg and push society forward. Vought Studios will not be content with creating passive entertainment. We will create movements, shape thought, and show the world that a better future is possible throight the sinple lens of ideas"

Niklaus took a breath, his voice lowering as he injected a sense of personal commitment. "That is the legacy my mother left behind. She knew the power of media. She believed in its ability to bring change. And I carry that vision forward. Entertainment is one of the most powerful tools we have to change the world, and we will wield that power responsibly."

He smiled warmly, his gaze sweeping across the audience. "This is just the beginning. Together, we will create something bigger than ourselves. Vought Studios will not only entertain, but it will inspire, educate, and lead the world to a better tomorrow."

The applause erupted almost instantly, a standing ovation from the captivated audience.

Niklaus allowed the adoration to wash over him, knowing he had played his role perfectly.

He had delivered passion, vision, and purpose—everything they wanted to hear.

But inside him, there was nothing.

He had simply warped reality to make him better receive and speak all that so genuinely since he was horrible at acting.

---

Niklaus walked into the lavish banquet hall, the applause from his speech still ringing faintly in the background.

The room was abuzz with chatter, excitement in the air, and it was clear the evening was already a success.

He moved through the crowd with ease, smiling and exchanging pleasantries with various guests, all of whom eagerly sought his attention.

As he approached a group of influential producers, his gaze caught the legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg among them.

With a glass of wine in hand, Niklaus made his way over, his expression warm and engaging.

"Mister. Steven," Niklaus greeted with a firm handshake, "I'm so glad you could make it tonight. It means the world to have someone with your vision here."

Spielberg returned the handshake with a smile. "The pleasure's mine, Niklaus. You've got something truly special going on here. Your speech about how entertainment shapes society? Spot on."

Niklaus chuckled lightly, nodding. "Coming from you, that means a lot. We've got a long way to go, hopefully we find each other working together in the near future"

The producers surrounding Spielberg chimed in with their congratulations, each eager to make their mark on the young Vought heir.

But Niklaus, though courteous, was already scanning the room, his mind elsewhere.

He knew the real business of the evening wasn't with these Hollywood elites.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Niklaus excused himself, swirling his glass of wine as he walked away from the group.

He moved purposefully through the sea of guests, his eyes landing on a man standing off to the side, seemingly blending in with the crowd.

The man wore a dark suit, polished but unremarkable, with an expression that was neutral but observant.

A practiced agent. Niklaus knew him all too well—he had attempted to infiltrate Vought some time ago, but had failed. SHIELD had a way of trying to poke its nose where it didn't belong.

Niklaus approached casually, his expression unchanged as he took a sip of wine.

The agent didn't flinch, merely inclining his head slightly in acknowledgment.

"Agent Williams," Niklaus said quietly, his tone just loud enough for the agent to hear over the din of the banquet. "Enjoying the event, I hope?"

Williams gave a thin smile, his eyes still scanning the room before locking onto Niklaus'. "It's... impressive, Mr. Vought. A lot of powerful people under one roof. Quite the gathering."

Niklaus smirked, leaning in slightly. "And yet, here you are. The man who thought he could slip into Vought's inner workings undetected. Tell me, did your superiors send you here tonight, or are you just feeling nostalgic for your failed mission?"

Williams didn't react, but Niklaus could see the tension in his shoulders, the professional mask slipping just slightly. "I'm just here to observe, Mr. Vought. Nothing more."

"Of course you are," Niklaus replied smoothly, swirling the wine in his glass. "But let me be clear—this game you and SHIELD are playing? It's pointless. You'll never get close to what we're doing here. Vought is untouchable. And you, well... you're just a footnote in a short, unremarkable chapter."

Williams' gaze hardened, but he kept his composure. "We'll see about that."

Niklaus smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "We already have. Now, enjoy the rest of the evening. Consider it... a parting gift."

Without another word, Niklaus turned on his heel and walked away, leaving the SHIELD agent standing alone, frustration barely concealed behind his cold expression. Niklaus took another sip of his wine, satisfied. He had already won this battle long before it even started. SHIELD might think they were watching him, but in reality, it was always Niklaus who had the upper hand.

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