Agent Carter

Authors Note-

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...

Under the guidance of the robot, the second trader of the day sat in front of Ivan—a beautiful woman followed by two attendants.

A rare genial smile appeared on Ivan's face, "Welcome! Ms. Carter, I don't know what you are going to exchange. For Captain America's sake, maybe I can offer you some discounts."

"You know me?" Carter showed a puzzled look on her face to hide her surprise.

As the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Carter's identity is very secretive.

"Of course, Peggy Carter, Captain America's girlfriend, should say ex-girlfriend now, homeland strategy... uh! Forget it, I've been disgusted by the long and difficult name, so let's keep it simple. , abbreviated as S.H.I.E.L.D.

The current director of S.H.I.E.L.D. I not only know you but also Howard Stark, even Steve Rogers. At that time, he was still short."

Although Carter's face was flat on the surface, she was shocked inside. Outsiders couldn't know about Captain America's private affairs.

Carter didn't want to worry about Captain America, and changed the subject: "S.H.I.E.L.D.? It's a good name. I'll consider your suggestion carefully, but then again, you know us so well, but we don't know much about you. The slightest bit of information is unfair."

"There is nothing fair or unfair. The world is so big, and there are many unfair things, so don't take it too seriously."

Carter nodded, agreeing, "That's true, but your tone of voice doesn't sound like a devil, and it makes me a little suspicious of your identity."

"Is there a difference between the devil? You treat this place as an exchange, isn't it enough that we are business partners? You pay what I am satisfied with in exchange for what you want, don't think it too complicated."

Being a qualified agent, Carter is very good at reading words and feelings, and she felt that what the other party was saying was the truth. At the same time, she also understood that some things will not stop until the end. Now the two sides are only meeting for the first time. If you ask too many questions, it may cause the other party irritation.

"Okay, since you said so, then we treat it as a business. In business, can you exchange anything here?"

Ivan quickly waved his hand to deny, "How is that possible, I'm not an omnipotent god, but I have some magical items that are precious to human beings. The value is given to recommend the corresponding items, but as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., you must have a lot of good things in your hands, and big customers have privileges. This is a list of items that can be exchanged from me, you should take a look."

A beam of light was suddenly projected from the top, and a light screen was formed in front of Carter. The names of various magical items and their corresponding introductions were listed on it. Ivan also reached out and clicked, and the list automatically dropped. That said, it's too advanced.

When Carter saw the light screen formed by the light beams, her eyes widened. She was not ignorant. She immediately understood what this light screen represented.

"It's amazing, is this technology from aliens? If I want to exchange this technology, what price will I have to pay, by the way, and the previous spherical robot, is that also for sale?"

"Sorry, these technologies are temporarily not among the trading items. Their value is not high, but the foundation required is beyond your imagination. This is a technology that has surpassed the level of Earth technology by about 100 years. Even if it is given to you, it can't be used.

In addition, the purchase of these technologies is not something you can say, unless several of the most powerful countries in the world unite, but I can only sell finished equipment, and if it is broken, I am not responsible for repairs.

Also, even if I sell things to you, do you dare to use them? Aren't you afraid that I will install some special device on it to steal your confidential information? "

Carter immediately reacted, indeed, this kind of thing is not something she can decide, and as Ivan said, even if she bought something, she would not dare to use it. 

"Looks like you've made a long-term plan" Carter temporarily put aside his thoughts and began to click on the light screen according to Ivan's method to view the introduction of exchangeable items page by page.

When Carter saw a potion capable of extending life and preserving youth, she couldn't help but pause. As a woman, loving beauty is natural, and long life is universally desired. Yet, he refrained from commenting much until discovering that its efficacy ceased when paired with the physique enhancement potion, evoking an inexplicable glint in his eyes.

"I'm not familiar with this physique-strengthening potion..."

"I understand your concern; think of it as an alternative superhuman serum."

Observing Carter's focus on the physique enhancement potion, Ivan discerned the situation. Frankly, this potion had much in common with the superhuman serum. Ivan blended magic potion into it, conforming to the standard of use.

"Can Mr. Devil provide details on this physique-enhancing potion?"

"It's been generally introduced before. The physique enhancement medicines come in three levels: low, medium, and high. The low level enhances the physical fitness of ordinary humans by one to three times, free of side effects. The intermediate level, four to seven times, suits only those physically robust and ailment-free. Some special forces, with good innate aptitude, correct exercise, and proper nutrition, can achieve four to seven times physical quality, so the intermediate level's value isn't as high as perceived.

Lastly, the advanced physique potion enhances the human body by up to twelve times, akin to Captain America's level post-superhuman serum. However, it's not for ordinary use; the process induces considerable pain, risking mental breakdown, and the increased strength amplifies inner desires. Use it cautiously, as exemplified by Captain America and the Red Skull – the worse the person, the worse the outcome. Exercise care in use."

Listening to Ivan's exposition, Carter sifted through a list of magical items in hand.

It took a while for Carter to organize the items. Afterward, taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes, pondered, then waved her hand. A valet placed a box before her.

Entering the password, Carter opened the box, inspected the contents, and pushed it toward Ivan, asking, "How many physique-enhancing potions can these items be exchanged for?"

Glancing at the box, Ivan noted over a dozen items – masks inscribed with talismans, pieces of wood with bizarre patterns, bones of some animal, and more. Finding some items intriguing, like the fire dragon's horn, Ivan chuckled inwardly. The items were valuable, yet not quite what he anticipated.

"Ms. Carter, you're the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., but these seem a bit too unconventional. S.H.I.E.L.D. safeguards the Earth, so there must be numerous mysterious items collected over the years. A few of those could sustain you for a lifetime. Nevertheless, if you're hesitant, we can proceed with the exchange, but you're being somewhat frugal!"

Carter rolled her eyes internally, acknowledging the truth about S.H.I.E.L.D.'s repository. However, those items were excessively hazardous, causing massive damage upon exposure. She couldn't risk their release.

"As the director, my decisions are constrained by the Security Council. Let's focus on the exchange value for these items and spare me the trouble."

Understanding, Ivan swiftly reverted, "For these, I can offer three intermediate-level physique-enhancing potions and two low-level ones. If you opt for only intermediates, I can provide seventeen."

"Alright, three intermediates and two low-level ones. Can I take them now?"

"No problem, valued customer. I trust you'll continue favoring my business."

"By the way, I just learned that one can exchange life directly here. How much life could those items just now get me?"

Having just packed the five physique-strengthening potions into a sealed box, Ivan swiftly responded to Carter's inquiry, "Seventeen years. Alternatively, one can exchange gold directly; I specialize in extending lifespans. For the wealthy, a ton of gold can secure a year of vitality."

"What?" Carter exclaimed, "A ton of gold? You're quite the shrewd businessman. According to your rules, if one enters without satisfying items, they get drawn for two years of vitality. Essentially, paying the equivalent of two tons of gold is downright extortion."

"Hey! Don't accuse me of money-grabbing so hastily. Besides, the key to selling vitality lies not in the vitality itself, but in the method of extraction and preservation.

In the magical realm, numerous secret arts and curses can consume an enemy's vitality, but methods to extract and store it are rare. If not for the unique circumstances of my magic Cabin, I couldn't achieve it. Others may have the capability, but on Earth, it's almost an exclusive business."

"Almost means there's someone else who can do this, right?" Carter, being an astute agent, honed in on the crucial point.

"Yes, there is another, but let me be clear, he pales in comparison to me. The alchemist Nicolas Flamel from the magical world can create a magic stone that grants longevity. However, his method, in my eyes, is rather crude, relying heavily on human souls as the main material. Without experiencing two world wars and amassing a large soul collection, he wouldn't have crafted it so easily. Even so, there are significant side effects, making it inferior to my vitality extraction method."

"Got it. In a way, you could be considered a monopoly, and you hold all the cards."

"Well, it's not entirely wrong to say that" Ivan admitted with a generous nod.