Chapter 18: Target: Edward

"Stop playing around. Has the money arrived?" Edward called out to Walter, who was practicing his Murder of Crows abilities on the rooftop of the office building.

"Yes, it has. 1 billion dollars in total. That's our share. Kingpin has given me the bill. You know, I'm not familiar with the pricing of those artifacts, and there were too many to account for."

"No worries. 1 billion is fine. If there's more, we can consider it a bonus for them. Are all the experimental equipment ready?"

"Yes, everything is set. We can start the renovations as soon as the payment is made."

"Alrighty, then you go make the payment." Edward tossed a card to Walter. Walter then rode his beat-up motorcycle to Old Jack's General Store and paid a whopping 1.5 billion dollars to settle all the accounts.

Seeing the money arrive, Jack immediately instructed Tank, the towering two-meter-tall man who always accompanied him, to lead the renovation team to transform the second floor.

---

Washington, Triskelion Building

"Director, I have some files that I think you should see." A female agent in a tight suit, showcasing her curvy figure, walked in with a folder in hand.

"Agent Hill, is there any information you need me to see?" The chair slowly turned to reveal the person sitting in it: bald, black-skinned, with an eye patch. It was the famous Nick Fury.

"A boss of an agency. We've bought intelligence from him before, and it's always been accurate. Our initial threat assessment of him was level three, but after his recent mission, I think we need to reevaluate." Agent Maria Hill placed the folder on the desk.

(AN: Man, I got hots for her. Don't know where she went after some movies.)

Nick Fury picked up the folder and began reading. As he turned the pages, his expression grew more serious.

"Are you kidding me? These feats— not even Captain America could pull them off."

"I'm sorry, Director. I regret to tell you that the information above is all true."

"Increase his threat level to six. Assign a team to monitor him."

"Are you sure, Director? His senses are extremely sharp."

"It doesn't matter. As an information broker, he should know about us. Just do it. By the way, where's Natasha?"

"Director, did you need me?"

Just as Nick spoke of the devil, a stunning red-haired woman walked in.

"Natasha, I want you to make contact with him." Nick Fury tossed a folder to her. Natasha, also known as Black Widow, picked up the folder. Upon seeing her target, she couldn't help but frown. Although, she didn't refuse. As she was about to leave, Nick Fury called her.

"One more thing. If possible, try to make contact with this person as well," Fury added.

"Director, I can't be in two places at once," Natasha replied, a bit irritated.

"In that case, I'll have Coulson handle it."

"Never mind, is he in New York?"

"Yes, he's in Hell's Kitchen, running a place called Marvel Agency. He seems to have some local influence."

"Got it. I'll take care of it," Natasha said, taking the files and leaving. Agent Hill watched her go and asked, "Is it wise to have Black Widow handle both tasks?"

"The files indicate he saved that playboy. According to our profiler, the playboy, Tony, will likely seek out that agency boss again. Natasha being around the playboy will facilitate contact with both targets."

Agent Hill nodded and left without further comment.

Soon, Natasha quickly infiltrated Stark Industries as an applicant, and due to her stunning figure and angelic face, she was promptly hired as Tony Stark's secretary.

---

"Boss, we have a new case!" Walter shouted as he pushed open the door of the agency.

Tom, Jerry, and also Richard, who were playing video games, instantly turned to look at Walter. Walter quickly put on a helpless smile, "Sorry for disturbing you. My bad. Carry on, guys."

The trio turned back to their game, having already lost their last match due to Walter's sudden shout.

"Boss, we have a new case," Walter repeated.

"Yawn~ what kind of case?" Edward yawned as he came down from upstairs.

"It's a commission from Tony Stark. He wants us to find the mastermind behind the threats against him."

"How much?"

"One million dollars."

"That's all?" Edward was a bit surprised.

"Uh, well, he provided a suspect for us to investigate."

"Who?"

"Obadiah Stane, his uncle. Well, actually, he was more like his father's best friend."

"Do you think there's any need to investigate? It's obviously him."

"No, he insists on having evidence."

"Have him sign the contract, and you can handle it. The evidence is on his work computer. It should be easy for you to get," Edward said, losing interest and lying down on the table. Soon, Walter heard snoring his boss snoring.

Walter, feeling resigned, headed out alone. As a full-time employee, he had some authority, including signing contracts.

Walter soon arrived at Tony's seaside villa. As he approached the door, it opened by itself, surprising him.

[Hello, Mr. Khawaja. Please come in. Mr. Stark is in the basement, and I have already notified him.] A mechanical voice surrounded him.

"And you are?"

[I am JARVIS, an artificial intelligence created by Mr. Stark.]

(AN: And also Scarlet Witch's future sex doll.)

"Hello, JARVIS. By the way, do you have the authority to access the computers of anyone in your organization?"

[Mr. Khawaja, I have access to most employees' computers, but I cannot access the computers of senior staff unless Mr. Stark authorizes it.] JARVIS responded.

At that moment, Tony emerged from the basement. Seeing Walter alone, he was a bit surprised. "Where's your boss?"

"Uh… the boss handed this entire commission to me. Mr. Stark, please sign the commission contract first." Walter then produced a parchment scroll, a quill, and an ink pad out of thin air.

Tony reviewed the contract, picked up the pen, and signed his name. After pressing his thumb into the ink pad, he noticed his hand got injured. He glanced at Walter, twitched his lips, and pressed his thumb onto the contract.

As the name glowed, Walter knew the contract was now binding.

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