The Second Phase of the Cosmic Cube

If it weren't for the fact that he hadn't yet reached the point of almost falling out with S.H.I.E.L.D., Russell wouldn't have bothered with them at all.

"Mr. Bradley, we..." Coulson was about to say something.

However, before he could finish his sentence, Russell interrupted him.

"Alright, Director Coulson, I have more work to do, so I won't see you off!"

Russell issued a clear dismissal.

Seeing Russell's resolute expression, Coulson sighed helplessly.

"In that case, we won't disturb you for now."

With that, Coulson stood up and, with Natasha in tow, headed for the office's exit.

Just as they were about to leave the office, Russell's voice rang out.

"Director Coulson, I happen to prefer dealing with female agents."

"If you have any future business with me, you can send a female agent directly. Agent Romanoff would be a suitable choice."

Coulson thought for a moment that Russell had changed his mind. However, he didn't expect Russell to say something like this.

Coulson didn't reply but nodded at Russell before turning and leaving the office with Natasha.

Once back in the car, Coulson asked Natasha, who was sitting in the passenger seat, "You've met him twice now, and if the agency decides to impose certain restrictions on him, what do you think would be the best approach?"

While Coulson held a higher rank as the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s New York Division, Natasha had far more experience in field operations.

Before joining S.H.I.E.L.D., Natasha had been an elite operative of the Red Room. After joining S.H.I.E.L.D., she had completed various spy and special operations missions assigned by the agency.

In comparison, Coulson excelled more in managing teams, while Natasha was better at executing specific missions.

"Based on the current known information, the agency lacks high-level firepower to counter him. What's more, he's not a lone wolf. Besides him, there's Supergirl, the Hulk, Godzilla, and other formidable entities. Not to mention, his girlfriend is Miss Diana Prince."

"If you're asking for my advice, I'd suggest that the agency avoid engaging in direct armed conflict with him."

Natasha spoke with a serious expression.

"Regarding this issue, the agency has already taken it into consideration. We've initiated the second phase of our plan. If all goes well, neither Russell nor Godzilla, or even Miss Prince, will be a problem."

Coulson knew that S.H.I.E.L.D. currently lacked the high-level combat power to counter Russell. Otherwise, they wouldn't have made concessions to this extent.

"Second phase? What second phase?" Natasha asked, puzzled.

"The second phase of the Cosmic Cube project. Barton has been reassigned, didn't Fury tell you?"

Now, it was Coulson's turn to be puzzled as he looked at Natasha.

The secrecy level of the second phase of the Cosmic Cube project was indeed high, but Natasha had a high enough special agent rank within S.H.I.E.L.D. to be privy to certain classified information.

Otherwise, Coulson wouldn't have suddenly mentioned the second phase of the Cosmic Cube to her.

"No, Fury hasn't told me anything."

Natasha shook her head in response.

"In that case, Fury must have other plans for you!"

As Coulson started the car, he remarked.

After Coulson and Natasha left the office, Russell had no intention of continuing with other work. He sat down at his desk and started playing a game.

With the issues concerning the Monarch Organization and S.H.I.E.L.D. resolved, there were only two matters left on his agenda. One was a meeting with Norman Osborn, and the other was a meeting with the Sorcerer Supreme, Ancient One.

As for Tony Stark, even though he had sent Russell an invitation to his party, the party had already ended by the time Russell woke up from his cocoon.

At noon, he had a casual meal in the company's cafeteria.

At three in the afternoon, after playing games for several hours, Russell put down the game controller, picked up his phone, and dialed Peter Parker's number.

Since the establishment of the Octopus Monster Labs, Russell had been meeting with Peter Parker less and less frequently.

Although Peter Parker still served as the Chief Engineer and Researcher in the Octopus Monster Lab, his responsibilities had dwindled significantly with the addition of Bruce Banner's ex-girlfriend, Betty, and Mr. Samuel Sterns to the lab.

While Peter Parker was undoubtedly a genius, he was still just a high school student. Despite his extensive self-study, his knowledge base was not as comprehensive as that of Betty and Dr. Sterns, who had already completed all their formal education.

However, Russell didn't have any ongoing projects that required Peter's immediate attention, so Peter had been enjoying a relatively relaxed period lately.

"Mr. Parker, I'd like to have a chat with you about something."

Russell quickly got to the point after Peter answered the phone.

"Sure thing, Mr. Russell! Where should I meet you?"

Peter, who had just finished school for the day, sounded excited.

"I'm sending a car to pick you up at your school. You can meet me at the lab in a little while."

"Alright, Mr. Russell! I'll be there!"

Peter eagerly agreed.

After ending the call, Russell instructed No. 3 to arrange for a car to pick up Peter from his school.

As for himself, Russell headed straight for the Octopus Monster Lab.

Once he arrived at the lab, Russell gathered Betty and Dr. Sterns in his office, both of whom he hadn't seen in a while.

Betty was primarily responsible for the secondary enhancement of the Super-Soldier Serum, while Dr. Sterns focused on further applications of gamma technology.

While gamma technology was indeed dangerous, there was no denying its vast potential. According to Dr. Sterns, gamma technology could potentially make humans immune to various diseases and even promote a new stage of human evolution.

Although Dr. Sterns had yet to provide concrete data to support his claims, Russell didn't shut down his research. He continued to give Dr. Sterns a chance, albeit with a final deadline in mind.

If Dr. Sterns couldn't produce the results Russell desired by the end of that deadline, Russell had another plan in mind for him.

A significant one!

Now, with Peter Parker present, Russell intended to discuss a specific matter that required Peter's expertise.