Strange Reaction

When Caesar found out that Iron Man was potentially recruitable, he pondered his options carefully.

The first option was tempting: just eliminate Iron Man and gain instant access to all the knowledge from his Mark 1 to Mark Nano Armor. Plus, a boost in physical resistance. It sounded like a quick fix to bolster Caesar's forces. But Caesar knew he already had plenty of lower-level fighters. So, he shrugged off the first option without much thought.

What really intrigued him were the second and third choices.

Option two seemed straightforward: force Iron Man to join his ranks. With his power, that wouldn't be difficult. But Caesar knew that simply coercing someone into his service could lead to problems down the line. Sure, it would speed up his research team's work, but he didn't want scientists working under duress. That could lead to sabotage or sloppy work, especially with sensitive projects.

Option three was a bit more subtle: convince Iron Man to join willingly. This could still accelerate Caesar's research efforts, though the progress would be less predictable. But it would be a more sustainable approach. Caesar wouldn't have to constantly worry about his scientists' loyalty or the quality of their work.

Yet, he also had to consider the risks. Some research materials were scarce and costly, and having them wasted due to intentional sabotage could be disastrous.

Caesar knew he needed to choose wisely.

And once finished products have flaws, there's a chance they'll play a crucial role in a victory or defeat at a critical moment.

This irked Caesar a bit.

Caesar hesitated for a moment, then tried again, tempting Tony by saying, 

"Or maybe a potion to ensure the health and longevity of you, your family, and friends?"

"Or is there something else on your mind? Just say the word."

Caesar didn't want to pressure Iron Man if persuasion could do the trick.

"Apologies, but Pepper and I are still young!"

"Perhaps, we'll consider it when we're older," Tony responded.

Tony shifted slightly but remained firm in his refusal.

Having already conquered Palladium poisoning and with plenty of time ahead, he was content with his current life and had no desire to serve some deity out of the blue.

Even though the perks were indeed tempting.

"Alright," Caesar's gaze hardened as he contemplated whether to press further.

Just then, the unexpected appearance of a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent with a dark, bald head broke the tension, prompting a chuckle from Caesar.

He exchanged a meaningful glance with the one-eyed bald agent before focusing on adjusting the sun sensor.

Among the myriad natural reactions of the human body, there were peculiar responses that distinguished individuals, influenced by their unique geographical locations.

Valina, in the midst of a drink, cast a curious glance at the one-eyed agent. After a moment of surprise, she tensed, her left hand poised to strike, while her right hand, still gripping a wine bottle, seemed hesitant to be used as a weapon.

Caesar smiled and restrained Valina's left hand, silently signaling her to stand down.

Turning to address the uninvited intruder, he said, "Looks like we have some unexpected guests."

"Mr. Stark, it seems you're in a bit of trouble," the agent remarked.

"If it weren't for you, my troubles might have been a bit less," Tony quipped, shrugging, as he motioned for the accompanying agents to stand down before fixing his gaze on Caesar.

In his eyes, there was a mix of apprehension and curiosity.

"Sir, care to explain why you've broken into this house in the dead of night?"

"Who are you, and what brings you here?" Nick Fury asked in his usual formal tone.

"I'm just here to recruit Mr. Stark to work with me," Caesar replied casually. "As for who I am, you should have a picture of me somewhere."

Caesar had brought Valina along to infiltrate the Kree Empire cruiser, which was teeming with Skrull inhabitants, in order to seize the Tesseract. He didn't bother concealing their identities.

Nick Fury was momentarily stunned, then composed himself and said, "So, it's really you! The Tesseract has always been Earth's treasure. I request that you return it."

"Since when has the Tesseract been Earth's treasure?" Caesar retorted with a chuckle. "And when did you start speaking for the entire planet again?"

Caesar laughed and continued, "It seems without the Tesseract as an energy source, you wouldn't dare venture out into space."

"Yes, without the light-speed engine, leaving Earth without Carol's backing against the Kree Empire would be suicidal," Fury admitted. "Plus, being stuck here for so long, you've probably missed out on a lot of universal intel."

"True," Caesar agreed. "But I have to ask, do you control the core technology of the Skrull Empire?"

Caesar stared down the Skrull disguised as Fury, exerting pressure. "I have no idea what you're talking about," the Skrull replied, visibly struggling.

Behind him, the S.H.I.E.L.D agents lay incapacitated on the ground.

Caesar used his divine power to probe the Skrull's sincerity and found no signs of deceit. He sighed, "Alright, I guess I was overthinking it. It's absurd to think such crucial tech would be entrusted to refugees."

"Let's get down to business, Mr. Stark. I'm starting to think you'll accept my offer, for the greater good," Caesar said mysteriously, eyeing Stark and the Skrull Fury once more.

With that, he took Valina's hand, and they vanished into thin air.

....

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