Chapter 128: Avengers Newcomer
"I know you participated in the experiment. Apart from seeking revenge, you also hope to use your powers to maintain peace. But it's ironic that HYDRA has instigated most of the wars in this world over the years. They aimed to cultivate superpowers solely for their own ends."
Wanda murmured, "So Baron Strucker was using us all along."
Quicksilver was equally silent.
There was no need for further explanation—the fate of the failed experimental subjects was clear. Not only had they lost their lives, but some unfortunate souls who were barely clinging to life had become living experimental subjects, their suffering far worse than death.
Both siblings shuddered at the thought of almost becoming one of them.
No legitimate organization would conduct such experiments—only anti-human groups and rogue factions would engage in such madness.
"So what should we do now?"
Among the many experimental subjects, the siblings were the only survivors. On one hand, their desire for revenge drove them; on the other, the grand vision HYDRA had painted for them was also a motivating factor.
But now, with revenge no longer an option and the real enemy dead, they faced a crisis of purpose. HYDRA was an anti-human organization, and the so-called grand vision was merely brainwashing. The siblings, having lost their purpose, felt a deep sense of confusion.
Fortunately, they encountered the Avengers on their first attempt, preventing any further mistakes.
Thor smiled: "I won't say that with great power comes great responsibility, but I can tell you that if you don't have a goal, you should find one for yourself.
The world's crises are not limited to HYDRA. You must also be aware of the New York battle, right? Aliens have already set their sights on Earth."
"Everyone makes mistakes, and the Avengers are no exception. The key is how we rectify those mistakes. We have extraordinary powers, and how we choose to use them is what matters."
"Certainly, no one dictates how power should be used. At least, I don't believe in such rules.
You can also choose to live as ordinary people, change your nationality, and lead comfortable lives with plenty of wealth.
I think Stark would be more than happy to make amends.
There will be someone to handle the dangerous tasks off Earth."
In reality, Stark's help wasn't necessary for this. Kingpin could easily assist them with a new identity with a single sentence. However, Thor believed it was better for the young siblings to avoid contact with the underworld.
Indeed, while Wanda appeared more mature than her peers due to her hardships, she was actually two years older than Spider-Man, Peter Parker.
Thor waited for their decision.
The formation of the Avengers isn't about recruiting the strongest individuals; every member must join willingly.
"Can I join the Avengers?"
Unexpectedly, it was Wanda who spoke, not the seemingly more detached Quicksilver.
"Oh? Are you ready?" Thor asked with interest.
"No one is ever truly ready at the start. There has to be a beginning," Wanda replied, her gaze fixed on Thor.
Uh, what's this? Why is Wanda looking at me so intensely?
"Very well, you're now an Avenger... Welcome aboard!"
Thor finished speaking and turned to Quicksilver.
"Don't look at me; saving the world is a thrilling endeavor. How could I possibly miss out?"
"I object!" Stark interjected upon learning that Thor intended to include Quicksilver and Wanda in the Avengers.
With a stern expression, he said, "Minors should not be exposed to the dangers of war."
As if you weren't the one who involved fourteen-year-old high school students in a superhero civil war...
Thor glanced at him, knowing that age wasn't the issue. What mattered was that working together would stir Stark's guilt.
"Since the missile exploded in my home, we've been entangled in warfare," Quicksilver said, his dissatisfaction evident.
Stark was momentarily speechless.
Thor came to his aid: "If you genuinely feel guilty, help them obtain battle suits, at the very least bulletproof ones, to ensure their safety."
"I don't need one. Bullets can't catch up to me anyway..."
Before Quicksilver could finish his sentence, Thor suddenly drew a pistol and pointed it at Wanda.
"Bang—bang—bang—"
"What are you doing!"
Thor stood at a distance, and Quicksilver couldn't stop him in time, but he managed to get in front of Wanda.
The anticipated pain didn't come.
"Is this... a blank?" Quicksilver wondered.
"What's the point of just dodging bullets? Even an ordinary gunman could kill you if they find a weak spot."