Chapter 126: S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Tactical Consultant

Upon hearing Clark's words, the Nick Fury face darkened, "Don't be so cold. After all, ten years ago, I provided you with information on the Hand, which was a favor, wasn't it?"

"That's why you're still able to sit here and talk to me now."

Regaining control, Clark nodded in satisfaction, took two bottles of juice from the fridge, and tossed one to his guest, "There's an old saying in China, 'No one visits a temple without a cause.' State your purpose directly."

The marinated egg was left speechless, feeling his carefully constructed aura completely shattered by Clark's actions. Now, anything he said would lack impact. Nick Fury's impression of you +414!

But since Clark asked, he had no choice but to speak.

He had to stick to his prepared lines, pretending it was nothing, "You know, you're not the only superhero in the world."

Clark opened his juice and took a sip, then replied, "Are you talking about Tony Stark, your ace agent, or Captain Marvel from decades ago?"

Seeing his guest's increasingly sour expression, Clark chuckled, "We're all old foxes here; don't try to spook me with ghost stories. Just get to the point."

Nick Fury's impression of you +613!

The conversation couldn't continue like this. This guy was too much of a thorn, utterly uncooperative!

Finally accepting he couldn't dominate the conversation, the marinated egg changed tactics, speaking as if to an old friend, "Since you're aware of so much, you must understand that our Earth is not as safe as ordinary people believe."

Clark then sat down on the other side of the sofa, "So, you plan to gather superheroes with a sense of justice under your command to defend against external threats?"

The marinated egg could hear the skepticism in his voice and quickly clarified, "It's not about me commanding. The organization I'm proposing would be an independent group of superheroes, not directly subordinate to S.H.I.E.L.D., and it wouldn't restrict members' freedom. I just hope that when disaster strikes, we can unite against external threats."

So, this is an indirect invitation to join the Avengers?

After some thought, Clark felt joining the Avengers wasn't a bad idea. After all, no one could stand alone when the entire Earth faced a threat.

Nodding, Clark decided to give him a chance, "Tell me more."

"The plan is still in its early stages. I'll have someone send you the details later." Satisfied with the response, the marinated egg finally took a sip of his juice, then commented, "Not bad."

"For your kindness, 1 USD."

Nick Fury's impression of you +666!

You charge for a bottle of juice you offered?

The marinated egg struggled not to spit out the juice he had just drunk.

Seeing his reaction, Clark couldn't help but say, "Why hold back? If you spit it out, I can charge you an additional 20 USD for cleaning."

Nick Fury's impression of you +6666!

He immediately placed a dollar on the coffee table, his expression turning serious, "Besides the superhero organization, I have another matter. I want to invite you to become a tactical consultant for S.H.I.E.L.D."

A tactical consultant?

Clark frowned slightly. This was clearly an interest in his predictive abilities.

After all, what did he, a novelist and filmmaker, know about tactics?

But, knowing the plot could indeed offer many important insights.

With Clark's current strength and status, S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't dare use force against him but also couldn't afford to lose such a valuable resource, hence this middle ground.

Joining S.H.I.E.L.D., especially in a position similar to Tony's future technical consultant, seemed like a good choice.

Now, Clark had enough leverage to demand more benefits and a political background, which was essential.

This is why many magnates invest heavily in politics.

Moving from business to politics, S.H.I.E.L.D. was an excellent starting point.

Moreover, as Earth's frontline against extraterrestrial threats, S.H.I.E.L.D. harbored many enviable technologies, accessible only to its members.

Welcoming the marinated egg's "invitation," Clark saw a chance to bargain, "Do you know how much I earn a year?"

"No money!"

The marinated egg stated decisively, "If you become S.H.I.E.L.D.'s tactical consultant, we can offer you various forms of assistance. But if you insist on talking about money, sorry, we can't afford you."

Clark smiled, revealing his true motive, "I want S.H.I.E.L.D.'s research on gravitics, not just Howard Stark's original notes but all subsequent developments over the years."

Indeed, Clark had always aimed for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s anti-gravity materials.

The materials left to Tony and S.H.I.E.L.D. by Howard were identical, but what had been done with them over the past twenty years was unknown.

Like two authors writing different stories from the same start, Tony and S.H.I.E.L.D.'s research likely diverged.

He wanted to complete his gravity device as soon as possible, ideally obtaining both sets of materials.

Even if S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn't approached him, he planned to discuss this with Sharon and the marinated egg soon.

But this way, he avoided being exploited by the marinated egg, waiting for him to make the first move.

Now, it wasn't the marinated egg leveraging Clark but Clark holding the cards.

Negotiations can be simple sometimes.

Whoever initiates is at a disadvantage.

After a moment, the marinated egg asked, "Are you sure you won't use it for commercial purposes?"

That was a yes!

Clark smiled satisfactorily, "I'm certain."

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