Chapter 46: The Black Boiled Egg Beyond Gold

'Damn it, why do you have such murderous intent toward me?!'

'You're being watched by Coulson, and the one aiming at you with a bow is Barton. Do you hate me that much? Could you switch it up a bit?'

He tried to calm his frantic mind, not showing any fear, and smiled, saying, "I am Nick Fury, Director of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. We were established by the five most powerful countries in the world, and our scale is enormous. Our organization is spread across the globe, and we are a crucial force in maintaining world peace and stability. Whatever we want to investigate, we can find out, and anyone we want to catch, we will catch without fail."

Coulson and the others looked puzzled. "What is the Director doing? Why is he suddenly promoting S.H.I.E.L.D. like this?"

And the way he's praising himself... that's some thick skin.

Nick Fury ignored their surprised expressions and continued, "Iron Man, would you be interested in joining us? We have many extraordinary individuals like yourself in our organization. You might find it beneficial to exchange ideas and learn from each other."

Coulson's eyes widened. "Many extraordinary individuals? Boss, are you sleepwalking?"

These words, however, made Coen, who had been excited, calm down a bit.

Nick Fury still had a pager on him, and killing him in broad daylight might result in a cosmic disaster. If a killing had to happen, there had to be a valid reason, even if it was shaky. As long as Captain Marvel didn't have a reason to complain, that would be enough. Worst case, he could apologize at Fury's grave later. No big deal!

Coen finally let go of Fury's hand, which left pale marks on his dark skin. Fury, nonchalant, tucked his hand behind his back and said to Coulson, "Alright, I don't think Iron Man here is the type to kill indiscriminately. Go ahead and remove the dozens of snipers we have stationed around us. Also, I suddenly remembered that I left the gas on at home, so you'll handle the talks today."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Coulson and the others: "?"

He walked quickly, as if he genuinely had something urgent to attend to.

Watching him leave, Coen felt a sense of emptiness. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him.

The system determined a target's level based on two criteria: power and status. Nick Fury's high level clearly wasn't due to his strength but because he was the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. So, what if the U.S. President were a target? How high would their level be? Diamond, or higher? There was potential here!

Assassinating the President was unrealistic, but there were plenty of high-status, weak-powered targets out there!

With this new plan in mind, Coen turned back to Coulson and the others. Black Widow and Hawkeye were fine, but Coulson seemed a bit nervous. He forced a smile. "Haha, Director Fury loves to joke around. I assure you, there are no snipers around."

Coen remained expressionless.

Coulson's smile slowly faded. He shrugged, pursed his lips, and fidgeted with his fingers. Deep down, he felt a chill. Before the meeting, the Director specifically ordered not to show hostility, which was why he hadn't arranged for snipers. Now, though, he had a thousand things to say—none of them good.

The man in front of him had hundreds of lives on his hands, and despite having Hawkeye and Black Widow by his side, Coulson was still nervous.

Coen, distracted by thoughts of the President, hadn't noticed Coulson's discomfort. "What do you want this time?" he asked, waving his hand dismissively.

Coulson was relieved to jump straight to the point. "You mentioned before that New York would face a major disaster soon. The Director wanted me to ask if some gang has offended you again. Could you perhaps ease up a little? Maybe kill fewer people?"

Coen's eyes widened. "What? Is that how you see me now? That's an insult! I'm not some villain who kills indiscriminately! I'm a hero executing justice and punishing evil! A hero! Do you know what that word means?"

Coulson nodded quickly. "A hero, a hero! We'll give you your certificate right away!"

Coen rolled his eyes, not bothering to explain further. "New York will face a disaster because the underground gang, The Hand, is trying to summon an ancient demon. According to my intel, it'll happen tonight."

Coulson and the others froze. "Summon a demon?"

"The Hand can only bring the demon here; they can't control its power. Once the demon descends, New York will be in chaos—countless lives will be lost, and rivers of blood will flow. Most of the city will be destroyed!"

Of course, what he didn't mention was that the demon might specifically be coming for him.

Coulson swallowed hard, exchanging glances with Black Widow and Hawkeye, unsure of what to say. He pulled out his phone. "Hold on a moment. I need to inform the Director."

He dialed Fury's number.

"Hey, Coulson, what's that guy up to this time? Which unlucky soul has provoked that murderous maniac? Is he planning another massacre?"

Fury's voice was broadcasted through the phone.

"Director, this time it's a real disaster. Iron Man says The Hand is trying to summon an ancient demon! If they succeed, all of New York will be in danger!"

Coulson was nervous but didn't mention that Coen was listening.

"Summoning a demon? Is he serious?" Fury's voice slowed, deep in thought. "Could he be lying to you, Coulson? Were you firm with him? You're too soft! When dealing with murderers like him, you should get right in their face and curse them out! Look at me—I wasn't scared at all earlier. These so-called 'demon-faced Iron Men' are nothing to me!"

Coulson glanced at Coen, offering a forced smile and a helpless expression.

Coen calmly nodded.

Black Widow and Hawkeye's eyes widened in surprise. "Coulson, you've gotten sneaky... or rather, devious!"

Hawkeye, an honest man, wanted to step in and warn Fury that the "murderous maniac" was right there. But remembering Fury's recent mistrust, he hesitated.

Fury continued, "Even if The Hand is really summoning a demon, it's probably all connected to that demon-faced Iron Man! Keep a close eye on him! For all we know, he's trying to divert your attention. I want to know what he eats, when he goes to the bathroom—everything!"

"Ahem! Director Fury, you're quite sharp. The Hand's summoning does have something to do with me. But the people of New York are innocent. Are you just going to let this happen? As for what I do in the bathroom, you don't need to keep track. I can send you a sample!"

Silence.

Complete silence.

The call abruptly ended.

Coulson smiled genuinely for the first time. "Looks like the Director understands the situation now. Iron Man, given the time crunch, how should we respond?"

Coen nodded. "It's simple: find them and take them out."

Coulson's eyes lit up. "Do you have a plan?"

"Step one: prepare."

"Uh-huh."

Coulson nodded. "And then?"

"Step two: wait for the bald guy."

"Huh?"

(End of Chapter)