ตอน 107: Chapter 101
Future chapters at patreon.com/FFAddict.
Additionally, I have many new works readers may be interested in. Go look, if you wish!
The ultimate outcome of the super weapon developed using the Tesseract was not mentioned in the journal, leaving Nick Fury in the dark.
But if the Insight Project were a reality now, would Nick Fury still fear the threat from New Mexico?
Though it might not be capable of dealing with Asgard's ultimate weapon, the Destroyer, it would still greatly boost their confidence, wouldn't it?
The development of the super weapon had to be prioritized!
But developing a super weapon wasn't an overnight task.
Even with SHIELD's vast resources, it was still a challenging task.
After all, there were too few top-tier scientists like Tony Stark in the world.
Although he was reluctant to admit it, Nick Fury had no choice but to acknowledge this.
The only super weapon project he could look forward to now was Ivan Vanko's Whiplash Exoskeleton!
With Nick Fury's means, extracting all of Ivan Vanko's technology to form a Whiplash Special Ops team wasn't difficult at all.
Nick Fury believed it wouldn't take long to turn this idea into reality.
That wasn't a problem.
The only issue was that a Whiplash Special Ops team wouldn't suffice to sate Zhou Cheng's appetite!
Besides the Whiplash Exoskeleton, Nick Fury needed to develop weapons powerful enough to truly handle extraterrestrial threats.
For example, the Insight Project!
Fury was eager to know what the Insight Project was all about!
What circumstances led his counterpart to develop such an effective plan?
Unfortunately, due to a lack of necessary experience, Nick Fury found it impossible to grasp a clear direction now.
The development of super weapons would have to be a long-term deliberation; it couldn't be rushed.
However, there was another matter Zhou Cheng could immediately take corresponding measures for.
Without further delay, he called Agent Coulson to his presence again.
"Coulson, I have a task for you."
"I need you to arrange for some people to infiltrate New Mexico."
Nick Fury immediately issued such an order to Coulson.
"What's the target of the infiltration?"
"And how long will the infiltration last?"
After pondering for a moment, Coulson asked Nick Fury these two critical questions.
"At some point in the future, a hammer will fall from the sky in New Mexico."
"But no one knows exactly when or where the hammer will land."
"And that's why I called you here."
Under Coulson's gaze, Nick Fury elaborated on the specific task.
Coulson couldn't help but be puzzled by Fury's plan.
A hammer... falling from the sky?
How could those two concepts possibly be related? They seemed entirely disjointed.
Nonetheless, Coulson knew that if his superior had ordered it so, there must be some solid reasoning behind it.
Without a doubt, this hammer was linked to something supernatural, not something mundane.
"Sir, what kind of hammer is it?"
Coulson asked again.
"I can't tell you that either," replied Nick Fury, making his ignorance seem all the more mysterious.
"Understood, sir!" Coulson nodded, asking no further questions.
"Apart from that, there are two individuals you need to keep an eye on," Fury continued, assigning Coulson another task.
He was to covertly monitor two key individuals who had encountered Thor: Jane Foster and Darcy.
Coulson didn't inquire further about this order.
If the director had decided to surveil these individuals, there must be a reason.
As a subordinate, his role was simply to faithfully execute the tasks assigned to him without prying into matters beyond his clearance.
"Alright, you're dismissed."
With a wave of his hand, Nick Fury sent Coulson on his way.
Of course, Fury was aware that given HYDRA's infiltration, as documented in the journal, many of his plans would likely be leaked.
But such things were unavoidable.
Given the limited power of Nick Fury's personal channels, it was impossible for him to handle every matter privately.
Only the truly core and crucial matters would warrant Fury's personal intervention.
Evidently, the situation in New Mexico didn't fall within this category.
If Thor's hammer indeed landed and caused a "spectacle" in New Mexico, HYDRA would undoubtedly be aware if the Destroyer almost annihilated New Mexico.
There was no need for secrecy before HYDRA regarding this matter.
"Hill!"
Shortly after Coulson left, Fury, after some thought, called over another of his trusty agents, Hill.
This time, however, Fury didn't assign any significant task to Agent Hill.
He simply asked her to act as his driver.
It's unclear what Fury was thinking, as Hill, an agent of a higher rank than Coulson, was often tasked with running errands.
Yet, Hill had no complaints and swiftly started the vehicle.
"Director, where are we headed?" Agent Hill, from the driver's seat, turned to ask Zhou Cheng, who was lounging in the passenger seat.
"To Stark's."
With that, the car was on its way.
Around forty minutes later, Nick Fury arrived at Tony Stark's luxurious villa, coming face-to-face with Iron Man.
"Stark, you're looking much better than the last time," Nick Fury commented with a meaningful glance.
Of course, it was true.
When Fury had last visited Tony Stark, he was already suffering from palladium poisoning.
Although it hadn't reached a severe stage, it significantly affected his health, unlike now, where he appeared energetic and full of life.
"Nick Fury, director of SHIELD, what brings you here this time?"
Tony Stark didn't bother with Fury's pleasantries, "I've already said, I'm not interested in your Avengers initiative."
"Is that so?" Fury remained unfazed, changing the subject to something more provocative, "What about the situation in New Mexico then?"
And then, Nick Fury clearly saw Tony Stark's expression change slightly.
Even though Iron Man was good at hiding his emotions and quickly adjusted his mood, he was facing a head of spies! How could his reactions escape Fury's keen eye? Even if Fury had only one eye, it was conclusive! There was no escaping the fact that Tony Stark was definitely another notebook holder! Nick Fury was now certain of this.
If it weren't for having seen the notebook, upon hearing the sudden mention of New Mexico, a normal person would have shown confusion. Instead, Tony Stark exhibited surprise and astonishment, as if he hadn't expected to directly address the issue. It was evident that the other party already knew about New Mexico!
"You're actually referring to Thor, aren't you?" Tony Stark raised an eyebrow, his gaze deepening.
"OK, let's stop this useless probing, because I know you possess a magical notebook that no one else can see but yourself."
"I know you also know that I hold a similar magical notebook. So, how about we have an open and honest conversation?"
Nick Fury simply spread his hands, choosing not to play any more games and confronting Tony Stark directly.
"I of course know you're aware that I know you have a notebook just as magical as mine."
When Fury put it like that, Iron Man no longer played dumb. "Not just you, the spy you sent to infiltrate my group, Black Widow, she also has one, doesn't she?"
"Correct, Natasha has a notebook too."
"That's also why I sent her to spy on you."
Nick Fury did not deny this, as there was no point in denial at this stage. "Because only a holder of the notebook can confirm whether you have a notebook or not."
"So, you sent Coulson to the Arctic to 'bring back' Captain America because of the information in the notebook?"
"I believe you were there for the same reason."
Their brief "confrontation" provided clear explanations for the discrepancies previously unrelated to the notebook spoilers.
"So, Stark, can we now talk about New Mexico?"
"Unless you can watch idly by as the Destroyer, oh, Asgard's Destroyer, demolishes that small town."
After a brief silence, Nick Fury spoke again, confidently addressing Tony Stark.
Fury believed that Iron Man would definitely not ignore such an issue! Just as Iron Man couldn't ignore terrorist organizations using Stark Industries' weapons to wreak havoc on the world.
Although the general public perceived Tony Stark as extremely self-centered, arrogant, and conceited, Nick Fury understood that was just a façade.
Deep down, Tony Stark held a sense of nobility.
Tony Stark was left speechless.
Although feeling manipulated and seen through was uncomfortable, Iron Man had to admit Fury was right.
After deducing from the notebook that New Mexico could be destroyed by the Destroyer, Tony Stark indeed intended to prevent it. He couldn't stand idly by!
"I've instructed JARVIS to monitor every move in New Mexico."
"If anything happens there, the Destroyer will be dispatched immediately."
Tony Stark shared his plans with Nick Fury, "I believe you have made corresponding arrangements as well."
"Indeed, I've sent people to the town, but we both know that's nowhere near enough."
Fury's expression grew more serious.
And Tony Stark couldn't argue. The notebook had analyzed several Destroyers, highlighting the vast difference between them. In other words, Asgard's Destroyer was on a completely different level!
"Even with the 'old man' who slept for seventy years? Don't tell me you haven't considered him."
"Even with him, it probably wouldn't be enough. What about the Hulk? If he goes, maybe the Destroyer won't need to arrive, as New Mexico might face destruction regardless."
"Your two agents, Black Widow and Hawkeye? With all due respect, but they're just ordinary spies."
"So, you must have other plans or a trump card, right?"
Tony Stark's gaze was profound, almost completely understanding Fury's thought process.
"I indeed have a plan and a trump card, but I'm not sure if it could be effectively utilized."
Facing Iron Man's gaze, Fury nodded cryptically.
"Are you really going to play coy at this time?"
"It's you! I'm talking about you, Stark!"
Nick Fury interrupted Tony Stark, with a serious tone, "My trump card is you!"
"I don't feel flattered at all, rather it gives me the creeps."
"Being targeted by a head of spies is not a pleasant experience."
"I'm starting to consider whether I should even listen to what you have to say next."
"My gut feeling tells me it's probably not something pleasant."
Tony Stark was slightly surprised, then quickly started to complain.
"Stark, I want to invite you to research the Tesseract."
Nick Fury ignored Stark's complaints, extending a formal invitation to Iron Man.
This was a well-considered decision by Fury.
Utilizing the Tesseract to develop superweapons, the most crucial element is the top scientists.
Not just any top scientist but someone of Tony Stark's caliber.
Rather than struggling to find such a scientist, it was better to directly enlist Tony Stark.
After all, Tony Stark, as a notebook holder, was aware of the future threats facing the world and understood the importance and necessity of superweapons more than others.
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง