Chapter 127: S.H.I.E.L.D. Exposed

Black Widow reached out to touch the barrier blocking her from entering, then sighed with a self-deprecating smile.

"So, he knew all along. Great, the Director's going to chew me out for this."

She used her communicator to call for the support team from the local branch, requesting they retrieve the injured agents for treatment. Then, she quickly dialed Director Nick Fury's private line to report the situation.

Meanwhile, inside the school, Wolverine watched George reestablish the magical barrier. Lighting a cigar, he joked: "George, that lady was holding her backside the whole time. You two wouldn't have just—"

"Logan, the kids are here. Watch what you say," Professor X interrupted sternly, glaring at him.

Some of the children nearby broke into knowing grins, clearly understanding Wolverine's implication.

"Alright, enough jokes. I just gave her a small punishment to send a message. The real challenge is tomorrow. Everyone, head back to your rooms and get some rest," George said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

While today's encounter was nothing, tomorrow's negotiation with Nick Fury held much greater stakes. A successful outcome could mean not only peace from S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra for a long time but also the removal of the CIA's bounty on Professor X and the reclamation of his vast fortune.

...

..

.

The next day, at 1:50 p.m., a black sedan pulled up in front of the mutant school. Nick Fury, wearing his signature eyepatch, stepped out, accompanied by a now-recovered Black Widow and a bow-wielding Hawkeye.

"Did the tech department figure out what this is?" Fury asked, tapping the transparent barrier at the entrance.

Black Widow responded promptly, "They said it's a strong force field. Regular firearms won't breach it, but missiles should do the trick."

"Shame. It would've been nice if they had joined the Avengers Initiative," Fury muttered regretfully, clearly impressed by George's abilities.

"Welcome, Director Fury, to our humble school. Please, have a seat and enjoy some tea while we chat," George's voice rang out as the barrier dissipated, revealing him seated at a stone table brewing tea.

"Tea? Never thought you'd be the type," Fury remarked as he approached, sitting across from George.

George gestured, and a teacup floated to Fury's side.

"After leaving the lab, I watched a lot of TV and grew curious about this drink. Don't like it?"

"Not a fan of green tea. I prefer black tea," Fury replied.

"That can be easily fixed."

George pointed at Fury's cup, murmuring, "Transformation!"

The green tea instantly turned into black tea.

"Better now? I can make it wine if you'd prefer," George said, sipping his own tea with a smile.

Fury's expression flickered at the display of magic, but he quickly regained his composure.

"So, what's this urgent matter you claim involves S.H.I.E.L.D.'s very survival?"

Instead of answering, George leaned back and asked, "You brought only two people. Aren't you afraid I might just kill you?"

Fury chuckled.

"Killing me wouldn't change a thing. A new director would take my place, and whoever it is would still view your group as a threat to global security.

"Besides, S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't as weak as you might think," he added, pointing upward. "If I wanted, I could have a missile hit this exact spot. Can your barrier withstand one strike? How about two? Or three?"

George laughed heartily.

"Director, you jest. Why would I want to kill you? We're just a peaceful group of mutants minding our own business. I was joking—don't take it seriously."

"Peaceful, huh?" Black Widow rolled her eyes from behind Fury.

"I trust you, George," Fury replied, "but the White House may feel differently. That's why I urge you to reconsider our offer. Think of it as a mutually beneficial deal."

"Speaking of mutually beneficial deals, I called you here today to propose one of my own," George said, undeterred. "I'd like you to rescind the CIA's bounty on Professor X, return his assets, stop interfering in our lives, and arrange proper documentation for my students. In return, I'll give you a secret."

"A secret?" Fury raised an eyebrow, smirking. "What secret could possibly be worth all that?"

"One that concerns the very survival of S.H.I.E.L.D.—and perhaps the entire world," George said, his tone calm but his words sharp.

Fury's smile vanished. "What are you talking about?"

Unfazed, George refilled his tea.

"When the Red Skull disappeared, you thought Hydra was destroyed. That's why you initiated Operation Paperclip, recruiting former Hydra scientists like Dr. Arnim Zola into S.H.I.E.L.D."

"But what you didn't realize," George continued, "is that Zola secretly revived Hydra within your ranks. He's turned many of your best-trained agents into Hydra operatives. Even your upper management has Hydra infiltrators.

"S.H.I.E.L.D.? More like Snake Shield. Your so-called missions to save the world? Many were just clearing obstacles for Hydra's agenda."

Fury's face darkened. "How do you know all this?"

"For one, the agents who ambushed me, Coulson, and Pepper Potts were Hydra operatives.

"Second, both the Professor and I possess telepathic abilities, allowing us to read and alter memories. Tracing Hydra's resurgence wasn't difficult," George explained calmly.

"If you don't believe me, start your own investigation. Focus on this angle, and I guarantee you'll uncover the truth."

For the first time, Fury's composure cracked, his face a mixture of disbelief and alarm.