*52

Fury felt a bit helpless. Goose had been residing in S.H.I.E.L.D. under the guise of an orange cat for years, rarely causing harm. That's why he allowed it to roam freely around the agency.

Who would have thought Hermione would recognize it instantly? Now, even if he insisted it was just an ordinary cat, no one would believe him!

Miss Wizard even summoned fire dragons for it. Claiming it's just a cat now? Laughable!

"The Flerken, one of the most terrifying creatures in the universe, appears just like a cat but possesses an infinite space in its stomach. Though typically docile, once it swallows you, well...," Hermione snorted, "Either you have the Tesseract or you're proficient in space magic, or you'll be stuck there for life!"

Hearing "Tesseract," Fury's heart skipped a beat. Seeing Hermione's lack of reaction, he felt slightly relieved, though a rare hint of discomfort crossed his face.

Many present knew the Tesseract was stored in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s underground base and exchanged glances with Fury.

Hermione noticed their subtle gestures but chose not to call them out.

Stepping forward, she gently picked up Goose.

[Magical Creature]

[Flerken]

[Its stomach connects to a parallel universe, capable of extending countless tentacles to swallow everything, causing irreversible damage.]

Hmm... No collection noted...

After pondering, Hermione took out a needle from her pocket.

While holding Goose, she gently scratched its chin.

"Meow~"

It seemed to enjoy it, closing its eyes and purring contentedly.

Taking advantage of the moment, Hermione quickly tied the needle with light, then extracted it.

[Flerken (Collected)]

"Meow!"

Goose, seemingly displeased, yowled but was pacified by Hermione, eventually licking her face.

"What are you...?" Fury looked on, concerned.

Even daring to draw blood from Goose. Such bravery! If it got angry...

But considering Hermione's identity, Fury found it reasonable.

"Just taking a little blood for study, I won't encounter another Flerken," Hermione said, holding Goose with ease, much to Fury's chagrin.

Holding Goose, Hermione pointed it at the television ahead.

"Go on, Goose, show them something impressive!"

In the next moment, Goose opened its mouth wide, revealing a maw filled with tentacles that grabbed the TV and pulled it in.

The next instant, the mouth closed, and everything returned to normal as if nothing had happened.

Only the missing TV served as proof that no one was hallucinating.

"Meow~"

Goose meowed again, looking at Hermione for approval.

What harm could a little cat do?

Except for Fury, the others were visibly unnerved.

Thinking about how they stood defenseless across from this "cat" moments ago sent chills down their spines.

The agents glanced at Fury, eyes full of reproach.

Really? You let such a dangerous creature roam S.H.I.E.L.D. daily?

"Director Fury, can I keep this cat? I won't charge you for my lectures if you let me," Hermione asked, holding Goose, reluctant to part.

Fury hesitated.

"Even a cat is hard to part with."

"But it's dangerous..."

"No, it's obviously a cat."

"You just said..."

"It's a cat."

"They all heard it..." Fury looked at the agents.

Rumlow studied the ceiling.

Sitwell examined his palm prints.

Barton adjusted an empty quiver.

Fury: "..."

"Did I say that?" Hermione asked, her face expressionless.

They shook their heads vigorously.

"Very good."

Fury sighed, resigned: "Alright, but remember to return often."

Hermione nodded, placing Goose on her shoulder. "Stay with me, Goose."

"Meow."

As if understanding her, Goose meowed back, not even glancing at Fury as it nestled comfortably.

Ouch, that hurt!

Fury clutched his chest.

After raising a cat for so long, it was whisked away at first sight!

"That's it for today's lesson. We'll investigate the mysteries further next time," Hermione dismissed the class, allowing everyone to leave.

Fury said, "Miss Wizard, I have something else for you to identify."

Feeling a bit guilty for taking his cat, Hermione generously agreed: "No problem."

The two went to the director's office.

Fury handed Hermione a stack of photos.

Hermione glanced at them.

A piece of silver-grey metal with mysterious textures appeared, its shape irregular.

With one look, Hermione recognized it.

The Obelisk!

"Well, I know it. But what's item No. 084?"

Fury explained: "In the agency, 084 represents an unidentified item with unknown origins... Wait. You know about it?"

Hermione nodded.

"Yes, why do you have the Inhumans' Obelisk?"

Fury perked up: Inhumans? Are they a magical race?

"You don't know?"

Seeing Hermione's bewildered expression, Fury was uncertain.

"Should I?"

"Hey, shouldn't superpowered races be monitored by Muggles? How are you the director of S.H.I.E.L.D.?" Hermione was genuinely surprised.

Fury remained unfazed by her critique.

He'd been embarrassed too many times; his face was now impenetrable.

"Oh... Maybe becoming your ally was a mistake."

Hermione shook her head:

"The Kree visited Earth long ago, conducting experiments that resulted in the Inhumans. In essence, they're a human race influenced by alien technology."

Here, she paused.

"Did everyone who touched the Obelisk turn to stone?"

Fury stiffened.

"How do you know?"

Hermione shrugged:

"That's right, this is the Obelisk, containing Terrigen crystals."

"Normal Inhumans lack special abilities like ordinary people. They need it to transform and awaken. But ordinary people without Inhuman genes will petrify upon contact... I don't understand Kree technology; after all, I'm just a wizard, so don't meddle with it."

"It's best not to return it. Though they have some power, the Inhumans tend to cause trouble like their creators, the Kree—a bunch of fools."

So that's it! Fury finally understood why people petrified upon contact and why Inhumans appeared.

However, Miss Wizard's disdain for the Kree was apparent. Recalling an incident from years ago, Fury couldn't help but agree...

Only then did he realize something.

"You know the Kree?"