*39

"What's wrong?" Pepper asked softly, noticing Hermione's sudden pause.

Hermione didn't answer, her gaze fixed on the darkness ahead.

Tony sensed something was off and instinctively moved to shield Pepper.

In his view, their "Miss Wizard" might be explosive, but her abilities were undeniable.

Something was definitely up ahead.

"It's okay, just an acquaintance. No need to be nervous," Hermione smiled, raising her wand.

"Lumos Maxima!"

Instantly, the entire hall was illuminated as if it were daylight.

Before them stood a figure, frozen mid-step.

The figure hadn't expected the hall to brighten suddenly and was caught mid-stride to the sofa, now standing awkwardly in the spotlight.

A bald head gleamed conspicuously in the empty hall.

It was Nick Fury.

"Pfft!"

Hermione couldn't hold back her laughter.

She immediately understood Fury's intention.

He'd snuck into Tony's house, waiting for the agents outside to signal Tony's return. Then, he'd planned to suddenly appear on the sofa, lights on, giving Tony a grand shock.

Creating an aura of mystery, showcasing his might, taking control—classic agent moves, and Fury was no exception.

But Hermione's early discovery had exposed him before he could get into position.

How embarrassing.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Tony demanded, his expression sour.

Pepper recognized the intruder but wasn't impressed by S.H.I.E.L.D.'s antics, so she let Tony handle it.

After a brief moment of awkwardness, Fury composed himself and approached Tony as if nothing had happened.

"Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D." Fury stated, unfazed.

As expected of a leader, few could match his composure.

Hermione mentally noted.

"I'm here to discuss the Aveng—"

Before Fury could finish, Tony interrupted, "Not interested. I don't care who you are, get out of my house now!"

"Seems like I'll need to upgrade security, with Obadiah and this guy waltzing in so easily!"

No tact whatsoever.

"Mr. Stark, I suggest you listen," Fury said, slightly frowning but patient.

He knew Tony's personality well.

Though unappealing, the mission had to be done.

"I—" Tony began, but Hermione waved him off.

"Hi, Fury!"

"Good evening, Miss Wizard," Fury replied, considering Hermione's input over Tony's.

But that "Fury" nickname...

Realizing Hermione's reference, Fury's expression flickered.

"Where's Agent Romanoff?" Hermione asked.

"Agent Romanoff is on a mission."

"Oh."

Hermione nodded, saying nothing more.

Fury was momentarily stunned.

Hmm?

That's it?

What does "Oh" mean...? This isn't the reaction I expected!

Isn't Natasha your favorite agent?

Why aren't you concerned?

His eyes shifted to Pepper, holding Hermione's hand, and Fury's heart sank.

Oh no!

The worst-case scenario!

She was stolen away!

No matter how powerful, Hermione was still a child. Children love novelty and cling to those who treat them well.

No wonder she hadn't visited S.H.I.E.L.D. but was with Tony Stark daily.

Fury had assumed she was close to Stark, so he wasn't too worried. After all, Stark couldn't replace Natasha.

But it seemed they misunderstood.

It was Pepper Potts who was close to Hermione, with Stark just nearby!

A strategic blunder!

"Tony, let's hear him out," Pepper suggested, patting Tony's back. "No matter what, they tried their best to help when you were kidnapped. Without S.H.I.E.L.D., I wouldn't have known you were safe or met Hermione."

Though Pepper spoke kindly, Fury felt slightly awkward.

It felt like an ex-girlfriend telling the current one, "If not for your ex, we wouldn't have met; let's be grateful," while hugging the current one...

"Yes, let's hear Fury out. They did protect Pepper last night," Hermione added.

Translation: Let's be nice to the ex. They paid our hotel bill last night.

It's over.

Fury's heart sank.

Hermione was deeply influenced.

For a moment, Fury considered abandoning the mission, recalling Natasha to mend things with Hermione.

But reason prevailed.

Given Pepper and Hermione's words, Tony decided to hear Fury out.

Fury maintained composure, "I'm here to discuss the Avengers."

"Avengers?" Tony frowned. "Who does S.H.I.E.L.D. want revenge on?"

Fury paused, then continued, "Not revenge, but forming a team. A group of extraordinary individuals to handle crises beyond ordinary people's capabilities."

"This is the Avengers Initiative."

"What a lame name."

Tony muttered, realizing Fury was here to recruit him.

It seemed Iron Man was valuable!

Regaining his proud demeanor, Tony declared, "You have good taste," Tony said, chest puffed. "But Iron Man alone can safeguard the world, no need for your superhero team."

Fury: "..."

As expected, Tony Stark.

"Really," Fury replied calmly, "then why was the almighty Iron Man nearly defeated by Obadiah last night, needing Miss Wizard's magic to survive?"

Tony's breath caught.

The one-eyed director struck his weak spot. It was hard to refute because it was true.

Without Hermione, he and Pepper might've died by Obadiah's hand.

"That's... because Obadiah used my own tech against me," Tony defended. "Ultimately, Iron Man prevailed."

At this point, Pepper gently pulled his arm, her expression serious.

"Tony, I think you should consider his proposal."