"Nolan Locke, what are you doing here?"
Nick Fury's surprise was brief, and he quickly composed himself. He had weathered countless storms and crises. Nolan's presence, no matter how unexpected, would not shake him. Without that composure, he could never lead S.H.I.E.L.D.
Everything Fury did was for the world. He believed that with every fiber of his being.
He spoke, steady and deliberate:
"This isn't about rhetoric. This is reality. I don't know how much you've heard, but the Superhuman Registration Act is inevitable for the development of this world.
Since you are Hero Nolan, you should understand that the simplest way to solve the superhuman crisis is to truly understand superhumans."
He paused briefly.
"For example, here, in S.H.I.E.L.D., you should not appear out of nowhere."
"Truly grandiose rhetoric," Nolan said with a small smile.
Peter Parker's eyes widened in astonishment. He hadn't expected Mr. Locke to show up here.
A hint of helplessness crossed Peter's face as he muttered, "Mr. Locke, maybe the director is right. Maybe if I sign this agreement, Spider-Man won't even be needed in the future."
A smile crept onto Fury's face.
"So it seems you've reached an understanding. Then sign it."
Nolan chuckled softly.
"Peter, I once told you that with great power comes great responsibility. But power and responsibility are never inherently linked.
There are many in this world who have power but refuse to bear responsibility myself included."
"No, but you're Mr. Locke! Hero Nolan!"
Peter exclaimed, disbelief written across his face. He couldn't fathom Nolan Locke saying something like that.
Nolan caught the confusion in Peter's eyes but did not pause. He continued:
"Nothing is impossible. Everyone in this world has the right to choose their path. Some choose to be heroes, some choose to be villains. I simply chose to be a good man, though not a perfect one.
As for heroes…" Nolan's voice fell for a moment. "You are far more suited to that title than I am."
He did not see himself as a hero.
"But you chose to be one. Others may not want to. For them, freedom is their most precious asset. They do not want to be bound by anything.
If, under their free will, they choose heroism, that is their choice. But when freedom is lost, no one knows what they will do."
This was human nature.
At this moment, Nolan did not hide behind pretense or speeches. He simply spoke his truth. He was the kind of person who valued freedom above all.
He could choose to be a hero according to his own will. Whether for profit, strength, or anything else, this was his essence.
No one could take that will from him.
Peter Parker hesitated.
He longed for freedom too, but as a teenage street-level hero, he didn't have the power of Iron Man nor the depth of thought.
This collision of philosophies left him uncertain.
In the original story, he was firmly in Team Stark, because Tony Stark was his mentor.
But now, with Nolan as his guiding figure, Peter naturally absorbed Nolan's perspective. At least, Nolan thought that was just fine.
He respected heroes but could not admire those who sacrificed everything just to be one. He preferred the likes of Frank Castle, or Deadpool, over self-sacrificing, tragic heroes.
Fury, noticing Peter's hesitation, grew impatient.
"Peter Parker, what are you waiting for!"
He wanted Peter to sign the agreement quickly, but he forgot Nolan was standing nearby.
"Nick Fury, this is his choice," Nolan said, his expression cold.
Fury's face darkened instantly. The pressure from Nolan was palpable and unwelcome.
Where was Thor? Only he could possibly stop Nolan Locke.
Just as Fury's anxiety peaked, a deep, resonant voice rang out.
"Hey, Nolan Locke, long time no see."
Thunder roared as Thor appeared, his eyes burning with battle intent. Their past encounters had never been friendly, and the outcomes had always been decisive losses for him.
But now, Thor believed he had grown enough to stand against Nolan. Perhaps he could finally hold his own.
Nolan was unsurprised to see him.
"Thor, how are the LockTech weapons performing?" Nolan asked, smiling slightly. Even if they stood on different sides, maintaining good relations with a customer was always wise.
"They work well. The Nine Realms are peaceful, though," Thor replied.
As Nolan had expected, having tasted the power of LockTech weapons, Thor had no desire for conflict. He even encouraged Asgardians to develop their own tech. Magic dominated Asgard, but their technological potential was strong they just hadn't focused on weapons development before.
For now, progress was modest. Without systems in place, mastering technology takes time.
"Not a problem. LockTech has many new products. If Asgard wishes, we can discuss collaborations later."
After some polite remarks, Nolan's expression turned serious.
"Thor, you're here at S.H.I.E.L.D. to intervene in the Superhuman Registration Act, aren't you?"
Nolan's words were blunt, and a trace of embarrassment flashed across Thor's face.
"Of course. We are allies of Earth," Thor admitted hesitantly.
"Is that so… If that's true, then we are enemies," Nolan said coolly.
Fury immediately shouted, "Nolan Locke, know your place! You do not represent justice! You are a man who puts countless lives at risk for your own gain!"
His anger was meant to shame Nolan.
Nolan glanced at Fury.
"Risk-taker? So if I sign this agreement, you can guarantee the world will have no more disputes?"
Fury faltered. How could he make such a promise? He couldn't even be sure the world would improve. At best, the Act would give better control over powered individuals.
"Better than now, at least," Nolan said with a confident smirk. His tone was audacious.
"If you can stand by your words, and if the world does not improve, step down from your position as Director, then I will sign this ridiculous agreement right now."
Fury fell silent.
Nolan's face twisted into a mocking smile. This was so-called justice. Everyone had their own definition. Fury's justice was no better than his.
"Pathetic," Nolan muttered.
"Peter, your friends are worried about you. We should go."
"Yes… alright, Mr. Locke," Peter nodded. He had found his answer.
"You can't leave yet! Peter Parker still needs to explain why he forced his way into S.H.I.E.L.D. HQ and harmed agents!" Fury shouted.
Nolan paused, a half-smile forming.
Thor stepped forward, blocking Nolan.
"Mr. Locke, here's my advice: sign the agreement. Trust me, it's for Earth's best interest."
Annoying, Nolan thought, then acted.
In an instant, he surged toward Thor, appearing before him in the blink of an eye. Nolan's fist struck.
Boom!
Thor flew back, bracing his arms to absorb the punch. Yet he felt exhilarated he had blocked Nolan's full force.
Fury, witnessing this, allowed a small smile. The moment was perfect. If Stark arrived, Nolan would have no choice but to yield.
"Thor, stop him! Stark's coming!" Fury shouted.
Thor raised his hammer, channeling thunder, and roared, "Hah!" Lightning surged toward Nolan.
Nolan leapt aside instinctively.
"Mr. Locke!" Peter cried.
"I'll teach this muscle-bound guy a lesson today," Nolan said, surprise and fury in his voice. Thor had grown stronger much stronger.
He had outgrown his past. Only Hulk-level desperation could now rival him.
Nolan activated his thrusters, speed skyrocketing.
Boom! A whip-like kick landed squarely on Thor's waist. Thor winced in pain. Damn Nolan Locke! His speed had increased. Thor struggled to rise as Nolan advanced.
Each step Nolan took sent chills down Fury's spine. Nolan Locke was only getting stronger. How could Fury control him?
"Perfect. Let's end this today. That ridiculous Serbian Agreement belongs in the dustbin of history," Nolan declared.
As Nolan prepared to deliver another kick, an unexpected interruption arrived.
"Nolan, what are you doing!"
Tony Stark charged, firing a missile. He didn't intend to harm Nolan; the timing merely gave Thor a chance to recover.
Nolan turned to face them. Stark and Thor stood side by side. Bruce Banner had transformed into Hulk, while Natasha and Barton were alert.
"This is our first disagreement. I understand your thoughts, Nolan, but since there's conflict, let's resolve it through battle!"
Everyone's fighting spirit surged.
Stark glanced at his allies. Though Thor had fallen quickly before, that was due to underestimating Nolan. With these three, Nolan stood no chance.
"Perfect," Nolan said simply.
"Perfect?" they questioned. You're surrounded!
Peter Parker moved to Nolan's side, serious.
"Mr. Locke, I'll hold them off. You leave."
Nolan smiled.
"No need to worry. This is the perfect setup. This ridiculous matter is about to conclude."
As his words ended, Wanda's voice came through the comms.
"Mr. Locke, we've arrived. Where are you? Have you found Spider-Man?"
Outside S.H.I.E.L.D., Wanda, Quicksilver, Steve Rogers, and the new Ant-Man, Coste, were rushing toward the HQ.
They would not sign the agreement. No one understood the value of human rights and freedom better than them.
"We're at S.H.I.E.L.D. Spider-Man looks fine, but today, this matter will be resolved," Nolan said.
Peter and the others heard his voice.
Stark sensed something was wrong. Someone was coming.
"Take him down!" Stark ordered. They needed to leverage their current advantage to handle Nolan before the others arrived.
At least for now, they had the upper hand. Nolan hadn't brought his mechanical creations.
Yet Stark was fully prepared. Scores of Iron Man suits launched, instantly magnifying their power advantage.
"Nolan, surrender. The agreement isn't that harsh!" Stark called.
He was right. The conditions weren't impossible. Even Peter could accept them if he chose to give up being a superhero and report his actions. The terms were negotiable.
But Nolan gave them no chance. Compromise was only the beginning.
"Red Queen, activate Nitro," Nolan commanded.
He had no intention of handling this himself. Today, he was here to make a statement.
"Nitro activated. Estimated arrival on the battlefield: three minutes," came the clear, unmasked reply.
Nitro?
A wave of unease swept over everyone.