Although Nolan had said the Superpower Regulation Act would never pass, it clearly did little to comfort Spider-Man.
Peter Parker still wore a worried expression.
Nolan Lock was almost the first person to know his true identity. Since becoming Spider-Man, Nolan had offered him considerable guidance. To Peter, Nolan Lock was more than a mentor he was a life guide.
Yet in this matter, Peter's ingrained way of thinking told him there was little they could do to prevent it.
"Mr. Lock, I might not be able to continue being Spider-Man."
Peter spoke helplessly. If his identity were exposed, he would have no choice but to give up the role, for the safety of Aunt May.
Seeing Peter's anxious face, Nolan said nothing. He knew Peter was not the only one uneasy right now.
At S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury had worn a faint, almost imperceptible smile over the past few days. Only agents like Phil Coulson, trained to notice the smallest details, could detect the subtle hints of something unusual behind Fury's calm demeanor.
"Director, we've received reports that Nolan Lock met privately with Dr. Pickham. Additionally, Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch also met with Nolan. It seems they might be planning something."
"Don't worry."
Fury's tone was calm.
"What about Tony Stark? What's he doing?"
"Tony Stark and Dr. Bruce Banner have been in close contact recently as well."
"That's enough."
A sharp gleam flashed in Fury's one eye.
"Passing the Superpower Regulation Act is difficult on our own. It requires someone inside the Avengers to push it forward. As long as Iron Man and the Hulk are willing to support it, our chances of success increase dramatically."
Coulson hesitated before asking, "What about Nolan Lock? If he insists on opposing it, Stark and Banner might have a hard time stopping him."
His expression revealed the complexity of his thoughts. Coulson had long struggled to understand Nolan.
Once, he thought Nolan was purely a businessman. Then he believed Nolan to be a true superhero. Over time, as he learned more, he realized Nolan was far more complex than anyone could guess.
One thing was certain: Nolan Lock was strong extraordinarily strong. Even together, Stark and Banner might not be his match.
Fury was untroubled. He had anticipated this.
"Our support is on its way."
At that moment, a thunderbolt struck within the base. Thor emerged from the lightning. The agents nearby no longer found it unusual.
Coulson's eyes widened in surprise. "You brought Thor?"
Fury nodded as he stood. "Of course. Thor is our ally."
With the three Avengers' most powerful members aligned, Nolan Lock had little hope of resisting. Fury's concern was not about Nolan personally it was about ensuring the world's order remained under government oversight.
As long as Nolan signed the Superpower Regulation Act, the so-called 'Special Mobilization Directive' issue could be resolved naturally.
Outside S.H.I.E.L.D., Steve Rogers was working out. Seeing the lightning, he immediately knew Thor had arrived and instinctively walked toward him. Something felt off.
The Superpower Regulation Act had divided the Avengers, leaving everyone unsettled. For Thor to appear now, it was difficult to believe it was unrelated to the situation.
"Thor, what brings you here?" Steve asked.
Thor laughed heartily, clapped Steve on the shoulder, and said, "Nick Fury asked me to come speak with him." He then raised his hammer and walked toward Fury's office.
Steve's expression darkened. Fury bringing Thor at this moment could only mean one thing and Steve already knew where Thor's loyalties would lie. He was, after all, the king of Asgard.
"This is bad," Steve muttered, heading inside. Despite their strained personal relationship, he still needed to speak with Nolan Lock.
Nolan had been caught off guard by Thor's silent arrival, but he had not been idle. This was not a fight he would face alone. Even if he could withstand the combined pressure from Stark and Banner, he would not act recklessly. Taking a stand against opposing sides and ending up isolated would be foolish.
He had been reaching out to other superpowered individuals likely to support him.
When Steve arrived, Nolan paused briefly, curious why he had come, but still invited him in.
Sharon Carter hesitated, asking, "Boss, could this turn into a war?"
Nolan smiled. "Don't worry. At most, it will be a battle between superpowers."
A fight was inevitable. A disagreement had arisen, and a battle would determine strength. In such a contest, Nolan held the advantage.
"Damn it, Ancient One," Nolan muttered. If it weren't for her, so many complications could have been avoided. Fortunately, she had followed the rules, providing him the magic of the Mirror Dimension. Its practicality, however, left much to be desired.
Sharon left, her mind conflicted. As a double agent, she carried complex emotions.
Soon, Steve Rogers entered. Nolan's greeting was lukewarm. To Steve, Nolan was a ticking time bomb, but the regulation act, which clearly restricted human freedom, frustrated him more than Nolan did.
For Nolan, the matter was simple. Steve Rogers was sincere but imperfect. Sincerity itself was not a flaw, and complexity was not inherently negative. But when someone flaunts purity while acting inconsistently, it becomes less appealing. Nolan had always kept Steve at a respectful distance.
"Thor arriving at S.H.I.E.L.D. must be about the Superpower Regulation Act," Nolan noted, slightly surprised.
Steve nodded. "The three strongest Avengers are now aligned."
Nolan smiled. "The strongest? Not necessarily." He wasn't referring to himself he wasn't an official Avenger. But Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver were on his side. Both were incredibly powerful. Quicksilver's speed was extraordinary, and Scarlet Witch had not yet reached her limits, as a previous mission had left her severely injured. Regardless, their combined strength was formidable within the Avengers.
"Hopefully Stark and the others will give up," Nolan said, shaking his head. "I doubt it."
Steve Rogers spoke. Ultron's appearance had been a huge blow to Tony Stark.
Nolan remained impassive. "If not, then we fight."
"Does it really have to come to this…" Steve sighed. The Superpower Regulation Act had not only unsettled the Avengers but also become widely known among the public. The government had promoted it heavily, and for ordinary people, it posed no downside. Limiting superpowers could only benefit them, as the existence of superpowered individuals implied a privileged class. People admired heroes, but everyone wanted the hero to be themselves. If it wasn't their hero, perhaps no hero was just fine.
This double pressure made matters worse. As the Special Mobilization Directive issue was gradually suppressed, the Superpower Regulation Act stirred Lock Industries anew. Citizens protested daily outside, demanding Nolan sign the cursed agreement.
Deadpool sat nonchalantly in the security office, with Frank Castle beside him.
"Hey, Frank, do you think the boss will sign that agreement?" Deadpool asked.
Frank gave him a sharp look. He hated this chatterbox.
"I don't know, and I don't care."
Deadpool pouted. "Damn it. This could have a huge impact on the boss. Clearly, I'm the most loyal of his dogs."
Frank twitched at his mouth. Another typical day with Deadpool.
Suddenly, protesters broke through security and rushed into Lock Industries' main hall.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing? This is private property!" Deadpool shouted.
The protesters ignored him, holding their signs high.
"Nolan Lock, sign the Superpower Regulation Act! Don't betray the public's trust!"
"We won't leave until you sign!"
Deadpool rolled his eyes and grabbed one of them by the collar.
"Buddy, you can protest outside. You just broke into private property. Keep it up, and I can shoot."
Facing Deadpool's icy glare, the man hesitated, then bolted. Only after reaching the street did he curse aloud.
"Damn it, Nolan Lock! You don't deserve our support!"
Deadpool smirked. Your support? Despite Nolan's 'heroic' title, Deadpool knew the boss couldn't care less. He then sighed. Should he worry about this like the boss does? His power was passive, and he had no idea how to turn it off.
A few days later, Tony Stark and Coulson arrived at Lock Industries. Coulson seemed tense, carrying an agreement under his arm.
"Do you think Mr. Lock will refuse?" he asked.
Tony fell silent for a moment. "I don't know. If he refuses, he'll be a fugitive. The agreement is finalized. Opposition won't stop it."
All those who had agreed to the act had signed. Now they needed to bring in the holdouts. The biggest challenge, of course, was Nolan Lock.
Yet they had the advantage: representing the government, Nolan had no legal right to refuse.
"Hello, we're here to see Nolan Lock," Tony said at the front desk.
The receptionist immediately recognized him. "Mr. Stark, you can go straight to the boss."
"No, this is important. Please notify Nolan Lock," Tony insisted.
Soon, Nolan was informed.
"Tony Stark? Send him up."
He hung up, expression cold. They had arrived.
As they entered, Nolan did not wait for them to sit. "If you're here about the Superpower Regulation Act, you can leave."
Tony's face stiffened. After a deep breath, he said, "Nolan, the White House has enacted this. It's now law. You have no right to refuse."
Nolan was unsurprised. "I don't believe the White House has the authority to enforce a law that violates human rights. If I'm not mistaken, this country values freedom above all. I have the right to reject this absurd act."
"This isn't absurd. It's essential," Tony said firmly. "You know how much trouble superpowered individuals have caused. If we can track them, we can prevent danger ahead of time. Remember the Watchers' principles? This aligns perfectly."
Watchers? Coulson's eyes flickered. He had never heard this term before. Was it an organization or a title? He was curious but knew now wasn't the time.
Nolan Lock will agree?
No. He must agree.
Coulson's expression was steady.
"You have no choice," Tony said. This time, Nolan had no room to object.
Looking at Tony's serious face, Nolan exhaled. "It seems the Watchers are divided."