"Master, a massive energy riot has occurred within a S.H.I.E.L.D. jurisdiction, causing a ten-kilometer collapse."
"Am I a step too late?"
Artoria listened to Saturday's report, feeling a bit depressed. She had already sent out many of her clones, and she hadn't expected this information to pop up suddenly. The possibility of Loki arriving on Earth was far too high, and the Cosmic Cube was likely out of reach for now. However, Artoria didn't plan to recall her clones. While S.H.I.E.L.D. was in a state of chaos and distracted by the Asgardian side, Artoria could take advantage of the mess to reap some benefits.
"Saturday, continue monitoring the other party's movements."
"Try your best not to be discovered."
"Yes, master."
After instructing Saturday, Artoria continued to dispatch her clones to various S.H.I.E.L.D. branches. Time was pressing; Artoria didn't know which stage Loki had reached. If he had already begun assembling the team to open the space portal, then Artoria would truly be out of time.
In any case, seeing her brother transform that flashy Stark Tower into an even flashier Avengers base within a single day, Artoria understood that what was meant to come was fast approaching. Since the Ancient One was still around, Thanos probably wouldn't dare descend to Earth himself. With a big boss holding the line, Artoria could breathe a sigh of relief and play her own little games. After the Battle of New York, the biggest trouble would be the Ancient One seeking her own end. There was no helping it; the big boss just didn't want to live anymore. After working for so many years as an employee without pay, it was time to resign.
"I hope it doesn't affect my plans."
Thinking this, Artoria took advantage of the time between night and dawn to start up her dozen or so planes. All of Artoria's clones on board began to disguise themselves. At this moment, the Transformation Technique played a crucial role. Artoria's clones turned into various ordinary people and began their operations under the cover of night. They would quickly infiltrate S.H.I.E.L.D. branches so Artoria could get what she wanted.
"Miss Artoria, I'm sorry, I've resigned again."
As soon as dawn broke, Artoria received a resignation letter. It was Natasha's resignation letter—just that one sentence on a large sheet of white paper, followed by a hand-drawn head as if she were trying to be cute. Damn it! How old are you? Stop trying to be cute! It's not cute at all! And this resignation letter was even delivered by someone else. Yes! It was Sharon standing right in front of her.
"She might have something urgent! Don't look at me, I don't know."
With 'I know something, come ask me' practically written on her face, Sharon spoke while blushing with embarrassment. No wonder Nick wasn't very willing to let you enter S.H.I.E.L.D.; you really are an upright person. You'll never enter the world of Special Agents like this, because every one of them is incredibly thick-skinned.
"Alright, everyone has emergencies. I understand."
Of course she knew what Natasha was off to do. The Nick Fury must have been hit pretty hard by Loki and could only hurry to gather the Avengers to avenge himself and see what Loki was actually up to. After all, the opponent was a 'god' they couldn't beat at all. He hoped Tony and the others could defeat a 'god.' If Nick knew that another 'Thor' was about to arrive on Earth, he probably wouldn't be very optimistic; that one's destructive power was much greater than Loki's.
"Yes, yes, yes! She just has something urgent."
Hearing Artoria give her an out, Sharon spoke quickly. In truth, making her lie was really hard on her. This was all Nick's instruction; otherwise, she would have resigned too and joined Natasha on the Helicarrier that had recently taken flight. Although she heard this was just a test version and the real one was still under construction, it didn't have much to do with her now. Her current mission was simply to stay by Artoria's side. Nick had instructed her to 'take good care' of Artoria's'safety' issues.
"Sharon, do you like watching movies?"
Looking up at the ceiling, then at the large screen nearby, and then at her own computer, Artoria suddenly thought of something interesting. She asked Sharon curiously.
"It's okay, I guess."
Not knowing what Artoria was thinking, Sharon paused before answering. Was Artoria planning to invite her to a movie? Was this... a date? Thinking of this, Sharon's cheeks, which had just returned to normal, turned red again.
"Such a grand scene—it wouldn't do if no one watched it. I must let everyone enjoy themselves just like me; that would be best."
Artoria looked at Sharon's suddenly red face, wondering what was going on. Do you like watching those Japanese... cough cough! I didn't realize you, a girl with such delicate features, were so passionate and uninhibited. Can't mess with you, can't mess with you.
The two of them weren't on the same wavelength at all, so their conversation seemed a bit strange to others. Gwen had recently gone back to school to present a report and earn credits; otherwise, she would have started Make complaints (roasting) them long ago. To an outsider, Sharon looked like a young girl in love, while Artoria was a calm and overbearing CEO. This scene truly looked like an office romance drama.
"Saturday, install high-definition cameras inside and outside my brother's Avengers Tower."
"Yes, master."
"Have you found the Helicarrier's signal?"
"It has been found, master. Do you need to take any other measures?"
After Sharon left Artoria's office, the mischievous Artoria began her plan to prank people. Since those politicians didn't value human lives, it was necessary to let everyone know! The public has a right to know. As for what your end will be? Artoria didn't dare guarantee anything. After all, the United States is a quite free country; someone from the public might just pick up a machine gun and shoot you.
"Continue hacking the Helicarrier's firewall. You must break through today and leave a virus. I want to know all their conversations. Get the cameras done as soon as possible, preferably today as well."
"Yes, master."
Intent on causing trouble, Artoria closed her eyes to rest for a bit after giving the orders. This was the main body, and running so many clones was no small drain, especially since quite a few clones had already dispelled the Clone Technique without gaining anything. This put a lot of mental pressure on Artoria.
"Artoria, Reed sent over the completion date. We need to set a launch date. Do you want to take a look?"
Susan came over at that moment, speaking to Artoria happily. Her words already treated Reed and the others as outsiders, while she herself belonged to Artoria's side.
"Let them arrange it themselves; just notify me when the time comes."
With a big battle approaching, Artoria had no time for such matters. She instructed Susan to let them decide for themselves while she waited for good news from her clones. After an unknown amount of time, Artoria smiled; she had finally gained something.
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