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"What's wrong?"
Seeing this, Pepper asked softly.
Hermione didn't answer. Just silently watched ahead.
Tony also realized something was off. Quietly moved Pepper behind him.
In his view, their "Witch Miss" might have an explosive personality, but her abilities were undeniable.
Something's definitely ahead.
"It's fine. Acquaintance. No need to be nervous."
Hermione smiled slightly. Then raised her wand high.
"Lumos Maxima!"
Instantly, the entire hall became bright as day.
Saw a head-to-toe black figure frozen in place.
The figure didn't expect the hall to suddenly brighten. Body stuck mid-stride toward the sofa. Under everyone's gazeāmoving wasn't right, not moving wasn't right either.
A bald black head especially obvious in the spacious hall.
Exactly Black Egg.
"Pfft!"
Hermione really couldn't hold it. Burst out laughing.
How could she not understand what Black Egg wanted to do?
Nothing more than sneaking into Tony's house early to wait. Then when outside surveillance agents reported Tony coming home, immediately get in position on the sofa. Then suddenly turn on lights for dramatic entrance. Shock Tony for ten thousand years.
Create mystique. Display power. Seize initiative. TV agents all appear like this. Black Egg couldn't avoid convention.
Only he didn't expectāHermione discovered him early. Result: before getting in position, exposed under everyone's gaze.
Maximum embarrassment.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?"
Tony's face looked terrible. Demanded loudly.
Pepper now also recognized him. But for S.H.I.E.L.D. casually breaking into someone's home, had no good feelings. Let Tony handle it. Didn't mediate.
Only awkward for an instant. Black Egg quickly adjusted. As if nothing happened. Strolled toward Tony.
"Nick Fury. S.H.I.E.L.D. Director." Fury said expressionlessly.
Worthy of being a leader. This thick skināsimply unmatched.
Hermione complained inwardly.
"I'm here to talk about the Avengā"
Fury's words cut off by Tony: "Not interested. Whoever you are, leave my house now!"
"Looks like I need to upgrade security. Obadiah too, this guy too. How can anyone just waltz in!"
No face given.
"Mr. Stark, I still suggest you hear me outā¦" Fury's brow furrowed slightly. Said patiently.
He knew Tony's personality.
Though off to a bad start, the mission still had to be done.
"Iā" Just as Tony was about to say more, Hermione suddenly waved.
"Hey, Egg!"
"Witch Miss, good evening." Seeing Hermione speak, Fury thoughtācompared to Tony Stark, her priority was higher.
Just this "Egg" wordā¦
Quickly understanding what Hermione meant, Fury's cheek twitched.
"Why are you here? Where's Sister Natasha?" Hermione asked.
"Agent Romanoff has a mission."
"Oh."
Hermione nodded. Said nothing more.
Nick Fury's expression froze.
Huh?
That's it?
"Oh" is whatā¦ This reaction's wrong!
Isn't Natasha your favorite beautiful big sister?
How come knowing she's on a mission, you don't even care?
Gaze caught Pepper holding Hermione's little hand. Fury's eyes shook.
Damn!
The most feared thing happened!
Base got stolen!
No matter how powerful wizards are, still just a child. Children are fickle. And whoever treats them well, they get close to.
No wonder Hermione hasn't come to S.H.I.E.L.D. lately. Instead daily hanging with Tony Stark.
Originally thought she had good relations with Stark. So Fury wasn't very worried. After all, no matter how good, he couldn't replace Natasha's function.
But now seems they misunderstood.
The one with good relations with Hermione is Pepper Potts!
Stark just happens to be nearby!
Strategic major failure!
"Tony, let's hear him out first," Pepper patted Tony's back. "Anyway, when you were kidnapped, they tried their best to help. Without S.H.I.E.L.D., I couldn't confirm your safety. Couldn't meet little Hermione either."
Hearing Pepper's words, though knowing she meant well speaking for them, Fury felt something odd.
Had a feeling likeācurrent girlfriend telling ex about the ex: "If not for you, we wouldn't have metā¦ so we should thank them," while hugging the ex tightly in front of themā¦
"Yeah yeah, let's hear Egg out first. At least last night they properly protected Pepper-sis." Hermione also persuaded.
Done for.
Fury's vision darkened.
Little Hermione's obviously deeply poisoned.
For an instant, Fury wanted to abandon the mission. Recall Natasha first. Find a way to handle Hermione.
But ultimately reason prevailed.
Seeing both Pepper and Hermione say this, Tony could only forcibly suppress his displeasure. Prepared to hear what he wanted to say.
Fury forced composure: "I came today to discuss the Avengers Initiative with you."
"Avengers?" Tony frowned. "S.H.I.E.L.D. wants to take revenge on someone?"
"ā¦" Fury paused. Then continued: "Not revenge. But a plan. Assemble a team. A response team composed of people with extraordinary abilities. To handle future crises that ordinary people can't handle."
"This plan, I call the Avengers Initiative."
"What a terrible nameā¦"
Tony muttered. Now he understood. This S.H.I.E.L.D. Director obviously came to recruit him.
Seems this Iron Man has real value!
Thinking this, he recovered his smug expression.
"Your eye's not bad," Tony puffed his chest. "But Iron Man alone is enough to maintain world security. No need to join your whatever boy band."
Fury: "ā¦"
No problem. Tony Stark, after all. Expected.
"Is that so," Fury said flatly. "Then why could the all-powerful Iron Man last night be beaten like that by Obadiah? Finally had to rely on Witch Miss's powerful magic to save his life."
Tony's breath hitched.
The one-eyed man before him precisely hit his weak spot. Hard to refute. Because it was truth.
Without Hermione, he and Pepper would've died at Obadiah's hands.
"Thatā¦ that's because Obadiah stole my work. Equivalent to using my suit against me," Tony remained stubborn. "Ultimately, Iron Man still won."
Then Pepper tugged his arm. Expression became serious.
"Tony, I think you should seriously consider his suggestion."
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