"Mr. Harvey Anberlaka, this was my fault. Earlier, I failed to convey your dislike of S.H.I.E.L.D. to my colleagues."
"I ask that you give us another chance."
Coulson cautiously raised both hands as he spoke, unconsciously adding an honorific.
During his earlier conversation with Harvey Anberaka, Harvey had expressed his disgust toward S.H.I.E.L.D.
It had also made Coulson understand that, whether Harvey Anberaka possessed superpowers or not, he had no intention of joining the Avengers Initiative.
Coulson had been displeased when he heard that, so he had chosen not to report it back to S.H.I.E.L.D. But looking back, he should have.
If Director Fury had known beforehand, he might not have been so upset after being berated earlier, and things might not have escalated into this disaster.
"You were smart enough not to point a gun at me just now."
"But you should understand that such little cleverness alone does not give you the capital to negotiate with me."
Harvey glanced at the gun still hanging at Coulson's waist, somewhat surprised. However, his expression remained unchanged as he spoke indifferently.
"I know. That is why I am asking—asking for your magnanimity and another chance."
"Please spare Agent Natasha. She is severely injured and on the verge of death. She has already paid the price for offending you."
"We will never offend you again. I swear it on my life."
Coulson hurriedly shook his head, humbly voicing his plea, request, and guarantee in succession.
"Harvey Anberaka, I'm asking you too. Please don't kill anyone here."
Tony Stark spoke up as well, his tone carrying a trace of negotiation.
He did not know whether his persuasion would work against the clearly angered Harvey Anberaka.
But if anyone died here, it would cause some trouble afterward.
"Coulson, I do not want your head. But if there is a next time, if anyone in S.H.I.E.L.D. wants to make a move against me..."
"You will bring me the head of the person who wanted to attack me."
"Otherwise, you know the consequences."
Harvey glanced at Tony Stark, then turned to Coulson and spoke coldly.
"Certainly."
Coulson sensed the killing intent in Harvey's words. His eyes trembled as he hurriedly nodded.
"I am giving you only this one chance."
"Nick Fury, I know what you are relying on."
"Do not count on bringing Captain Marvel back to help you."
"That woman cannot help you, nor can she do anything to me."
Harvey rose to his feet and looked at Nick Fury, issuing a warning.
"..."
Nick Fury's gaze contracted when Harvey mentioned that woman.
What had just happened made him realize that human military power might be unable to deal with this demon-like Harvey Anberaka.
Nick Fury had already been considering finding Captain Marvel for help as soon as he got out of danger.
After all, Harvey Anberaka was an extremely unstable factor for Blue Star.
Especially since that unstable factor was openly hostile toward S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury needed to find a way to eliminate him.
But when Nick Fury heard Harvey Anberaka not only mention that woman, but directly speak Captain Marvel's name as well—
Every thought and plan in Nick Fury's heart vanished into smoke.
"Thank you for your mercy, Mr. Harvey Anberlaka."
Coulson gathered his courage and walked behind Harvey Anberaka, lifting Natasha into his arms as he spoke gratefully.
Seeing Coulson's actions, Tony Stark felt a measure of admiration. Coulson truly had guts.
In a situation like this, he actually dared to approach Harvey Anberaka voluntarily.
"You only get this one chance. If there is a next time, you know what to do."
Harvey glanced at Natasha, whose eyes were filled with fear as she looked at him, then turned to Coulson and spoke.
"I will remember. Even if I forget everything else, I will not forget this."
Coulson nodded and answered solemnly.
In truth, Coulson had intended to come alone this time to deliver Howard's relic.
Although Harvey Anberaka had threatened them, Coulson had spoken with him carefully once before.
So Coulson clearly understood that while Harvey Anberaka hated them, he had not yet reached the point of taking action against them.
Leaving aside whether Harvey Anberaka truly possessed superpowers.
If Harvey Anberaka had genuinely wanted to hire mercenaries from the dark web to deal with them, he would not have needed to say it openly. He could have done it in secret.
By then, they might not even have had the opportunity to investigate.
But during that video call, Harvey Anberaka had deliberately said it out loud, making it clearly a warning.
As long as they did not provoke Harvey Anberaka again, the two sides could leave each other alone.
But Director Fury had thought that Harvey Anberaka, an asian billionaire without superpowers, was acting far too arrogantly.
Since they were coming to meet Tony Stark anyway, he felt it was necessary to warn Harvey Anberaka along the way, so they had brought many people with them.
That was how the situation had developed into the terrifying prospect of all of them nearly dying here.
"Get out."
Harvey swept his gaze over Nick Fury and the other agents, speaking coldly.
Once they were told they could leave, Coulson carried Natasha while Nick Fury and the other agents slunk away in disgrace.
They did not even dare insist on monitoring Tony Stark's research into the notebook.
"I'll keep eating. You can start your research."
The frost on Harvey's face melted like winter snow as he spoke.
"Harvey Anberaka, is that Captain Marvel you mentioned really that strong?"
Tony Stark thought for a moment, then asked curiously.
"Yes. Very strong."
Harvey answered while continuing to eat.
"Stronger than you?"
When Tony Stark heard Harvey almost without hesitation praise a woman as being very strong, the flames of gossip in his heart blazed fiercely.
"Though I do not want to admit it, she is indeed stronger than me right now."
Harvey nodded again.
"Jarvis, have they left?"
Tony Stark's mouth fell open, and he quickly asked.
"That woman called Natasha is seriously injured, so they are moving quickly."
Jarvis projected a display. Outside, the helicopter's rotors had begun to spin.
"Good. So Harvey Anberaka was just scaring them earlier?"
Seeing the projection and knowing they could no longer eavesdrop, Tony Stark asked again in relief.
"It is true that Captain Marvel is stronger than me right now, but it is also true that she cannot do anything to me."
Seeing Tony Stark act as though he feared Nick Fury might overhear him, Harvey found it somewhat amusing and spoke.
Captain Marvel was powerful, but her abilities were relatively limited. As long as he slipped into the void, Captain Marvel would never be able to find him.
So Harvey was, at most, wary of Captain Marvel. He was not afraid of her.
Compared to Captain Marvel, whose power was great but whose abilities were limited, Odin and the Ancient One might be more likely to cause him greater trouble.
Among the Asa Gods were gods who could directly observe the Nine Realms and overlook Blue Star at any time. If he provoked them, it would bring him considerable trouble.
The Ancient One could directly see through the past and future, and she also commanded strange and unusual magic.
So before his strength reached a certain level, Harvey did not want to face God King Odin or the Ancient One.
"I do not really understand, but as long as you are confident you can protect yourself, that is good."
Tony Stark was reassured and spoke.
Seeing Tony Stark clearly take his side, Harvey said nothing.
Before you continue