Boy Group Debut

Ever since Howard's death, Nick had never appeared before Tony again. At most, he had people monitor and keep an eye on him.

To put it bluntly, the fundamental reason was that Tony had no value to exploit back then.

As an ordinary person, Tony was only useful in the field of technology, and his role in the supernatural world was limited. Especially after S.H.I.E.L.D. acquired alien technology, even the last bit of value Tony had was gone.

That was why Tony did not know Nick at all, nor did he believe that Nick had been his father's friend.

As the King of Agents and a crafty old bastard, Nick did not blush in the slightest and continued:

"Before this, you were just an ordinary person, so we didn't interfere with your life. But now that you've stepped into the supernatural realm, it's necessary for you to learn about some of the truths hidden behind this world."

In the original movie, Tony had directly rejected Nick because he simply didn't believe what Nick said.

But the current Tony had already witnessed the scene of New York Flood in his "dream." He had also learned from his master, Zhan Liu, that there was a Sorcerer Supreme capable of reversing time. He had even cultivated himself into a "Super-Bat."

So he was quite interested in the supernatural world that existed behind this one. And information related to it was definitely not something he could easily search for online.

Now that an insider had delivered himself to Tony's door, his genius brain only needed a slight turn to understand.

"So that oddly named bureau of yours is responsible for managing supernatural affairs?"

"To be precise, S.H.I.E.L.D. is subordinate to the United Nations Security Council and is not under federal jurisdiction. We have law-enforcement authority throughout the world, and we have branches in many places around the globe."

"Oh, so it's an international organization..." Tony suddenly changed tack and asked, "Then who's footing the bill?"

Although Nick knew that Tony had never been reliable, he was still stunned by Tony's way of jumping from one subject to another.

I'm talking to you about how prestigious S.H.I.E.L.D. is, how powerful its backers are, and how much clout it has, and you're asking me who's paying?

"Uh... One part comes from the Permanent Five, while the other part is raised by S.H.I.E.L.D. itself."

"Raised by itself? Got it."

Departments raising their own operating funds were extremely common in the United States. For example, the CIA often used government aircraft for smuggling and similar businesses, while the military frequently transported local specialties such as powder and ice from overseas into the country. Tony was extremely familiar with all that.

"Don't get the wrong idea. We have legitimate channels for raising funds. After all, the most profitable businesses in the world have all become legal."

"So you broke into my residence without permission today just to recruit me? But I'm a little worried that you can't afford my salary."

"Tony, you may not know this, but your father, Howard Stark, was also one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s founders."

"What? My father was one of the founders of your agency? Was he a superpowered person too?" Tony was genuinely shocked this time.

"No. Although he wasn't a superpowered person, much of his advanced technology was more useful than superpowers at the time. He may have told you that he was friends with Captain America. In reality, Captain America wasn't his only friend back then."

"But after he died, apart from Obadiah, I never saw any of his friends. It was like that for more than thirty years, right up until today, when you suddenly appeared."

Tony curled his lips and made a gesture with his hand as if something were emerging from underground.

"I'm sorry, Tony. But please understand that the supernatural world is extremely dangerous. We didn't want you to get dragged into it." Nick spouted this sort of nonsense without hesitation, his expression as sincere as could be.

Tony leaned back against the sofa. "Fine. Let's leave the past aside for now. I got this far without you, and I did quite well, too. Tell me why you came today."

"S.H.I.E.L.D. is committed to maintaining Earth's security and protecting Earth from alien invasion..."

"Stop, stop, stop!" Tony raised a hand to interrupt Nick's lengthy speech and said impatiently, "Just tell me why you're here. I'm not interested in your great organization at all."

"Earth needs you, Tony." Nick had no choice but to be concise and get straight to the point.

"Oh, that's a pretty good line. It really gets the blood pumping." Tony lounged lazily on the sofa, looking like a total slacker.

"Tony, Earth has never been safe. It's always been coveted by aliens..."

"I'd like to report something!" Tony interrupted Nick again and raised his right hand high. "There's an alien at Chinatown Ultimate Limit Hall. Hurry up and arrest him!"

Nick was choked off, and his face instantly stiffened.

If we could arrest him, would we need you to report him?

"Tony, I'm not joking with you..."

"I'm not joking either. I guarantee that Zhan Liu is absolutely an alien, not a Mutant. Go on, get to it. Let me see how capable your organization really is." Tony looked at Nick with amusement.

Nick took a deep breath. "Tony, S.H.I.E.L.D. has known about Zhan Liu for a long time, and we've been keeping an eye on him. But he hasn't violated any relevant laws, so we can't arrest him rashly."

"Has he joined S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

"No."

"Exactly. As my master's first disciple, I naturally have to stand with my master. I can't just join some random organization."

"Tony, aren't you curious about the real world hidden beneath the surface of this one? Don't you want to learn more of the world's truths?" Nick continued trying to persuade him. "As long as you join S.H.I.E.L.D., we'll grant you access to our internal database. You'll be able to learn the truths sealed away in the mists of history."

Tony smacked his lips, clearly tempted. "Speaking of the database, how did you get through Jarvis's firewall?"

"Jarvis was based on Howard's original butler, and when Howard first conceived of all this, he left behind an access code. As it happened, I obtained a copy from him."

"Really?"

"Really!"

Tony stared fixedly at him for a while, but eventually gave up.

"I'm not used to working for someone else. I was born a capitalist." He politely declined.

"Fine. I never expected you to work nine to five anyway, but you could serve as a consultant. I'm planning to form a team made up entirely of superheroes, dedicated to cooperating in resolving major global crises."

"Sounds like we'd be going to war. I'm a desk worker. All I can do is provide logistical support."

"No problem." Once I get him in, there will always be ways to soften him up later.

"Fine. Looks like I'm going to debut in a boy group too."