Let's Make a Deal

"Oh my God!" Agent Coulson lowered the binoculars, his eyes wide with shock. For a long moment, he said nothing.

Coulson had been working as a field agent for S.H.I.E.L.D. for years and had encountered all sorts of strange things. After all, dealing with the unusual was S.H.I.E.L.D.'s job. But lately, he felt as if everything he knew about the world was falling apart.

A pizza delivery guy had beaten a gang of bank robbers, claiming to be a time traveler from the future. Skynet, Overwatch, Judgment Day—those words had left him baffled, and he had always suspected there was more to William's identity.

But nothing had surprised him as much as what he had just witnessed. Iron Man and Iron Monger were locked in an increasingly fierce battle, while William had transformed into an archer to help Tony.

Who could have imagined that, at the end of the battle, William would summon two dragons? No, to be precise, they weren't real dragons. They seemed to be only phantom images.

He rubbed his eyes hard, thinking he must have imagined it, but the dragons had been magnificent. Their deafening roars had echoed through the sky, leaving him with a memory he would never forget.

How was he supposed to explain this to Director Fury? He'd surely think Coulson had gone crazy.

But after what had happened last time, Coulson didn't dare lie again. He didn't want to get transferred to the records room. He took out his phone and drew a deep breath. "Sir, there's something you should prepare yourself for. William just summoned two dragons!"

And so, Obadiah Stane, one of the founders of Stark Industries, vanished forever amid the dragons' roars. Obadiah's conspiracy was also exposed.

Although S.H.I.E.L.D. immediately sealed off the news, many people had witnessed the battle that night. Few had seen the phantom dragon souls in the sky, though. All anyone wanted to know was who Iron Man really was.

"Last night's incident at Stark Industries, according to unconfirmed reports, was caused by a malfunctioning robot that led to the reactor being damaged..."

Rhodey was explaining the incident on TV. It was obvious that S.H.I.E.L.D. had stepped in. Until people were ready, S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't let them learn things they weren't supposed to know.

Tony held a newspaper while Pepper applied his makeup. The battle the night before had left his face covered in bruises. He had a press conference coming up, and if the reporters saw the injuries on his face, wouldn't that give everything away?

"Iron Man? Hmm, I like that name." Tony rubbed his chin.

Just then, Coulson and William walked over, both smartly dressed in suits. Coulson took out a piece of paper. "Here's the speech. Just read it when the time comes, and make sure you stick to the script. This will all blow over soon."

"Sure." Tony glanced at the paper, then asked, "By the way, who was that archer who helped me last night? Was he one of your people at S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

Coulson froze, unsure how to answer. He glanced at William and was just about to say something when William cut in. "Dear Mr. Stark, who he is doesn't matter. What matters is that you're still alive."

Tony pursed his lips. The blond agent did have a point. After everything he'd been through, he understood a lot more now. He had learned the meaning of life, for instance, and realized that things between him and Pepper were more complicated than he'd thought.

"Thank you so much for your help this time, Agent Coulson," Pepper said, shaking his hand.

"Don't mention it. You should really thank him instead." Coulson gestured toward William beside him.

"Miss Potts, it's our honor at S.H.I.E.L.D. to be of service." William replied politely.

As Tony watched them exchange pleasantries, something suddenly occurred to him. "Wait, blond agent, have we met somewhere before?"

It wasn't Tony's fault. He had only seen William's real appearance at Disney Concert Hall, and so much time had passed that he'd long since forgotten it. William seemed vaguely familiar, as though they'd met somewhere before.

"Actually, I'm not an agent, but a consultant." William didn't answer his question. Instead, he smiled and said, "Mr. Stark, before I leave, let me recommend a drink."

Tony frowned. "A drink? I prefer alcohol."

"Trust me, you're going to need it." William stared into his eyes. "Chlorophyll Juice. Healthy, green, and free of pollution. You're sure to love it!"

Tony was completely dumbfounded. By the time he was about to ask what William meant, William and Coulson had already closed the door behind them and left.

"Why did you say that just now?" Coulson asked curiously as soon as they were outside.

"It's just a personal preference. You could give it a try, too." William smiled.

Coulson sighed. "I hope that guy Tony Stark cooperates and doesn't cause us any more trouble!"

"Is this your first day knowing Tony Stark?" William gave him a knowing smile. "Do you really think that guy will read the script?"

Sure enough, at the press conference, Tony Stark told the news media, "I am Iron Man."

The famous CEO of Stark Industries was a superhero in armor. No matter how hard S.H.I.E.L.D. tried to cover up the truth and keep it secret, the news sent shockwaves around the world.

He really was a playboy, a domineering CEO, and a billionaire. He actually dared to say on camera that he was Iron Man.

Most superheroes kept their identities hidden, like William, for example. Of course, Tony's arrogant personality had also brought him plenty of trouble, but that was a matter for later.

After completing the Iron Man mission, William could finally go home and rest. He'd been taking time off for days, and his boss, Jonathan, had nearly wanted to fire him. But then he'd wondered who else would deliver the pizzas, so he'd kept putting it off.

After work that day, William bought some fresh steak, planning to make himself a steak dinner that night. He had half a month's wages advanced to him now, so life was finally a lot more comfortable. At least he no longer had to worry about being unable to pay rent and sleeping on the streets.

But as soon as he reached his door, he sensed something was wrong. His front door wasn't fully shut. It was ajar!

"Hey, William." William cautiously pushed the door open. The room was dark, and light streamed inside only after he opened the door. To his surprise, Coulson was sitting on his sofa.

Ever since Coulson had moved in next door, he would occasionally drop by. But breaking into William's place while he was out was a first. No, wait—that made it the second time.

"Coulson, being my neighbor doesn't mean you can pick my lock whenever you like." William sighed. "So, what do you want? Do you need me to go catch someone?"

Coulson shook his head. "No, I'm not the one who wanted to see you today. He is..."

As soon as he spoke, someone walked over from the dimly lit balcony. It was a one-eyed Black man: Nick Fury. William was startled. So Director Fury had been standing in the dark the whole time, and William hadn't noticed because he was so dark.

"Mr. Lister, sorry to disturb you so late," Nick Fury said as he walked over.

William thought, So you do know you're disturbing me by showing up in the middle of the night. But he politely asked, "Director Fury, what can I do for you?"

Nick Fury was the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. He usually stayed in his office at the Triskelion or aboard his Helicarrier.

Though he was the king of spies, he rarely went out into the field. He only needed to sit in his chair and give orders. Since he'd traveled all the way from Washington to New York, it had to be for something important.

"I came to discuss something with you," Nick Fury said, standing before William. "Let's make a deal!"

There'll be another update tonight~