A Warning

Daisy lowered her head in thought, carefully choosing her words. "Actually, I want to understand this world—truly understand it. The East has legends of cultivation, and the West has magic. I know they're all made up, but I still want to know the laws by which the world operates. For me, the greatest driving force behind studying quantum physics is probably curiosity."

Seven parts of what she said were true, and three parts false. Black Widow and Old Doctor knew many secrets. When Daisy mentioned cultivation and magic, their gazes flickered slightly, causing them to overlook that tiny hint of unnaturalness in her demeanor.

By the time they refocused their attention, everything Daisy said was true again. Naturally, neither of them noticed anything wrong.

"Your goal is noble. Many of humanity's greatest scientists took that first step out of curiosity." Daisy's answer was flawless. Hank Pym nodded solemnly in approval.

Then he changed the subject and began asking specific questions.

"How much do you know about atoms?..."

"What are your views on wavelengths and string vibrations?..."

"Can you briefly explain the principles behind wave-particle duality?..."

Although Old Pym mainly researched biochemistry, he was also an absolute authority in quantum physics. His questions covered every possible area, with little connection between one question and the next.

Daisy knew some of them, while others she had never even heard of. She was fairly honest about it: if she knew, she answered; if she did not, she said so.

Though some of her answers were simple, Old Pym still noticed that Daisy differed from ordinary trainees. This girl from the Chinese diaspora had her own unique insights in certain areas. She even claimed that two existing equations were wrong. To support her claim, she gave two examples. In Old Pym's eyes, that was exceedingly rare.

Trainees who merely parroted others were everywhere. He had seen far too many of them over the years. But someone who could offer her own views and provide evidence for them was remarkable. In his memory, only the very best scientists would devote enormous amounts of time and effort to verifying existing theories.

There were neither too many nor too few people engaged in physics research in modern society.

Why had no one else noticed, while she had? What a talent!

His initial resistance instantly reversed after Daisy displayed her ability. Still, he decided to lay out the ugly truth first. "I greatly admire your spirit of scientific inquiry. At your age, I certainly did not possess such qualities. But there is one point I must make especially clear."

The old man's expression became extremely solemn, and his tone allowed no argument. "Pym Particles are far too dangerous. You cannot involve yourself in this field. Can you promise me that?"

Seeing how gravely he spoke, Daisy had thought it was something serious. She had not expected it to be this.

Even if someone handed her Pym Particles right now, she would not dare accept them.

The designers and users of Pym Particles were all human. From molecules and cells to genes, everything had been designed around humans.

Just from the fact that Old Pym had searched for decades and ultimately found only one Scott Lang, it was clear that the particles had extremely strict requirements for genetic compatibility and other factors.

Daisy had Kree-modified genes in her bloodline. She could not guarantee that exposure to Pym Particles would not make her go bang and turn into a puddle of thick liquid. That image was far too horrifying.

Seeing that she seemed to be thinking it over, the old man continued, "I once had a student, Isa Dora. She was as intelligent and insightful as you, but unfortunately, she underestimated the rigor required by science."

Daisy's interest was piqued. Seeing the old man deliberately building suspense, she hurriedly played along. "And then?"

"Her experimental data was wrong. She shrank to a subatomic state and entered the Quantum Realm, where even time and space had no meaning."

"I promise you I won't get involved with Pym Particles." Daisy's little face went pale as she made her solemn promise.

Dr. Hank Pym had his own company, straightforwardly named Pym Company. However, the board had now voted to force him out.

It seemed rather miserable, but even a starved camel was bigger than a horse. As a towering figure in the modern scientific community, the old man held countless titles. One of them was honorary president of Yale University.

The old man did not know what position Daisy currently held within S.H.I.E.L.D. He gave her a contact card and told her to visit him at Yale University when she had time.

"Yale University..." Daisy sighed inwardly. Her best friend, Blackie, had gone to Yale. Were they going to end up together again?

The Quinjet dropped Old Doctor off in New Haven. Daisy and the others still had to return to S.H.I.E.L.D. Everyone had to submit a mission report before they could take leave.

After returning to S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy, Daisy had barely written two hundred words when her counselor, Coulson, came to call for her. The Director wanted to see her.

When she saw Director Fury again, their relationship was no longer the same as before. She gave him a slightly ingratiating smile.

Nick Fury still wore that same dark expression. He did not ask whether she had adapted well or whether she was eating properly. He went straight to the point. "What are the odds that you can get Pym Particles?"

Daisy immediately refused. "I promised Professor Pym that I would not get involved in the field of Pym Particles."

Her answer was decisive. Breaking one's word depended on the situation and the person involved. They had all been present at the time. If she changed her mind half an hour after making that promise, who would dare trust her in the future?

Nick Fury's single eye watched her, seemingly trying to judge her true thoughts. "Really? Are you sure you want to refuse? S.H.I.E.L.D. has done a great deal for you."

Daisy chuckled. "I'm sure. I won't get involved in the field of Pym Particles."

Director Fury studied her twice more. "Fine. I won't force you. You completed this mission well. Romanoff and Dr. Pym both praised your performance. To perform so outstandingly on your first mission, you're a natural agent. In the future, you may even become the King of Agents."

Daisy was completely immune to his honeyed words. King of Agents? How much did that sell for per pound?

Seeing that she merely smiled instead of immediately pledging her loyalty, Nick Fury knew the time was not yet right. He changed the subject. "What do you think of those well-trained mercenaries?"

Daisy believed they were Hydra operatives, but she had no proof whatsoever.

She could only analyze the available intelligence. "They were highly trained, and their will to fight was exceptionally strong. Even knowing they were outmatched, they fought until the last man. Honestly, I've never even heard of soldiers like that."

If she could make Nick Fury notice Hydra in advance, that would be perfect. Most of S.H.I.E.L.D. were still good people. If she could protect them, she should.

In the original timeline, that Daisy had followed Coulson around tirelessly, bleeding and shedding tears. Through all their frantic efforts, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s scale had steadily downgraded from S.H.I.E.L.D. Bureau to S.H.I.E.L.D. Division, then finally into the S.H.I.E.L.D. Team. They went from flying planes and driving cars, wearing suits and ties, to carrying their own rations and stealing cars whenever they traveled. It took five years, and the misery of that sight could not be described with a single word.

Coulson was a good man and had great personal charm, but compared with Nick Fury, his abilities fell far too short.