"So, this is where things stand. S.H.I.E.L.D. is disbanded."
"Goodbye, everyone. Perhaps we'll meet again someday."
Triskelion, press conference venue.
Before media outlets from around the world and every S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Nick Fury calmly announced the news, his voice carried by the microphone to every corner of the hall.
Then, before the crowd could fully erupt, he turned and strode away beneath the frenzied pursuit of flashing cameras.
The next moment, the flashes chased after his retreating figure as if they had gone mad.
"Wait, Director Fury..."
"Director, I don't understand what happened!"
"We need an explanation! If S.H.I.E.L.D. is gone, who will protect Earth's security from now on?"
"No comment!"
Without turning back, Fury's deep voice was drowned out by the roaring crowd.
He shook everyone off and crossed the long corridor, only to find three figures who had clearly been waiting for him.
"Fury, is this your decision?"
Steve Rogers asked him, "You gave up the work you spent half your life building with your own hands."
"It's also to make up for the mistakes I made," Fury said, exhaustion in his voice. "Times have changed, Captain. This world is becoming more and more unpredictable. We can't cling to the old ways forever. We need to establish a new order."
His gaze swept over the three of them: Captain America, Black Widow, and Hawkeye.
The foundation of the Avengers.
"What are you planning to do?" Hawkeye Clint asked, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.
"Next, I'll take some agents underground and operate in the shadows. We'll track down Shadow King Farouk, as well as Hank Pym," Fury said. "As for you, Captain, I hope you'll keep the Avengers going. Those troublesome people still need you to guide them and tell them right from wrong."
"Does that