After the representatives of various nations signed the act in the United Nations assembly hall, they mingled and chatted, waiting for the grand banquet to begin later.
Though more than a hundred countries might seem like a great number, only the five permanent members truly held the power to speak, and they happened to form the World Security Council's highest decision-making body.
The so-called democratic voting and treaty signing were merely a performance formally announced to the world. The exchange of interests between nations had long since been settled beforehand.
Even though the United Nations ostensibly existed to promote cooperation among nations in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and world peace, its essence remained a one-man show where power spoke loudest. The Big Five still held decision-making authority, while the smaller nations were little more than dependents gathered to bolster the spectacle.
Having seen through this, Sean wanted to take control of S.H.I.E.L.D., indirectly infiltrate the World Security Council, strengthen his influence, steadily expand his territory, and consolidate power.
Standing before the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, the young man felt a faint sense of satisfaction. Tony Stark, dressed formally and wearing sunglasses, walked over. He was the Avengers' standard-bearer and also the superhero representative in favor of the Registration Act.
Not far away stood the Fantastic Four, whom he had not seen in a long time, as well as the somewhat constrained Peter Parker. It was the latter's first time publicly attending such an occasion as Spider-Man, so his nervousness was understandable.
Unlike other superheroes, New York's friendly neighborhood Spider-Man had long since begun living a happy life. He would soon marry his dream girl, Mary Jane, and his career at the Daily Bugle was flourishing as well. James, his harsh and miserly boss, had recently