Chapter 181: Nature Guardian

The relationship between S.H.I.E.L.D. and the U.S. government and military was barely maintained due to Chairman Oaks' unexpected interference in the presidential election.

With Loki's invasion, the unexpected incident with Project Pegasus, the revelation of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s true intentions, and the devastation of the Battle of New York, the relationship between S.H.I.E.L.D. and the U.S. government had deteriorated significantly.

If it weren't for Nick Fury being the initiator of the Avengers Initiative and the fact that it was actually the World Security Council who ordered the launch of the nuclear missile, the U.S. government would have been prepared to restrict S.H.I.E.L.D's privileges on their own soil.

In fact, the Council was planning to push the blame onto Nick Fury and even attempted to turn Agent Hill against him, hoping that she would provide incriminating evidence against him.

However, after Agent Hill played a trick on them and revealed the recording of the Council's conversation, Nick Fury was able to return to his position in a short month.

The restart of Project Pegasus was also ordered by the Council.

But the Avengers Initiative was also approved by them, although it was later disbanded.

In any case, the existence of the Council was still indispensable. Fortunately, with Oaks and the presence of the Benevolence Society, the casualties among the people of New York during the battle were much fewer than anticipated.

Therefore, amidst the game of interests among various parties, the matter was ultimately concluded with Gideon Malick, who personally gave the order, resigning.

In the final analysis, it was all the aliens' fault.

However, Nick Fury took the opportunity to fill the vacant seat on the Council with Pierce, who was "one of their own."

Oaks, the Earthling personally invited by Thor to Asgard, could be said to be the person with the most effective intelligence on extraterrestrials.

At the same time, Oaks' other ability, the powerful healing power that could revive the dying Agent Coulson within a few seconds, made everyone agree on his actions.

"Coulson is very grateful to you."

Nick Fury, this bastard, started playing the emotional card again.

"But after he was discharged from the hospital, you had already gone to Asgard, so he didn't have a chance to thank you in person."

"Where is he now?"

Oaks raised an eyebrow. Since Coulson, the "template for American agents," had been saved from death, he shouldn't experience strange things anymore.

"His outstanding performance allowed him to lead an elite field team on his own. Melinda is his partner."

A hint of a smile appeared on Nick Fury's face. This guy, Oaks, has deep emotions.

"I have to say, Melinda recovered quickly due to her working experience with you. Now she is active again as a field agent."

"Well, when they're on vacation, I can invite them to the Little rainforest for a barbecue and some oxygen therapy."

Oaks crossed his legs, and Skoll and Hati tilted their heads as they stared at Nick Fury from either side, making Fury involuntarily swallow his saliva.

"Asgard is temporarily not a threat now. At least in Asgard, I have the title of 'Sage,' universally recognized in the Nine Realms. I am also their royal advisor."

Oaks spread his hands.

"And I did a big favor for Odin. I even invited his eldest son to have a party in Las Vegas."

"Las Vegas?"

Nick Fury was taken aback. "Does Thor like parties? I thought he only liked hand-to-hand combat."

"No, it's his brother."

Oaks revealed a smug smile.

"Odin's true eldest son, Thor's brother, the God of Light, Baldur. I did a big favor for Odin by saving Baldur Odinson from the brink of death."

"What!"

Nick Fury couldn't sit still anymore. Another son of Odin? And the eldest one at that?

He almost immediately thought of the throne of Asgard...

"So, they shouldn't have time to bother with us now?"

Nick Fury took a deep breath and calmed down.

"For the time being, that's true. So... what's your plan?"

Oaks waved his hand dismissively.

"And don't talk to me about classified information and compartmentalization. It's such a buzzkill to talk this nonsense to someone like me who doesn't understand the concept of not sharing—maybe I should just stop sharing altogether."

"...Because of the New York incident, we discovered many potential threats that could have been prevented if detected earlier."

Nick Fury changed his posture and held his chin with one hand.

"So I convinced the World Security Council to thoroughly improve threat analysis technology, aiming to detect signs of threats before they manifest and take prompt action or emergency measures. We can't always be behind; we need to take the initiative."

"You proposed that?"

Oaks raised an eyebrow.

"Just threat analysis?"

"...Of course, there are follow-up plans, but they haven't been finalized yet."

Nick Fury fell silent for a moment and nodded slightly.

"S.H.I.E.L.D. has a realistic view of the world, not an idealized one. We had contingency plans for this matter before, but it was only after the events in New York that we elevated it to the highest priority."

Oaks nodded slowly. This was the beginning of the "Insight Program."

"'Trust no one,' that's your modus operandi. So, I'm certain that this isn't the whole truth, and you've already determined the implementation plan."

Oaks looked at Nick Fury's expressionless face and hummed seemingly unintentionally.

"Since you can't change this habit of yours, can you trust your subordinates, your superiors, your... old friends, or even yourself?"

"...Captain still hasn't moved on from the past, even with Agent Carter by his side."

Nick Fury didn't answer Oaks' question. He mentioned another matter.

"You just said you saved Thor's brother Baldur from the brink of death. So, do you have any way to help Agent Carter?"

After a pause, Nick Fury calmly squeezed out a sentence from between his teeth.

"The old-timer is currently the only person I can completely trust."

"...I am a Druid. My power comes from nature. I can't do things that go against the laws of nature, like extending lifespans."

Oaks unconsciously tapped his fingers on the armrest of the chair with one hand, while the other supported his chin.

"But now I can allow Agent Carter to leave the rainforest and move around. Steve will take her to their own house. She still has some time, and whether she'll help you or not, it's up to her."

Nick Fury silently nodded, letting out a sigh.

"One last thing. There's a colossal thing that appeared offshore east of New York—— a behemoth that can't be seen.

If I hadn't known that you returned to Earth at this time, I would have authorized the launch of missiles."

"That's the new headquarters of Benevolence Society, my Spirit ship Ark. It's the reward Odin gave me."

Oaks never thought he could hide it from S.H.I.E.L.D. The Spirit Ship could achieve optical invisibility and infrared invisibility, but it couldn't hide from other radars for the time being. Tony was working on that modification plan.

"I understand."

Nick Fury stood up and turned to walk out.

"Does it have a name? Something we need to record and identify."

"Nature Guardian."

A faint smile appeared on Oaks' face. Since it was in his hands and even the nature of its magical properties had changed, it naturally needed a new name.

"After the modifications are complete, it will float above the high seas for an extended period. Additionally, it doesn't have any weapon systems."

Watching Nick Fury disappear at the doorway, Oaks looked up at the sky.

The Nature Guardian had no weapons, but it was a powerful balance spell amplifier!

"Insight Project... hm!"

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