Arthur looked at Fury's extended hand but did not immediately shake it. After a moment of contemplation, he finally took it, smiling: "Yes, it's nice to finally meet you."
Fury's expression relaxed, but Arthur continued: "Before today, I was actually thinking about how to handle our relationship."
Fury looked at Arthur but chose to remain silent.
Arthur smiled: "But I still haven't figured it out. You're a massive national machine, and outside this office, there are at least dozens of strong, exceptional agents. Not to mention, the lady standing next to you is already a killing machine. So… how should I interact with you? Should we coexist, or should it be… life or death?"
"Uh…"
Arthur leaned slightly forward: "How about you answer that?"
The atmosphere fell silent, with an inexplicable pressure starting to fill the air.
Black Widow relaxed, leaning against the wall, her gaze fixed on Arthur.
Steve seemed unsure, looking at Fury and then at Arthur, opening his mouth but not knowing what to say. His brow furrowed, he too looked at Fury with a contemplative expression.
Fury pondered for a moment and then suddenly smiled: "I don't think there's an irreconcilable conflict between us."
"So?"
Arthur asked: "I'm waiting for your next answer."
"You… what do you want to do?" Fury's expression grew serious.
Arthur chuckled: "Interesting, how did it become about what I want to do? It's not like I was the one who was brought here immediately after landing. And now you're asking me what I want to do?"
He paused, then continued: "Let me think about how to answer you…"
Fury sighed deeply: "I know you have grievances against SHIELD and against our country. After all, waking up to find that all your past deeds for this country have been erased from the records. Your name isn't in the textbooks, and even the title 'Instructor' isn't recognized by this country… I know how you must feel…"
"No, no, no, you completly misunderstand something here."
Arthur waved his hand: "Don't hold this country in such high regard. I never thought its view of me would have any impact on me. As I mentioned on the way here… well, you should have heard it. After all, if that car didn't have surveillance and listening devices… haha, we're not three-year-olds."
"Surveillance devices?"
Steve was surprised upon hearing that.
Arthur sighed and looked at him: "Pure heroes often get bullied. Look at me, I'm not that pure, so I'm well aware of everything in that car. In fact, there's more than one surveillance device: micro-cameras in the car's interior, listening devices under the floor mats, inside the roof lights… Honestly, it's very discreet."
It was like a mockery, and Black Widow smiled nonchalantly while Fury's face showed clear discomfort.
Steve could tell from Fury's expression that Arthur's words hit the mark, and his own expression grew serious.
"This country, has it ever truly trusted anyone?"
Arthur stood up, gently rotating the chair he had been sitting in: "Besides these agents who've been brainwashed and trained, no… even they are not trusted by you. Because among them, there are many double agents. Anyone could be an enemy, and people like us, once we become 'enemies,' could cause even more severe and terrifying consequences! Look at me, don't be deceived by my appearance. If I wanted to assassinate your… well, the 'big boss,' would you believe that he would make it past midnight tonight?"
He then patted Steve's shoulder: "And this man, even if he only had a shield, could take out a regular army of yours. It's a fifty-fifty chance, and you don't know anything about the outcome!"
"Fifty-fifty chance?" Steve was puzzled: "What does that mean?"
"It's not important right now."
Arthur sat back down: "What's important is, what do people like us, who are under 'special surveillance,' mean to this country? Heroes? No, we're threats! Because if we are dissatisfied, we will cause trouble and the consequences of those troubles are far more direct than those who protest loudly on the streets of Manhattan. We… actually kill people."
He smiled: "That's also why, as soon as I entered the U.S., SHIELD started watching me. That's also why, as soon as I got off the plane, SHIELD came to meet me. Special monitoring, special precautions, and if…"
"Enough!"
Fury's breathing became rapid and he removed his earpiece and stood up, turning off all the surveillance equipment in the room.
He then sat back down in front of Arthur, his gaze serious: "If these words, these images, were to get out and reach the council, do you know what would happen?"
"It would probably be very scary!"
Arthur said with a smile: "I'd definitely be labeled as a dangerous person and immediately taken into custody. But there's one question… can you control me?"
"Please don't…"
Fury sighed deeply: "At least I personally have never held any bad intentions toward you. And everything you said just now, all the audio and video, I will delete them. Otherwise, if it leaks, you might not care, but that house you're renting, that belongs to your country…"
At this point, his voice suddenly trailed off.
Arthur, with his head down, was snapping his fingers rhythmically.
The sounds of 'snap' 'snap' filled the air, but no one felt any relief.
The pressure was as heavy as a mountain!
The murderous intent was palpable!
Fury said urgently: "Please believe me, none of this will happen!"
Arthur looked up with a pleasant smile: "You're smart, thinking you've found my Achilles' heel? Well, I admit, this girl represents something different to me. Unfortunately, you've chosen the wrong subject."
Rising, Arthur put on his round-brimmed hat and looked at Fury with a smile: "Let's play a game. The game is called… whose life is more important! Tonight at midnight, use all your strength to protect your 'big boss.' And I will take one of his personal items at that time. Remember, it's an item, but it also represents his life! If you think you can restrain me, let's see who restrains whom!"
After saying this, he looked at Steve with a slight smile: "Dinner will have to be postponed until tomorrow. Farewell, everyone!"
As his voice fell, he vanished instantly.
**(End of this chapter)**
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