Vex was a little intrigued.
As for the 084 objects… those are the items S.H.I.E.L.D. categorizes as "unidentified."
For instance, Thor's Hammer was once classified as an 084 object.
Before long, the two arrived at an underground chamber, tightly guarded, where only two giant stones, one black and one white, were encased in transparent display cabinets. At first glance, they appeared quite ordinary.
"These two stones might look normal, but…" Coulson began to explain, but Vex wasn't listening.
He instantly recognized these as the "Portal Stones" from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.!
Or more precisely… two fixed-point portals!
---
The black portal stone was connected to a distant planet in the universe. While its environment was harsh, it could still sustain human life.
The Inhuman king "Hive" had been banished to this planet.
—The founding purpose of Hydra was to bring back "Hive" and thereby unite the world.
The white portal stone, however, was much more impressive. It was linked to the future!
Vex wasn't particularly interested in either location, but these two stones, tied to "space" and "time," promised some exciting rewards from the system!
"Alright, I'll take them."
He interrupted Coulson's sales pitch.
Vex activated [Golden Gate], swallowing the stones and their transparent cases into his inventory.
Right on cue, the system's notification popped up—
[Congratulations to the host…]
[Congratulations, host! You have obtained "Black Portal Stone" and "White Portal Stone," gaining control of an unclaimed planet and a future timeline, boosting your family's power! Reward: Time Freeze skill [Stillworld].]
---
Name: [Stillworld]
Grade: [S]
Description: Originally linked to the "Time Stone," this ability is now bound to the host. Activate it to freeze both space and time. The size of the area and duration vary based on the host's stamina.
PS: As long as you can last, you can do whatever you want!
---
Oh?
A time-freezing ability!
Vex excitedly licked his lips and glanced at Coulson beside him.
*Vrrrm—*
A grayish field, invisible to anyone else, expanded from Vex and enveloped Coulson.
In that instant, everything went still!
The world fell into "absolute silence," where every soundwave and airflow was frozen in place, unable to move an inch.
Coulson was no exception, turning into a "statue" frozen in time.
Meanwhile, Vex could move freely.
Right now, he could do anything to Coulson, and the latter wouldn't be able to resist.
Hmm…
Vex had no interest in messing with a balding middle-aged man, even for a laugh.
He concentrated...
Odd! Why isn't there any drain on my energy?
He had a feeling… he could keep [Stillworld] active indefinitely if he wanted!
"System, care to explain?"
[The host expends no energy when using abilities but cannot exceed the power levels assigned by the system's evaluations.]
Oh?
With a thought, Vex expanded the gray field of [Stillworld].
It kept growing until it reached a radius of about 500 meters, then suddenly stopped.
Seems like that's his limit.
A kilometer in diameter… that's enough.
He deactivated [Stillworld].
The gray field shattered, and time resumed its flow.
As for Coulson, who had been the test subject, he merely blinked in surprise. To him, Vex had moved to a different spot in an instant.
"Is there an issue?" Coulson asked with concern. "If you're not satisfied, we can always replace them."
Vex's eyes lit up!
Inspired by the system's previous rewards, he thought of a clever trick…
*What if I return the two portal stones, exchange them for something new, and get more rewards?*
Let's try it!
Just as he was about to pull the stones out...
[Attention, host: Deliberate attempts to exploit system loopholes will result in the retraction of previously granted rewards!]
Figures.
You can't cheat the system that easily.
Vex was quite happy with [Stillworld], so he decided to stick with it and put the portal stones back.
Coulson, who had been gearing up to apologize and offer a replacement, was now thoroughly confused!
—So, do you want to exchange them or not?
"They're fine. I'm satisfied," Vex said. "Weren't we going to save someone? Let's hurry. I have plans tonight."
Coulson didn't fully understand what had happened, but since Vex was satisfied, that was all that mattered.
"The aircraft is just over here. Please follow me."
After a few steps, their view opened up to a vast underground space.
Dozens of Quinjets were lined up in perfect formation.
But the most eye-catching sight was the colossal object parked at the far end—a Helicarrier!
This was Fury's way of showing off Earth's military might.
Except…
Vex couldn't help but smirk.
Coulson noticed immediately.
"Is there a problem?" Coulson asked.
"It's a dumb move," Vex said, glaring at the Helicarrier with disdain. "No energy shields, no defensive fields. The moment that thing flies, it's just a giant target waiting to be shot down."
Coulson responded with an awkward but polite smile.
It seemed like showing off their strength had backfired, only earning them more scorn...
Coulson gestured to the only available Quinjet. "This one has been specially modified for your use. If you would, please…"
BEEP—BEEP—BEEP—
Suddenly, blaring alarms echoed through the space, making Coulson's face turn serious!
In the next second, Fury's voice broadcasted from a nearby Quinjet—
"Vex, do you have any other people coming to Earth?"
"There's a spaceship right above us right now!".
°°°
A/N: Double release. Aren't I so generous? So gimme stones.
20 advanced chapters at:
https://patreön/Moziel