Fury wasn't surprised.
In fact...
This was all a test — a test to gauge just how advanced Vex's civilization's technology really was!
From his pocket, Fury pulled out an empty tube, with only a thin layer of liquid at the bottom.
This left Vex genuinely surprised.
He didn't expect Fury to be willing to part with "this"
At the bottom of the tube Fury held was a faint layer of red liquid.
What could it be, given that it followed right after the Kryptonian technology?
Pym Particles
Developed by Hank Pym at S.H.I.E.L.D., these particles allow objects to shrink and can even link to the Quantum Realm!
Vex was genuinely surprised.
He didn't expect S.H.I.E.L.D. to still have samples left and be willing to give them to him.
Though startled, Vex played it cool, pretending not to understand and casting a suspicious look at Fury.
"What's so special about this liquid?"
"These are Pym Particles!" Fury explained gravely. "They have the ability to alter the size of objects and living organisms. I'm sure you understand the value of such a thing."
"Oh?" Vex raised an eyebrow. "I didn't expect your planet to have developed quantum technology."
"Quantum technology?" Fury latched onto the term. "Does this technology exist elsewhere in the universe?"
"I can't speak for the entire universe, but someone among my Tribe is researching it."
Using telekinesis, Vex conjured two planets, one large and one small.
"We typically refer to the universe we currently inhabit as the main universe."
"In the micro-world beneath the main universe lies a place called the Quantum Realm."
"Its timeline and laws operate independently of the main universe's, forming its own distinct system."
"And technology related to it is what we call quantum technology."
Fury hadn't expected the Pym Particles to be tied to another "universe."
"You didn't know?" Vex teased. "Don't tell me all you've used them for is shrinking and growing?"
Fury was silent.
When these particles were first discovered, they were primarily envisioned for missions involving stealth and shrinking humans. The micro-world? They never considered it important.
"Your perspective is too narrow," Vex shrugged. "Alright, these few drops could help with our research, so I'll take them."
Vex didn't bother asking for the Pym Particles formula. After all, S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't have it.
Hank Pym kept it locked up tight. Even his daughter didn't know the formula.
Vex opened his Gate and stored all the items away. A series of system prompts followed, one after another.
"Congratulations! You've obtained the 'Gray Teleport Stone' and unlocked the long-distance teleportation channel!
"Congratulations! You've acquired the 'Obelisk' and now control the key to Inhuman Awakening!"
"Congratulations! You've acquired the 'Disguise and Invisibility Device,' strengthening your family's foundation!"
"Congratulations! You've acquired the 'Pym Particles,' unlocking the key to the Quantum Realm!"
"Congratulations! You are now recognized as a 'Savior.' Your reputation has significantly increased on this planet!"
"Your family's strength has grown! Calculating cumulative rewards...
"Congratulations! You have unlocked the power of Word Command!"
---
Name: Word Command
Rank: A
Description: The ability to materialize words spoken aloud.
PS: Actions speak louder than words? Not anymore!
---
Hmm?
More rewards stacking together?
Well, that's fine. It's better to have fewer, more powerful abilities.
Concentrating resources and settling them all at once seems like a good idea.
As for this Word Command ability...
Vex glanced over at Fury.
"Is there anything else?"
"About the KW89 deal, shouldn't we..."
Vex retrieved the serum from his Gate, the same one he had used on Sharon, which had automatically replenished.
"Here."
He tossed it to Fury, then turned to test his new ability.
"Wait!" Fury called out. "I have a plan called 'The Avengers Initiative,' and I'd like you—"
"Stop right there!" Vex cut him off without turning around. "Don't think you can use me for free. Make an offer, and I'll consider it."
Fury could only swallow his words.
One by one, it seemed like no one wanted to listen to him anymore.
Vex was like that.
Kara and Clark were like that.
Even Earth's heroes, like Professor X and his crew, were like that!
With no other choice, Fury opened his drawer, pulled out a file labeled "Avengers Initiative," and crossed Vex's name off the list.
Most of the names had already been crossed off.
After a moment's thought, Fury picked up his pen and added a new name at the bottom of the list:
Tony Stark!
—-—
After leaving Fury's office, Vex made his way down to the training room.
Inside, Sharon was training Lewis.
It was an amusing sight—two stunning women each trading blows, their movements creating shockwaves, the floor beneath them splitting apart from the force.
Talk about contrast.
When Vex entered the room, Lewis immediately stopped, running over to him excitedly.
"Vex! Sharon's amazing! No matter how I attack, I can't land a single hit!"
Perhaps due to her constitution, Sharon had received a tenfold boost. Coupled with her combat skills, she could let Lewis go all out without getting hurt.
Vex affectionately ruffled Darcy's hair, his hand coming back sweaty.
Lewis blushed with embarrassment.
Vex didn't mind. After all, who doesn't sweat during training?
He'd seen her in much sweatier situations, after all.
He decided to test his new Word Command ability, speaking aloud:
"Water."
A ball of clear water materialized in the air.
Vex used it to wash his hands, then playfully hurled the water at Lois, soaking her head.
"Ah!" Lewis protested. "Vex, I'll catch a cold!"
Sharon laughed, walking over. "You're probably stronger than Captain America now. You're still worried about catching a cold?"
Lewis smacked her forehead.
"That's true! Guess I didn't fully realize how strong I've become."
Meanwhile, Sharon turned to Vex, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Vex, how about a spar?" Sharon suggested. "I feel really strong right now! Maybe I can even beat you!"
This was...
Definitely overconfidence.
"Count me in!" Lewis chimed in. "After training with Sharon, I think I can take you on! Can you handle both of us?"
Vex chuckled.
"Since when can a man say he can't?" He beckoned them forward. "If either of you can land a hit, I'll admit defeat."
"Otherwise..."
The two women exchanged a glance, understanding immediately.
Lewis and Sharon, without a word, launched their attack together.
"Bring it on!".
°°°
20 advanced chapters in pătreon: moziel