Check out my patreon to read 55+ advance chapters.
Patreon: patreon.com/HAREMLOVER
__________
"If you want to visit, that's of course no problem." Michael said with a smile.
"I heard that the Director and Tony were rejected by you. I didn't expect I would have such a big influence." Coulson said with a grin.
"They are who they are, and you are you." Michael replied, smiling.
"It's my pleasure!" Coulson beamed, then asked, "So, is this spaceship related to what you mentioned about saving the world? A while ago, there was a strange spatial instability in London. Dr. Eric Selvig, who specializes in astronomy, couldn't make sense of it, and then the instability just disappeared."
"To put it simply, if I hadn't been inside this spaceship when it appeared on Earth, you probably wouldn't have the chance to sit here so casually right now!" Michael said with a smirk.
Coulson nodded, "I see."
"I met Thor recently and stayed in Asgard for a while. It's really beautiful there; you should go if you ever get the chance."
"I hope so!"
"What did you mean when you said SHIELD isn't what I imagined it to be?" Coulson finally asked, the question he was most curious about.
Michael had left him with that cryptic statement, and Coulson hadn't been able to stop wondering.
"You know I've started my own team, right?" Michael asked instead of answering directly.
Coulson nodded, "The War Alliance, right? And you're setting up a base on the island off the West Coast. Is this your uniform? Very cool!" He remarked, glancing at Michael's outfit.
Michael smiled, putting away his uniform. Coulson noticed the unique ring on Michael's hand and was about to ask, but Michael interrupted, saying, "There are some things that won't help you even if I tell you. All I can say is that you're welcome to come to me if anything comes up!"
"Sounds like it could be something serious," Coulson frowned.
Michael chuckled, shaking his head. "You'll know when it's time. If there's nothing else, I'll be heading out."
Coulson wanted to press for answers but knew Michael wouldn't say more. Technically, Michael was still part of their team, but in reality, they were simply partners.
After leaving the office, Michael visited Clarice first and chatted with her. They'd missed each other.
After spending a while with Clarice, Michael headed to the lab downstairs, where Jemma and Fitz were working.
Seeing Michael, they both stopped what they were doing and greeted him.
Jemma got straight to the point, "You mentioned you had something for me? What is it?"
"Guess." Michael teased with a grin.
Jemma thought for a moment, "Is it a gift? Or... maybe a sample of your blood?"
"I never said I'd gift my blood. Besides, don't forget our agreement." Michael said with a smile. Jemma blushed slightly and asked quietly, "What is it, then?"
"Alright, I won't keep you in suspense." Michael laughed, pulling a small vial of a light blue potion from his pocket and handing it to Jemma.
Jemma examined the potion curiously, "What is this?"
"It's a supernatural potion, somewhat similar to the Extremis virus, though not as powerful. Its main feature is its stability and lack of side effects." Michael explained.
"Really?" Jemma asked, intrigued. Stability was key for any type of serum or enhancement drug.
"Of course. This can give one of several possible abilities, such as tracking, sound manipulation, telekinesis, mind control, or even limited future sight. My own precognitive ability came from absorbing a person with future sight. This bottle is for you. You can use it yourself or study it. However, I hope you research it thoroughly because I have another potion, an evolved version, that isn't as stable."
Jemwas an exceptional biologist with expertise in this field, so Michael hoped she could start by studying the standard potion. Once she had a solid understanding, he'd give her the unstable version to see if she could find a way to stabilize it.
Michael didn't yet know the full effects of the advanced potion, but he knew it was risky. In movies, only certain people could handle it without fatal toxicity. He was confident it wouldn't affect him, but he wanted to perfect a formula that could eliminate any hazards before experimenting further.
"I'll get to work on it right away!" Jemma promised, already pulling out her research equipment.
Michael chuckled and turned to leave, knowing she'd dive into her work immediately.
Back in his room, Michael tinkered with the aether lamp ring and continued absorbing the aether particles. The lamp ring made absorption faster and smoother, with fewer drawbacks. He could feel the faint energy of the particles building within him.
While the amount wasn't yet significant, Michael knew that once he fully absorbed the aether, it would change everything. With the aether, he'd also be able to absorb the other Infinity Stones without them clashing due to their shared origin. His unique body stability meant he could potentially integrate all the Stones.
That would make him far more powerful than Thanos, who had to rely on the Infinity Gauntlet.
[Ding! The system has gathered enough energy. Upgrading...]
As Michael absorbed the aether particles, a notification sounded in his mind. The system was upgrading. He had completed three missions, absorbed three superpowers, and gathered energy from the aether. Combined, it was enough to trigger the system's upgrade.
He suspected the task rewards and aether energy contributed significantly.
The aether was extremely potent; even the tiny fraction he'd absorbed had generated enough energy to progress the system.
He had no idea how long the upgrade would take, but he wasn't concerned and continued absorbing the aether particles.
---
After a while, Michael heard Sarah's voice through the intercom and felt the plane beginning to descend.
"I forgot to ask about the mission." He muttered, pausing his absorption to head out of his room.
---
When Michael stepped out, he saw the whole team gathered. He thought about asking what the mission was but decided to wait and see. The group boarded an off-road vehicle, drove out of the plane, and headed to their destination.
Upon arrival, Michael quickly understood the mission.
There were tents scattered around, a red jeep parked nearby, a bonfire, and camping equipment. As they approached, someone explained the situation: a group had been camping here when one man, Adam Cross, went to investigate some noises and was found dead.
The trees around them showed signs of scorching. As they moved closer to investigate, they soon spotted the body—suspended in midair.
The sight left everyone speechless. Jemma moved to examine it, but Michael grabbed her arm.
"Wait."
Simmons looked at him, confused, "What's wrong?"
"Just saving you." Michael said calmly. As the others looked his way, he continued, "There's a virus on the body. Touching it will infect you, so if you need to examine it, be sure to take precautions."
With that, Michael used his telekinesis to carefully lower the corpse to the ground, keeping everyone safe.