"I feel like I've never really understood this world at all."
At the Second World Headquarters, Joseph sat in his office, leaning back in his chair as the soft hum of energy shields and data processors filled the background. Moments later, the door burst open, and Shadowcat stormed in, her expression one of confusion and disbelief.
She placed a file on his desk and spoke urgently. "We just got a massive order from S.H.I.E.L.D. But Joseph, this doesn't make any sense! The government and military are both preparing to come down on us. Why would S.H.I.E.L.D suddenly spend so much to purchase 'Oasis' units?"
Her voice carried frustration and genuine confusion. From her perspective, this move completely defied logic.
After all, Lex Luthor had made it clear during his public tirade—since the official launch of Oasis, the world had begun to divide. The rich and powerful had started fighting for access to transcendence through technology and magic. Shadowcat herself had received insider info after the secret White House summit concluded, revealing that several high-level players had already reached out to Joseph in secret, hoping to earn his favor.
None of this surprised Joseph.
He had expected such a reaction.
The so-called "intelligence" gathered didn't reveal anything new to him or his allies at the Red Fang Society. But what it did confirm was that official government action against mutants was imminent—and S.H.I.E.L.D would inevitably be involved.
Yet here they were, placing an order.
Shadowcat couldn't make sense of it. "Why would Hill's proposal even pass? It's completely against their current posture. What are they thinking?"
Joseph, however, looked calm—unmoved. "Why make such a big deal of it? It's not like we're talking about billions."
He tapped the desk casually as he explained. "S.H.I.E.L.D, at its peak, maintains an enormous infrastructure—headquarters like the Tricurved Wing building, secret bases scattered across continents, aircraft carriers, research divisions, and thousands of agents embedded globally. Field ops, science, logistics, intelligence—their network touches everything."
He gave a wry smile. "We're talking about well over a hundred thousand agents globally."
> [Note: (Referencing the comics, the number is assumed to be around 150,000.)]
"With that kind of manpower, their recent order is meaningless in the grand scheme. The number of units they requested—mostly basic black bracelets—is a drop in the bucket. A few thousand devices at most. Barely a dent compared to the millions we've sold in the last few days."
Shadowcat frowned. "It's not about the money, Joseph! Don't you see what this means? Hill wasn't reprimanded when she got back—Fury actually went with her plan. He compromised!"
"That's normal," Joseph said with a knowing grin. "Her proposal was rational. Regardless of what S.H.I.E.L.D's stance toward us is, they still need intelligence. You've heard the phrase—'Know your enemy.'"
He stood, pacing slowly to the window. "Putting agents into Oasis gives them intel, training, and maybe even the chance to break through the magical tech barriers. That's four wins with one move. Why wouldn't they go for it?"
Then his voice dropped slightly, touched with irony. "Besides, what S.H.I.E.L.D wants and what Alexander Pierce wants have never been the same thing."
Shadowcat blinked. "Pierce? You mean the Secretary-General of the World Security Council? Fury's boss?"
Joseph smirked. "Inwardly, he wants to consolidate power and make Fury more dependent. Outwardly... well, maybe he hopes the mutants and the government destroy each other. If that happens, he walks away the happiest man alive."
That implication sent a chill down Shadowcat's spine. She remembered what Evelyn Shaw once said: "HYDRA thrives in chaos." And Pierce, of course, had ties with them.
A peaceful world wasn't profitable.
"So Hill might've unintentionally played right into Pierce's hands?" Shadowcat muttered, her eyes narrowing in thought.
Joseph nodded subtly but didn't elaborate.
His mind already danced several steps ahead.
Shadowcat, despite being one of his oldest friends, felt like she was falling behind. She could barely grasp the depth of Joseph's plans now. What once felt like a close camaraderie had gradually become a mentor-student relationship. She didn't resent him—but she did feel a little... anxious.
"Don't overthink it," Joseph said gently, catching her mood. "It's good news, in fact. Hill wasn't removed—she was promoted. James is still operating inside the FBI. Kate's role in the Federal Court remains untouched. And Catherine's still in the NYPD."
He smiled. "That just means the official move is coming soon... so I didn't touch any of them. No reason to scare off our snakes before they strike."
His tone sharpened.
"Your next task will be even heavier."
Shadowcat straightened instinctively, her expression serious once again. "At a time like this, you're still planning to leave Earth? To travel to Asgard?"
Joseph's response was calm and full of conviction. "Don't worry."
He walked past her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "The Second World is developing smoothly—thanks to you and Grant King. This massive company, this empire—it's under control. And now you think I'm worried about a simple trip?"
Shadowcat scowled. "A simple trip to Asgard? You're carrying political baggage and dragging an entire civilization's expectations with you. Don't be so flippant."
Joseph chuckled and poked her nose with a smirk. "If I don't leave, how will the ghosts and monsters hiding in the shadows feel safe enough to crawl out?"
That hit home. She could see now that his trip served more than just commercial or diplomatic ends—it was bait.
And something told her this wasn't just about selling Oasis to Asgardians. He was watching... waiting for a bigger fish to bite.
Her cheeks flushed faintly. "Then... I'll do my best not to let you down."
"Ah, before I forget—" she suddenly remembered something. "There's one last thing you need to handle before you leave for Asgard."
Joseph raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Shadowcat pulled out her phone and sighed, swiping to a video.
She handed it over, saying flatly, "People in the academy are going nuts trying to get picked to go with you. They're obsessed with seeing what the legendary Asgard looks like. The group arena is already underway—Phoenix team, new recruits, even temporary members like Spider-Man are in it now."
She paused meaningfully.
"If you don't personally select the delegation, the whole academy might tear itself apart."
Joseph blinked.
Then laughed.
"Seriously?"
He played the video. Cheers, spells, and explosions filled the screen as dozens of trainees fought fiercely in a floating arena built just outside the academy's holographic gardens. Names flashed—teleporters, telepaths, elementalists, and martial artists—all battling for a coveted spot on the Asgard mission.
It was madness.
And at the same time, he understood.
After the global press conference that showcased the existence of alien civilizations, people's curiosity had exploded. Going to Asgard was no longer science fiction. It was the next frontier.
"Want to go sightseeing on Asgard?" Joseph muttered to himself.
Then smirked. "BB..."
Shadowcat tilted her head. "BB?"
"Bring Backups," Joseph grinned. "If we're marching into another realm, I might as well take a few enthusiastic disciples."
"While hauling prisoners of war and leading negotiations?" Shadowcat sighed. "Just don't provoke a war."
"I'll try not to offend Odin," Joseph winked. "No promises, though."
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