Zhou Cheng had already solved the most difficult part. The remaining follow-up work was naturally no challenge for the Avengers.
Under Captain America's leadership, everything proceeded in an orderly manner.
Kilian's secret base was quickly taken over by S.H.I.E.L.D., and the laboratory that Captain America deemed "evil" was destroyed.
Of course, before that happened, Black Widow had already copied the relevant data and materials.
All of this went without saying.
Thus, because of a small little diary, Kilian—a future supervillain who would bring endless terror to all of America and nearly take down Iron Man—quietly disappeared from the scene.
But how should one see it?
The secret now rested in Nick Fury's hands, and Kilian had become Fury's little test subject. At least, he was still alive. For Kilian, whether this was a blessing or a curse was hard to say.
For Big Egg (Fury), however, it was undeniably a good thing.
"Sir, all the materials are here."
In the Triskelion, in Fury's office, Black Widow placed a special hard drive in front of him.
Nick Fury glanced at it, outwardly calm, but inwardly secretly thrilled.
"Well done, Natasha."
Fury nodded in approval and collected the hard drive without further words.
In his mind, he happily made a decision: to study the "Desperate Serum" as quickly and thoroughly as possible, striving to perfect it in the shortest time.
"And Kilian?"
Raising his head again, Fury looked at Black Widow.
"They've been detained in the Triskelion Prison as per your instructions," she reported immediately.
The Triskelion Prison was a secret S.H.I.E.L.D. facility for holding superpowered individuals—designed specifically for supervillains like Kilian.
Its security was extreme; even Kilian, the terrifying Desperate Warrior, could not stir any trouble.
Fury nodded slightly.
For him, however, imprisoning Kilian here was only temporary.
The special secret research facility built for Kilian was not yet ready. Once it was, transferring him there was a certainty.
This was Fury's ready-made test subject; he could not be left to waste away in prison.
Of course, this wasn't something achieved overnight.
Fortunately, everything was under control; Fury could proceed at his own pace.
"So, what can you tell me about Satan?"
After reviewing the mission-related intelligence, Fury asked Black Widow about this.
Indeed, assessing Satan's strength and potential threat was another secret task assigned to her.
Although Fury did not plan to expose Zhou Cheng as the diary's owner, he could not ignore such extraordinary power.
Just as he secretly monitored Bruce Banner or the elderly Captain America, he had placed agents to observe Zhou Cheng.
Unfortunately, the agents assigned to Zhou Cheng always mysteriously lost their memory, and their equipment frequently malfunctioned.
Unquestionably, it was Satan's doing.
Not only did Satan know Fury was monitoring him, but he also easily circumvented it.
The information Fury received was trivial—mere scraps "granted" by Satan.
The real core intelligence remained inaccessible, leaving Fury frustrated.
Thus, this chance to hire Satan for a task was also a rare opportunity to learn more about him, and Fury would not miss it.
"Satan's strength is even more terrifying than reported," Black Widow said, her expression serious.
"Preliminary estimates suggest he possesses telekinesis."
She then described to Fury how Zhou Cheng had defeated the Desperate Warriors, along with her own analysis.
Fury's expression grew grave.
Telekinesis had already been shown in a battle between Satan and Hulk.
He could even temporarily restrain Hulk.
Fury had not expected Satan to use it for precise "beheading" maneuvers.
Combined with Satan's ability to fly, attack with feathers, and put even Hulk to sleep, plus reports from Hell's Kitchen showing his near-invulnerable body, it was clear: Satan's potential threat was extreme.
Frankly, Satan alone could wipe out the current Avengers.
And that was only the strength he had shown. Fury had reason to believe Satan possessed additional, undisclosed abilities.
"Anything else?"
After calmly listening to Black Widow's report, Fury asked again.
"Since joining us, Satan has been very low-key," she explained.
"He did not resist Rogers' orders—more accurately, he doesn't care."
Black Widow also conducted a psychological evaluation of Zhou Cheng.
"Thus, I believe that although Satan is powerful, he is not a threat."
"Additionally, I don't think he will join the Avengers."
"Although he once fought crime in Hell's Kitchen, that was not him," she concluded.
Fury understood.
Her conclusions aligned with his usual assessment team—no contradictions.
As for recruiting Satan into the Avengers, Fury was increasingly unconcerned.
Indeed, in this situation, having a powerful ally available for difficult tasks was convenient—just pay and it's done.
"By the way, any leads on the Black Captain?"
After resolving Satan's matter, Fury asked about other tasks, particularly the mission concerning the Black Captain and his grandson, Patriot—the future Young Avengers.
For Fury, it was a rare opportunity. Young minds were impressionable and easier to influence for future control.
"Sir, it will take some time," Black Widow replied, "but I've found some clues."
"After Dr. Erskine's death, the military initiated secret projects to replicate his results and create more super soldiers."
"Though there isn't much surviving documentation, I need more time to investigate."
Fury nodded. "Continue tracking it."
"Understood."
After discussing other matters, Fury dismissed Black Widow.
"Sir."
Not long after, Agent Hill appeared with additional files.
"These are records on the Ten Rings. Their traceable history goes back a thousand years, with legends spanning Europe, North America, Asia—globally. But the surviving records are sparse, mostly legends and fragmented traces."
Fury skimmed the materials, noting that it aligned with the diary's mention of Xu Wenwu as a millennium-old figure.
"Leader?" he asked.
"Nothing. No clues point to him or her, or even to the organization itself," Hill said.
Clearly, the Ten Rings remained mysterious.
"Keep monitoring them," Fury commanded, sending Hill on her way.
"Finally, Satan's final payment."
After finishing official matters, Fury immediately called: "Settle the remaining balance."
"Understood."
Within moments, Zhou Cheng's mansion received a notification—$45 million had been transferred.
"Another fifty million—nice, nice."
Zhou Cheng was in high spirits.
Even for any country, fifty million dollars was a fortune. And he earned it in less than half a day.
Following the suggestion of the "little rascal" to enter mercenary work had indeed been a perfect decision.
Not only did it sustain the diary, but it also improved his lifestyle.
Despite being a super soldier with extensive enhancements, Zhou Cheng still appreciated comfort.
Moreover, collaborating with the Avengers had been an interesting experience.
He habitually summoned the diary to record his thoughts.
At the Mabury Mansion:
"Tony, Dr. Wu's appointment is three months away."
Pepper Potts, in her professional outfit, was helping the semi-disabled Tony Stark with his tie.
"Did you not tell him it's me doing the surgery?" Tony asked matter-of-factly.
"Do you think I'd schedule a top surgeon for you and hide your identity?" Pepper replied, exasperated.
Tony wasn't truly questioning; he was expressing surprise.
Who was he? Big Tony!
No exaggeration—any hospital would treat him like a king.
Everything else came second; he was priority number one.
And yet Dr. Wu made him wait three months? Bold, indeed.
"So he knows it's me but still makes me wait—rare, very rare," Tony complained.
"Yes, someone actually dares to snub Tony Stark," Pepper said, smiling.
"So, what will you do? Wait three months?"
"What else?" Tony shrugged. "Book it for me."
"You're actually taking it calmly? Not like you, Tony!"
Pepper teased him further.
"Sir, the diary has been updated."
After Pepper left, J.A.R.V.I.S. sent a notification.
Tony immediately approached the diary.
Sure enough, a new entry appeared:
Today I fought alongside Captain America, Iron Man, and others. Quite the experience.
Last time, they teamed up against the Destroyer; now, against the Desperate Warriors. Could it be the Avengers have already formed?
Although Fury had considered forming the Avengers, the idea likely wasn't realized until the Battle of New York.
I didn't expect it to happen so early.
At this point, the Avengers are still weak.
Captain America is 50/50, Thor's participation uncertain.
Stark—current armor Mark VI or VII? Whatever.
Aside from Stark's nanotech armor, making a mortal body comparable to a god, the other suits are just so-so.
-----------------------
Completed English PDF of this fan-fic on my Patreon shop if you want to support and own the full fan-fic in one go. Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!Guys, I've uploaded some High Quality english translated fanfic on my Patreon shop! Feel free to check it out-if you're interested, you can grab a copy and support me there.
Here are a few titles of recently uploaded fanfics:
New Addition
"Living in Marvel: Starting by Building 2B Missy (18+"
" Marvel: Glory of the Sun God (18+) "
" Marvel: This Position of Authority, I'm Taking It for Sure "
" Marvel: Zaun Captain America, Villains Call Me Ancestor-Man (18+) "
"Marvel Summoning Villains "
"Marvel: Weekly System Refresh, King of S.H.I.E.L.D. "
many more are available 47+
Your support means a lot-thanks in advance, legends!
patreon.com/SuperTL
(End of Chapter)