The midday sun scorched the surface of the Hudson River, and the dazzling sunlight refracted into distorted patterns on the water.
Aboard a research vessel bearing the eagle emblem of S.H.I.E.L.D., Dr. Hanover—clad in a Level A full-body protective suit—stared at the readings from a multi-parameter water quality analyzer, his brow furrowing deeper beneath his mask.
He spoke into the recording device inside his helmet:
"The current water parameters are as follows: pH 9.8, conductivity 4520 μS/cm, and dissolved oxygen content only 2.1 mg/L…"
Behind him, two Marines used a robotic arm to hoist the salvage basket onto the deck.
Several black, metallic-sheen fragments were immediately transferred into the mobile bio-isolation chamber.
Through the leaded glass window, one could see the fragments slowly writhing—even without any external stimulation.
"Log this: Sample D-17 exhibits non-Newtonian fluid characteristics. Preliminary spectral analysis indicates a large quantity of unknown organic-inorganic hybrid material."
Thermal imaging showed the core temperature remained at 147°C—significantly higher than ambient…
Dr. Chen from the biology team also frowned and quickly scribbled notes.
Meanwhile, on the river, six salvage boats operated in a grid pattern.
Suddenly, the robotic arm on Salvage Vessel Three lifted a metal net bag brimming with black debris from the depths.
The fragments were covered in a honeycomb-like structure and gleamed with an eerie metallic luster in the sunlight.
"These samples match those recovered earlier—they likely belong to the same source," a researcher reported over the communicator.
Density testing revealed the material was 1.8 times denser than steel, yet its hardness resembled that of arthropod cuticle. Preliminary assessment suggested it was residue from an extreme high-temperature melting process.
Inside the geological exploration team's tent onshore, experts huddled around a geological detector. The screen displayed a precise three-dimensional model of the crater.
"The shape of this pit is too regular," said the geology team leader, adjusting his glasses. "It's approximately 104 meters in diameter and 62 meters deep, with nearly vertical walls. The base forms a perfect arc, and the surface shows clear signs of vitrification."
His assistant added, "The crater walls were exposed to extreme heat—but oddly, heat conduction models suggest the temperature spike lasted no more than three seconds."
...…
Beep! Beep! Beep!
A military helicopter hovered above the crater when the suspended sampler suddenly began to shake violently.
"Mountain Eagle! Mountain Eagle! An abnormal water current has formed at the crater site! Sonar shows a large-scale vortex—deploying the pod to the target location is impossible!"
The pilot eyed the sonar display and delivered an urgent report.
In the temporary data center, department heads compiled incoming data. A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent pointed to the latest report and said:
"Radiation levels in the crater area are ten times the normal background—but curiously, there's no identifiable radioactive source. It reads more like residual energy."
The military representative frowned. "Footage from the underwater drone shows extensive crystalline material at the crater's base. Lab analysis confirms: these crystal structures don't match any known natural formations."
"That—"
Suddenly, a flustered technician from the monitoring team rushed in.
"Breaking update! Water spectral analysis has detected trace amounts of an unknown substance—its molecular structure doesn't correspond to any known element!"
———————————
On the banks of the Hudson River, the metal walls of the temporary command post reflected the midday sun in glaring white spots.
Inside the meeting room, three high-resolution photos were affixed to a magnetic tactical board:
A red-haired man with a high ponytail wielding a burning longsword; two burning skeleton knights—one riding an extravagantly designed motorcycle, the other astride a skeletal horse.
Next to each photo were analytical data, including radiation levels and thermal imaging.
General Thaddeus Ross slammed his fist on the alloy conference table with a dull thud.
He pointed angrily at the energy analysis chart beside Diluc's photo and barked,
"Gentlemen, we're not discussing pet adoption right now! This red-haired freak and those two skeletons unleashed energy equivalent to three tactical nuclear bombs!
The entire island has vanished from the map!
"This power must be in America's hands! If not, it must be destroyed! There is no third option!"
Nick Fury's single eye swept over the twelve senior officials present—representatives from S.H.I.E.L.D., the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security—whose expressions ranged from uneasy to skeptical.
The air conditioning emitted a faint hum, but it couldn't dispel the suffocating tension in the room.
"General," Fury said, his voice rough as sandpaper yet calm and measured, "your idea is dangerous. According to psychological profiles, at least for now, these three are on humanity's side—on our side."
He paused, letting the weight settle.
"Each of them has the capability to level half of Manhattan in under thirty minutes.
Taking radical measures against them rashly…"
His gaze locked onto Ross.
"General, how many soldiers' lives are you willing to sacrifice to validate your arrest warrant?"
"If a hundred soldiers aren't enough, then a thousand! If a thousand aren't enough, then ten thousand! One hundred thousand! Two hundred thousand!!"
Thaddeus Ross sneered, his eyes gleaming with fanaticism.
"If we can obtain their biological samples, we can create the world's most powerful super-soldier force!
Imagine if every American soldier could wield that terrifying flame—"
Before Ross could finish, Nick Fury cut in, his voice as sharp and cold as an ice blade scraping steel:
"I'm sorry, General, but according to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s strategic think tank, the casualties from a direct armed conflict with them wouldn't be 100,000 or 200,000—but 546,100.
That's more than the total U.S. military losses in World War II.
"And since the fighting would occur on American soil, civilian casualties would multiply that number by three to five times.
Neither the military nor the United States can afford such devastation.
"Therefore, I recommend an observation strategy: establish informal communication channels and maintain the status quo."
At that moment, General Ross's aide burst into the room and whispered urgently in his ear:
"Sir, it's the White House—"
"Tell them I'm in a meeting!" Ross roared—then caught himself.
He straightened his uniform collar, fixed Nick Fury with a sinister glare, and said,
"Hmph! Don't think I don't know what S.H.I.E.L.D. is really up to, Fury. Your so-called 'Avengers Project' is a ridiculous farce!
Using monsters to fight monsters? I've never seen such a foolish, short-sighted strategy!"
Fury merely shrugged, noncommittal.
"Even if
this plan is terrible," he said evenly,
"at least it won't create a second Hulk."
Thaddeus Ross was speechless.
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