S.H.I.E.L.D. Headquarters.
As the aerial commander of the Helicarrier, Level 9 Agent Maria Hill locked onto a suspicious target using real-time satellite data.
It was a human-shaped lifeform, rapidly moving through the skies above New York City.
Satellite imagery revealed a striking blonde young woman.
She wore a blue vest layered over a black-and-white checkered shirt, paired with form-fitting denim jeans.
Her profile existed in the database—
But accessing it required Level 9 clearance or higher.
She also carried another name—
One every agent knew all too well.
Android 18.
"Has she lost her mind?" Maria Hill muttered.
"It's this late, and she still won't behave herself?"
She narrowed her eyes, then issued orders without hesitation.
"All departments—lock onto her landing zone."
"Dispatch agents immediately."
"Within two hours, I want to know exactly what her objective is."
Within S.H.I.E.L.D., Maria Hill's authority was second only to Nick Fury.
She possessed full interdepartmental command privileges.
Her frown deepened.
An ominous premonition stirred in her chest.
The intelligence results arrived far faster than she had expected.
Because every location Android 18 visited—
Was tied to black-market dealers operating within the city.
And every single one of them—
Controlled a supply route for Vibranium.
A profound smile curved across Maria Hill's lips.
Under pressure from multiple factions,
that young man named Renjie was finally starting to crack.
"You're too impatient, young man," she murmured.
"In this world, power alone is never enough."
"Preserve the footage."
"I want him dragged before a military tribunal."
With her arms crossed, Maria Hill spoke with open mockery.
Her deep-blue tactical combat suit traced curves even more lethal than Black Widow's.
Flawless in appearance.
Sharp and resolute in spirit.
She was Nick Fury's most trusted subordinate—
Second only to her mentor,
Alexander Pierce.
That very morning, the three of them had finalized a plan.
Force the young man into acting rashly—
Using violence to coerce black-market dealers.
Gather evidence.
Then apply pressure through a military court.
Under the watchful eyes of a live global broadcast—
Threaten him.
Force him to surrender the technology behind the nano armor.
After all
This man was still too young.
Tomorrow's transaction site—
Would be the moment they closed the net.
…
At the same time.
Inside a private villa.
The largest black-market dealer in New York City was suspended in midair—
His throat locked in Android 18's grip.
A red-and-white capsule—
Was shoved straight into his mouth.
She then mercilessly hurled him onto the cold marble floor.
As the capsule dissolved and slid down his throat—
It transformed into countless nano-robots, spreading rapidly throughout his body.
Agonizing pain erupted from within.
He screamed.
As if thousands of ants were tearing through his flesh.
The sensation was worse than death.
His body writhed on the ground like a maggot, convulsing in absolute torment.
"This is a small gift from the boss," Android 18 said mockingly.
"Thank you for your business cooperation during this time."
She then walked toward a terrified mother and daughter—
And forcibly fed each of them an identical capsule.
Another chorus of piercing screams echoed throughout the villa.
After finishing everything,
Android 18 brushed the grime from her hands and spoke calmly to the family of three.
"The boss wants you to cooperate."
"To help him stage a little performance."
"If you comply—he'll return your freedom."
Through neural-wave control, she commanded the parasitic nano-robots to halt their destruction.
Choked sobs.
Broken wails.
The sound of minds collapsing.
Fear and despair seeped deep into their souls.
No one is unafraid of death.
Especially not the wealthy—
Those who hold power, status, and comfortable lives.
"Please… spare me… spare my family…" the man begged desperately.
"I'll cooperate! I'll do anything you want—just stop torturing us!"
He crawled frantically across the floor, trying to lick Android 18's shoes in submission—
Only to be kicked away in disgust.
After explaining the plan, Android 18 left the scene.
Behind her remained a trembling family—
Clinging to one another in terrified silence.
…
Early the next morning.
Armored transport trucks rolled steadily through the city.
S.H.I.E.L.D. agents—who had long been lying in wait—trailed them discreetly.
Their destination:
Hammer Industries.
As the official handover representative, Hammer was radiant with confidence.
Just yesterday, those black-market dealers had mocked him openly.
Today—
After Android 18's gentle persuasion—
They had become obedient lapdogs.
Hammer deliberately donned a tailored suit, puffed out his chest, and strode toward the group.
At a price of—
One dollar per gram.
He accepted all remaining Vibranium stock from their hands.
The black-market dealers present wore expressions of absolute heartbreak.
But in the face of overwhelming power—
They had no choice.
Money could be earned again.
Life—
Could not.
And then
Black sedans burst into the industrial complex.
S.H.I.E.L.D. agents exited with firearms raised, shouting orders at everyone present.
From an armored Mercedes, Nick Fury stepped out—
A victorious smile etched across his face.
He intended to personally teach this young man a lesson.
"On this planet, even power has limits."