Marvel: Father of Superheroes

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*****

The failed experiment caused the previously high-spirited atmosphere in the lab to plummet.

But it was only temporary.

They were long used to failed experiments.

What they hadn't noticed, however, was that above their heads, two figures were silently observing them.

Kryptonians—Eve and Cook.

Both wore transparent helmets, black cloaks, and matching black combat suits and armor. At this moment, they looked down at the helicarrier with contempt in their eyes.

Although the helicarrier's reflective panels rendered it invisible, Kryptonian super-vision made it easy to see through.

"It's confirmed. The Tesseract is inside," said Cook, the male Kryptonian, in a calm tone.

He was burly, though only about 1.7 meters tall, making him look like a stocky pillar.

By contrast, the woman beside him was tall—at least a full head taller than him.

"Heh," Eve chuckled coldly, a bloodthirsty glint in her eyes. "Shall we destroy these 'toys'?"

To them, the helicarrier that Nick Fury valued so highly was nothing more than a fragile toy.

"No need to waste time," Cook replied blandly. His gaze penetrated the helicarrier deck and locked onto the Tesseract. "Just grab it and go. They won't be able to stop us."

"Then... let me do it," Eve said with a faint smile, the murderous glint in her eyes barely concealed.

"No, I'll go," Cook responded, knowing her nature. After his low reply, he acted first.

Eve pouted in annoyance as she watched him disappear, her face filled with boredom.

By now, Cook had already launched himself like a cannonball, smashing through the helicarrier deck and landing squarely in the lab below.

Everyone stared in stunned silence at the sudden intruder.

Nick Fury, who had just been about to leave the lab, heard the commotion and turned sharply. His eyes flashed as he shouted, "Protect the Tesseract!"

Cook gave Fury a glance, then vanished in a blur, reappearing right in front of the Tesseract. Ignoring the bullets striking him, he reached out, grabbed the cube, and disappeared again before anyone could react.

In an instant, the lab fell into complete silence.

The sheer disparity in power—and the way he had completely disregarded them—made him all the more terrifying.

Cook gave off the impression of someone looking at ants—utterly disinterested in even raising a hand against them.

Nick Fury clenched his fists tightly and let out a bitter smile.

They were too weak. They couldn't even protect the Tesseract.

Fortunately, the enemy hadn't seen them as a threat and chose not to attack. Otherwise, the helicarrier would've been effortlessly destroyed, resulting in massive casualties.

But a wave of anger surged inside him.

He was actually grateful that the enemy had ignored them?

What a humiliation.

Yet Fury didn't dwell on the feeling for long—there were more pressing matters.

The scene replayed in his mind.

Though the intruder had only appeared for a few seconds, it had been enough for him to notice certain features.

Then something clicked in his head, and his single eye widened sharply.

"Repair the damage! Track the Tesseract's signal!" he barked as he strode out, pressing a button on his communicator. "Hill! Prepare for combat! Assemble the Avengers! Alert the X-Men!"

Maria Hill didn't even ask why. The moment Fury issued the order, she had already sprung into action.

As Fury continued barking orders, he rushed toward the command center. "Patch me through to Mike!"

"Mike?" Hill paused in surprise. "He's…"

"Coulson knows."

Fury replied quickly without stopping.

Mike—only a few in S.H.I.E.L.D. even knew about him.

Maria Hill wasn't one of them.

She stood there stunned, Fury's words echoing in her head.

Coulson knows...

He knew, and she didn't.

Coulson...

Coulson actually knew something she didn't.

Her chest tightened with a strange sourness. She couldn't help but glance over at Coulson, who gave her a faint smile. With a slight snort, she said, "You heard him—connect the call!"

Coulson nodded and recited a series of numbers to the technician at the console.

The command center fell silent.

And then—

BOOM! BOOM!

RATATATATAT!

WHOOSH! BOOM!

A flurry of explosions and gunfire rang out inside the command center.

Those with fast reflexes immediately drew their guns, their expressions turning tense in a flash.

Coulson's lips twitched. "Relax, everyone! Calm down—it's just a ringtone."

The atmosphere instantly turned awkward. Maria Hill, pretending nothing had happened, holstered her gun and said to the team, "Quick reaction! That's exactly the kind of response I want to see."

Everyone nodded, pretending to agree.

Coulson scratched his head in exasperation.

Why the hell is Mike's ringtone like that...?

It had startled everyone in a critical moment.

Half a minute later, the busy signal echoed throughout the command center.

Everyone's expressions turned strange.

He… didn't pick up?

Meanwhile, Mike was celebrating today's victory with Gwen and the others.

He had forgotten his phone at home before heading out.

Originally, they'd planned to return to Mike's restaurant so he could cook a feast to celebrate.

But Harry Osborn had announced that he had already made a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The place had a stellar reputation, and the kids were eager to try it. But when the food was served, everyone except Harry looked disappointed.

This portion… who are they trying to feed?

Moreover—

Gwen tasted it.

It wasn't bad, but definitely not as good as her dad's cooking.

Luke and Peter stared sorrowfully at their tiny servings, sighing in dismay.

For such a high price and so little food, they swore never to come back again.

Noticing their expressions, Harry gave a light cough and ordered more dishes.

He had to make sure they were full—after all, he was Harry Osborn and had plenty of pocket money.

Loki ate his meal with grace. Seeing Thor frown, he paused and asked, "What's wrong? Something bothering you?"

"…Nothing. I just feel like I still have so much more to learn."

Loki's hand twitched slightly. With a helpless expression, he turned his head away.

Mike cleared his throat. "Alright, no more complaining. Once you're done eating, don't forget to thank Harry."

"Oh!" Gwen and the others responded in unison.

To be honest, Mike thought the food here tasted decent—but only decent.

When it came time to pay the bill, Mike picked up the tab.

With so many people present, he couldn't really let a kid foot the bill.

"So, where are we heading next for the celebration?"

Harry Osborn waved confidently. "Say whatever you want—the cost is on me!"

The kids cheered.

Mike let out a soft sigh.

Why didn't I have a classmate like this when I was in school...?

(End of Chapter)