Chapter 151: Avengers XVI
"Well, that's where I come in," Dave said. "I can fix you, bring you back to your prime."
Hearing him, Peggy looked at him and said, "You must be Dave Garcia. A lot of people are talking about you and your miraculous powers." She lifted her hand, placing it gently on Dave's cheek, caressing it. "I'm glad you're giving me another chance, but look at me," she continued, her voice soft but steady.
"I had a caring husband, beautiful children, and even grandchildren," she said, tears sliding down her cheeks. "Forgive me, but I've already lived my life. Going back to my prime would be betraying them and myself—betraying the precious memories I've created with them," she added, looking at Dave and then at Steve.
"Forgive me, Steve, but I can't help," she said with a heavy heart.
Steve shook his head. "No, it's our fault. We were just being selfish and didn't think about you," he said, holding her hand as she nodded, offering him a faint, understanding smile.
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"Well, that's a no-go," Tony said as they stepped out of the hospital.
"Any other candidates?" he asked, glancing at Steve, who simply shrugged.
"If you have any," Steve replied, unsure of what else to say.
"Then, Cap, you're the leader now," Dave said, smirking as he looked at him.
"Why me?" Steve asked, caught off guard.
"Because it's your fault—you failed to persuade your girlfriend," Dave teased, climbing back into the Rolls Royce. Tony laughed, following him into the car.
Steve stood there, staring at them speechlessly before letting out a long sigh and sliding into the backseat.
As the car started moving, Steve broke the silence. "But seriously, what other options do we have?" he asked.
Dave leaned back, thinking for a moment. "Phil Coulson would have been a great candidate," he said quietly.
Both Tony and Steve fell silent at the mention of Coulson, the weight of his loss settling over them.
"It wasn't your fault, Dave," Tony said after a moment, breaking the somber mood.
Dave shook his head. "I'm not blaming myself. I'm just saying," he replied with a shrug.
Tony nodded, respecting his stance, and the three continued their ride in reflective silence.
As Dave gazed out of the car window, lost in thought, his mind wandered to finding the right person for the job.
"There's got to be someone out there," he murmured to himself, before suddenly remembering something. 'Wait a second... I've been racking up a lot of template points lately.'
Curiosity piqued, Dave opened his system interface, his mind now focused on the possibilities within the shop. He browsed through the options, carefully scrolling through templates of various notable figures and heroes.
System Shop
Points Available: 245,259
Categories:
Combat Experts
Leaders
Strategists
Diplomats
Innovators
Dave continued scrolling through the Leaders section, his eyes scanning the list of fictional and historical figures with awe-inspiring resumes. Each profile seemed more fascinating than the last, but he kept moving until something caught his eye.
[1] Captain Harlock
Cost: 175,000 Points
Abilities: Legendary space pirate, fearless leader, unparalleled tactical mind, and deeply principled.
[2] Commander Erwin Smith
Cost: 120,000 Points
Abilities: Master strategist, charismatic leader, excels in leading troops against overwhelming odds.
[3] Lelouch vi Britannia (Zero)
Cost: 200,000 Points
Abilities: Genius tactician, revolutionary leader, expert in manipulation and inspiring loyalty.
[4] Roy Mustang
Cost: 150,000 Points
Abilities: A powerful Flame Alchemist who understands politics, leadership, and battlefield strategy.
Dave paused on Roy Mustang's profile, the text glowing faintly in his interface.
'Now this,' he thought, 'this guy might be a perfect fit.'
He tapped on Roy Mustang's name for more details:
Profile: Roy Mustang
Strengths:Master of Flame Alchemy, capable of turning the tide of battle with a snap of his fingers.
Skilled in navigating complex political landscapes.
Known for his loyalty and ability to inspire others. ]
'He's powerful, cunning, and understands how to deal with political nonsense,' Dave thought, nodding in approval. 'And his combat skills would make him an asset in more ways than one.'
Still, he wanted to explore a little more before making a decision. He marked Roy Mustang as a favorite and continued scrolling.
As Dave scrolled further down, the list seemed endless. He considered some other names that caught his attention. There were several interesting choices, each with their own strengths that could add something special to the Avengers' new direction.
[5] Jean-Luc Picard
Cost: 180,000 Points
Abilities: Diplomatic genius, unmatched leadership skills, strategic thinker, and expert negotiator. Known for bringing peace and maintaining unity in the face of galactic threats.
Dave paused, considering the potential. Picard was known for his wisdom and calm demeanor, handling even the most complex situations with grace. He could be exactly what they needed to maintain balance and steer the team through politically volatile situations.
[6] Optimus Prime
Cost: 250,000 Points
Abilities: Commander of the Autobots, master tactician, and symbol of hope and leadership. His sense of justice and strength is unmatched in battle, and he inspires those around him to fight for a better future.
Dave raised an eyebrow at the high cost but acknowledged the value Optimus Prime could bring. If they wanted a symbol of hope and strength, Optimus was as good as it gets. His abilities and leadership were legendary.
[7] Aragorn
Cost: 130,000 Points
Abilities: King of Gondor, natural leader, expert swordsman, and tactician. Skilled in uniting different factions and leading them to victory in the most dire circumstances.
'Aragorn... A king at heart,' Dave murmured. 'He's someone who could lead through compassion and strength, and he's got the combat skills to back it up.'
[8] Mace Windu
Cost: 210,000 Points
Abilities: Powerful Jedi Master, expert in lightsaber combat and force manipulation. Skilled in both combat and diplomacy, often walking the fine line between peace and war. His leadership in the Jedi Council made him a key figure in the galaxy's defense.
Windu was another intriguing choice, with his balanced approach to power. He could bring discipline and focus to the team. But Dave knew that the Jedi Master's strict adherence to the code might cause friction with certain members of the team who were more free-spirited.
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