Chapter 85: Chapter 85: Wolverine and Iron Man Join Forces
"Mr. George, have you found anything?"
Seeing George pressing his index finger against the forehead of a severely injured enemy, his eyes closed as if using some unknown superpower, Coulson couldn't help but ask curiously.
Earlier, George mentioned uncovering the enemy's identity, but his silent actions made Coulson suspect that he might possess abilities like mind-reading.
As a veteran agent with over twenty years of experience, Coulson had ample encounters with superpower-related incidents. He'd dealt with individuals possessing mind-reading abilities before.
Many superhumans started as ordinary individuals. Even after gaining powers, most didn't dare to oppose the government and were relatively easy to control.
Some tried to commit crimes with their newfound abilities, but most superpowers were less destructive than a handgun.
Take, for instance, a guy who could emit high-temperature flames capable of melting steel. Feeling invincible, he attempted to rob a bank, only to be taken down with a tranquilizer gun.
Even stronger individuals often fell to the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents' specialized high-tech weaponry, ensuring minimal failures in subduing them.
S.H.I.E.L.D. no longer tolerated the emergence of organizations like the Brotherhood of Mutants or the X-Men.
Based on his experience, this George seemed to rank among the top-tier superhumans encountered, given his abilities and composed demeanor in dangerous situations.
Crucially, George didn't rely on just one power.
Such individuals either joined S.H.I.E.L.D. or had to live under surveillance.
"I did find something, but I'm sorry—I can't tell you."
George stood and casually shot the severely wounded Hydra operatives before suddenly casting a spell on Coulson.
"Obliviate!"
George didn't want to entangle himself in S.H.I.E.L.D. or Hydra affairs, nor did he wish to expose his powers prematurely. Using a memory-wiping spell to alter Coulson's recollection, followed by implanting false memories, was the best solution.
This approach wasn't foolproof, though. S.H.I.E.L.D. agents underwent rigorous mental conditioning. Even Clint Barton, under Loki's mind control, regained autonomy through technology. George's spell was no guarantee against discovery.
But no matter. By the time they uncovered discrepancies and restored Coulson's memory, George would likely no longer need to hide.
The safest option would be to kill Coulson outright, but George had principles. Coulson had earlier contemplated sacrificing himself to ensure their escape, and George wasn't about to repay him with death.
George briefly considered informing Coulson about Hydra. Such intel could disrupt S.H.I.E.L.D., keeping them too preoccupied to bother him. But this information held immense value. It might serve as leverage with Nick Fury in the future—why give it away for free?
And as for whether withholding the information might cost S.H.I.E.L.D. agents their lives—why should he care?
"George, what did you do to him?"
Seeing Coulson's dazed state after George suddenly acted, Pepper was startled.
George smiled.
"I can't let others know about my powers, so I hypnotized him. When he wakes up, he'll think he single-handedly saved us. Don't let the truth slip."
"Oh, okay... alright."
Though surprised, Pepper nodded. Tony had assured her that George was trustworthy.
"Are you two okay?"
The spell completed, Coulson opened his eyes, immediately expressing concern for the pair.
Before they could answer, several cars approached at high speed. George frowned, thinking it was more Hydra agents.
But he relaxed when Coulson, who was also on guard, lowered his weapon.
"It's alright—backup has arrived."
The vehicles halted, and a group of operatives in black combat gear emerged, led by a stern-looking Asian woman.
"Coulson, impressive! A few days away, and your skills have improved—taking out this many enemies alone."
Surveying the defeated Hydra agents and Coulson's unscathed state, the woman's surprise was evident.
She remembered Coulson as competent but not particularly formidable. Were the enemies just that weak?
"Of course, May. Don't underestimate me," Coulson chuckled, relishing the rare moment to impress his partner.
"May?"
George's expression showed faint surprise. He recognized Agent May, one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top operatives.
In his memory, May should've been desk-bound after a traumatic mission involving an Inhuman child. This slight deviation highlighted how different universes could vary in details.
After a brief exchange, May led her team to handle the cleanup and investigate the attackers. Coulson, meanwhile, drove another S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicle, bringing George and Pepper to Tony Stark's mansion.
"Odd... How could the angle result in such a shot?"
As Coulson departed, May's years of experience made her notice something amiss during the scene examination.
By dusk, Obadiah Stane arrived with his full team outside Tony Stark's mansion.
"Remember—leave no witnesses!"
"Relax, boss. You know our reputation."
The lead mercenary confidently nodded before leading a squad of elite operatives toward the mansion.
Stane followed unhurriedly. These mercenaries, among the world's best, were a small but highly effective force capable of toppling a minor military base. Stane spared no expense in retaining them for situations like this.
As expected, the mansion's security guards were no match, swiftly neutralized by the team.
However, once they breached the mansion's interior, they faced an unexpected challenge.
In the grand hall stood a muscular, rugged man with a thick beard, casually holding a drink.
"Breaking into someone's home isn't exactly polite," Wolverine remarked coolly, gazing at the heavily armed intruders.
"Who are you? And where's Tony? Tell him to stop hiding—he won't escape!"
Obadiah scrutinized the unfamiliar Wolverine, his face filled with disdain.
It wasn't surprising. Clad in a simple tank top, Wolverine didn't even carry a weapon, making him appear harmless in Stane's eyes.