Mulagore hotel in marvel

A second agent who can master this kind of power has appeared?" Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., raised an eyebrow in surprise. However, upon hearing Maria Hill's name, he simply nodded and relaxed.

"If Maria has shown this talent as well, then it proves this supernatural power can indeed be learned..."

For a brief moment, Fury considered expanding the scope of training. However, he quickly dismissed the idea.

The more people who mastered this mysterious ability, the harder it would be to control. Phil Coulson and Maria Hill were both senior agents who had been with him for years—people he could trust implicitly.

In reality, Fury only considered a select few agents to be "absolutely reliable." Most of them were already in that conference room. As for the others, his trust in them varied.

Since there was a risk of uncontrolled power spreading, it was better to cut off that possibility entirely.

Fury made his decision swiftly. Turning to Coulson, he ordered, "Inform Mr. Bradford that S.H.I.E.L.D. will attend classes at his hotel twice a week. We'll make sure he's well compensated—down to the last cent. Also, handle those corrupt officials at the tax bureau for him. Every dollar should go into his pocket."

Coulson hesitated for a moment before suggesting, "Should we consider giving him an official position in S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

"You mean..." Fury seemed to consider it, then shook his head. "Not yet. His value—at least for now—is limited."

Coulson wanted to say more, but Fury cut him off. "Phil, I've seen magicians who manipulate fire better than him. I've seen monsters that can demolish buildings with a single punch. I acknowledge that Mr. Bradford has some unique abilities, but it's not enough! If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight."

That statement convinced Coulson. He nodded and replied, "You're right, Director. We shouldn't place unnecessary expectations on him based on mere potential."

Coulson had always admired Fury, often interpreting his decisions as acts of careful leadership. But in truth, Fury simply believed, That guy isn't strong enough yet.

Flames or orbs? Fury compared them to conventional weapons. How does that match up against a high-caliber sniper rifle? As for the supposed healing ability, he dismissed it as nothing more than an accelerated form of first aid. And the wooden stake totems, which could immobilize enemies? They're probably no more effective than our stun guns or tranquilizers.

A Similar Conclusion

Meanwhile, Alexander Pierce—the former S.H.I.E.L.D. director and current leader of the World Security Council—reviewed the surveillance footage and Coulson's report on the Mulgore Hotel's owner. His conclusion was nearly identical to Fury's.

After a moment of contemplation, he stated, "This man may have some abilities, but he hasn't impressed me. I need to see more. A few parlor tricks with fire and some illusions? That's not enough to earn a place in our grand mission."

"But he can produce these effects on a large scale..." Brock Rumlow interjected.

"No, Rumlow," Pierce interrupted. "If his abilities are only on par with Coulson or Hill, then they hold no real value for us. Any problem that can't be solved with one bullet simply requires another bullet, doesn't it?"

Rumlow paused, considering Pierce's words, then nodded. "You're right, sir. I was too hasty. I apologize."

"There's no need to apologize," Pierce said with a faint smile. "In fact, I appreciate your enthusiasm. Add him to our watchlist, but don't make any moves just yet. Dismissed."

Rumlow pressed a fist to his chest and whispered, "Hail Hydra!"

Pierce smiled, returning the gesture.

"Hail Hydra."

Regardless of their positions, both Fury and Pierce shared a strikingly similar leadership style—ruthless, skeptical, and highly strategic. Even their evaluation of people aligned almost perfectly.

And that was exactly what Kaus had anticipated.

Laying Low and Expanding

He had no intention of revealing all his cards at once. His plan was to gradually step into the spotlight of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the superhero community, all while quietly amassing wealth.

If he grew too powerful too quickly, both Fury and Hydra would inevitably try to contain him. But by unveiling his strengths incrementally, he could ensure that by the time they attempted to control him, he would be far beyond their grasp.

For now, I need to keep a low profile.

Expand the Mulgore Hotel, strengthen its foundation, and make money quietly.

With that in mind, after receiving his $100,000 compensation, Kaus didn't splurge recklessly. Instead, he immediately began renovating the hotel.

Without altering its historic charm, he arranged for necessary repairs—fixing the leaking walls, smoothing out the worn-out floors, installing electricity meters, plumbing, and proper bathrooms. He also bought essential amenities: lighting, televisions, air conditioners—everything a proper hotel should have.

The empty lobby couldn't be left unused. Kaus decided to convert it into a small bar as a secondary source of income. His vision was clear—six to eight tables, a row of high chairs at the counter, and enough seating to accommodate 40–50 guests.

And so, renovations began in full force. Kaus was as busy as a worker bee, overseeing nearly every detail except for the basement and the mystical soul fire.

A Mysterious Guest

Days later, as workers unloaded furniture and appliances, Kaus stepped outside for a break. He had just lit a cigarette when he noticed a girl in purple standing by the entrance, peering inside eagerly.

She was petite but curvaceous, with long, slightly disheveled light-brown hair. Her fair skin and delicate features were striking. But what stood out the most were her eyes—a rare shade of lavender, shimmering like something out of a fantasy novel.

"Hey there," Kaus called out. "Can I help you?"

The girl didn't flee or call for assistance. Instead, she remained fixated on the interior, as if searching for something.

"Uh, hello?"

Kaus frowned, waving a hand in front of her face.

"Miss, do you need help?"

Finally, she blinked, her gaze shifting to meet his. In a voice as soft as a lost kitten's, she murmured, "I... I'm really hungry. Can you spare some food?"

Kaus was momentarily taken aback but quickly nodded. "Of course. Wait here—I'll grab something for you."

Though the hotel had been empty for a while, the counter still had food supplies. He packed a bag with cheese, bread, and a few cans of juice and milk. Food from Azeroth didn't have an expiration date, so there was no risk of spoilage.

"Thank you," the girl whispered, eagerly biting into a piece of cheese. Watching her eat so desperately, Kaus felt a pang of sympathy.

"Take your time," he reassured her. "There's plenty more."

"More?" Her violet eyes widened.

Then, hesitantly, she asked, "Um... are you hiring? I don't need much—just food and shelter."

Kaus blinked, then suddenly grinned. How had he overlooked this? The newly renovated hotel needed staff, after all.

"You're in luck," he replied cheerfully. "We're looking for people right now."

The girl's face lit up.

"What's your name? How old are you? Do you have a place to stay?"

She hesitated, then answered nervously, "My name is Carrie. I'm sixteen... and I don't have a home."

Sixteen? In this country, that wasn't illegal for employment, was it?

"Well, Carrie, welcome aboard!" Kaus decided instantly. "There's a vacant room next to mine—you can stay there."

As he led her upstairs, he failed to notice the flicker of intrigue in her luminous violet eyes when they passed the brazer