Chapter 541: Chapter 540: Flame Warrior
Nick Fury, watching the battle through the video feed in the room, furrowed his brows slightly and then said, "Chen's real combat experience is still too lacking. He completely failed to control his own strength properly."
Coulson, who was sitting beside him, nodded and then spoke up, "After all, Chen was just a street magician before. He hasn't received professional training, so it's understandable that he can't control his sudden surge in power."
Nick Fury nodded in agreement with Coulson's assessment. "Let's first see what enhancements his flames have received. After all, giving a new recruit like him a $300 million worth physical enhancement serum has raised some concerns among others. Let's hope he can demonstrate the value we've invested in him."
The three of them then turned their attention back to the screen, watching the ongoing battle between the two.
…
At this moment, flames covered Chen Haoran's fists as he looked at Kabuto opposite him. With a fierce yell, he slammed his fists into the ground in front of him, plunging them deep into the earth.
"Ha!"
Immediately, a surge of energy rushed towards Kabuto through the ground.
Sensing the danger, Kabuto quickly somersaulted backward to create some distance. Suddenly, the ground where he had previously stood erupted, sending a towering pillar of fire skyward.
Seeing this, Kabuto dared not linger in the same spot and rushed towards Chen Haoran. However, every time he moved, a pillar of fire erupted behind him, slowing him down.
Chen Haoran's attacks always seemed to be a beat slower than Kabuto's movements, even if he tried to anticipate them.
Kabuto's expression turned serious as he realized that Chen Haoran's attack pattern resembled the Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu.
As he ran, Kabuto reached into his ninja tool pouch and pulled out three shurikens with explosive tags attached. He hurled them towards Chen Haoran.
This time, instead of dodging, Chen Haoran let out a roar.
"Ha!"
As he did, flames surged from his back, forming a pair of wings that shielded him from the incoming shurikens.
The shurikens turned red-hot under the intense heat and seemed on the verge of melting.
Seeing his attack blocked, Chen Haoran smiled. However, before he could react, a sudden explosion sent him flying.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Chen Haoran was blasted away by the shockwave of the explosion. He tumbled on the ground before coming to a stop. The flames on his back dispersed due to the sudden explosion, and his upper body clothes were reduced to ashes.
Fortunately, the explosive tags detonated in front of him rather than on his body, so he didn't suffer any irreversible injuries. However, he still sustained some minor wounds.
Climbing to his feet from the ground, Chen Haoran wiped the blood from his mouth. The explosion had caused internal injuries to his organs.
But he stood up nonetheless, ready to continue the fight.
The corners of Chen Haoran's mouth were stained with blood, and his gaze towards Kabuto no longer carried the initial excitement and arrogance of suddenly gaining power.
Suddenly, an arrow shot down from the sky, landing between the two of them. Attached to the arrow was a steel cable, and Barton descended from it, landing between the two.
"The sparring is over. Kabuto wins!"
Barton knew there was no need to continue the spar. Chen Haoran was too inexperienced. Even if it were Kabuto or himself, they could easily defeat Chen Haoran.
Hearing the end of the spar, Chen Haoran inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief. Facing Kabuto still put some pressure on him.
Kabuto walked up to Chen Haoran, extending a hand with a smile on his face.
"Your abilities are impressive, with great potential. I'm Kabuto. What's your name?"
Chen Haoran looked at Kabuto's sunny smile and the outstretched hand, then reached out to shake it.
"I'm Chen Haoran. You're very powerful. I'm no match for you."
Then, Chen Haoran asked excitedly, "Do you really think I'm powerful and have potential?"
Kabuto nodded gently and replied, "Yes, your ability to control fire is impressive and has great potential. You're just not familiar with it yet. Once you become proficient, your strength will be even stronger."
Then the two began to chat happily, while Chen Haoran's injuries naturally healed and recovered.
…
In the room-
Nick Fury spoke up, "Coulson, what do you think of Chen Haoran?"
Coulson pondered for a moment before speaking, "Based on Chen Haoran's performance since joining SHIELD and the recommendations from the scientific advisory committee, I believe it's very appropriate to release Chen Haoran as a symbol of a superhero in the public eye."
"He himself has expressed the desire to become a superhero similar to Charles Doyle or Iron Man if his abilities are developed and enhanced."
Nick Fury tapped his fingers on the table and then said, "How about putting him on the Avengers' candidate list?"
Ward, who had been silent until now, spoke up, "Director, I think we can develop Chen into a superhero. We can also let him talk about his growth in the media, from his weakness before joining SHIELD to his sudden increase in strength after joining, becoming a well-known hero."
"This way, by using Chen as a benchmark, I believe there are certainly others with similar abilities who haven't dared to reveal themselves and don't trust the government. But Chen's appearance will give them hope."
"As long as these people can choose to apply to join SHIELD, our strength will grow, and we can also eliminate potential threats outside."
Hearing Ward's suggestion, Nick Fury pondered for a moment and then said, "Put Chen Haoran on the Avengers candidate list. But since we want him to become a superhero, he needs some training. His abilities are enough now, but his experience is too green."
Then Nick Fury rubbed his chin and asked, "Since he wants to be a superhero, what nickname should we give him?"
Coulson spoke up, "Flame Warrior!"
Nick Fury nodded, "Good, we'll go with that name. From now on, he'll be the superhero under SHIELD's banner—Flame Warrior!"