NOVEL NEXT Chapter 246: Inspector General
Coulson took out his phone and called Nick Fury back.
"Director, any orders?"
"How's the investigation going?"
"No solid leads for now. We don't know what material the hammer is made of. We've tried every device we have, but it won't budge an inch. Even the soil beneath it has fused with it. We tried digging out the dirt underneath, but it didn't work — the layer in contact with the hammer can't be moved or damaged either."
"But we can confirm it's something from beyond this world. As for its exact purpose, we don't know yet."
On the other end, Nick Fury thought of what S.H.I.E.L.D.'s satellite had captured after Tony's recent airspace request. After a moment of silence, he said,
"If necessary, you can contact Smith Dole. The League of Assassins has existed for 1,500 years — they might have information we don't.
"This should only be a backup plan, though. It's best if we can figure this out ourselves — what it is, and why it's here on Earth.
"But if you're completely stuck, you can try consulting them."
To Nick Fury, this was clearly an alien artifact. He didn't really expect Smith Dole to know much, but this was also an opportunity for Coulson to interact more with Smith, strengthen their relationship, and begin opening certain permissions to him.
Coulson nodded.
"Understood, Director."
…
Thor looked at the figure of his brother before him.
"Loki, why are you here?"
Loki's voice was low.
"I had to come see you."
Then Loki began his deception — telling Thor their father was dead, that Loki was about to become king, and that their mother forbade Thor from returning to Asgard. For the sake of peace with Jotunheim, Thor was to be permanently exiled.
Hearing this, Thor's eyes filled with tears as he thanked Loki for coming to see him.
After bidding Thor farewell, Loki also tried to lift Mjolnir. The result was obvious — he couldn't. Disappointed, he returned to Asgard.
…
Elsewhere.
Coulson received word that someone had come to pick up the big man who had broken into the site. Stepping outside, he saw it was Dr. Erik Selvig. However, everything Selvig said was a lie — even the identity he gave for "Donald" was fabricated.
Wanting to investigate further, Coulson let Selvig take Thor despite knowing the lies were false, ordering his people to follow them discreetly.
Watching them leave, Coulson considered for a moment, then called Smith Dole.
Smith was in the gravity chamber training when Poole reminded him to take the call.
"Coulson, what is it?"
"Inspector General Smith, there's something I'd like to consult you about."
Hearing the title, Smith's lips curled in amusement.
"Agent Coulson, so when you need me, I'm the Inspector General and an Avenger — but when you don't, I'm just someone whose paperwork isn't even finished yet?"
"Ahem…"
Coulson coughed twice before replying,
"You're joking, Smith. The Avengers base construction has already started. Most of the proposals you submitted have been approved, and there are large numbers of staff being allocated for your team.
"Also, both you and Tony's paperwork is complete. You're the Inspector General of S.H.I.E.L.D., and he's a consultant — and you're both members of the Avengers."
Smith wasn't surprised. Instead, he asked,
"So, Agent Coulson, what's my intel clearance level?"
That was the tricky question. Coulson paused, wondering how Smith knew S.H.I.E.L.D. even had classified intel tiers. Was it a guess, or had the League of Assassins recruited S.H.I.E.L.D. members before?
"I don't know your exact clearance level. That's something you'd have to confirm with Director Fury. But right now, I have a mission that needs your support."
"What is it?" Smith asked curiously.
"In Mexico, there's been a meteor strike — but it's actually a hammer. We suspect it's alien or some sort of extraordinary item.
"All known equipment can't move it. The League of Assassins has a long history. I was wondering if you had any records on something like this."
Smith immediately knew it was Mjolnir — meaning Thor had arrived on Earth. The timing matched.
He was curious to see if he could lift it, but had no interest in using it as a weapon. He also remembered that during a lottery draw, he had seen the Kaiōshin's divine sword deep within a planet. He wondered which was heavier — Mjolnir or the Kaiōshin Sword.
After all, even Super Saiyan 2 Gohan could barely wield the Kaiōshin Sword at first, yet that level of power could destroy a solar system. Mjolnir, on the other hand, didn't seem capable of planetary destruction.
Perhaps one day, if he obtained the Kaiōshin Sword, he could compare the two.
"So it can't be moved?" Smith said. "I wonder if I could lift it. As for what it is exactly, I'd need to see it in person to know more."
Coulson gave him the location and invited him to join the exploration of this 084 object.
…
The next day.
Coulson greeted Smith with a handshake.
"Welcome, Inspector General Smith."
Smith smiled at Coulson and Sitwell beside him.
"Let's go see this special item you've found."
At that moment, an agent ran over to report,
"Sir, we just detected an intense energy surge — then it vanished. About fifteen miles northwest."
Coulson quickly checked a nearby computer, then turned to Smith.
"Looks like we'll need to check that place first."
Smith guessed it was the Warriors Three and Sif arriving on Earth via the Bifröst. Unbothered, he said,
"Let's go take a look."
The group boarded their vehicles and headed toward the energy spike.
(End of Chapter)
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