Drift Of The Multiverse: [Marvel] [Resident Evil] [DC] [Bleach] [DB]-Chapter 194: Avengers Assemble?
Chapter 194 - 194: Avengers Assemble?
Once again, it was proven that when you're struggling to find a suitable topic, chatting with someone who knows how to talk can easily break the ice and help two strangers become familiar quickly.
Ethan was sure that S.H.I.E.L.D. had people monitoring this area, but he wasn't sure if they had the means to record his conversation with Steve Rogers. Judging by S.H.I.E.L.D.'s capabilities, it likely wasn't difficult for them.
"How did you get involved with S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
Although Steve Rogers had only woken up recently, he already knew that S.H.I.E.L.D. wasn't an organization known to the public. Ethan wasn't someone from within S.H.I.E.L.D., so there had to be something unusual about him. Otherwise, he wouldn't know about S.H.I.E.L.D., let alone know Nick Fury.
"Fury wants me to join one of his plans, but my situation is complicated, so I didn't agree."
Steve nodded and didn't ask for more details. After all, they had just met, and many topics weren't suitable for deep discussion. Asking too much too soon might also make the other party uncomfortable.
After chatting for a while, Steve prepared to leave. Ethan didn't try to stop him and simply waved goodbye to Captain America.
"Hope we meet again."
"There'll be a chance."
Maybe Steve had a decent impression of Ethan. He didn't maintain the serious expression he had earlier and smiled as he said goodbye.
Given Ethan's relationship with Tony Stark, and the fact that he frequently appeared in this world, they would definitely run into each other again.
Not long after Steve left, a man in a suit, who looked very much like a secret agent, walked straight up to Ethan and handed him a phone.
"When are you coming back? Maybe we can find time to grab coffee together."
It was Coulson's voice on the line. Like many others, Ethan had a good impression of this kind and courteous agent. Hearing his warm greeting over the phone made him feel like a friend was checking in on him.
After greeting Coulson warmly, Ethan said bluntly, "Put Fury on the line. I know he's standing right next to you."
"Hello, Mister Mage."
"No need to be so formal. Just call me Ethan."
"Alright then, Ethan. How long are you planning to stay this time?"
Previously, Ethan had declined Fury's invitation by saying he couldn't remain in the same world for too long and wasn't sure when he'd be able to return. He hadn't expected to come back so soon—and more importantly, not much time had passed in this world.
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It really did seem like that excuse had just been a way to brush Fury off. While it was true, it was still a bit awkward.
"A few months. There are some things I need Tony's help with."
"Oh? What kind of things?"
"I believe you'll find out soon enough. Actually, you probably already have."
While Ethan and Tony had been researching magic stone technology and designing the battleship, they had already begun purchasing materials and preparing for construction.
This sort of thing couldn't be hidden from S.H.I.E.L.D. At first, Fury may have thought Tony was just tinkering with another project. But when Ethan showed up, he immediately knew the matter was tied to this mysterious otherworldly mage.
Especially since this time Tony had acquired a large amount of material—some of which was quite sensitive. That made Fury, the master spy, extremely uneasy. So, he had Coulson reach out to Ethan under the pretense of a friendly chat. What he didn't expect was that Ethan would ignore the pleasantries and go straight to the point.
From the looks of it, Ethan wasn't trying to hide anything. Maybe he could directly ask why Ethan had come to this world this time?
"I'd like to talk face to face."
"Of course." Ethan didn't refuse. If he wanted to build the battleship smoothly, he would inevitably have to coordinate with S.H.I.E.L.D. Tony Stark had a lot of power, but a warship of that scale was too sensitive. With S.H.I.E.L.D.'s involvement, it would definitely save a lot of trouble.
Even so, Ethan wasn't about to lower his position. Fury might want to meet, but Ethan wasn't going to rush over to S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters just to talk. "You know where to find me."
It was Fury who wanted the meeting, so naturally, he would come to Ethan. After saying that, Ethan hung up, placed the phone on the table, and continued sipping his lemon tea and nibbling his pastries.
The agent in the black suit said nothing. After receiving the order, he didn't take the phone back and quietly left.
Just as Ethan finished the cake and was enjoying a quiet, sunny afternoon, Diana and Pepper suddenly appeared in front of him.
"What are you doing here?"
"Isn't it obvious? Sunbathing." Ethan noticed the two women hadn't brought any bodyguards or drivers. He wasn't sure where they'd come from, but both were carrying a few shopping bags. "What did you buy?"
"Some cosmetics."
Diana's answer instantly made Ethan lose interest. The hand he had just raised dropped again, and he picked up his cup to continue drinking his lemon black tea, even though there were only some half-melted ice cubes left.
Maybe they were tired from walking, because the two women also chose to rest there. Pepper didn't have any pressing matters to attend to. Even though she was now the CEO of Stark Industries, she still had vacation days, and she happened to be on one.
Originally, she had planned a romantic getaway with Tony. Unfortunately, Tony had been too busy working on the new energy system for Stark Tower, and then, thanks to Ethan's arrival, got wrapped up in studying new technologies again. So she had no choice but to treat this vacation as a time to relax and enjoy life.
"By the way, Ethan, I mentioned to Pepper earlier that I wanted to invite her and Tony to visit Paradise Island..."
The implication, of course, was whether Ethan could help take them there. Paradise Island existed in another world, and the only way to access it was through Ethan's space travel Circle.
It wasn't difficult for Ethan. He had already locked on to both the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Movie Universe. These two worlds were currently the only ones he could freely travel between. Taking one or two people through the portal wasn't an issue. As long as the energy was sufficient, it was even more convenient than traveling from Stark Tower in New York to the Malibu estate.
"It's not a big deal. We'll just need to pick a good time."
Pepper could tell that Ethan had agreed. She had been curious about Paradise Island ever since she first heard about it. She was also interested in the idea of another universe. Especially after learning that Paradise Island had been created by the famous Zeus, she became even more eager to see it with her own eyes.
She was already surprised to learn that Diana was a demigod. But compared to when she first saw Ethan use magic, and later learned from Tony about Thor from Norse mythology appearing in New Mexico, another demigod didn't seem all that unbelievable anymore.
"Paradise Island is a great vacation spot. You and Tony won't be disturbed there... no Stark Industries business, no world peace responsibilities... none of that. You'll be free."
And it was true. Since it existed in another world, unless Ethan deliberately installed interdimensional communication systems, there was no way anyone could contact Tony and Pepper once they were there.
Pepper wasn't particularly swayed by talk of how beautiful the place was. But the idea of finally being free from endless interruptions was extremely appealing. What had annoyed her most recently was that every time she planned a date with Tony, it got cut short by some urgent issue. Once or twice was fine, but when it kept happening, she couldn't help but feel frustrated.
"It does sound like a great place."
So when she began planning her next vacation, she made up her mind to visit Diana's hometown with Tony. There, they could spend uninterrupted time together.
After finishing their drinks and getting enough rest, the group returned to Stark Tower. Tony didn't seem affected by Ethan's earlier offer. He acted completely normal and even got a bit lovey-dovey with Pepper, openly showing affection and teasing everyone nearby.
But just as the two were enjoying their moment, Tony's phone suddenly rang.
Ethan didn't react at first. Then he saw Tony casually brushing off Coulson over the phone. But when Coulson stepped out of the elevator a moment later, he realized something.
"Oh? We've already reached this part of the story?"
Even though he had just run into Captain America at the café, which hinted that the Avengers plotline was beginning, he hadn't expected it to arrive so soon. Coulson, who had been friendly and cheerful on the phone earlier, now had a serious expression.
After explaining the urgency of the situation to Tony, he turned and walked over to Ethan with a solemn look.
"We need your help, Master Mage."
Coulson was using a formal title. Even if he didn't explain, Ethan could tell something serious was going on. Otherwise, he wouldn't be acting like this.
Ethan already knew what was happening. Loki had stolen the Tesseract and taken control of Clint Barton. That was the reason behind Coulson's expression.
But he couldn't act like he already knew everything, so he carefully adjusted his expression.
"I need to know the details."
(To be continued.)
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