Meanwhile-
Steve saw this as his last resort. If he couldn't secure the physical enhancement serum or an 084 artifact from Nick Fury, his final hope would lie in trading his own shield to obtain the serum for Peggy Carter—a chance to extend her life.
Selene accepted Steve Rogers' business card and nodded, "Understood. If there's a decision, we'll let you know."
Steve gave a slight nod before turning and leaving the Charles Agency.
After watching Steve leave, Selene picked up the phone at the front desk and called Charles Doyle directly.
At that moment, Charles had just exited the system space when the voice of Red Queen interrupted him.
"Master, Selene from the agency is calling."
"Patch her through."
"Yes!"
A holographic image of Selene appeared in front of Charles.
"Boss, I have something interesting to report that I believe you'll find intriguing."
Charles raised an eyebrow, curious, "What's the matter?"
"Captain America, Steve Rogers, just visited the agency. He asked if a 90-year-old person could safely receive the physical enhancement serum and have their body restored to peak condition."
"Then, he asked how many doses of the serum his shield could trade for."
Hearing this, Charles was indeed intrigued. He quickly considered who the elderly person might be. Based on the current timeline, Charles quickly deduced that it must be Peggy Carter.
In this universe, as far as his research and observations suggested, the Avengers hadn't time-traveled during the events of Endgame.
"Red Queen," Charles said, "pull up Peggy Carter's file."
"Yes, Boss!"
Moments later, a detailed dossier of Peggy Carter appeared in front of Charles, noting that she was 94 years old and had never married.
It became crystal clear: Steve Rogers was willing to part with his iconic shield for the sake of the woman he loved.
As for the shield itself, Charles honestly had little interest in it. To him, it would be nothing more than a display piece in his collection room. Without enchantments, energy infusions, or the ability to recharge, it was just a relic.
Charles, however, couldn't ignore the romance of the gesture. If he could help Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter reunite in this timeline and world, it would be a beautiful thing.
With that in mind, Charles said decisively, "Selene, inform Steve Rogers that if he's willing, I can trade him one dose of the physical enhancement serum for his shield."
Selene replied promptly, "Understood, Boss. I'll notify him immediately."
"Though I should mention," Selene added, "he did frame it as a hypothetical. He might not fully commit to the trade, especially since he's still a part of S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers."
Charles chuckled and shook his head, "That's fine. Let him decide. Whether he trades it or not is entirely up to him."
"Frankly, I'm not that interested in the shield itself."
"Understood, Boss," Selene said.
After hanging up the call, Charles pondered for a moment. If Steve was already considering Peggy Carter's health, it likely meant that he had recently seen her in person.
Given the timeline, Charles realized that Nick Fury must have already been attacked.
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s collapse was imminent.
And with that, the time was near for the major ninja villages to reap their rewards.
A sly grin spread across Charles's face, 'Looks like there's going to be a massive influx of gold coins soon.'
…
Charles Agency-
After hanging up the call, Selene picked up Steve Rogers' business card and dialed the number printed on it.
Not long after leaving the agency, Steve Rogers heard his phone ringing. He quickly parked his motorcycle by the roadside and pulled out his phone. Seeing that it was an unfamiliar number, he hesitated but ultimately pressed the answer button.
"This is the Charles Agency. Am I speaking with Mr. Steve Rogers?"
Hearing back from the agency so quickly, Steve couldn't help but be impressed by their efficiency.
"Yes, this is Steve Rogers," he replied, "Do you have any updates for me?"
Selene smiled, "Yes, I reported your request to the boss. After some discussion, he has agreed to exchange one dose of the enhancement serum for your shield."
Steve clenched his fist in excitement, "Thank you! Thank you so much!"
"If I decide to proceed with the exchange, I'll contact you right away."
Selene smiled, "You can come directly to the agency when you're ready."
With that, Selene ended the call without further elaboration.
As the call ended, Steve's face lit up with a smile. Peggy Carter's safety was now assured. No matter what happened, he no longer needed to worry about her life being in immediate danger.
Fifty years.
Fifty years was enough time to make up for the decades Peggy had waited for him, and with her restored health, they could finally have the life they had dreamed of.
Still, Steve thought, if I can get an 084 or the serum from Nick Fury, that would be ideal. I do have strong feelings for my shield, after all.
But for Peggy, those feelings weren't unshakable.
Thinking back to his unpleasant conversation with Nick Fury that morning, Steve let out a sigh.
"Guess I'll try talking to him again tomorrow."
With that thought, Steve restarted his motorcycle and headed home. The setting sun cast his shadow long on the pavement, but his steps seemed lighter than ever.
…
Steve's Apartment-
After grabbing a casual dinner on the way, Steve arrived back at his apartment after dark. Parking his motorcycle downstairs, he climbed the stairs with a spring in his step.
At the door, he noticed his neighbor, a nurse, stepping out while on the phone.
Feeling cheerful, Steve waved and greeted her.
Taking his keys out to unlock his door, the nurse ended her call and said to him,
"My aunt's been having trouble sleeping lately."
Noticing the laundry she carried, likely heading to the basement laundry room, Steve offered,
"If you don't mind, you're welcome to use my washing machine. It's probably cheaper than the one in the basement."
The nurse chuckled. "Oh? How much cheaper?"
Steve replied, "How about a cup of coffee?"
The nurse smiled, "Thanks, but I've already brought so much down. Besides…"
She added playfully, "I wouldn't want to use your washing machine to wash my lab coats."
"I just came off shift—from the infectious diseases ward."
Steve laughed nervously, "Wow, in that case, I'll definitely keep my distance."
The nurse smirked. '',Just don't stay too far away."
Steve nodded with a polite smile and turned to unlock his door.
But before he could open it, the nurse commented, "By the way, your music system is still playing."
Steve's smile faded as a serious expression crossed his face. He paused to listen carefully, and sure enough, music was playing from inside his apartment.
He was certain he hadn't left it on when he left.
Someone had been in his apartment.
Choosing caution, Steve didn't use his keys to enter. Instead, he circled around to the exterior, climbed through the window, and slipped into the kitchen. Picking up his shield from the hallway, he approached the living room cautiously, where the music was playing.
To his surprise, he saw Nick Fury sitting on the couch, listening to the music.
Lowering his guard slightly, Steve spoke.
"I don't recall giving you a key to my apartment."
"Ah—ugh!" Fury winced in pain as he stood, his injuries clearly bothering him. "Do you think I need one?"
"My wife kicked me out," Fury said with a dry humor.
Steve raised an eyebrow, "Didn't know you were married."
"There's a lot you don't know," Fury shot back.
Steve folded his arms and nodded, "That much, I'm aware of. Nick, that's the problem."
Turning on the light, Steve finally got a clear look at Fury's condition, shocked by the extent of his injuries.
Fury motioned for silence, then turned off a nearby lamp. He took out his phone, typed a message on the screen, and held it up for Steve to see:
"The place is bugged."
Steve read the message and scanned the room cautiously.
With the music playing loudly in the background, Fury spoke aloud, "Sorry for intruding like this, but I had nowhere else to go."
Then, typing on his phone again, he showed Steve another message, "S.H.I.E.L.D. has been compromised. There's a mole."
Steve, understanding the hidden meaning in Fury's words, replied with a coded question:
"Who else knows about your wife?"
While seemingly asking about Fury's personal life, the real inquiry was clear:
Who else knows about the mole in S.H.I.E.L.D.?