Spider-Man was really pleased that Ada Wong had passed the first test. Although they had only met once, the impression Ada left on him was unforgettable. In Spider-Man's mind, Ada was born to be a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent—smart, quick, and capable. It would be a waste if she didn't join S.H.I.E.L.D.
For the second test, Spider-Man announced, "You'll need to choose a weapon you're comfortable with first." He opened a cabinet by the wall, revealing a variety of weapons.
Ada picked up a pistol. That was all she needed. She then turned to Spider-Man, waiting for him to reveal the next challenge.
But Spider-Man only smiled without saying anything.
Suddenly, three school buses screeched to a halt outside. A group of men and women in random street clothes poured out, mixing together in the open space.
What the heck was this?
While everyone was still confused, someone suddenly collapsed to the ground.
"There are enemies among these people, and there are hostages. Your mission is to take down the three enemies before they take out all the hostages," Spider-Man explained.
The candidates sprang into action, moving cautiously among the fifty people, gripping their weapons, on guard for an ambush from the disguised enemies hiding among the S.H.I.E.L.D. staff.
But it was easier said than done. These enemies were trained agents who knew exactly how to blend in and avoid detection.
Thump! Someone got taken out—eliminated.
Spider-Man noticed Ada standing on the sidelines, observing the chaos without making a move. Curious, he asked, "Why aren't you going in?"
Ada glanced at the crowd and thought to herself, They're the ones fighting to get into S.H.I.E.L.D., not me. She wasn't interested in rushing headfirst into this mess. Besides, finding the enemies in that short time seemed nearly impossible. She'd rather sit back and watch the show.
Another candidate was eliminated. Now, only two remained—Ada and the Air Force major.
With fewer people left, Ada began to notice something. The people in the crowd weren't fixed roles. Hostages could switch and become enemies, and enemies could blend back in as hostages. Even though Spider-Man said there were three enemies, those roles were rotating randomly. Finding them was practically impossible.
What S.H.I.E.L.D. really wanted wasn't someone who blindly followed instructions but someone who could see through deception.
Ada smirked. "If everyone else gets eliminated, does that mean I pass by default?"
Spider-Man was caught off guard. He'd never run a recruitment like this before, and now Ada had breezed through without even lifting a finger. What was he supposed to do? He liked Ada, sure, but he couldn't play favorites.
The Air Force major widened his eyes in realization—he'd figured it out too late. The three "enemies" weren't fixed at all. A moment later, someone he thought was a civilian struck him with a "lethal" blow, knocking him out of the competition.
Ada grinned. "Looks like I'm the only one left. Guess that means I pass, right?"
Spider-Man panicked. What the heck was he supposed to do now? This was exactly why people said teenagers shouldn't be in charge of recruitment. Fortunately, Director Fury had been watching the entire thing from the surveillance room. Seeing Ada's sharp observation skills only made him more impressed.
"Spider-Man, this is Director Fury. Listen up. This officer has passed the test. Bring her to the Helicarrier," Fury ordered through the comms.
Spider-Man's face lit up. I knew she had what it takes. He turned to Ada. "Come with me. I'll show you S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Sure, why not," Ada replied, curious to finally see what S.H.I.E.L.D. was really about.
Spider-Man took Ada on his Spider-Cycle, flying straight into the sky.
Ada already knew this world's tech level was pretty high. Batman's gadgets had been impressive enough, but seeing even a street-level hero like Spider-Man with an airborne motorcycle just blew her mind.
The Spider-Cycle, capable of operating both on land and in the air, even had web-shooting functions. Its bright red paint job matched Spider-Man's costume perfectly, showing just how thoughtful S.H.I.E.L.D.'s designers really were.
Under the clear, cloudless sky, Ada could feel numerous life energy fluctuations ahead in the upper atmosphere, though she couldn't see anything. This immediately reminded her of the Maya gang's stealth aircraft, making her wonder if S.H.I.E.L.D. really possessed a massive invisible flying fortress.
Sure enough, when the Spider-Cycle reached its destination, a gap appeared in the sky, revealing the mechanical structure hidden within.
"Welcome to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Helicarrier, our mobile command base," Spider-Man introduced as they entered the carrier. To Ada's surprise, Director Nick Fury himself was standing there waiting for her, clearly showing how much value he placed on her.
"Hello, Ada Wong. I'm Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.," Fury introduced himself.
"Nice to meet you," Ada responded calmly.
In Ada, Fury saw shades of Black Widow and Mockingbird. Even though he was the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., it didn't mean he had absolute control over the organization. S.H.I.E.L.D. was under constant scrutiny, especially from the Department of the Treasury. Every year, S.H.I.E.L.D. underwent strict budget audits. Every operation and every expenditure had to be clearly accounted for. If the Treasury deemed any department or operation unnecessary, funding could be slashed with a single stroke.
Inside S.H.I.E.L.D. itself, different factions struggled for influence. The agents Fury truly had command over were mostly those on the front lines. His plan to form a team of superheroes had been criticized by many, with some accusing him of trying to build a private army. Fury, however, had his own frustrations that couldn't be openly expressed.
Outside of the government, countless powerful corporations held significant influence. Many government officials were nothing more than corporate puppets. S.H.I.E.L.D. had recruited many scientists under the banner of national security, developing numerous advanced technologies. But technology meant profit, and those profit-hungry corporations wouldn't let such opportunities slip by. Through their political connections, they pressured S.H.I.E.L.D. to turn its technologies into military products, seeing it as a guaranteed money-making venture. If Fury cooperated, things would be fine. If he got in their way, they could easily have him removed.
And lurking in every level of society were the remnants of Hydra. In reality, Fury's influence within S.H.I.E.L.D. was far from absolute. He wasn't someone to back down easily, though. Building a superhero team was part of his plan to strengthen his own political leverage. Seeing Ada's exceptional performance, Fury knew she could be a valuable asset to him.
In short, Fury was at odds with some political forces, but he still had to play by their rules.
"Ada Wong, are you married?" Despite having only one good eye, Fury's sharp gaze instantly caught the diamond-like ring on her right ring finger. Yet her file had no mention of her being married.
"Yes, I am married, but it's not legally registered," Ada replied.
"What's your husband's name and occupation?" S.H.I.E.L.D. required thorough background checks on every agent and their family.
Ada didn't hide anything and provided all the details. S.H.I.E.L.D. quickly pulled up Liu A'dou's file—an orphan, a former reporter in Gotham City, now living in New York and currently unemployed. His simple background seemed ordinary enough. Though his age, just eighteen, was surprising, Fury didn't see any issue with a slightly younger husband.
"We met back in Gotham," Ada added.
Finding nothing suspicious, Fury nodded. "In that case, Ada Wong, would you be willing to join S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
Ada paused for a moment, recalling what Liu A'dou had told her about the corruption hidden within S.H.I.E.L.D. According to him, the U.S. government was rotten to the core, while superheroes were somehow pure white lotuses blooming from that filth. Now that the opportunity was right in front of her, Ada looked around and made her decision.
"Of course I'm willing to join. But am I really qualified?" she asked with deliberate hesitation.
"Of course you are. You're an outstanding police officer, and with a little training, you'll become an excellent agent," Fury replied, inwardly pleased to have secured another powerful ally.