Chapter 5 – The Invitation
"So there was someone else besides Thor who fought the Destroyer?" Lucas leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing slightly as he listened to the report. The news was unexpected—and slightly unsettling. But above all, it intrigued him.
He picked up his phone and made a call.
"Keep an eye on him. I want to know everything about this Zack Snow," he said coldly.
"Yes, boss," came the reply on the other end.
Lucas had already accomplished his first mission—establishing a secretive organization modeled after Shadow Garden. With Electra's help, he had successfully taken control of the entire Hand organization. Now, he ruled them from the shadows, manipulating the underworld with precision and power.
It had been nearly four months since Lucas arrived in this world. In that time, he had unlocked 35% of his character template. With that progress came a new ability—he could now share his slime suit with others. Those who wore it became stronger than even super soldiers.
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Back at the battle site, Darcy stood in stunned silence, eyes wide and jaw nearly on the floor.
"Zack… just who are you?" she asked, still reeling from what she had witnessed. Even Thor and his companions looked surprised by Zack's performance.
"I mean, I get it with Thor—he's always going on about being a god—but you? I didn't expect you to be strong too," Darcy added.
Zack offered a small, casual smile. "I'm just a mutant."
Thor stepped forward. "My friend, I shall thank you properly one day. But for now, I must return to Asgard. There is still work left unfinished."
Zack nodded.
Thor turned to Jane, and the two shared a lingering gaze. Without words, they kissed. The moment was broken by the arrival of a sleek black car. From it stepped Phil Coulson, calm and composed as ever.
With his signature polite smile, Coulson addressed Thor. "Sir, we'd like to ask you a few questions."
Thor regarded him coolly. "We both share the same duty, Son of Coul—to protect this world. And you must return everything you took from Jane."
"We only borrowed it, I assure you," Coulson replied smoothly. "We'll return it all to Dr. Foster."
Satisfied, Thor gave Jane one last look before calling to his comrades. They jogged toward an open space, calling for Heimdall. It took nearly five minutes before the Bifrost arrived.
'It's honestly hilarious watching them yell Heimdall's name like it's a summoning spell,' Zack mused silently.
As the warriors vanished in the Bifrost's beam, Coulson turned his attention to Zack.
"Mr.—?"
"Zack Snow," he said, cutting him off. "Just Zack's fine."
"Zack, I'm Agent Phil Coulson from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division—"
Zack raised an eyebrow. "That's a mouthful. Ever think of shortening it? SHIELD, maybe?"
Coulson paused, impressed. "That's actually… a great suggestion. We'll consider it."
"I'd like to ask you some questions about today's events—if you don't mind," Coulson added.
Zack shrugged. "Go ahead."
"Can we move to a more private location?"
Zack gave a short nod. "Lead the way."
They moved to a nearby abandoned house. Zack sat on a creaky chair while Coulson remained standing.
"So, are you guys like the supernatural CIA or something?" Zack asked.
"You could say that. We don't operate for any one country. We work globally, handling threats of a… nonstandard nature."
"Like mutants?"
"Among other things," Coulson confirmed. "Can you walk me through what happened here?"
"Short version?" Zack leaned back. "It was a royal family squabble. Two brothers fighting over a throne."
Coulson nodded. "Go on."
"A few days ago, Thor was exiled by his father. Don't know the full reason. Then Odin fell into some kind of coma. Loki, Thor's brother, took the opportunity to claim the throne and sent the Destroyer after Thor to finish the job."
Coulson listened intently, occasionally scribbling notes. "I appreciate the explanation. Now, if you don't mind, tell me about yourself."
Zack's expression flattened. "I'm just an orphan. Grew up with my grandfather after my parents died. He passed away a few years ago. That's all."
"I meant your powers," Coulson clarified.
"I'm a mutant," Zack replied with a half-smile. "That's all you're getting."
Coulson knew when to push and when to back off. He tapped his earpiece, listened for a second, then turned to Zack.
"Our Director would like to meet you. He's on his way now—can you wait a few minutes?"
Zack stood as if preparing to leave. "Sorry, Agent Coulson. I've already given you enough time."
"He'll be here in ten minutes," Coulson quickly added.
Zack paused. 'A meeting with Nick Fury, huh? Interesting. And it's not like they can hurt me. By my estimate, I'm already at Tier 7.'
"Fine. I'll wait," he said, wandering over to the kitchen. Miraculously, the fridge had some edible food. He started munching. The battle had drained him.
Ten minutes later, a sleek quinjet descended from the sky. From its ramp stepped a tall, bald man wearing a black trench coat despite the summer heat. His left eye was hidden behind an eyepatch, and his presence commanded attention.
Nick Fury.
He approached Zack slowly, eyes locking onto his. His gaze could freeze most men—but Zack didn't flinch. He stared back, unbothered.
After several seconds of silence, Zack broke the tension.
"Why are you looking at me like I just saw you in cat-themed underwear and now you're planning to kill me?"
Fury's remaining eye narrowed, but he said nothing.
Zack smirked inwardly. It was common knowledge—well, to him, anyway—that Fury had a soft spot for cats.
Finally, Fury spoke. "Zack Snow. Born February 2, 1993, in New York. Parents died in an accident. Raised by your grandfather. That accurate?"
'Ah, the classic psychological pressure tactic. Try to rattle me with info,' Zack thought.
"Yeah, that's me," he replied coolly.
Fury got straight to the point. "Why did you fight the Destroyer?"
Zack blinked, then gave him a look. "Because it was trashing the neighborhood and I was strong enough to stop it. What other reason do you need?"
Fury observed him for a beat longer, then pulled a file from his coat and handed it over.
Written in bold letters: AVENGERS INITIATIVE.
Zack skimmed through the file, eyebrows raising slightly.
"What is this, some kind of boyband?"
Fury remained expressionless. "I'm assembling a team. People who can handle… threats like this." He gestured toward the scorched street.
"You think I qualify?" Zack asked, now serious. "Who else is on this team?"
"You'll find out—after you join. You'll need some training, though," Fury said matter-of-factly.
Zack considered the offer for a long moment. "Alright. I'll join—but I have conditions."
Fury raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear them."
"One—I'm not joining SHIELD. Just the Avengers. Two—I don't want to be called in for tasks regular people can handle. Three—my personal life is off-limits. No surveillance, no interference. Four—I can leave whenever I want."
Fury didn't answer immediately, but eventually nodded. "Agreed."
Zack's expression shifted. "What's the salary?"
That caught Fury off-guard. "Excuse me?"
"I mean, come on. I'm about to risk my life as a superhero. I'd like to know if this gig pays."
Fury frowned, then muttered, "$100,000 a year."
"That's… not bad. Bit low for the whole 'saving the world' thing," Zack muttered.
"Now, will you tell me who the other members are?" he asked.
"Come to Washington. You'll find out," Fury replied, turning away. "We'll contact you when we need you."
As he began to walk off, Zack called out, "Wait—I need a favor."
Fury stopped. "Go on."
"There's this guy named Francis. He runs a human trafficking ring—and performs experiments on his victims."
Fury raised an eyebrow. "We'll take care of it," he said, and walked away.
Coulson lingered. "You're welcome to come with us."
Zack shook his head. "I've already paid rent for the month I won't be leaving without using its worth. I'll head to New York after that."
Coulson nodded and joined Fury near the quinjet.
"Sir," Coulson said, "are you sure he's the right choice for the Avengers Initiative?"
Fury didn't hesitate. "Coulson, he is definitely an Alpha level mutant and possibly an omega too. It's better if he stay close to us."
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