New York, United States — Congressional Assembly Chamber.
This chamber was normally controlled by the ten most influential members of Congress.
Today, however, only nine seats were occupied.
As Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury did not even qualify to sit.
He stood at the side of the room—because the people present were the true holders of power.
"This is outrageous! Such arrogance cannot be tolerated!"
A senior congressman slammed his fist onto the table, his face flushed with anger.
It had nothing to do with sympathy for the senator who had been crushed to death.
What truly frightened them was this:
The Hero League possessed overwhelming power—and feared nothing.
If today they dared to kill a senator, then tomorrow, who was next?
"Director Fury," another congressman said coldly, "as head of S.H.I.E.L.D., you are responsible for resolving this problem."
"Don't joke," Fury replied flatly. "You've all witnessed the power of Tornado of Terror."
"Even so, if we deploy nuclear weapons—"
"Stop." Fury shook his head. "Let me correct a fatal misconception."
He raised his gaze, voice calm but merciless.
"Your so-called ultimate weapons can be turned around with psychic force.
One reversal—and your own cities will vanish beneath mushroom clouds."
Fury had no doubt.
If nuclear weapons were used, the result would be self-annihilation.
Ever since Aiden Cross warned him that S.H.I.E.L.D. was riddled with Hydra infiltrators, Fury had quietly investigated.
The results were alarming.
Too alarming.
If even eighty percent of S.H.I.E.L.D. was compromised, any rash move would ensure Fury's death by a so-called "accident."
More importantly, Fury believed Cross's warnings about disasters capable of shaking the world.
From a personal standpoint, Fury had no desire to oppose the Hero League.
But Congress thought differently.
Power, to them, existed only to be controlled.
"Is it truly that dangerous?" one congressman asked uneasily.
"Yes," Fury replied. "And Tornado of Terror is only one member.
We haven't even factored in their hidden forces—or their unfathomable chairman."
Silence fell.
At last, the central congressman spoke, fingers interlocked.
"If force cannot intimidate them… then we change strategy."
"The Hero League has been operating openly in New York, eliminating the recently emerging abnormal species known as Monsters."
"They've accumulated enormous public support."
"If conflict breaks out, civilians may side with them."
A pause.
"Therefore, the Avengers Initiative will be activated ahead of schedule."
No one objected.
Originally, the plan had been shelved.
A group of powerful individuals was dangerous—even to the government.
But compared to the uncontrollable Hero League?
The Avengers were at least manageable.
"In theory."
"Funding will be approved immediately."
"Personnel selection is your responsibility, Director Fury."
"Additionally, leak information that the Hero League has captured a catastrophic entity—the Spirit—and refused to hand her over."
"Those who lost family to space-quake incidents will act on their own."
Fury said nothing.
He had expected this.
From the moment Stella Nightfall was taken in, conflict with human authority had been inevitable.
But compared to a gentle, innocent spirit…
Human politics meant nothing.
"Personnel will be arranged," Fury said finally. "Whether it works is another matter."
"According to the Hero League's disaster classification, even Ghost-level threats exceed modern technology—unless nuclear weapons are used."
The preliminary Avengers roster had already taken shape:
Captain America, newly awakened—his reputation alone could rally public support.
Alongside him:
The Hulk.
Black Widow.
Hawkeye.
Falcon.
War Machine.
And a martial prodigy with terrifying growth potential—Garou, known to the public as the Hero Hunter.
The chessboard had been laid out.
The world was moving toward collision.
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