When Phil Coulson reported the situation to Nick Fury, humorously known as One-Eyed Hard-Boiled Egg, Fury scratched his bald head, contemplating. He promptly decided to recruit this rather unique young man named Leo Bright.
It certainly wasn't just because Leo could make people grow hair!
In Nick Fury's estimation, Leo, who was only 16, showed significant potential. His physical evaluation had been completed, and it confirmed the absence of any alien genes.
While the origin of his peculiar super abilities remained mysterious, Fury found himself intrigued.
Though Leo's abilities may not seem highly lethal, they could yield miraculous effects in critical situations.
Moreover, the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division needed some fresh talent.
Fury opened a drawer and pulled out a file labeled "Avengers Initiative."
This was still a tentative plan.
With the rise of abnormal events in recent years, Fury felt his team was insufficient to handle the mysterious abilities appearing unchecked.
Perhaps only the extraordinary could counter the extraordinary.
Recruiting Leo Bright wasn't a mere whim; Fury had long desired to enlist a superhuman. Unfortunately, those developing superpowers often turned antisocial or lacked the mental fortitude needed for the job.
Some were simply too old, lacking the boldness and drive of youth.
Leo's emergence fit this gap perfectly.
The only question was whether the young man would accept such a role. After all, S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't deal with ordinary cases, and the risks were significant.
Accepting this role required more than youthful enthusiasm.
Faced with Phil Coulson's offer, Leo Bright didn't hesitate, asking one simple question.
"What's the salary like?"
His money-minded nature came to the fore.
Phil Coulson was taken aback. He hadn't considered this before—no other superpowered individual had asked about a salary. His team consisted of tech geniuses and cold-blooded operatives.
No one had ever demanded a paycheck...
Even Coulson himself didn't have a salary. Their daily expenses were covered by the agency, though not lavishly, they were sufficient.
As for personal wealth...
Phil Coulson smiled. While they weren't fabulously wealthy, they were comfortable.
"The salary is definitely there. I hadn't considered it before. Let's say an annual salary of five million dollars. Additionally, the director has granted you the authority of a Level 6 agent. Are these terms satisfactory?" Phil Coulson asked nervously.
Now it was Leo Bright's turn to be stunned.
Wow, five million!
Dollars!
He'd never seen that much money in his life!
But he managed to maintain his composure, nodding cheerfully under the allure of a fat paycheck:
"Deal!"
"Welcome aboard, Advisor Bright. Headquarters has temporarily assigned you to me. I hope we'll work well together," Phil Coulson said with a warm smile.
"Absolutely," Leo responded, his thoughts already drifting to the money.
"Considering Advisor Bright is still a student, regular attendance requirements are waived. Your identity is being registered, and all documents are in process. Stay here tonight, and tomorrow I'll take you to S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters for your formal introduction."
"Oh, by the way, S.H.I.E.L.D. is our new name. It's an abbreviation, much easier to say now," Phil Coulson added.
"It should've been changed ages ago," Leo remarked, recalling the cumbersome previous name.
It was a mouthful, leaving room in his head only for video games.
"It's getting late, I won't keep you from resting," Phil Coulson said, calling Simmons to arrange accommodations for Leo on the aircraft.
Leo lay on the bed, stretching idly, glancing at the time.
He wasn't having trouble sleeping; it was just close to midnight.
[Sign-in successful!]
[Today's ability "Alex Carter Tells You to Shut Up" has been delivered~ Please use it as you like~]
'Alex Carter Tells You to Shut Up'? ? ?
These ability names were getting more and more casual.
Leo was speechless. Upon examining it, this new ability seemed to interrupt people mid-sentence, making them shut up.
But it only silenced them for ten seconds… and was effective only within ten meters.
Alright...
This seemed like a rather odd ability.
Not as straightforward as "door building," Leo quickly lost interest after a brief exploration.
Expectation tempered, not every day brought stellar rewards.
That night, Leo dreamt he went to a restaurant. When he told people to shut up, many bit their tongues.
Waking in the middle of the night, Leo scratched his head, bemused.
What a strange dream...
So childish...
His stomach growled.
It must have been Simmons' cooking that left a psychological shadow, prompting dreams of dining out.
After finding a snack and quenching his thirst, Leo returned to bed.
Maybe because his belly was full, he slept soundly, undisturbed by odd dreams, until dawn.
By then, the Quinjet had already touched down at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.
This location was remote, not even appearing on satellite maps.
When Leo awoke, Phil Coulson came knocking.
"You're up. Get ready, and I'll take you to meet the boss."
"I heard Agents Natasha Romanoff and Hawkeye have completed their missions and returned. I'll introduce you. They're two of the most legendary figures in S.H.I.E.L.D.," Phil Coulson said mysteriously.
"What makes them legends? Do they have super abilities?" Leo asked, puzzled.
"No, not exactly, but you'll see when you meet them," Phil Coulson replied with a mysterious smile, then turned to leave.
Curious, Leo washed up quickly, noting the absence of yesterday's bruises in the mirror.
With a snap of his fingers, he summoned a golden shimmer—another handsome day!
He was intrigued.
He understood what S.H.I.E.L.D. did, but what did it mean to be a legend there?