Chapter Thirty-Six: No Next Time

“Mr. Harvey Amberlaka, I must apologize for failing to convey your dislike of S.H.I.E.L.D. to my colleagues earlier,” Coulson said, raising his hands cautiously, unconsciously using a respectful title. “I ask that you give us another chance.”

When he had spoken with Harvey Amberlaka before, the latter had made his aversion to S.H.I.E.L.D. quite clear. Coulson had also learned that, regardless of whether Harvey possessed superhuman abilities, he had no intention of joining the Avengers. At the time, Coulson had been annoyed by this and chose not to report it to S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters. Now, in hindsight, he realized he should have. Had Director Fury known in advance, perhaps he wouldn’t have felt so slighted by the recent outburst, and things wouldn’t have escalated to this mess.

“You’re smarter than the others; you didn’t point a gun at me,” Harvey remarked coolly, noting with some surprise that Coulson’s gun remained holstered, though his expression didn’t change. “But you should understand that such little cleverness isn’t enough to give you the right to bargain with me.”

“I know. That’s why I’m asking. I beg your forgiveness, and I implore you to give us another chance,” Coulson pleaded, bowing his head humbly. “Please spare Agent Natasha. She’s gravely wounded and is already paying dearly for her offense. We’ll never dare offend you again. I swear it on my life.”

Harvey glanced at Coulson, then at the weapon at his waist, before replying with the same coldness, “I don’t want your life, Coulson. But if there’s a next time—if anyone from S.H.I.E.L.D. makes a move against me—bring me the head of whoever tries, or you know what will happen.”

Coulson felt the chill of killing intent in Harvey’s words and nodded hastily. “Understood.”

“This is the only chance you’ll get. Nick Fury, I know what you’re counting on. Don’t think of calling Captain Marvel for help. That woman can’t save you, nor can she do anything to me,” Harvey warned, rising to his feet and looking directly at Nick Fury.

Nick Fury’s eyes narrowed at the mention of that woman. The earlier scene had already convinced him that human military might was powerless against the demon-like Harvey Amberlaka. Fury had been considering calling Captain Marvel the moment he was out of danger, since Harvey represented a deeply unstable factor for Earth—especially since he was so at odds with S.H.I.E.L.D. But hearing Harvey not only mention her, but even name Captain Marvel, shattered all such schemes and hopes.

“Thank you for your mercy, Mr. Amberlaka,” Coulson mustered his courage to step behind Harvey and gently lift Natasha in his arms, gratitude thick in his voice.

Tony Stark, watching this, couldn’t help but respect Coulson’s bravery—he truly had guts to approach Harvey Amberlaka under such circumstances.

“This is your only chance. If it happens again, you know what you must do,” Harvey said, glancing at Natasha, who looked back at him with terror, before turning to Coulson.

“I’ll remember. Even if I forget everything else, I’ll never forget this,” Coulson replied earnestly.

In fact, when bringing Howard’s belongings, Coulson had wanted to come alone. Although Harvey Amberlaka had threatened them, after his previous conversation with Harvey, he knew that while Harvey disliked them, he wasn’t likely to take action against them outright. Even supposing Harvey did have superhuman abilities, if he really wanted to deal with them, he could simply hire mercenaries from the dark web and strike from the shadows, leaving them with no chance to investigate. The fact that Harvey had chosen to issue his warning so openly during the video call was itself a sign: so long as S.H.I.E.L.D. left him alone, their paths would not cross.

However, Director Fury considered Harvey nothing more than an arrogant, powerless Asian tycoon. Thinking it necessary to warn him while visiting Tony Stark, they brought a large team along—leading to the nightmarish situation where they nearly died then and there.

“Get out,” Harvey said coldly, sweeping his gaze over Nick Fury and the remaining agents.

Given permission to leave, Coulson, carrying Natasha, along with Fury and the rest, made a hasty, defeated retreat. None of them dared to insist on monitoring Tony Stark’s progress with the notebook any longer.

“I’ll go back to my meal. You can get started on your research,” Harvey said, the icy air about him melting away as if winter’s frost had dissolved.

“Harvey Amberlaka, just now you mentioned Captain Marvel. Is she really that powerful?” Tony Stark asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

“Yes, she’s very strong,” Harvey replied without looking up from his food.

“Stronger than you?” Tony’s gossiping spirit was fully ignited, given Harvey’s ready praise of a woman’s strength.

“Much as I hate to admit it, at this moment, yes, she’s stronger than I am,” Harvey answered, nodding again.

“Jarvis, have they gone?” Tony asked, his mouth agape.

“That woman, Natasha, is badly injured, so they moved very quickly,” Jarvis replied, projecting an image of helicopters spinning up outside.

“Thank goodness. So was Harvey just scaring them earlier?” Tony asked with relief, now confident that Fury couldn’t overhear.

“It’s true that Captain Marvel is stronger than I am right now, but she still can’t do anything to me,” Harvey said, amused by Tony’s evident concern.

Captain Marvel’s raw power was undeniable, but her abilities were rather one-dimensional. If Harvey concealed himself in the void, she would never be able to find him. So, at most, he was wary of her, but not afraid. Compared to the single-minded strength of Captain Marvel, Odin and the Ancient One posed far greater potential trouble. The Asgardians had gods who could observe all the Nine Realms, and crossing them would bring enormous headaches. The Ancient One, with her powers to pierce the past and future and her mastery of bizarre magics, was even more daunting. Until his own strength reached a certain level, Harvey had no desire to cross swords with Odin or the Ancient One.

“I don’t quite get it, but as long as you’re confident you can protect yourself, that’s good enough for me,” Tony said, finally reassured.

Harvey, noting Tony’s supportive attitude, said nothing further.