Chapter 55: Protagonist Identity
The atmosphere became somewhat tense.
Oaks didn't expect Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., to express his dissatisfaction with the World Security Council directly in front of him, his consultant who ignored him!
After uttering these soul-stinging words, Nick Fury paid no attention to Oaks's surprised expression, as if he had just complained about a moldy patty in his lunch burger.
Unfortunately, Oaks knew that there was indeed a moldy patty in this five-layer burger called the World Security Council.
Even the delivery personnel of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s burgers were part-time janitors.
"I know you dislike the face of the U.S. government and military, but wherever you are, you will face similar problems.
It's just that because the United States is the birthplace of S.H.I.E.L.D. We are more tolerant of them, so they have become more unscrupulous.
But whatever you want to do, if your vision is focused on the world, then you need a world-class background. And what is the value of a world-class background, even in a trade, Mr. Consultant?"
Fury maintained a pressing posture, coldly staring at Oaks, who seemed lost in thought.
"Your ideals are lofty, involving the future of human survival, but I value the present more—whether it's technological development or nature conservation, they are all centered around people.
The ultimate goal is for the survival and development of humanity. There are many things you don't know, but I can tell you that humans are much more fragile than nature. If not properly protected, they have even killed themselves several times!"
"Alright, I can't refute those words."
Oaks nodded slightly. Regardless, Nick Fury's conviction to protect humanity was as solid as a rock.
He did indeed place himself on a global level, with a world-class background, a sense of responsibility on a global scale, and a world-class strategy—using any means necessary.
"Then, Mr. Protector of the World, as you just said."
Oaks looked at the imposing Nick Fury, who stood as if he were the first to act, unaffected by the atmosphere. Instead, he raised a sharp question:
"When a knife is held in someone's hand, can the knife still decide whether its action is defensive or offensive?
When S.H.I.E.L.D. needs to protect the world, the World Security Council becomes the one wielding the knife. So, when the Avengers Initiative you're planning needs to protect the world, will S.H.I.E.L.D. and the higher levels of the World Security Council become the ones wielding the knife?
Even If I trust you, Nick Fury, that you truly fight for the protection of the world, how can I believe that the Council, which you yourself are not fond of, will allow this group of 'superhuman' dangerous individuals to act freely?"
Oaks leaned forward, assuming the same posture as Fury:
"And Mr. Protector of the World, how can you be certain and assure that this group of unruly outlaws will obediently follow your orders and be the knife in your hand?"
Both of them maintained the same posture, and the air between their gazes seemed to freeze.
After a while, Nick Fury revealed a slight smile, and Oaks also smiled at the same time.
"It seems I didn't misjudge you."
Both of them simultaneously resumed their normal sitting positions. Nick Fury even lightly applauded:
"Although you are fifteen years younger than Stark, the impression you give me is that your ages need to be switched."
Oaks thought to himself that this guy was quite accurate in judging people. Tony would be turning forty this year, and Oaks's two lifetimes combined would be around the same age.
Unknowingly, he had been in this world for ten years.
"You being able to think of and question me about these things shows that you have the qualifications to join the Avengers Initiative, which Stark currently lacks."
Fury's words caused Oaks to purse his lips.
"You being able to complain about the Council in front of me shows that your ideals for maintaining world peace are not outdated. At least your actions are not completely controlled by politicians."
After a round of mutual flattery, the atmosphere thoroughly eased.
For Oaks, joining S.H.I.E.L.D. meant being under someone's control. But the Avengers Initiative was different. Strictly speaking, S.H.I.E.L.D. was not its leader, and even less so the World Security Council.
"The Avengers Initiative does not fall under the jurisdiction of S.H.I.E.L.D."
After reaching some basic consensus, Nick Fury finally revealed his true vision:
"In my vision, this is an independent 'self-governing team,' where S.H.I.E.L.D. is responsible for providing intelligence, equipment support, mission objectives, and most importantly, selecting the Avengers."
His expression became serious and focused. Before Oaks, there was hardly anyone who knew the details of his plan, let alone the essence of this team.
"Regardless of identity, age, or abilities, the Avengers must share a common goal and belief—to protect Earth and ensure human safety. The Avengers stand on equal footing with each other, without a hierarchical relationship. They reach consensus and make decisions through communication and dialogue."
"So, as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., including the World Security Council, cannot dictate their actions."
Fury looked at the pensive Oaks, who didn't show as much surprise as he had imagined.
"The 'protagonist identity,' which stems from autonomy and decision-making power, is the most effective motivator in the world. It serves as the strongest guarantee for the cohesion and sense of responsibility of this team."
"For example, Stark. He decided to eliminate weapons from the world and gave up weapon production. The development of the Iron Man armor led him to aggressively expand his influence under the guise of a superhero identity."
"In this process, he is the protagonist. He proves his ideals to the world and enjoys the sense of recognition and self-accomplishment."
"Another example is you, Mr. Consultant. Your ideals lead you to conduct environmental research and engage in public welfare."
"In this process, you are the protagonist, enjoying the satisfaction of exploring truth and creating the future with your own hands."
"Or, any person with ideals is the same."
"But an excellent protagonist is one who excels at cooperation. They may even be willful, but they will go beyond the level of 'just completing the mission' to achieve greatness for the sake of their ultimate ideals."
Having said so much, Nick Fury seemed to sense that he was getting a bit carried away today.
With his sarcastic and sharp-tongued personality, he unexpectedly laid out his concealed ideals in front of this young man...
It was not only because this individual with incredible healing abilities would be the most crucial guarantee for the ideal team, but also because...
His own questions were, in every sentence, self-questioning that he had been asking himself for over a decade since the inception of the concept of the "Avengers"!
"One last question."
Oaks's voice brought Fury's attention back:
"What?"
"In a team where everyone is a protagonist, how do you resolve conflicts between two or more opposing modes of thinking?"
Fury stared at this red-haired young man who seemed to see through him, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., who was known to hold countless secrets and was even a secret himself.
"I can only rely on the awakening of the protagonists. When necessary, I will go to any lengths to inspire that awakening, even if it means using my own life."
"And the lives of others, right?"
Thinking of that certain agent who could "die but still bounce back," Oaks rubbed his forehead and sighed.
"Fine, I'll... have my name on it, but don't bother me unless it's something major."
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