Pragmatism

Cecil Stedman's POV:

People think running the Global Defense Agency is about power. It's not. It's about information and the willingness to make decisions nobody else can stomach.

I've been doing this job for twenty-seven years. I've authorized assassinations of potential world-ending threats.

I've negotiated with beings who could level cities with a thought. I've buried evidence that would cause mass panic if it ever saw daylight.

All to keep this fragile blue marble spinning for another day.

My office at GDA headquarters is deliberately unimpressive - standard government issue furniture, bland artwork, nothing to suggest I command resources that rival some nations' entire military budgets. The less attention I draw to myself, the better I can do my job.

"Sir, your four o'clock is here," my assistant announces through the intercom. "Dr. Angstrom Levy from the Institute for Interdimensional Studies."

I check my tablet, reviewing the brief file we have on Levy. Brilliant physicist, specialized in theoretical dimensional research, no known political affiliations or security concerns.

Until yesterday, when he contacted my office requesting an urgent meeting regarding "a grave threat to planetary security."

"Send him in," I reply, closing the file.

The man who enters isn't what I expected. Levy's personnel photo showed a well-groomed academic in his mid-thirties.

The individual standing before me looks like he's aged a decade in weeks - hair prematurely graying, skin sallow, eyes bloodshot and sunken.

His hands tremble as he clutches a worn leather briefcase.

"Dr. Levy," I say, rising to shake his hand. "Please, have a seat."

He flinches at the contact, then sits rigidly in the chair across from my desk. Up close, I can see dried blood crusted in his ear canal. Interesting.

"Thank you for seeing me, Director Stedman," he says, his voice hoarse. "I understand your time is valuable, but what I've discovered cannot wait."

I lean back slightly, projecting calm authority. "Why don't you start at the beginning?"

"The beginning..." He laughs, a brittle sound with no humor. "The beginning would take too long. I'll start with what matters: there is a monster walking among us, disguised as a hero."

I maintain my neutral expression despite the familiar ring of these words. Over the years, I've heard similar claims from conspiracy theorists, religious zealots, and people with untreated mental health issues.

But something about Levy's demeanor - the clinical precision beneath his obvious distress - gives me pause.

"A monster," I repeat evenly. "Could you be more specific?"

Levy opens his briefcase with trembling fingers, removing a folder. "His name - his real name - is Ryoumen Sukuna. The King of Curses. The Honored One.

He's existed for centuries across multiple dimensions, always with the same pattern: accumulating power, subjugating populations, indulging in cruelty for his own amusement."

He slides the folder across my desk. "In our world, he's calling himself Megumi Fushiguro. Or simply 'Sukuna' when operating as a hero."

Now that's a name that gets my full attention. I open the folder, finding a meticulously organized collection of documents - news clippings about the new hero Sukuna,

surveillance photos of Megumi Fushiguro, and what appear to be Levy's personal notes, some stained with what looks suspiciously like blood.

"And how did you come by this information, Dr. Levy?" I ask, keeping my tone conversational while my mind races through implications.

He hesitates, clearly struggling with how much to reveal. "I have... access to dimensional viewing technology. More advanced than anything publicly acknowledged.

I've observed this entity across multiple realities, seen his true nature, documented his atrocities."

I flip through the pages, noting the obsessive detail in Levy's observations. The man has clearly spent considerable time and resources on this investigation.

Whether his conclusions are accurate or the product of deteriorating mental health remains to be seen.

"These are serious allegations, Doctor," I say, closing the folder.

"You're talking about someone who's been working alongside the Teen Team, who recently helped prevent the Flaxan invasion, who's currently assisting in preparations against potential extraterrestrial threats."

"It's all a ruse," Levy insists, leaning forward. "A position he's cultivated to gain trust, to infiltrate Earth's defenses. I've seen him do this before, in other dimensions. He integrates himself, learns weaknesses, then strikes when least expected."

I study Levy carefully. The man is terrified, genuinely convinced of what he's saying. But fear, however genuine, doesn't necessarily correlate with accuracy.

"Let's assume for a moment that what you're saying is true," I say, steepling my fingers. "What evidence do you have beyond these dimensional observations? Something concrete that would stand up to scrutiny?"

Levy's expression falls. "The nature of dimensional viewing makes conventional evidence collection impossible. I can't bring back physical samples or recordings. But the pattern is unmistakable across thousands of observations."

"Thousands?" I raise an eyebrow. "That's quite extensive research for a subject you discovered recently."

"The visions come without my control," he admits, his voice dropping. "Day and night. I see through the eyes of my counterparts across dimensions.

I experience what they experience. I've watched Sukuna slaughter entire villages, devour humans for pleasure, torture for amusement.

I've felt the deaths of dozens of alternate versions of myself who dared to investigate him."

Now we're getting to it. Not dimensional viewing technology, but some kind of psychic phenomenon.

The blood in his ears, the premature aging, the tremors - all consistent with untreated psionic manifestation.

"Have you considered seeking medical evaluation for these experiences, Dr. Levy?" I ask carefully.

His eyes flash with anger. "I'm not delusional, Director. I know how this sounds. But the threat is real, and imminent.

He's positioning himself at the center of Earth's defense network - working with the Teen Team, consulting with the Guardians, even influencing Omni-Man somehow."

That last point catches my attention. The shift in Nolan Grayson's behavior has been one of my primary concerns these past weeks.

The Viltrumite's sudden confession about his original mission, his apparent change of heart, his willingness to provide information about his people's weaknesses - all of it centered around his interaction with Sukuna in the Flaxan dimension.

"Tell me what you know about Sukuna's relationship with Omni-Man," I say, allowing a hint of genuine interest to enter my voice.

Levy seizes on this opening. "They fought in the Flaxan dimension. Not just against the Flaxans, but against each other. Somehow, Sukuna managed to defeat or at least stalemate Omni-Man - a being with powers that should make that impossible.

And afterward, Omni-Man completely changed his behavior, abandoning his original mission."

"Which suggests what, exactly?" I press.

"Control," Levy says immediately. "Mind control, coercion, some form of supernatural dominance.

The Sukuna I've observed across dimensions specializes in breaking wills, in making powerful beings serve him. He's done it to gods and demons alike."

I consider this. The theory has a certain internal logic, but it contradicts my own observations. I've been monitoring the situation closely since Nolan's revelation.

The interactions between him and Sukuna suggest partnership rather than domination - complex, sometimes tense, but with a mutual respect that seems genuine.

"Dr. Levy," I say after a moment, "I appreciate you bringing these concerns to my attention. Rest assured, the GDA maintains comprehensive monitoring of all powered individuals operating within our jurisdiction, including Sukuna."

"Monitoring isn't enough," Levy insists, desperation creeping into his voice. "He needs to be contained, studied, neutralized before he can implement whatever plan he's developing.

I have... resources, knowledge of countermeasures that could be effective against him."

"What kind of countermeasures?" I ask, my internal alarms ringing louder.

Levy hesitates again, clearly weighing how much to reveal. "There are... entities with power that can match his.

Beings from dimensions beyond our conventional understanding that could be temporarily summoned, controlled."

And there it is. Not just psionic disturbance, but potential summoning rituals. The combination raises this from 'disturbed individual with unusual theories' to 'active security threat.'

"I see," I say, keeping my expression neutral while I activate the silent alert under my desk with a subtle movement. "And you've researched these entities thoroughly?"

"As thoroughly as possible given the circumstances," Levy replies, not noticing the slight shift in the conversation. "The risks are significant, but containable. Certainly less than the risk of allowing Sukuna to continue operating freely."

"Of course," I agree smoothly. "Would you be willing to share this research with our specialists? The GDA has considerable resources in unconventional threat assessment."

Levy seems to relax slightly, taking my apparent interest as acceptance of his theories. "Yes, absolutely.

I've compiled extensive notes on the necessary procedures, though some components are... difficult to source through conventional channels."

Two GDA security officers appear silently at the door behind Levy - standard procedure for the alert I triggered. They wait for my signal, professionally invisible.

"Dr. Levy," I say, leaning forward slightly, "I want to be completely transparent with you.

The situation you're describing is complex, with significant security implications.

I'd like to have our specialists review your findings in detail, if you're amenable."

"Yes, of course," he says eagerly, missing the careful phrasing. "Whatever it takes to address this threat."

I nod to the security officers, who step forward. "These agents will escort you to our research division, where you can brief our team directly."

Levy turns, startled by the officers' appearance. His expression shifts from surprise to understanding to betrayal in rapid succession.

"You don't believe me," he says flatly.

"I believe you're experiencing something genuine," I reply carefully. "Whether that experience accurately reflects reality is what our specialists will help determine."

"By the time your 'specialists' finish their evaluation, it could be too late," Levy warns, his voice hardening.

"Sukuna isn't just another powered individual, Director. He's an existential threat with centuries of experience manipulating systems exactly like yours."

"Perhaps," I acknowledge, rising from my desk. "But proper procedure must be followed, especially when dealing with potentially world-ending threats. I'm sure you understand."

Levy stands reluctantly, clutching his briefcase. "You're making a mistake, Director Stedman. One that could cost billions of lives."

"That's always a possibility in my line of work," I reply evenly. "Gentlemen, please ensure Dr. Levy receives our full cooperation and attention."

As the security officers escort Levy from my office, I activate my secure terminal, typing a series of commands that will initiate enhanced monitoring of the physicist's activities and associates.

His dimensional research credentials are legitimate, but his mental state is clearly compromised.

The combination of advanced scientific knowledge and apparent psychotic break makes him a person of significant interest.

More importantly, his fixation on Sukuna requires immediate attention.

Not because I believe his claims about ancient multidimensional monsters - though I've seen enough in this job to rule nothing out completely - but because Sukuna has become the linchpin in our preparations against the Viltrumite threat.

Once my security protocols are in place, I access the classified files on Sukuna/Megumi Fushiguro.

The dossier is substantial despite his relatively recent emergence - psychological assessments, power analyses, surveillance reports, relationship mappings.

My people are nothing if not thorough.

What emerges is a profile more complex and nuanced than Levy's simplistic monster narrative.

Sukuna is undoubtedly dangerous - his abilities place him among the most powerful beings on the planet, capable of harming even Viltrumites.

His tactical mind is equally formidable, perhaps more so.

But the pattern of his actions tells a different story than Levy's dimensional nightmares.

Sukuna has consistently used his abilities to protect civilians, has integrated effectively with both the Teen Team and the Guardians, and most critically, has somehow convinced Nolan Grayson to abandon his conquest mission and ally with Earth.

The last point cannot be overstated.

Without Sukuna's intervention in the Flaxan dimension, Earth would likely be facing Viltrumite conquest within months, with no warning and no preparation.

Instead, we now have insider knowledge of Viltrumite weaknesses, tactical vulnerabilities, and time to develop countermeasures.

All because of Sukuna.

I close the file and lean back in my chair, considering the broader strategic picture.

The Viltrumite threat represents the most significant existential risk Earth has faced in recorded history.

An empire of super-powered conquerors with millennia of experience subjugating planets, now potentially turning their attention to us.

Our only meaningful advantages are Nolan's defection and Sukuna's abilities. Without either, our chances of survival drop from "unlikely but possible" to "virtually non-existent."

Which means that regardless of Sukuna's true nature or past - whether he's exactly what he appears to be or something more complicated - he is currently indispensable to Earth's defense.

I activate my secure communication line to the containment facility where Levy is being evaluated.

"This is Stedman," I say when the connection establishes. "I want Dr. Levy completely neutralized as a potential threat.

Full cognitive assessment, 24-hour monitoring, and absolute restriction of access to any materials that could be used in summoning rituals or dimensional experiments.

Deploy a Class-3 containment protocol."

I pause, considering the dimensional implications. "Additionally, I want his home and laboratory searched immediately.

Confiscate anything related to dimensional travel, summoning rituals, demonology, or mystical practices of any kind. Leave nothing.

If he's figured out how to access other dimensions, we cannot risk him escaping our custody through such means."

"Understood, sir," the facility director responds. "Security level?"

"Maximum. Consider him a Lambda-class threat - potentially catastrophic if his abilities are verified.

I want dimensional dampeners installed in his containment cell and a full psychic suppression field if we have one available.

He is to have no access to writing implements, electronic devices, or any materials that could be used to create summoning circles or ritualistic symbols."

I lean forward, my voice hardening. "Let me be absolutely clear: under no circumstances is Dr. Levy to become a threat to Sukuna or our defense preparations.

If he has the dimensional viewing capabilities he claims, that makes him both valuable and extremely dangerous. Treat him accordingly."

"Yes, sir. Full containment protocols activated. We'll begin the search and seizure operation immediately."

"Good. And I want hourly updates on his status and anything you find at his residence or laboratory.

Anything with symbols, ancient languages, or references to interdimensional entities gets flagged for my personal review."

"Of course, Director. We'll handle this with utmost priority."

I end the call and turn to the window, looking out over the city skyline as evening approaches.

Somewhere out there, Sukuna is patrolling with the Teen Team, or training with Mark Grayson, or consulting with Eve on quantum weapons development.

Is he truly what he appears to be - a powerful ally with unique abilities? Or is he something else entirely, playing a longer, deeper game than anyone suspects?

The pragmatic answer is that it doesn't matter - not yet, not with the Viltrumite threat looming.

If Sukuna is our best chance against that threat, then his past, his true nature, his ultimate intentions all become secondary concerns.

I've made similar calculations throughout my career.

Alliances with questionable entities, cooperation with individuals whose moral compasses point in directions I'd rather not examine too closely.

The greater good sometimes requires uncomfortable bedfellows.

I make a note to increase surveillance on Sukuna - discreetly, without interfering with his current activities or relationships.

If Levy's claims have any validity, we'll need early warning. But for now, Sukuna remains our most valuable asset in the coming conflict.

The intercom buzzes, interrupting my thoughts. "Sir, the Guardians are requesting an update on the quantum destabilizer project. The Immortal is particularly insistent."

"Tell them it's progressing on schedule," I reply. "I'll have a full briefing ready for tomorrow's meeting."

Another half-truth in a career built on them. The project is indeed progressing, but the technical challenges are proving more significant than anticipated.

Eve and Sukuna are making breakthroughs, but weaponizing quantum disruption against Viltrumite physiology while ensuring it doesn't affect Mark Grayson is an engineering problem of unprecedented complexity.

I return to my desk and pull up the latest progress report from their lab.

The technical details are beyond my expertise, but the bottom line is clear: they're making progress, but not quickly enough.

If the Viltrumites discover Nolan's defection and send an investigation team before the weapons are ready...

My secure phone rings - the direct line used only by a select few individuals. The caller ID shows "Grayson, N."

"Stedman," I answer.

"We need to talk," Nolan's voice comes through, tense and controlled. "Not over the phone. The usual place, one hour."

He disconnects before I can respond. Typical Viltrumite directness.

The "usual place" is a secure meeting facility twenty miles outside the city, designed specifically for conversations that require absolute privacy.

Nolan and I have met there several times since his revelation, discussing Viltrumite weaknesses and defense strategies away from potential observation.

I gather my materials and head for the garage. As I drive through the evening traffic, my thoughts return to Levy and his warnings about Sukuna.

The man's terror seemed genuine, his conviction absolute. And yet...

In twenty-seven years at the GDA, I've learned that absolute conviction is often inversely proportional to accuracy.

The most dangerous threats rarely announce themselves with convenient warnings. They emerge quietly, building strength in the shadows until it's too late to stop them.

If Sukuna is truly the monster Levy believes, he's playing an extraordinarily long and patient game.

He's had multiple opportunities to cause catastrophic damage, to eliminate Earth's defenders when they were vulnerable, and has instead consistently acted to protect and strengthen our position.

More importantly, he's effectively leading our preparation efforts, coordinating between the Teen Team, the Guardians, and Nolan himself.

His tactical insights have proven invaluable, his ability to bridge the gap between human and Viltrumite perspectives unique.

The simple truth, again, is that we need him. Whatever he may or may not be, whatever his ultimate intentions, right now he represents Earth's best hope against the coming storm.

As I approach the meeting facility, I make my decision. Levy will receive the best care we can provide, his claims will be thoroughly investigated, but Sukuna will remain a central figure in our defense preparations.

If evidence emerges to support Levy's warnings, we'll address that situation when it arises.

Until then, pragmatism dictates our course. And pragmatism says we work with the allies we have, not the perfect allies we might wish for.

The facility comes into view - an unremarkable warehouse surrounded by empty land, its true nature hidden beneath layers of mundane appearance.

I can already see Nolan waiting outside, his imposing figure unmistakable even at a distance.

Whatever he wants to discuss, it's urgent enough to call an immediate meeting. Which means our timeline may be accelerating.

I park and step out into the cool evening air, straightening my tie. Time to get back to work. The fate of the world won't wait for philosophical debates about the nature of our allies.

In my line of work, results are what matter. And right now, Sukuna is delivering results no one else can match.

That's good enough for me.

-----------------------------

(Author note: You didn't seriously think I would summon Spawn so soon?

So soon after the Nolan and Sukuna fight - hell no! I've had enough of a headache writing that fight scene. I need to plan the Spawn vs Sukuna thoroughly.

Besides, Angstrom is so emotionally comprimised, he's a complete fool like this. 

Also, Cecil's awesome.

So yeah, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter,

Do tell me how you found it,

Bye!)