What a Waste of Vibranium

After a round of discussion, everyone gradually reached a consensus. The two completely uncertain options — Thor's self-imposed exile and the search for Odin — could be temporarily ruled out.

Of course, the analysis during this process wasn't particularly rigorous.

But that didn't matter. They were answering a quiz, not conducting scientific research. As long as the reasoning was somewhat logical and helped with the filtering and judgment, it was good enough. Perfection wasn't required.

After all, it wasn't a science experiment.

"So after going in circles, we're back to the original question again," said Nick Fury, spreading his hands.

"Is it the sunny version, C: Thor helps Earth fight Loki, or the dark version, B: Thor and Loki's brotherly conflict spills over to Earth?"

"Romanoff, Stark, if it were up to you two, what would you choose?" He then looked at the other two to ask for their opinions.

"If it were me, I'd pick C, Director. Thor is here to stop Loki's scheme," replied Black Widow after some thought.

"Same as me! Agent lady, I think we'd get along just fine," chimed in Iron Man, cutting in while flirting with Black Widow. "So, you sure you won't grab a drink with me after this quiz is over?"

"I wouldn't mind, but I'm not sure Miss Potts would feel the same," Black Widow raised her eyebrows teasingly.

In the Battle of New York, even in a life-or-death situation, Iron Man had tried to contact Pepper Potts. Anyone with eyes could see what their relationship was like.

Especially a seasoned agent like Black Widow.

"Never mind. Looks like outside of the quiz, we're not such a great match after all," Iron Man shrugged.

"Stark, can you explain why you picked C?" asked Nick Fury, fixing his one good eye on Iron Man.

"Didn't I already say it? Thor probably participated in the Endgame. That makes him very likely to be our comrade!"

"And that whole 'dark prince of Asgard scheming in the shadows' thing? That's just Agent Lady's imagination!"

Iron Man laid out his reasoning.

In truth, after weighing all the options, Nick Fury had come to a similar conclusion as Iron Man.

While Black Widow's theory did line up with certain facts and even filled in some gaps, it ultimately lacked any supporting evidence.

But the repeated appearance of Thor in the answer choices was undeniable.

"I choose—"

"Wait a second, Nick Fury!" Just as Nick Fury was about to give his answer, Iron Man suddenly cut him off.

"What is it, Stark?" Nick Fury looked at him with a puzzled expression.

"Before we answer, let's discuss the order we take turns answering." Iron Man replied bluntly.

"Answering comes with risks, but getting it right means big rewards. And everyone wants the reward, right?"

"So... it's better to set a turn order. Otherwise, things will get chaotic with everyone rushing to answer."

"Makes sense," Nick Fury nodded. "How about the three of us take turns answering?"

"No objection here. Stark, what about you?" Black Widow looked toward Iron Man.

"Sounds fair. We can decide the second-round order if someone answers incorrectly later." Iron Man agreed.

"Since both Nick Fury and I have already answered, by rotation, it should be Agent Lady's turn this time."

"Director, you answer for me," said Black Widow.

She figured she had already won an infinite-ammo Colt, so it made sense to let her superior go for the battle suit reward.

"I choose C — to stop Loki's scheme!" Nick Fury didn't hold back and gave his answer directly to the system.

[Correct Answer!]

The system's voice rang out immediately, making Nick Fury breathe a long sigh of relief.

Even though he had taken a serum to extend his lifespan, losing a year of life still stung.

No one wants to die early, after all.

"Looks like we got it right. Thor really is going to be our comrade in the future," said Iron Man on the side.

"Maybe even a fellow member of the Avengers like us," added Black Widow.

The footage from the Battle of New York made it clear — Iron Man was part of the Avengers with no doubt.

As for Captain America and Thor, who made brief appearances, they were likely part of the team too.

After all, the news referred to a "response team." Just Iron Man alone wouldn't qualify as a "team."

And with his pride, Iron Man wouldn't join just any old "team." The others in that group must be his equals.

That made Captain America and Thor very likely candidates.

Nick Fury also quietly made a decision in his heart — if they ever found Thor, he would extend an invitation.

[Congratulations to participant Nick Fury for winning the reward: Black Panther's Nano Suit.]

[The reward has been delivered. Please check and receive it!]

As the system notification sounded, a necklace suddenly appeared in Nick Fury's hand.

It looked ordinary, just a simple piece with three panther teeth as decorations — nothing special at first glance.

But at the same time, knowledge about the Black Panther suit flooded into Nick Fury's mind, causing his one good eye to light up.

This thing... this was the real deal!

"Nano suit?"

Iron Man eyed Nick Fury's necklace and immediately noticed something. "Those nanobots are stored in the teeth, right?"

Black Widow didn't say anything but stared in awe at the necklace as well.

Nick Fury casually put the necklace around his neck, then inserted a small orb-like controller behind his ear.

His consciousness immediately synced with the Black Panther suit.

Then with a thought, the nanoparticles began to "crawl" out from the panther teeth, swiftly forming a sleek black bodysuit.

Even the head was fully armored.

The whole process was so smooth and fast, it was nothing short of perfect.

"Romanoff, shoot me. Twice," said Nick Fury to Black Widow.

"Director?" Black Widow asked for confirmation.

"It's fine, Romanoff. The suit's made of vibranium — same material as Captain America's shield," Nick Fury explained.

Vibranium!

Iron Man exclaimed, "Damn, that's extravagant! Just to stop a couple of bullets, and you're wasting vibranium?!"

(End of Chapter)