Chapter Eighteen: What Is This Treasure Boy?

Leo Bright sat alone in the vast restaurant, eating quietly.

Everyone else stared at him, wide-eyed and speechless.

Such sudden and inexplicable silence often breeds fear, and some began to regret their earlier actions, worried they'd be left mute forever.

It wasn't just the fear of being mute. Unable to speak meant not being able to eat either. Would they have to survive on nutrient solutions for the rest of their lives?

This new super-ability advisor was a devil!

Fortunately, the silence only lasted ten seconds. Afterward, everyone felt their throats loosen, realizing they could speak again.

Yet, the hall remained silent.

This hush lasted another seven or eight seconds before whispers began, but the tones were hushed and the emotions subdued.

Natasha Romanoff's jaw dropped in astonishment. Her expression clearly reflected her shock and confusion, her eyes silently asking Leo how he did it.

"One of my super abilities," Leo explained calmly, continuing to eat. "I told you, I can make people 'shut up.'"

"How did you know what I was thinking? Can you read minds?" Natasha's eyes widened in surprise.

"It's just face reading. Your questions are written all over your face," Leo replied nonchalantly.

"Good thing, because if you could actually read minds, that wouldn't be fun. No one would want to be your friend," Natasha sighed in relief, then a thought struck her, and her expression changed again.

"Wait, you said this is one of your super abilities?!"

"You have more super abilities???"

Leo frowned. Why did everyone keep asking him to repeat himself? He wasn't a broken record. Was it so strange for him to have multiple abilities?

He explained once more.

"I can make men handsome."

"I can make women beautiful."

"I can make environments cleaner."

"I can make homes safer."

"Walter what?" Natasha's eyes were filled with confusion.

"What kind of super abilities are these? Did you wander into the wrong department? Are you serious?"

Leo took another bite of his sandwich. "In the face of doubt, I can still make people shut up. I'm quite serious about that."

Natasha chose silence, resisting the urge to speak further.

Though curiosity gnawed at her, the unpleasantness of being silenced lingered, her teeth still slightly numb.

"I'm done eating. Take me somewhere," Leo said, putting down his utensils and wiping his mouth.

"Where to? The weapons room?" Natasha asked, curious.

"No, to the nearest place with internet access. I want to check if my salary's been deposited," Leo replied, visibly more cheerful at the mention of his paycheck.

Natasha was left speechless.

What kind of treasure boy was this?

Why did it feel like their minds weren't on the same wavelength?

They quickly reached a nearby computer. Leo carefully shielded the keypad and entered his bank card number. After a few seconds, the balance displayed made him even more joyous.

Natasha watched darkly as he guarded his password, feeling bemused.

Was it even necessary?

Eventually, Natasha led Leo to the equipment R&D room.

Several technicians with glasses measured Leo with various instruments, then handed him a few illustrated schematics.

"These are classic combat uniforms, made from heat-resistant nanomaterials. They feature a spring-loaded hidden blade inside the arm, and the defense meets triple-A standards, capable of withstanding continuous pistol fire."

"The neck area can house communication equipment, and the matching wristband provides vital sign monitoring and emergency functions, including location tracking."

"This is also the latest in S.H.I.E.L.D's technological breakthroughs. Its biggest advantage is being lightweight and comfortable, easier to wear than regular clothes, aiding in combat," explained one of the researchers.

"Don't you think this looks a lot like a circus performer's outfit?" Leo remarked. "Besides, it's too flashy. I don't mind female agents wearing this, but for male agents, it's a bit much. I saw plenty with rather pronounced backsides on my way in."

"Uh..." The equipment engineers were at a loss for words.

"This design maximizes an agent's potential, the best outcome after numerous field tests," a middle-aged engineer defended.

"I don't need it. Have you played Assassin's Creed? I want a coat with a hood inside and combat boots tucked into the pants, like that," Leo suggested with sudden inspiration.

"Ah? But that style is too loose; it could hinder combat ability," the engineer frowned.

"You don't get it, strength is temporary, but looking good is timeless," Leo waved off their concerns, finalizing the discussion.

"Okay... sure."

"We'll have it ready in two days," the technicians agreed, exchanging glances and wiping their brows.

This was their first time encountering such a whimsical and young Level 6 agent.

"Strength is temporary, but looking good is timeless," Natasha mused, repeating Leo's words thoughtfully.

"By the way, here's my address. Just send it via courier," Leo said, jotting down his address, the same one used for his takeout orders.

"Courier...?" The engineers were flabbergasted.

"Don't worry, I'll cover the shipping. Just send it cash on delivery," Leo waved grandly, feeling generous after receiving his paycheck.

It's not about shipping costs!

The issue is... You want to send such crucial gear by courier?

Forget it, there's no point in explaining further. Blood pressure will rise if they try. Once it's ready, the contact team will deliver it.

After visiting the equipment room, they headed to the weapons room.

There were many standard weapons available, but customization required the agent to provide materials or R&D funding.

Natasha skillfully retrieved her exclusive weapon, removing the special bracelets from her wrists and replacing them with a new pair.

Her weapon—the Widow's Bite—could fire bullets, microbombs, tear gas, deliver electric shocks up to 30,000 volts, and deploy a "widow" hook for climbing and infiltration. It was incredibly versatile.

Of course, this weapon was as iconic to her as Hawkeye's bow and arrows.

Leo squinted, asking, "That's pretty neat. How much does it cost?"

Natasha rolled her eyes, not wanting to engage further with this treasure boy.