Chapter 19: How Is the Compensation Calculated After Death?

Natasha Romanoff fiddled with her Widow's Bite, looking at Leo Bright with an incredulous expression.

"This is my personal equipment. I can't just hand it over to you."

"Forget it. I prefer cold weapons," Leo shrugged off the offer. Truth be told, it wasn't just a preference; he was unfamiliar with firearms.

In fact, he didn't even know how to use a pistol, let alone operate something so sophisticated. Plus, he didn't want to take someone else's personal gear without reason.

"Many agents favor firearms; not many choose cold weapons."

"Oh, right, there's an old-timer who still uses a bow and arrow," Natasha chuckled, shaking her head.

"What kind of cold weapon are you looking for? Maybe I can offer some advice," Natasha said casually, brushing back her hair.

"It should be inexpensive but effective," Leo clearly stated his two requirements.

Natasha: "..."

"Honestly, I've never seen an agent like you. Often, advanced weapons and equipment can save your life in critical moments."

"Money or life?" Natasha asked rhetorically.

"Life, of course," Leo replied with a look of disdain, as if the answer was obvious.

Natasha sighed in relief, thinking Leo might actually have some sense.

"By the way, if I die, how does the organization compensate my family?" Leo asked out of the blue.

Natasha nearly facepalmed.

He's already thinking about death benefits?!

I take back what I said; this guy definitely has a quirky mind!

"I'm just curious. I'm not planning on dying. I'm just asking, don't look at me like that..." Leo turned his head, looking a bit sheepish.

"Not only do you have super abilities, but you're quite unique," Natasha rolled her eyes. Leo was certainly the most peculiar man she'd ever met.

"Alright, enough joking," Leo said, taking a deep breath, his demeanor shifting as if he were a different person.

He walked briskly to the arsenal, selecting a mid-length Hidden Blade and ten techno-flying blades that glowed with a silver-blue light.

These hidden weapons could generate powerful shockwaves upon impact, stunning multiple targets at once.

They were costly and single-use only.

Just ten of them set Leo back $100,000. At $10,000 each, they weren't cheap.

"You're making smart choices."

"They're highly effective; I have some on my wristband, and Hawkeye's bow is equipped with them too," Natasha noted approvingly.

"My coat has multiple functional belts, so I can fit them all," Leo said, picking out a few more agent-specific tools and main weapons.

His biggest splurge was purchasing two steel-cutting knives, made with 7.0 alloy technology, for $500,000.

The silver-white patterned blades were both beautiful and dangerous, reminiscent of Tang swords more than curved blades like katanas.

Though these 7.0 alloy steel knives were mass-produced, their material scarcity meant only six were ever made. Production stopped due to low demand.

"Lipstick gun? Why do you need this?" Natasha asked, puzzled. This gadget was typically for female agents in disguise.

This item had been around since Hitler's era. Though an old relic, it proved surprisingly useful in certain situations, and with improvements, both its appearance and power had been greatly enhanced.

"To give away," Leo replied without hesitation.

"A girlfriend?" Natasha asked, eyebrow raised, intrigued.

"Roommate, not a girlfriend," Leo clarified. His relationship with Skye was a bit undefined. They were friends but not quite lovers.

More than friends, but less than lovers.

"Is that so?" Natasha nodded knowingly but said nothing more.

In total, Leo spent about $1 million on equipment, with many items provided free of charge. Although he valued money, he knew when it was necessary to spend, especially on gear.

On the 50th floor of the Tri-Wing Building,

Phil Coulson and Fury sat, perplexed by the recent report.

They had been discussing something when one of Fury's subordinates reported a minor conflict between the new super-ability consultant and some agents.

Fury hadn't been overly concerned. He'd anticipated such issues. A Level 6 agent would inevitably ruffle some feathers.

It was an opportunity for Leo to assert himself.

"How did he handle it?" Phil Coulson asked, curious.

And now, here they were, baffled.

"You mean he used his ability to silence everyone?

"The kind of 'shut up' I'm thinking of?" Fury asked, frowning. Leo hadn't mentioned this ability before.

"Yes, I was there. He slapped the table, and everyone, myself included, seemed to have our mouths sealed. We couldn't speak for about ten seconds," the agent explained.

"This guy... seems to be hiding something," Fury mused, rubbing his head, the shine reflecting the light.

"It's normal; everyone has their secrets," Phil Coulson remarked.

"But this ability to make people shut up..."

"Well, it fits his unique style," Phil Coulson chuckled.