Chapter 141: The World Keeps Turning

"I can manage to learn about this world on my own given some time."

"You must have conditions for offering to help me so proactively. Let's hear them first."

Steve saw Nick Fury trying to signal friendliness, but he didn't take the bait, choosing instead to get straight to the point.

"We are both reasonable people, which makes this conversation much easier. My terms aren't difficult: I want you to join the Avengers, a team I am building."

Nick Fury tossed a file onto the table two meters away from Steve. Upon hearing the rather adolescent name of the team, Steve walked over, picked up the document, and began to read.

"The greatest superhero team in history?"

"A strike force designed to deal with supernatural threats?"

Steve frowned as he read the origins of the Avengers Initiative.

"You were frozen for decades. The world has changed completely, and the wars that once ravaged it have ended. The world is more peaceful and advanced, but that peace is only internal to Earth," Nick Fury explained. "Compared to the wars caused by civil strife, we now face a different kind of crisis: the threat of extraterrestrial beings."

"The threat of aliens?" Steve scoffed, setting down the file and looking at Fury. "Has human technology advanced to the point where we can detect alien planets? Are you going to tell me next that humanity is going to head into space to wage war against them?"

"Steve, I am not joking," Fury said, his face turning serious as he saw Steve's skepticism. "It isn't that Earth's technology discovered their planets; it's that they discovered ours. They have been to Earth before, and we don't know when they might return. Earth's technology is far too primitive compared to theirs. Normal human capabilities are limited, which is why I must assemble a team of super-powered heroes. When the aliens arrive, humanity must have the ability to fight back, rather than just watching them do as they please."

"Fury, let's assume I believe you. But I do not trust the military or those politicians who care only for their own interests and nothing for human life," Steve replied, not bothering to hide his disdain for the military and political establishment. Sometimes, the American military and its officials would issue disgusting orders just to cover up scandals or save face.

"You likely don't know the origins of S.H.I.E.L.D. Its founders include your friends Howard Stark and Peggy Carter. Its purpose has always been to handle supernatural events, and the Avengers answer to S.H.I.E.L.D. As the head of S.H.I.E.L.D., while I cannot give you an absolute guarantee, I can promise you that we will not disregard your will."

Steve fell silent upon hearing that the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D. were people he knew.

"If you join the Avengers, as long as there is no alien invasion, your opponents will mostly be terrorists. You would be preventing unnecessary loss of innocent life. In return, S.H.I.E.L.D. can arrange housing for you and provide the funds you need for daily life. Given your abilities, these tasks will not be difficult for you." Seeing Steve waver, Fury pressed his advantage.

"Who else is currently in the Avengers?" Steve asked. Having heard the conditions, he truly had no reason to refuse.

"The team is currently small—including you, there are only four. The list is in the file; you can see their profiles yourself. Though you won't meet them just yet, learning about their backgrounds and capabilities beforehand will help with your coordination when you eventually work together." Fury knew by the question that Steve had agreed.

Steve flipped through the file again and found the basic information on the Avengers. While not comprehensive, it highlighted the primary abilities they would rely on in combat. Tony Stark, known as Iron Man, was on the list, his combat prowess derived from his super-technological armor. Aside from Stark, there were super-agents codenamed Hawkeye and Black Widow, whose capabilities were indeed far beyond those of ordinary people.

"Captain America, Steve Rogers. As the initiator of the Avengers Initiative, I sincerely welcome you to the team." Nick Fury stood up, walked over to Steve, smiled, and extended his hand.

Steve shook his hand and asked, "May I ask who is the leader of the Avengers?"

"I don't intend to completely dictate your wills. You are all powerful heroes, and your individual strengths mean you have many ways to handle various crises. Beyond providing general direction and technological support, you are free to complete your missions based on your own judgment and abilities. So, there is no captain for now. Perhaps when you all assemble, you can discuss among yourselves who should take that role." Fury knew Steve was interested in leading, but he didn't give a definitive answer, leaving the decision to them.

"Fine. I hope you keep your word. You may go now. Just send a low-level agent to help me get acquainted with the modern world." Steve’s earlier question had been a test, and he wasn't surprised by Fury's response.

"I believe you won't be disappointed once you learn about the entertainment this era has to offer," Fury said. "Also, Peggy Carter is still alive, though she has aged over these many years. If you wish to see her, you can go to this address. As for getting in, I assume I don't need to help you with that?" Fury reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip of paper with an address written on it.

"Of course not." Steve’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing that Peggy was still alive. He reached out and took the paper.

"A word of advice," Fury said, patting Steve on the shoulder before leaving. "You were frozen for decades; your age stopped at that moment, but the world kept turning. For many people and things, time has moved on, and they are no longer what they once were."