Nevertheless, S.H.I.E.L.D. has been around for over half a century. Countless valuable technologies and artifacts are stored in their warehouses.
However, before Nancy and Sidney could respond, Tony suddenly leaned back with a calm yet confident expression. "I have a better suggestion."
Tony looked at them with conviction. "Instead of joining S.H.I.E.L.D., why don't you just join Stark Industries?"
Nancy and Sidney exchanged glances.
Tony continued, "I can hand over the security department to you. If anyone wants to cause trouble, they'll have to deal with Stark Industries' legal department first. Trust me, they'll think twice before going any further."
Nancy and Sidney were silent for a moment, but deep down, they felt touched.
S.H.I.E.L.D. was too mysterious, too full of political intrigue. They couldn't fully trust that organization.
But Tony Stark?
As one of the wealthiest people in the United States, Tony was a much safer and more reliable shield.
Lance spoke calmly, his voice steady yet sharp, "No matter how great Stark Industries' lawyers are, they can only prevent problems on the surface. No organization is truly afraid to investigate issues in dishonest ways."
Tony curved his lips slightly but didn't say a word. His gaze remained calm, though there was a flash of tension in his eyes.
Sidney, who had been silent until now, finally couldn't hold back his curiosity and asked, "What exactly is S.H.I.E.L.D.? I've never heard of this organization before..."
Lance turned to Sidney before finally nodding towards Tony. "You can ask Mr. Tony Stark directly about this."
Tony was taken aback for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. "I found some information," Tony said, placing the wine glass in his hand on the table. "But not much can be confirmed. This organization is indeed very mysterious."
Lance smirked slightly. "It seems your father has been hiding a lot from you," Lance said half-jokingly. "The predecessor of S.H.I.E.L.D. was the Strategic Scientific Corps, where Captain America served. In the 1990s, this organization evolved into a global entity dealing with various incidents involving super-powered individuals. Your father, Howard Stark, was one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D."
Tony looked at Lance with a complicated expression. He didn't touch his wine glass, but the red liquid inside rippled as if reflecting Tony's now chaotic thoughts. "Do you know my father?" Tony finally asked, his voice sounding a bit hoarse.
Lance remained calm. "Since the dawn of human civilization, a community of sorcerers has existed in this world, protecting the balance and keeping secrets that far exceed your imagination."
Tony let out a short laugh, but there was a clear bitterness behind it. "My father founded S.H.I.E.L.D..." Tony murmured, then smiled wryly. "You're right. Those parents never told me anything. Their happiest day was when my father sent me off to boarding school. You think my father would tell me a secret this big?"
Lance shook his head. "Your father had high hopes for you. Unfortunately, Howard was killed before he could tell you."
Tony's eyes narrowed. "Wait!" Tony's tone turned sharp. "You said... killed?"
All this time, Tony had always believed that his parents died in a car accident. That's what people told him, that's what was written in the official reports. But now, a mysterious sorcerer was telling Tony that all of that was a lie?
Lance remained as calm as before. "Mr. Stark, you are not yet qualified to know this truth. Knowing too much now will only end up with you like your parents. The real world is far more interesting than you think... but also much more dangerous."
Tony pursed his lips, then without saying anything, he downed the wine in his glass. Then, in a low voice but full of determination, Tony said, "Do you think this can stop me from investigating the truth?"
Lance stared at Tony for a moment before finally saying, "I'm just reminding you. Before you have the ability to protect yourself, you should avoid investigating recklessly. Your enemies are far more terrifying than you imagine." Lance paused for a moment, then added, "However, if one day you feel ready, come to me. I will tell you everything you want to know."
Tony did not respond. However, the sharp look in Tony's eyes said more than enough—Tony would not stand idly by.
Meanwhile, in Lance's mind, he could only hope that once Tony got involved in the fight against the real enemy, it could also be an opportunity to save the Winter Soldier.
Not for Captain America, but because Lance believed in justice.
Many people condemned Bucky, saying that he deserved to die for killing so many while under Hydra's control. But if that were the case, what about Clint Barton? Clint was also controlled by the Mind Scepter and killed many S.H.I.E.L.D. agents—does that mean Clint deserves to die too? What about Jessica Jones, who was controlled by Kilgrave and forced to do terrible things, including killing Luke Cage's wife?
If they were forgiven, why not Bucky?
Just because Iron Man is more popular?
Tony frowned. He looked sharply at Lance and asked, "What do you mean by 'being able to protect yourself'?"
Lance smirked slightly before casually saying, "When the time comes, you'll find out for yourself."
Tony felt sick of Lance's wordplay. Every answer from the man felt like a riddle that only made him more frustrated. However, even though Tony hated to admit it, he had no choice but to play by Lance's rules—for now.
Tony stood tall, took a deep breath, then hesitantly asked, "If I learn your magic... can I protect myself?"
Lance looked at Tony for a moment, then raised an eyebrow. "You want to learn magic?"
Without saying anything, Lance pulled a book from his pocket. He opened it in front of Tony and asked casually, "Can you see what's written here?"
Tony stared at the open pages in front of him. His eyes narrowed as he tried to focus, but all he saw was a blank page. After a few seconds, Tony sighed softly. "It's blank."
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