An interstellar pirate had discovered a planet-killing weapon...
To be honest, the Avengers present entered a combat-ready state almost instantly. Nearly everyone subconsciously assumed that the Nova Corps had failed to stop the enemy, and that Earth was now forced to face such a terrifying foe.
However, the reality was much better. By sacrificing their own without regard for loss or casualty, the Nova Corps had successfully destroyed the terrible weapon. Afterward, Rhomann Dey, a Centurion of the Nova Corps, had pursued the damned pirate leader while wounded.
In the end, after cornering the enemy on Earth, his own life force had finally burned out.
After listening to Roman's story, Captain America remained silent for a moment before asking Roman a question.
"Is there anyone still waiting for you to come home?"
Roman's Artificial Intelligence fell silent for a brief second.
"My... or rather, Roman still has many comrades, as well as a wife and daughter waiting for him to return."
Richard Rider looked at Roman's AI, then shifted his gaze to the Nova helmet. "Then perhaps... perhaps I should give this thing back..."
"No. The priority is Zorr. Although this space pirate has lost almost all external aid and has landed on this world alone, he is dangerous."
Roman's AI looked at Richard. "Richard Rider, you were calculated by the World Mind to be the person most suitable for this helmet. I trust its judgment. I have told you everything because I need you to save your world."
In that instant, Richard suddenly understood what Spider-Man had told him earlier. In the blink of an eye, he had transformed from a "lucky kid who found a helmet that gives people superpowers" into a "successor to the legacy of a noble warrior."
A hero had died and, as if it were a casual matter, had dropped his power and responsibility onto Richard's shoulders, pressing down with a weight that made it hard for him to breathe.
"You can also leave it to us; we also share the responsibility of protecting this planet."
The Captain's words caused Richard to fall into a deeper silence, but Roman's AI broke it after a short pause to provide Richard with more specific details: "The helmet contains the last records regarding Zorr; it might be possible to find where that fellow is located."
Richard silently picked up the helmet and placed it on his head. The projection naturally deactivated. He remained silent for a dozen seconds, then took a deep breath and charged out without saying a word.
The issue of Nova was settled. His further communication with Roman would only make him more aware of his responsibilities. Roman was a great man who did not hesitate to burn through his own life and leave behind his lover and daughter just to hunt down a criminal.
Such a man believed that Richard Rider could become his successor. From this moment on, responsibility was inextricably linked with Nova; he would never again be that carefree young superhero preoccupied with fame.
"It seems he didn't even need us; he's more than capable of understanding what kind of responsibility he needs to bear on his own."
Watching Nova charge out, Tony Stark didn't seem to mind at all that the boy had left without a word. However, as a Kree, Mar-Vell knew better than anyone what Richard was about to face, and what a successor to a Nova Corps Centurion truly had to endure.
Taking a step back, even if Richard returned the Nova Corps helmet after this was over and was accepted by the Corps as a regular recruit, the responsibility he would bear and the pressure he would face would be immense.
And Mar-Vell had seen Richard's face when he took off the helmet.
"That's just a child. The situation he has to face is far too complex; I'm not entirely sure if this is a good thing."
Hearing Mar-Vell's words, Tony quite dismissively patted the shoulder of Peter, who was talking with the Captain.
"What's wrong with being a kid? We Avengers have the finest young people in the world! Look at Parker—look at how much he's done in the year since he joined the Avengers!"
Mar-Vell: "..."
He felt that if every young person's year was as "colorful" as Spider-Man's, then Earth might as well hurry up and be destroyed.
With a rhythm where New York was destroyed once a week, the world was threatened once a month, and a global catastrophe happened every six months, he sometimes wondered how Spider-Man even managed to hold on.
"The matter of the Avengers Academy needs to be put on the agenda. Nova is a good example, and an even better role model—he shows us how many young people aren't ready to truly be superheroes, and how many still think this is just playing house."
The Captain continued speaking with his usual gravity. The Avengers understood most of the intel regarding the other Wasteland world, including the Civil War.
Deep down, perhaps the Captain and Tony still hadn't reached a total consensus, but they were certain of one thing.
They had to let these young people know what they were doing, lest young superhumans—for the sake of fame and vanity—start livestreaming their attempts to catch criminals, only for the enemy to explode and kill hundreds of people.
That kind of thing had to be stopped.
"Tony, please go look after that kid. I don't think he'll lose, but just in case, and to prevent that space pirate from causing further casualties, I need to trouble you."
"No problem. I'm actually quite curious about space pirates. I'm wondering if a space pirate has to have missing limbs and attach a hook to themselves."
Tony was already wearing his battle armor. After Peter opened a portal for him, Tony stepped through. Afterward, the Captain let out a long breath and looked toward Mar-Vell.
"Mar-Vell, I know you might not like discussing matters regarding combat, but I might really need to ask for your advice. Spider-Man and I did an analysis, and we found that Roman might have hidden some things."
Mar-Vell asked back, not quite understanding, "Hidden? Hidden what?"
"Hidden the true level of terror of that planet-killing machine. Simply put, for a high-precision piece of equipment, making it crash isn't actually that complicated because its calculations are too fine and easily interrupted."
Peter provided his own analysis: "And as the enforcers of İwo massive galaxies, the combat power of the Nova Corps should be exceptionally outstanding. It feels a bit strange that a weapon capable of destroying a planet could withstand such a massive volume of attacks."
Initially, Mar-Vell didn't find it strange, but he reacted quickly. With the strength of the Nova Corps, why would dismantling a weapon salvaged by a space pirate result in such heavy casualties?
"But this has nothing to do with the mission Richard has to perform, so it doesn't matter if it's left unsaid."
The Captain finally reached a conclusion and looked at Mar-Vell.
"What we want to ask is: which civilizations do you know of that are capable of manufacturing such a powerful weapon?"
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