In a month, Loren built himself a robot butler modeled after Tifa.
S.H.I.E.L.D. was not idle either. After a month of intensive analysis, they finally uncovered a lead linking Loren to the mysterious figure in bat-like armor—by comparing surveillance images with those of 2B.
Inside S.H.I.E.L.D.'s secret base, Nick Fury studied the intelligence Coulson had gathered over the past month, his expression grim.
"In other words," Fury said slowly, "the man in the bat armor causing chaos across the city is most likely Loren Morgan—the young heir of the Morgan family?"
"Yes," Coulson replied, standing at attention beside him. "Based on our intel, Loren Morgan is the prime suspect—over 80% certainty. But to confirm it definitively, someone would need to infiltrate his manor and conduct an in-depth investigation."
"Infiltrate Morgan Manor?" Hawkeye Barton, who had only just recovered from his injuries, cut in before Fury could respond. "Are you serious, Coulson? Do you even understand what the Morgan family represents? They're the largest chaebol in the country. Half the White House bends to their will. And now you're suggesting we break into their estate? That's not investigation—that's suicide."
"I'm well aware of the Morgans' influence," Fury said coolly. "But every clue points to Loren. If we want the truth, we have no choice but to dig deeper—unless we're willing to abandon this case altogether."
"No," Fury added, his voice hardening. "We can't give up. This so-called 'Batman' operates outside the law and poses a serious threat. I won't allow him—or anyone—to act with impunity. Even Loren Morgan must be held accountable and placed under reasonable oversight."
As director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Fury lived by one creed: any entity that endangered planetary security—be it person, power, or phenomenon—must be monitored, contained, or neutralized. It made no difference whether the threat came from Earth or beyond; preferential treatment was never an option.
He turned his gaze toward Natasha Romanoff, who stood silently nearby. "Natasha, it's been a month. What's the status on the Hulk?"
Her expression darkened slightly. "It was going smoothly. I'd already made contact with Dr. Banner—but then a squad of special forces showed up, provoked him, and he transformed. He killed them all and vanished."
Fury slammed a fist on the table. "Damn that old bastard Ross! I've told him a dozen times to let S.H.I.E.L.D. handle Banner's apprehension, but he never listens. Now look where we are."
"Sir," Coulson interjected gently, "General Ross has been hunting the Hulk for years. Their feud runs too deep—he'll never back down."
"Ross may be stubborn," Fury growled, "but so are we. Natasha, you'll continue leading the Hulk operation. I'll alert you the moment we get new intel. Until then, I need you to go to Morgan Manor and gather information. Keep a low profile—just confirm whether the silver-haired woman is inside."
"Understood," Natasha said without hesitation, already turning to leave.
Barton stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "Sir, Natasha's already been seen by Batman. Sending her into Morgan Manor now is incredibly risky."
"It is dangerous," Fury admitted. "Which is why I need you to watch her back—covertly. And Barton… she can't know you're there."
"What are you planning, sir?"
"The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Natasha is the cicada. You're the oriole."
Barton's eyes widened. "Sir… you're using Natasha as bait?!"
"Yes, if Batman really is Loren Morgan, then Natasha won't be able to enter Morgan Manor at all. My guess is she'll be discovered before she can sneak in. The people inside will come out on their own—and that's when you'll be needed to gather intelligence."
"Sir, if we go through with this, Natasha will be in even greater danger."
"Every mission carries risk. Do I really need to remind you of that?"
"I understand." Barton nodded silently and fell quiet.
"Don't worry too much. Judging by how Batman treated you before, he's not the type to kill. I only want to confirm his identity—I have no ill intentions. Natasha will be fine. Once I verify that Loren is Batman, I'll pay him a visit in person."
"I see. I'll act immediately." Having grasped Nick Fury's intent, Barton quickly withdrew.
Coulson was now the only one left in the director's office.
"Sir… are you doing this to recruit Batman? To bring him into the Avengers?"
"Coulson, you know me better than anyone else here. You're right—I do want to recruit him. Not just Batman, but also the silver-haired woman at his side. They're both assets to this planet. If we can bring them onto our side, Earth's security will be significantly strengthened."
"Sir… is there really extraterrestrial life out there, like you've said?" Coulson asked, his expression puzzled.
At that, an image flashed through Nick Fury's mind: a woman wreathed in golden energy. He reached into his pocket, fingers brushing the special pager, and nodded with quiet certainty.
"The universe is far vaster than either of us can imagine. Threats from beyond Earth will come. We need to be ready—now."
"Understood."
"By the way," Fury added, shifting topics, "what's Tony Stark's stance on all this?"
"Tony was apparently the first to make contact with Batman—though I heard he got thoroughly humiliated by him afterward. Ever since, he's locked himself in his lab, refusing to see anyone."
"Why's he acting so… withdrawn?"
"Hah. Well, he is proud and arrogant. It's only natural he'd take it hard—being bested in his own field, no less."
"Keep a close eye on him. Stark's a genius. The tech he's sitting on could be invaluable. We need to bring him in."
"Will do. Oh—and we've identified the Spider-Man who's been showing up on New York streets."
"Who is it?"
"A high school student named Gwen Stacy."
"Female?"