When the gunshots rang out, Norman Osborn hadn't even reacted before several masked thugs around him fell one after another like dominoes.
And he was completely unharmed!
At this moment, Norman Osborn knew that his rescue had arrived!
Slowly turning around, he saw his rescuers: a man holding a compound bow with eyes as sharp as an eagle, and a young man holding a silenced pistol, his eyes narrowed.
From their distinct attire, which differed from the masked thugs, and the eagle-shaped emblem on their arms, Norman Osborn quickly deduced their identities: friends, not foes!
Their words also confirmed his suspicion.
Tucking the pistol back into the thigh holster, Leon asked, "Mr. Osborn, we are agents from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division. You are safe now."
Although he didn't know why it was the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division who came to rescue him, Norman Osborn was still very happy to be free from his hostage situation.
More importantly, this meant that his company's confidential technology had not been stolen by these thugs... Such good news made even a somewhat disheveled Norman Osborn relax, dust off his suit, and walk towards Leon and Barton.
"Thank you both very much! If it weren't for you two, I might have handed over my life's work to these thugs." With that, Norman Osborn extended his hand to them.
Shaking hands with this famous Marvel villain, Leon saw that his boss, Hawkeye, had no intention of speaking, so he immediately followed up, "Mr. Osborn, thank you for your kind words. This is just our duty."
It must be said that Norman Osborn was indeed worthy of being the head of one of Marvel's major technology corporations.
Even when held hostage by thugs, he showed no sign of panic. And his graceful demeanor after being rescued made one look at him in admiration: this is truly a big shot!
His calm and composed attitude, even knowing that he would become the Green Goblin in the future, made Leon feel a sense of goodwill.
On the other side, Norman Osborn was also quite grateful to Leon, the young man who had saved his life.
He didn't mind Clint Barton's cold attitude; instead, he scrutinized Leon from head to toe.
As far as he knew, the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division was a very mysterious intelligence agency. Those who could join this department were elites among elites.
However, this young man in front of him definitely didn't look older than 23!
To be able to join this department at such a young age, and judging by his marksmanship earlier, his skills were also exceptional.
This made Norman Osborn incredibly curious about Leon, his savior.
He wondered if all agents of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division were this formidable, or if Leon, this young man, was an exception.
At this moment, perhaps the protection of Leon and Barton, the two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, allowed him the leisure to think about the safety of others in the company. Norman Osborn opened his mouth and asked, "Excuse me, what is the situation in the building now? Have all the thugs been eliminated?"
"Don't worry, we've already recaptured the monitoring center and lifted the building's lockdown. Furthermore, the FBI, SWAT, and other units have also entered the building, and the thugs should be cleared out very soon."
Hearing Leon's reply, Norman Osborn seemed to finally let go of the worry in his heart.
After helping the somewhat disheveled Norman Osborn into the bio-research center and finding him a chair to sit on, Leon returned to Clint Barton's side.
Hawkeye was giving orders to other S.H.I.E.L.D. agents through his earpiece: "Duncan, where are you guys?"
"Sir, we've reached the 20th floor."
"Agent Leon and I have rescued Osborn. Continue searching upwards and eliminate all enemies on each floor as quickly as possible!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Lucius, coordinate with Duncan. Don't let the enemy have a chance to harm hostages or escape, understood?!"
"Understood!"
No sooner had he finished giving orders than Clint Barton heard Leon's voice beside him, "What do we do now?"
Turning his head and glancing at Leon, Clint Barton smiled, "Our mission is complete. Let them handle the cleanup."
"After all, they also need to put on a show for the taxpayers, don't they?"
Leon nodded thoughtfully, "Oh, I see."
In fact, rescuing Norman Osborn, the CEO of the corporation, meant that the mission for the S.H.I.E.L.D. team led by Clint Barton was largely complete.
Therefore, while other eager units rushed to other floors of the building to confront the few remaining thugs, Leon and Clint Barton leisurely leaned against the corridor wall and began to rest.
"You did very well."
"Huh?!"
Leon stared blankly at Clint Barton, a hint of confusion in his eyes, "Are you praising me?"
"Hmm." Clint Barton nodded curtly and continued, "I originally thought you were just a young, arrogant kid..."
"But I didn't expect your performance today to truly impress me. Phil was right..."
Hearing this, Leon seemed to realize something and immediately showed a surprised expression, "Uh?! Sir, you know about me and..."
Clint Barton interrupted him directly, "Nonsense! Phil and I have been colleagues for ten years. You think I wouldn't know his nephew joined the agency?"
"Uh..."
Leon scratched the back of his head, showing an embarrassed expression, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hide it."
"It's fine, I understand. Phil told me."
Clint Barton waved his hand, then casually placed it on Leon's shoulder, saying earnestly, "That's also why Phil put you under me."
"Hmm... I understand now."
Leon instantly understood all his previous confusions.
Why Coulson transferred him to the Special Operations Division and had him work under Clint Barton.
And during missions, Hawkeye's tests of him, and his inexplicable smile when he turned to leave.
It was all because Hawkeye had known all along that he was Coulson's nephew!
Not only that, Coulson must have privately asked his long-time friend Clint Barton to take good care of him...
Thinking of this, Leon felt a warmth in his heart. Just as he was about to speak, he was suddenly interrupted by a voice from his earpiece: "Report, sir! All enemies have been eliminated, and there are no casualties among the hostages!"
"Good, received. Clear the scene. We'll rendezvous at the helipad."
"Received!"
This conversation meant that the mission was successfully completed!
At this moment, Leon's mind also received a timely notification that the mission was complete:
"Ding!'Skyscraper Rescue' mission complete. Rewards have been issued. Please check."