The next morning, in the living room of Linen's apartment.
"Generally speaking, the Infinity Stones cannot directly give a person special abilities."
Facing Tony Stark and Natasha, who came together, Linen said, "If what you said really happened, then I think the twins themselves already had extraordinary abilities."
"And the role of the Infinity Stone should have only been to stimulate them, or in other words, awaken that ability!"
Linen knew exactly what the two were asking, so he gave a straightforward answer.
After all, the Mind Stone only allowed Wanda and Pietro to awaken their original abilities.
It's not like Carol Danvers.
In fact, Wanda's ability had already revealed itself when she was ten years old.
The reason the shell didn't explode was because Wanda subconsciously altered reality!
Hearing Linen's explanation, Natasha and Tony Stark both breathed a sigh of relief.
So, there was no need to wait until the Battle of New York ended for the Mind Scepter to be taken to Sokovia by Hydra within S.H.I.E.L.D.
After Wanda and Pietro awakened their abilities, the Avengers would attack!
"Linen, do you know the Avengers?"
After exchanging a glance with Tony, Natasha asked with a smile.
Without waiting for Linen to speak, Natasha continued, "The concept of the Avengers was first proposed by Nick Fury."
"This is a team composed of people with extraordinary abilities. Its purpose is to protect the world and fight against all kinds of conspirators or aliens who try to endanger or control it!"
"At present, the team is being formed. The members include me, Tony, Steve, Dr. Bruce Banner, Thor—the God of Thunder from Asgard—and Clint Barton."
"Linen, you're very strong and have a heart of justice."
"So, we unanimously decided to invite you to join the Avengers!"
Faced with Natasha's invitation, Linen thought for a few seconds, then shook his head and refused: "This Avengers team already has enough people like you. I'll pass."
"I believe you have more than enough power to protect the world."
Natasha and Tony Stark weren't surprised by Linen's refusal.
If they hadn't learned about the original timeline from the spoiler system, they definitely would've invited Linen—but he hadn't joined then either.
So his refusal this time was within their expectations.
"Why?"
Looking at Linen, Tony Stark asked curiously, "Joining the Avengers won't affect your studies or your personal life."
"Wouldn't it be great for us to protect the world together?"
Facing Tony's curiosity, Linen picked up his teacup and took a sip. "I just don't like joining any team."
"Oh, Kangmang (flagged: unclear name/mistranslation), everyone can hear you're just being perfunctory!"
Spreading his hands and looking at Linen, Tony Stark said seriously, "Don't give us such half-hearted excuses. We're friends."
Seeing their serious expressions, Linen thought for a few seconds and said, "The original intention of this team must be good, but I don't want to see the team eventually fall apart."
"Huh?"
Hearing that, Natasha and Tony Stark exchanged a look.
In the theater, they had seen the moment the Avengers split.
But now, with the Avengers only just forming and nothing having happened yet—how could Linen be so sure?
His foresight was… frightening.
"Why do you say that?"
Looking at Linen, Natasha asked seriously.
"It's simple. The original purpose of forming a team is always good, and at the beginning everyone works hard toward the same goal."
"But as time goes on, when the team gains a certain level of fame and power, it will inevitably face various real-world problems."
"Tony, Natasha, personal conflicts in a team mean nothing. What truly causes a team to split apart is differing ideals."
"And as long as you're human, you'll always have your own ideals."
At this point, Linen put down the teacup. "The clash of ideals is often the beginning of internal conflict."
"Let's not talk about that. When the Avengers become known worldwide, what do you think will happen?"
"Just like Natasha said, the Avengers are made up of many 'vigilantes' with extraordinary abilities."
"But have you ever considered whether the authorities would allow such a powerful vigilante team to act freely? Would the World Security Council let them operate uncontrolled?"
"You know, if those in power could control the Avengers, it would mean they possess a weapon that could be used for political gain."
"Don't tell me Nick Fury can guarantee the independence and legitimacy of the Avengers."
Leaning back on the sofa, Linen smiled. "When the pressure of the entire world falls on him, do you really think he can withstand it?"
"Or—can his successor withstand it?"
Hearing Linen peel back this bloody truth, Natasha and Tony Stark's expressions turned serious.
Linen was thinking too far ahead. As soon as the Avengers were mentioned, he could imagine their rise… and their fall?
But they had to admit: he was absolutely right.
When the Avengers truly became famous and saved the world…
Both the people in power and the World Security Council would definitely try everything to make the Avengers serve them.
"That agreement!"
Just as Natasha was deep in thought, Tony Stark suddenly said, "Remember the agreement Steve and I had to sign?"
"Maybe… that was the beginning of the Avengers' split."
Hearing Tony's reminder, Natasha's expression hardened, and she nodded solemnly.
"Agreement? What agreement?"
Pretending to be clueless, Linen asked curiously, "Did Nick Fury want you to sign something?"
"Nothing."
Facing Linen's probing, Natasha waved her hand. "What you said makes sense. Linen, you think further ahead than any of us."
As she said that, Natasha kicked Tony Stark lightly under the table!
But this only made both of them more determined to pull Linen into the Avengers.
Good lord—a twenty-year-old young man who could see so far ahead?
This ability to analyze the big picture from tiny hints was something ordinary people didn't have.
Compared to Linen's strength, his insight alone could make him the brain of the Avengers.
And maybe, in the future, the key to preventing the Avengers' split might be Linen.
Thinking of this, Natasha looked at Linen even more intensely.
Which made Linen feel a little… like Natasha wanted to eat him alive!
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