Lyon showcased all his abilities, making sure to leave a lasting impression on the agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
He used everything he could, and as for what he couldn't use…
He couldn't exactly perform a physical anesthetic technique on Agent Coulson, could he?
Mysterious and powerful, a battle mage, skilled in both magic and physical combat!
The most formidable and invincible enemy is one that exists only in the imagination—
For now, it's all just bluffing.
---
On Coulson's end, he was indeed shocked by the various unbelievable abilities Lyon displayed.
According to the intelligence they had gathered, the man who called himself "Doctor"—possibly an alias—had the abilities to fly and withstand bullets.
The agency had never rated this "Doctor" as a high-level threat.
However, the capabilities displayed by this "Doctor" today were far more complex than what was detailed in the report Coulson had received before taking on the mission!
First, regarding the flying ability, S.H.I.E.L.D. had initially assessed it as something akin to a mutant power.
Now, it seemed more like a form of "kung fu."
Their assessment of his flight ability was also incorrect. They originally thought it was a trivial power, like that of a small drone, which neither allowed for rapid advancement nor offered stealth against technology. Thus, they didn't see it as a particularly useful ability.
Coulson recalled the moment when the "Doctor" had suddenly teleported right in front of him.
That was definitely not just "simple levitation."
Coulson warned himself internally.
Next was his ability to withstand attacks.
When faced with street thugs armed with small-caliber, cut-down pistols, the report had noted that the target was knocked down and appeared to be in significant pain.
Pain?
He was faking it!
He had taken several direct hits from a standard-caliber automatic rifle at close range, and his reaction was merely: the target was knocked down and appeared to be in significant pain.
Could this be what they call caliber nihilism?
If that's the case, the previous theory that he was wearing new, advanced body armor clearly doesn't hold water.
Maybe it's another form of "kung fu," like… Coulson thought of the legendary techniques he had heard about in certain movies and from the adjacent S.W.O.R.D. agency.
The Iron Shirt, the Golden Bell Cover…
It could be possible.
That was the second thing.
The third was the shape-shifting ability, which the "Doctor" referred to as "Druid Powers."
Right before his eyes, within ten meters, Coulson witnessed the "Doctor" transform into a black cat, which then spoke human language in a very unscientific manner.
Then, under Coulson's watchful eye, it transformed back into human form.
That was definitely not some kind of sleight of hand or trickery.
Coulson's conclusion: Magic!
Even though he wasn't well-versed in these surreal concepts, Coulson was, after all, an adult with a fully developed worldview and understanding.
And, frankly, he was one of the most experienced people on the planet.
In Coulson's speculation, magic, whatever type it may be—curses, transformations, elements, divination…
It wouldn't exist in isolation.
Mutually reinforcing, interdependent, with a sequence and structure—that's how any discipline or field can persist for a long time.
"So… life magic?"
Coulson was utterly confused and could only hope that there were specialists in the agency who knew more about this.
That's one aspect of it. On the other hand, there were some peculiar items on Lyon.
Although S.H.I.E.L.D. possesses a variety of objects with different strange abilities, in theory, S.H.I.E.L.D. has everything from technology to magic, and even some items imbued with divine power.
Take the Tesseract, for example!
However, most of the time, these things are more of a burden than an asset to S.H.I.E.L.D.
They can't be effectively utilized because they aren't understood.
They can't be thoroughly destroyed. Because they aren't understood.
But they also can't be allowed to circulate, right? Who knows what kind of trouble that would cause!
So, they have to build all kinds of permanent and semi-permanent secure containment facilities, wasting a lot of manpower and resources, while also guarding against opportunists—even their own people's greed.
Doctor Liszt's case was quite different.
At least, to Coulson, it seemed different.
Because it was simple enough.
Sometimes, simplicity versus complexity, weakness versus strength, isn't about absolute correctness. It's about the right timing.
The Tesseract might be powerful, but using it could blow you to pieces.
If it weren't absolutely necessary, something like that should be sealed away forever.
The toy race car, on the other hand, was different.
Its power was just right—not too big, not too small.
Its technology was just right—not too difficult to figure out.
This makes it the best choice.
And the truly important thing was this Doctor Liszt himself.
Sometimes, knowledge and experience are forms of power in themselves.
However, in any case, the more powerful this Doctor becomes, the more benefits S.H.I.E.L.D. stands to gain.
Until Doctor Liszt's power reaches a certain level, the collaboration between S.H.I.E.L.D. and him will only grow closer. So close that certain previous principles can be overlooked.
---
"So, shall we discuss what each of us is bringing to the table?" Coulson looked directly into Lyon's eyes.
"Huh? You can just make that kind of decision on your own?" Lyon wondered if he wasn't as important as he thought.
Coulson blushed.
Indeed, he didn't have the authority to finalize this level of cooperation, at least not in this room right now.
With an apologetic smile, Coulson quickly said, "My clearance level isn't high enough, but I'm confident my superiors will make choices that benefit both of us."
"Doctor Liszt, here's to our future cooperation!"
Lyon shook the hand that Coulson offered, expressing his agreement, then shook his head.
"It's not that simple."
Seeing Coulson's puzzled expression, Lyon explained, "Not everyone can learn my martial arts and spells. While they aren't as unattainable as you might think, they certainly aren't as easy as you're imagining."
Lyon was laying the groundwork for future evasion while also employing a strategy of artificial scarcity.
The idea of "teaching the apprentice to starve the master" is nothing new, and Lyon had no desire to end up tied to S.H.I.E.L.D. as some sort of all-purpose trainer.
A world full of outlaws, all under his tutelage!
Just cleaning house would be a nightmare!
Then again… it might actually be a good way to level up…
On second thought, forget it. Too much trouble, and why invite such a mess?
In the free world of Marvel, is it possible to worry about too few villains?
In that case, only the land of heroes and villains known as Gotham City next door would suit Lyon.
(End of chapter)