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*****
United Nations Headquarters.
A General Assembly was to be held here today.
Unlike in the past, many superheroes would be appearing at today's assembly.
The Avengers, the Inhuman SpecOps, and the Fantastic Four.
These three superhero teams were currently the most watched in the world. Among them, the Avengers were viewed as the model group—the most representative of all superhero teams.
"Speaking of superheroes..."
Tony, walking alongside the Avengers, tilted his head in confusion and asked, "Why don't I see the X-Men?"
"Maybe the X-Men just ignore them entirely?"
Rhodes replied in a low voice beside Tony, chuckling. "Actually, the UN General Assembly is made up of nations from Earth. Planet Kent shouldn't count as part of Earth, right...?"
The group fell silent for a moment.
Strangely, those words made a fair bit of sense.
"Maybe that really is why the X-Men didn't show up?" Pietro muttered.
Just then, the Fantastic Four approached.
Seeing the four of them, Tony and Steve both raised their eyebrows in unison.
Compared to the Avengers, the Fantastic Four consisted of only four people. Rather than a team, they were more like a family; the bond between the four was incredibly tight.
Since the mutant migration incident, the four had broken away from the government-organized superhero teams and established their own group called the Fantastic Four.
Relying on Reed Richards' intellect and their fame as superheroes, they had secured investments and founded a company that was now rapidly expanding.
On the other hand, they also shoulder the responsibilities of superheroes, having resolved several crises in the city they protected, Chicago.
"Captain!" Reed greeted with a smile.
Steve nodded. "Reed."
Reed paused thoughtfully and asked, "Do you know the specific reason why we were called here?"
General Ross had only told them to come and speak on behalf of superheroes and various empowered individuals, but he hadn't mentioned what specific issues this assembly would involve.
"Sorry, we're not sure either," Steve shook his head.
"Yo! You guys don't know either? Aren't you supposed to be the leaders of the superheroes?"
The Human Torch, Johnny Storm, teased them with a hint of mockery.
Hearing this, the Avengers reacted with varying expressions.
The Invisible Woman, Susan, gave Johnny a light tug and a stern glare.
"Heh heh heh!"
Tony let out a cold laugh and said to Reed, "Eh? Why did you and Susan bring your son along?"
When it came to sharp tongues, Tony was never afraid of anyone!
Johnny's face stiffened. Irritated, he snapped, "Who are you calling a son? Say that again if you've got the guts!"
This time, before Tony could speak, Pietro used his laser-like super speed to move his mouth incessantly, chanting: "You're the son, you're the son, you're the son..."
Because he spoke so fast, Johnny momentarily felt the illusion of facing a linguistic hurricane.
Tony gave Pietro an appreciative look.
Steve and Reed looked on helplessly.
In the next second, wisps of red mist entwined around Pietro. With a flick of Wanda's finger, she forced Pietro's mouth shut.
Johnny breathed a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to lose his temper, The Thing grabbed Johnny by the back of the neck like he was picking up a chick. He pulled him into a hug with his thick arms and said honestly, "You'd better stop talking. Every time you open your mouth, you cause trouble."
"I... mmm-ph!"
Johnny's eyes widened, but his mouth was clamped shut by The Thing's hand, with small flames flickering through the gaps of his fingers.
The Thing gave the Avengers a simple, honest smile.
Just as both sides were feeling a bit awkward due to this scene, a powerful aura quietly emerged.
Everyone instinctively looked over to see the Inhuman SpecOps, led by Black Bolt, slowly walking toward them.
There was the indifferent, towering figure of Black Bolt.
Queen Medusa, with her long red hair like a legendary banshee.
Lincoln, handsome and standing tall.
Gorgon, a giant-like figure with hooves for feet.
Lockjaw, the massive dog with teleportation abilities.
And several other Inhumans with formidable powers.
Seeing the Inhuman SpecOps, both the Avengers and the Fantastic Four subconsciously frowned.
Since their emergence, the Inhuman SpecOps had been very active—so active that it felt somewhat abnormal.
Suddenly, Black Bolt, walking at the front, paused. He gave the Avengers and the Fantastic Four a cold nod in greeting.
"Avengers, Fantastic Four, hello," Medusa said with a smile.
Due to the nature of Black Bolt's power, Queen Medusa usually acted as his 'translator.'
The group was stunned; they hadn't expected the Inhuman SpecOps to take the initiative to greet them.
However, before they could exchange pleasantries, Black Bolt led his team and quickly departed.
Everyone stood there blinking.
"That's some strange behavior," Tony muttered with a frown.
Steve rubbed his temples. "Don't worry about it. Let's go in. It's about to start."
"Alright!"
"Let's go!"
The group responded and walked toward the assembly hall together. At the back, Pietro and Johnny engaged in a silent clash of glares.
Soon, they arrived at the hall and were led to their seats by the staff.
The group of superheroes sat together, enjoying the attention focused on them. Even the representatives from various countries couldn't help but feel a mix of envy, jealousy, and a faint, underlying hostility when looking at these superheroes.
Wanda's brow furrowed imperceptibly. She felt that these gazes were not friendly, which gave her an uneasy feeling.
Just then, the remaining national representatives entered the hall. To the confusion of the superheroes, the meeting began.
And they finally learned the theme of this session.
The Superhero Registration Act!
When they heard this, their pupils shrank and their expressions shifted.
As the meeting proceeded and they heard the relevant clauses within the act, their faces turned solemn.
Simply put, this was a law specifically targeting superheroes.
Since the emergence of superheroes, these groups wielding great power had remained unregulated. When these individuals with extraordinary abilities fought criminals, they often caused loss of life and property. Even many superheroes with hidden identities were, in themselves, considered a significant threat.
Therefore, to minimize the reckless damage caused by superheroes during combat, every superhero should be subject to control.
To put it bluntly, the Superhero Registration Act was a mandate to transform all superheroes from vigilantes into public officers, subjecting them to the control and dispatch of the United Nations or their respective home nations.
And today was the day the Act was officially promulgated and the day the superheroes were to sign the agreement.
When the superheroes heard this news, they were dumbfounded.
Weren't they brought here to speak on behalf of the superhero community? How were they being asked to sign an act before they had even said a word?
"Wait!"
Tony let out a low growl, and the hall fell silent. With a grim expression, he said, "Are you telling me you brought us here just to watch you announce a verdict?"
"No, we brought you here primarily so that you would sign the agreement."
General Ross, presiding over the meeting, looked at the superheroes calmly. His face was indifferent, even tinged with a hint of coldness. He had already anticipated this reaction and was psychologically prepared for even worse scenarios.
Steve said in a deep voice, "This is the first time we've heard of this agreement. To sign..."
"Captain," Ross said slowly. "Before you argue for yourselves and the superhero community, I would like everyone to look at some data."
As he spoke, Ross released the materials he had prepared in advance.
On the massive screen were images of superheroes in battle.
The Kryptonian invasion, the Mutant War, the Battle of the Stars, the Hellfire War, the Battle of the Giants...
Scenes of past major battles flashed continuously across the screen. Even though these events had passed, watching the footage still made many people in the room feel cold.
As the footage played, Ross spoke slowly.
"The entire world is grateful for the contributions of superheroes; one could even say we all owe you a debt of gratitude. You fight for us, for this world, risking your lives. Many see you as heroes, but many others prefer the term vigilantes—or even see you as a danger."
"You habitually ignore national sovereignty and borders. Where you go and what you do is based entirely on your own will. You even seem indifferent to the consequences. What do you have to say about that?"
The superheroes fell into a period of silence. These appeared to be the facts.
Just then, Steve spoke up slowly, "The Avengers, and indeed any superhero team, were founded to make the world safer. I believe we have achieved that."
He had a clear conscience, and his words were resonant and powerful. The superheroes nodded silently.
Ross said calmly, "That is exactly why you are being asked to sign the agreement and accept oversight now, rather than being rounded up as criminals."
"The creation of this agreement is for the better management of superheroes, nothing more."
"Furthermore, this agreement has already gained the recognition of numerous nations."
"Manage superheroes? Hah..."
Johnny Storm let out a cold laugh. "Suppose we sign the agreement. How long will it be before the government and the UN start tracking us like they track criminals?"
"Johnny!" Susan tugged at Johnny's sleeve. Though they had anticipated this situation, saying it so bluntly made further conversation difficult.
At that moment, Maximus, who had been sitting in the assembly representing Attilan, suddenly laughed. "I have some data. Since the appearance of superhero teams like the X-Men and the Avengers, the number of 'enhanced' individuals has been growing exponentially. During the same period, the number of potential world-ending events has also risen. You should be very clear on what that represents, shouldn't you?"
While none of this was the superheroes' fault, there was a certain causal relationship. The superheroes remained silent.
Tony looked at Ross, his eyes flickering. He said slowly, "If we accept oversight, what happens when a place needs us, but those controlling us won't let us go?"
And what if they send us to places we shouldn't go?
Although Tony didn't voice this question aloud, the doubt surfaced instinctively in the minds of the other superheroes.
"Everything will be led by the command of the oversight panel. Once the agreement is signed, there shall be no unauthorized actions. This is for your responsibility, and for the responsibility of others."
Steve's eyes were deep. He said softly, "Managers are human. Humans have agendas, and agendas can change."
Agendas can change?
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's heart skipped a beat.
Indeed, if the purpose changed, what would they become after losing their right to choose by signing the agreement?
Tools in the hands of the government?
At that possibility, a heavy feeling settled in the hearts of the superheroes. This was absolutely not the vision they wanted to see.
Just then, Queen Medusa said slowly, "But signing the agreement is also necessary. If superheroes have no oversight, if they let themselves go and fight without regard for consequences, then they are no different from criminals!"
The room fell silent as everyone wrestled with their thoughts.
"I think you've all misunderstood one thing."
Suddenly, a cold voice rang out.
Everyone looked over to see Maximus sitting in his seat, looking at them with a smile that felt as cold as a venomous snake.
"The 'Superhero Registration Act' is a law that has already been confirmed and promulgated. You were called here today not to discuss the issuance of the act, but to sign it!"
Having said this, Maximus took a moment to admire the ugly expressions on the superheroes' faces. Feeling a sense of satisfaction, he said, "You have only two choices now: to sign, or not to sign!"
His tone was flat, yet it carried an unpleasant, forceful edge.
The superheroes' complexions turned incredibly grim.
"And if we don't sign?"
Tony narrowed his eyes, asking the question that made everyone tense up.
"If you don't sign..." Maximus gave a faint smile and said, "Then from this moment forward, you are dangerous elements. You are criminals!"
This was exactly what he wanted to see.
"Criminals?" Steve murmured, his voice cold. "So, calling us here today wasn't about letting us speak as representatives of superheroes at all. It was to 'judge' us—to force us to sign the act and set an example for everyone else?"
"Don't make it sound so harsh!" Maximus shrugged. "This is for everyone's sake, for the good of the world!"
The representatives attending the meeting nodded in unison, and Ross spoke up directly: "Now, make your choice!"
The superheroes' faces were as dark as the bottom of a pot. At that moment, the Inhuman SpecOps standing to the side reacted.
Medusa took a step forward and said with a cool expression, "We are willing to sign our names to the Superhero Registration Act for the sake of this world and for everyone."
The representatives of the various nations revealed satisfied smiles.
In the next second, everyone's gaze fell upon the Avengers and the Fantastic Four.
Suddenly, a chill ran through their hearts.
Once things are settled, the update time will be changed back.
(End of Chapter)