There was no need to study Marvel files—Daisy already knew who he was.
Nick Fury, the current Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
But why had he come looking for her?
Had she been too active lately and attracted S.H.I.E.L.D.’s attention?
She didn’t think so.
Instinctively, she shifted into a defensive stance, her Vibration Ability already primed.
As if he hadn’t noticed her posture, Fury gestured with his chin toward the house nearby.
“The man in there has eleven deaths on his conscience.
Is someone like that really trustworthy?” Daisy still couldn’t figure out his intentions.
She didn’t know whether Fury had overheard her conversation with James Wesley.
If he had, then he already knew about her Superpower.
If he hadn’t, then he wouldn’t…
Did he know or not?
She tried to read Fury’s expression, only to realize that between the darkness of the night and the shadow across his face, it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.
Instead of answering directly, she countered, “Who are you?
Why are you looking for me?” “I’m Nick Fury, with S.H.I.E.L.D.
I came because you’re talented, and your abilities shouldn’t be wasted in a place like this.” With a wry smile, Daisy pointed toward James’s house.
“That’s almost exactly what I said to convince him just now.
Couldn’t you come up with something more original?” Fury didn’t take the bait.
He neither asked what they had discussed nor denied hearing it.
Instead, he smoothly changed the subject.
“We’re a global organization, and we have information about your parents.” Daisy had no interest in her parents.
That was what she thought, and that was exactly what she said.
“Not interested.” Fury wasn’t surprised by the response.
An eighteen- or nineteen-year-old reacting this way was nothing unusual.
Even Tony Stark, well into adulthood, had always acted dismissive whenever his parents were mentioned.
People often cared more than they admitted.
Acknowledging their parents’ path felt like weakness to many, while rejecting it was seen as independence.
Fury assumed Daisy was no different.
“We have information about your parents.
You’re very talented and deserve a better education instead of entering the business world this early.
Doing so would only limit your potential.” His words gave Daisy pause.
It didn’t sound as though he wanted to recruit her as an Avenger or a field agent.
Instead, it seemed he wanted her to continue her education.
She certainly didn’t mind learning more.
Her enhanced brain had significantly improved her learning ability.
She had already managed to teach herself part of quantum mechanics, difficult as it had been.
With proper instruction, she could learn much faster.
“I know that at your age you’re independent, confident, and probably skeptical of formal education,” Fury continued, “but speaking as someone older, knowledge is always worth acquiring.” Daisy scratched her head.
“So…
are you recommending me to a university?” Fury shook his head before nodding.
“S.H.I.E.L.D.
has its own academy.
You can study virtually anything you want there.
Its credentials aren’t recognized outside the organization, though.
Then again, I doubt you’re planning to apply for ordinary jobs.” Daisy couldn’t disagree with that.
Working for someone else had never been part of her plans.
S.H.I.E.L.D.’s qualifications indeed carried little weight outside the organization.
In the original timeline, after S.H.I.E.L.D.
collapsed, Maria Hill had struggled to find civilian employment and eventually ended up working under Tony Stark.
That alone illustrated the point.
Just as Daisy had done with James earlier, Fury handed her a magnetic access card.
“It contains your identity information.
If you’re interested, report within a month.
As for the academy’s location, you’ll have to find it yourself.” It was an obvious attempt to pique her curiosity.
Fury seemed convinced that young people couldn’t resist that kind of challenge.
Even so, Daisy accepted the card and examined both sides.
There was no explanation, no obvious way to use it, and losing it wouldn’t seem to cause much damage.
“So I’d only be studying?
No spy work or anything like that?” Fury snorted.
“We don’t train only spies.
Maintaining world security involves many different fields.
Your concerns are unnecessary.” Daisy remained skeptical.
Unfortunately, between the darkness and Fury’s unreadable expression, she couldn’t gather anything.
The veteran intelligence officer’s emotions were as steady as steel—far beyond the reach of her still-developing observational skills.
After thinking for a moment, she asked an awkward question.
“What about the tuition?” Fury stared at her with his single eye.
It took him a moment to realize she was serious.
Finally, he nodded speechlessly.
“Your tuition will be fully covered.” Daisy’s eyes lit up.
University tuition was expensive, and S.H.I.E.L.D.’s academy would undoubtedly cost even more.
Despite the confidence she had shown while recruiting James, she still wasn’t certain her startup could succeed.
No matter how revolutionary her big data technology was, it would be worthless if nobody bought it.
The truth was simple.
She was broke.
She almost asked whether room and board were included as well.
Lately, her food expenses alone had become frightening.
Her body had become like a bottomless pit.
No matter how much she ate, she never felt full, and everything seemed to be converted into energy.
Ever since gaining her Superpower, she had never experienced the feeling of being satisfied after a meal.
Thinking about it, she found the situation almost embarrassing.
Noticing her hesitation, Fury added another incentive.
“Room and board are covered.
Firearms, equipment, and protective gear are provided as well.
You’ll receive the best professional training, top scientific guidance, and we can even provide you with a vehicle.” Daisy’s eyes brightened immediately.
She glanced at her well-used Ford, which had probably changed owners countless times.
If S.H.I.E.L.D.
provided a vehicle, maybe she could finally sell it.
Still, she maintained enough composure to ask, “You’re offering all these benefits.
What do you expect in return?” “When the time comes, you’ll serve S.H.I.E.L.D.” “In what capacity?
And for how long?” “In whatever capacity your abilities are suited for—intelligence analysis, operational support, information gathering, medical assistance, and more.
Once you believe you’ve repaid S.H.I.E.L.D.
for its investment in you, you’re free to leave.” The two exchanged a few more questions and answers.
Overall, the terms were surprisingly generous.
There was no fixed service period and no mention of mandatory assignments.
“Medical assistance…?” Daisy suddenly understood.
“Oh, I get it.
Frank told you about me, didn’t he?
I think he’s the only person I’ve ever treated.” Fury nodded.
“He served alongside me.
On a personal level, I’m grateful that you saved his life.” “You’re close?” “We served together.
He’s the kind of person you’d trust with your life.” Daisy lightly tapped one fist into her palm.
“That’s perfect!
Treating him cost me quite a bit, and afterward I even left him some money to help cover his recovery.
Do you think that money…” Fury was momentarily speechless.
He had no idea how much Daisy had spent treating Frank.
As for the “some money” she mentioned, someone accustomed to dealing with budgets worth hundreds of millions—or even billions—naturally imagined a very different scale.