Since Su Zhan had chosen Sam Wilson, helping him reignite his fighting spirit and equipping him to become the Falcon, there was no way he would let Steve Rogers poach him for the Avengers. Before Sam even arrived, he had already become a member of the War League. Steve, though a little disappointed, had expected this outcome. He made no demands and simply watched as the special squad successfully rescued the hostages.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped low and the world outside the window glowed with golden light, Natasha curled up in Su Zhan's arms. Her legs draped lazily over his back, her touch slow and intimate. She looked up at him with a playful glint in her eyes.
"Tell me, don't you think you have a bit of a collection hobby?" Natasha teased, her tone both affectionate and sly.
Su Zhan grinned, not denying it. "This isn't just a fancy. It's a kind of fraternity. All men are the same underneath, even if most won't admit it. Some lack courage, some lack skill, and some simply lack the heart. But the desire is there."
Natasha laughed softly, her fingers tracing idle circles on his chest. "And what about you?"
He met her gaze, his eyes warm. "Me? I have both the cunning and the skill. Otherwise, how could I have ever caught you?"
Natasha shook her head in mock exasperation. "I see you, Su Zhan. You have a collection of beautiful women. Whenever you meet someone extraordinary, you want to add her to your side. Sooner or later, you'll be surrounded by more and more."
He chuckled, cupping her chin and tilting her face toward his. "I admit it. But the premise is that they're worth collecting, don't you think?"
Natasha rolled her eyes, but her lips curled in a smile. "So I should be proud? At least I'm valuable enough to be collected?"
"Exactly," Su Zhan replied, brushing his thumb gently across her cheek.
She gave him a playful glare. "Sometimes I feel at a disadvantage, being just one of your women. So you have to make it up to me."
With a sudden movement, Natasha flipped over, straddling him with a grin. The night deepened, and their laughter mingled with the soft sounds of the city outside.
Morning dawned bright and clear. The War League's island base was beginning to take shape, its silhouette rising proudly from the sea. From above, the prototype of the base was already visible, a testament to Su Zhan's ambition. He stood on the deck of a fighter jet, Natasha by his side, as they circled the island. The Falcon flew nearby, his wings catching the sunlight, and the tall buildings of the base loomed in the distance.
A massive sign reading "War League" was prominently displayed at the top of the tallest building, bold and unmistakable.
"This is the War League?" Natasha asked, her voice tinged with awe as she gazed down at the island. "It looks ready for use. It's so much larger than S.H.I.E.L.D."
"It should be officially operational within a week," Su Zhan replied, pointing ahead. "My spaceship is just in front. The others are already there."
As they approached, a transparent door gradually revealed the interior of the spacecraft. Once inside, Su Zhan reached out with his telepathy, calling everyone to gather.
Blink, Bones, Scorch, Blizzard, Blacksmith, Lizard Professor, Pepper, and the Dark Elf all responded to his summons. Everyone except Pepper wore the sleek black uniform of the War League. This was the first time Su Zhan had seen them all assembled in uniform, and he had to admit, the sight was impressive. For a moment, he felt a surge of pride at what he had built.
He glanced down at his own war suit, feeling its reassuring weight.
"Black Widow Natasha, Falcon Sam," Su Zhan introduced the newcomers to the assembled group. The others greeted them warmly, their camaraderie already forming.
That morning, Su Zhan had informed Natasha that she would be joining the War League. Though she had hesitated at first, her reluctance was not from unwillingness but from concern that her presence might bring trouble to Su Zhan. In the end, he convinced her, revealing that S.H.I.E.L.D. had been deeply infiltrated by Hydra and was on the verge of collapse.
The news shocked Natasha, but she trusted Su Zhan's words. Some clues had troubled her for a while, but she had never connected them until now.
As for Sam, his transition was much simpler. Having joined the War League, he was eager to embrace his new role.
Su Zhan was also preparing to bring one more person into the League, though that person had not yet arrived.
"Blink, take Natasha and Sam to change into their uniforms. It's important that everyone look the part. I'll leave for now. If all goes well, I'll bring someone back with me," Su Zhan instructed.
After giving his orders, Su Zhan turned and left, heading straight to his room. Once inside, he entered the fighting field.
There, Claire's avatar was already glowing, and she materialized before him.
"Remember? I said I'd show you a new world when we met again," Su Zhan said, smiling at her.
Claire nodded, her eyes full of curiosity. "Of course I remember, but I don't really understand…"
He explained gently, "Actually, I'm not from your world. I have the ability to travel between worlds. In my world, there are many superheroes, many people with abilities. If you use your powers to save and help others, you'll be welcomed as a hero. Having abilities is not unusual; you won't be treated as a monster or discriminated against. Instead, people will admire you, maybe even worship you."
Claire's eyes widened in wonder. "If I want to experience this new world, to be seen as a hero instead of a monster, you can really take me there?"
Su Zhan nodded. "Yes. And if you ever want to return, you can. There are some restrictions, but it's possible."
Claire's initial shock gave way to hope. The idea of living in a world where she did not have to hide, where she could be herself, was intoxicating.
"When will you take me?" she asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.
"Right now," Su Zhan replied with a gentle smile.
He issued the command to the system, and a beam of light enveloped Claire. She flinched, frightened at first, but as the energy surged through her, she felt a strange calm settle over her.
After a moment, the light faded. Claire looked down at her hands, then up at Su Zhan, her voice trembling with excitement. "Is it done? Am I really going?"
Su Zhan nodded, his smile full of reassurance. "Welcome to your new world, Claire. Here, you can be whoever you want to be."