Chapter 249

"Grant Douglas Ward." Evenson lowered his eyelids as he spoke Ward’s full name, then looked up at Gattler, who sat across from him, with a subtle expression. "Whether he qualifies or not aside, could you tell me why you know about this?"

"This matter requires Level 8 clearance." Gattler shrugged.

Evenson’s existence had once been classified under Level 10 clearance. However, after he officially joined S.H.I.E.L.D., it had been lowered to Level 8 clearance to make his work easier.

"But you’re only a Level Seven Agent, aren’t you?" Evenson asked.

"Haha…" Gattler gave an awkward laugh. "I’ll be promoted to Level 8 soon."

"But you aren’t yet." Evenson’s expression was now extremely serious. He did his best to present himself as someone who would relentlessly pursue any agent caught overstepping their clearance.

"Man, agents have ranks, but sometimes personal connections matter too." Gattler explained. "One of the agents who knew about this happens to be on good terms with me. And since this involves a subordinate I personally trained, plus my clearance is about to be upgraded, he told me about it."

"Who?" Evenson pressed. "Who was the agent who told you?"

"No, no, no…" Gattler waved his hands repeatedly. "If it’s inconvenient for you to say, then forget it. I’m not about to betray a friend."

To be honest, Gattler was rather nervous now. He did not know why. This guy in front of him had clearly been thrown onto the plane by Nick Fury like a sack of mud, yet he now seemed incredibly imposing.

Do not think Evenson only had a goofy aura. If he truly unleashed his full presence, ordinary people would not be able to endure it. After all, Sorcerers were practitioners who spread destruction and terror, and the number of souls that had dissipated at his hands was no small figure.

He usually kept himself restrained, but there was no need to be so courteous toward the Hydra operative before him.

"Heh, there’s no harm in telling you." Evenson suddenly withdrew his presence and smiled.

If Evenson ignored such an obvious breach of clearance, that would be highly inappropriate. But asking about it was enough; there was no need to investigate further.

Besides, since the other side had offered such a reason, they had surely prepared the whole act already. Even if he investigated, he would find nothing.

And even if he did uncover something suspicious, why would Evenson investigate? He had no obligation to, and he felt it did not serve his interests. All he needed to know now was that Hydra was very interested in his power.

"Agent Grant Ward did not pass." Evenson gave the answer with a regretful look. Then his expression changed as he continued, "Actually, you should be happy. Such an outstanding agent can continue serving under you."

"Um… sir, may I say something?" Ward, who had been sitting silently to the side, suddenly spoke up.

His rank was the lowest among everyone present. It was already good enough that he was allowed to listen to these matters; how could it be his turn to offer an opinion?

Moreover, he had felt that oppressive presence just now seemed to be deliberately directed at him, as though the pain, fear, and anger buried deep within his heart had been seen through at a glance.

Now that Evenson had withdrawn his presence, Ward secretly breathed a sigh of relief. But then he saw his boss discreetly signaling him from the side, telling him to ask for the reason.

There was no helping it. The underling was the one sent to take the hit. No matter how unwilling he was, Ward still asked, "May I ask, sir… why was I rejected?" Then he saw Evenson’s expression shift slightly and hurriedly explained, "I’m not dissatisfied. I only want to know where I’m lacking. Perhaps I can make up for it and meet your requirements."

"There’s no need to be so tense, Agent Ward." Evenson smiled. "I’ve read your file. You are outstanding in every regard. Under normal circumstances, I would have given you a brief test, but after seeing your family history…" Evenson shook his head as if filled with regret. "I gave up on that idea."

"Some say Magic is the manifestation of spiritual power, and I say that is complete nonsense. But Magic and the mind do influence each other, and your mental state…" Pretending to be troubled, Evenson laid out Ward’s past.

"Parents with abusive tendencies died in a mysterious fire, while three brothers who were already at odds went their separate ways. I don’t know what kind of psychological scars such a childhood left on you, but it certainly makes you unsuitable for Magic training."

If Evenson’s words reached the ears of other Sorcerers, they would definitely say this was the real bullshit. There were countless Sorcerers in the Burning Legion, and countless wild Sorcerers. Which one of them did not have something wrong with their mind?

Especially those accomplished great Sorcerers. If they wrote down their life stories, it would basically be the ultimate enhanced edition of The Silence of the Lambs.

As for Evenson… hmph, the Eredar Twins had stated more than once that Evenson’s current condition was highly abnormal. He possessed the three great Sorcerer artifacts and a complete set of Magic textbooks, and he had trained for more than seven years.

By all reason, Evenson’s current strength might not have rivaled Gul’dan’s, but he should certainly have been stronger than Talon Blood Demon before he got fat.

But in reality, he was nowhere close. Evenson’s strength was still neither here nor there. If he had to be compared, he was probably around Level 60 now.

As for why he was like this, the Eredar Twins claimed it was entirely because that little Sorcerer did not have the heart to devote himself to Fel.

He clearly possessed uniquely favorable conditions, yet he never made deals with demons for power, nor did he slaughter on a grand scale and convert life into Fel to pour into himself. He was clearly a lofty Sorcerer, yet he insisted on imitating those backwater mages, playing at nonsense like relying entirely on personal cultivation and progressing step by step. It was simply incomprehensible—a true disgrace to the great world of Sorcerers!

Disgrace or not, after being a Sorcerer for seven years, Evenson at least had not felt that it was time to show his loyalty to the Lord of the Burning Legion by sacrificing his own world or anything like that.

And even though he had chosen such a cautious path, did anyone think Evenson was fine? Plenty of people said he needed medication.

"Agent Ward is very strong. I believe he overcame those shadows long ago," Gattler suddenly said. As Ward’s recommender and direct superior, he did indeed have the right to say that.

"Your word doesn’t count." Evenson said teasingly. "This sort of thing requires long-term observation. I’ll observe him personally."

"Mm… all right." Gattler thought for a moment. "If there’s an opportunity… or when it’s convenient for you, you can give Ward a test."

Gattler was actually deeply conflicted. He wanted Ward to learn Evenson’s Magic, but he also did not want Ward staying around Evenson for too long. Who knew what tests this mysterious fellow might conduct? If he happened to dig up something… heh, that would be a major problem.

But Evenson was thinking that Hydra’s interest in his power could be exploited. And this Grant Ward was indeed someone of value—perhaps he might prove useful.