Wanting to Refuse but Unable to Say It

More importantly, Steve still could not fully understand or handle many things on the modern Blue Planet.

What he would face next were aliens beyond the Blue Planet’s understanding.

This left Steve under tremendous pressure; otherwise, he would not have said he wanted to return to the World War II era.

"Steve Rogers, I know watching these videos may make you feel weak."

"But please believe in your own strength. You are the Blue Planet’s first hero."

"And the power you possess also exceeds what ordinary humans can comprehend."

"If even you cannot play a role in the fight against aliens…"

"Then we ordinary people will have even less means or opportunity to resist them."

"You will be forming the Avengers Initiative with them, not becoming their enemy."

"Although they have joined the Avengers Initiative, their personalities and quirks are rather complicated, and we cannot communicate with them effectively."

"So S.H.I.E.L.D. truly and urgently needs your strength."

"Please lend us a hand. This is also lending a hand to humanity on the Blue Planet. I beg you."

Seeing that Captain America Steve Rogers seemed somewhat frightened, Coulson spoke with utmost seriousness and sincerity.

"I hope I can truly live up to it…"

Hearing Coulson’s words, Steve calmed down slightly. After a pause, he spoke.

Coulson was right. Black Widow and Hawkeye were super agents, and their combat skills were excellent, but that was limited to dealing with certain special missions on the Blue Planet.

The enemies they faced had always remained within the scope of humanity.

But the unknown enemies they would face next came from outer space, so they needed even greater strength and combat ability to handle them.

To be honest, Steve had begun to question his own strength. He was not sure whether he could be of use in the coming battle, but faced with Coulson’s plea, he could not refuse.

"You definitely can. Without a doubt."

"You possess exceptional combat instincts, as well as a mind clever enough to face battle."

Seeing that he had persuaded Steve, Coulson breathed a sigh of relief and spoke earnestly.

Steve had made indelible contributions to America in the past, and he possessed superhuman strength. He was America’s first superhero.

That was why Coulson had admired Captain America for a very long time.

Though he did not dare hope to possess strength like Steve’s, he still wished to contribute his own share to America.

Although, as things stood now, Steve’s strength was indeed comparable to that of an ordinary person when measured against Dr. Banner, Tony Stark, Thor, and the demon Harvey.

At the very least, Steve could still be regarded as an ordinary person.

When people like them faced those four, they had absolutely no way to deal with them. They were like ants.

Once beings possessing power beyond common human understanding acted recklessly, they could bring catastrophic disaster to humanity.

Therefore, they urgently needed someone who could help people like them build a bridge with the other members of the Avengers Initiative.

As Americans, Dr. Banner and Tony Stark of the Avengers Initiative would surely hold at least some respect for Steve Rogers.

No matter how little that respect might be, as long as it existed, there was a possibility of conversation.

"I understand."

Feeling Coulson’s fondness and admiration for him, Steve found it difficult to say that he could not do it. Thus, he could only say something reassuring.

"By the way, we made some modifications to your uniform."

"I also offered a few design suggestions."

Hearing Steve’s words, which conveyed a sense of conviction, Coulson smiled and spoke.

"My uniform?"

"Wouldn’t the stars-and-stripes design be… too outdated?"

When Coulson mentioned his uniform, Steve recalled the one he had worn in the past after becoming acquainted with much modern knowledge and culture. He had to admit that uniform was ugly and completely outdated.

Compared with wearing that, he preferred his current casual jacket and trousers, so he wanted to refuse.

"Given the current situation and the fierce battle to come…"

"People may need a little of the spirit from the past."

Coulson’s expression became somewhat grave as he spoke.

This time, Tony Stark and Hulk were willing to assemble, raising the Avengers Initiative’s combat strength by several levels.

But leaving aside whether Hulk might lose control, the most troublesome aspect of the enemies invading the Blue Planet was that they possessed a method of controlling people’s minds.

If Tony Stark were controlled, he might instead become humanity’s greatest threat.

Coulson hoped Captain America Steve Rogers’s spirit of sacrifice and justice could make the other members of the Avengers Initiative more united and prevent the worst possible outcome.

"…"

After hearing Coulson put it that way, Steve could not bring himself to refuse, even though he did not want to wear that old and outdated uniform.

Meanwhile, inside a secret underground laboratory.

Through the Mind Stone, Loki connected his consciousness to the universe.

"The Chitauri are growing increasingly restless."

A humanoid creature draped in a black cloak, clad in alien armor, wearing a mask over an ugly face, and holding a scepter spoke.

"Tell them to control themselves."

"I will lead them in a glorious campaign."

Though Loki looked down on this Chitauri inwardly, he did not show it on the surface as he spoke.

The Destroyer had gone to the Blue Planet only to never return, and he did not believe the Chitauri could necessarily conquer it. Still, he did not mind watching a good show.

"A campaign?"

"Crushing the insects on the Blue Planet can be called a campaign?"

The Chitauri General turned to glance at Loki, his words brimming with contempt.

"A glorious and effortless campaign."

"Provided your army truly is as invincible as you claim."

Loki replied calmly.

"You dare question us?"

"Question him?"

"Do not forget that he was the one who bestowed the scepter upon you."

"He taught you ancient knowledge and gave you a new mission."

"When you were exiled and defeated."

The Chitauri General glared at Loki, anger flashing in his eyes upon hearing those words.

"I was once a king, the king of Asgard. I was merely betrayed."

Hearing this person bring up his past humiliation, Loki raised his voice, his tone incomparably serious.

"Your ambitions are truly petty and childish."

"We want more than just the Blue Planet. The Cube will open the way to a far broader world."

Hearing Loki’s response, the Chitauri General’s words were filled with contempt and disdain.

"Do not forget that the Cube is still in my hands."

Hearing those disdainful words, Loki spoke.

Third update delivered.