Marvel Comics: The Sentinel(Sentry)

{T/N: A reader asked for an Auxiliary Chapter listing the names of Sean's "potential" mates... Well, it's out.}

...

Coulson, the first to return from New Mexico, pushed open the door and entered Nick Fury's office...

His superior was flipping through several documents; files previously transmitted from the town of Puente Antiguo, detailing all the events that had occurred.

However, many specifics still needed to be filled in by his trusted aide, who had experienced them firsthand.

"I heard you encountered legendary figures from Norse mythology in New Mexico?" Fury tapped his desk, a cold, hawk-like glint in his single eye, "Let's hope these beings come to Earth with good intentions."

"They called themselves Asgardians. They came here to find their lost prince, Thor, the god of Thunder. That metal hammer that fell in the New Mexico desert is called Mjolnir, a powerful artifact forged by dwarves. At first, I thought they were just a bunch of Norse mythology fanatics, but what happened afterward made it impossible not to believe..." Coulson recounted everything he had witnessed in New Mexico.

This was humanity's first contact with extraterrestrial beings, and Nick Fury listened intently.

From his subordinate's account, Asgard's civilization was clearly more advanced than Earth's. They possessed space-warping technology, reportedly had much longer lifespans, and wielded what could only be described as magical 'divine power'.

"So, they mean no harm? They only came to Earth because of a power struggle in Asgard?" The one-eyed Director spoke skeptically.

When it came to unknown highly advanced civilizations, he always maintained deep suspicion.

In S.H.I.E.L.D.'s buried classified history, before Fury became Director, the world had nearly been destroyed without anyone noticing, precisely because of extraterrestrial beings who had arrived on Earth.

They had shapeshifting abilities, which allowed them to infiltrate every corner of the nation. Later, this past was deliberately concealed, known to very few.

After that incident, S.H.I.E.L.D. gained significant attention from the federal government, leading to the formation of the World Security Council.

Nick Fury, who had lost an eye in that secret, unknown war, rose through the ranks until he eventually succeeded Alexander Pierce as Director, steadily expanding the organization's influence. Over time, S.H.I.E.L.D. grew so powerful that even the federal government found it difficult to restrain.

"You could say that. Aside from being as arrogant as Tony Stark, they're actually quite reasonable." Coulson shrugged and continued, "In that small New Mexico town, we also encountered the Sentinel. He clashed with that giant Asgardian armor, and..."

The middle-aged agent paused, hesitating, "Sean Cyphers was there too, though outside the battlefield. They probably aren't the same person."

"Stay vigilant with everyone. Sean Cyphers is a ghost lurking at the edges of every major event, keep a close eye on him!" Fury didn't elaborate further. After all, he had already sent Natasha, "What about that female scientist who lifted the hammer? Did you secure her?"

The bald Director's mind raced. According to Coulson, that hammer held significant influence over Asgard's royal succession. Perhaps they could use that to their advantage.

Coulson shook his head. Jane Foster had been taken away by Sean Cyphers. According to the New York genius, she was now an official employee of Umbrella Corporation, so he had to stop the black-suited agents from forcibly detaining her.

"Then bring in Dr. Selvig. He might be more useful to us." Fury leaned forward, his hands braced on the desk. He had already prepared a series of plans to strengthen S.H.I.E.L.D.'s power.

First, by assembling the Avengers, they would showcase S.H.I.E.L.D.'s formidable military might. Then, with Tony Stark's technological support, they would construct the Helicarrier, enhancing the agency's stealth and mobility.

If everything went according to plan, S.H.I.E.L.D. would become Earth's strongest line of defense... a shield against all powerful enemies...

....

A Gulfstream G650 soared above the clouds, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, its light spilling over the rolling sea of clouds like gilded silk...

After cooperating with S.H.I.E.L.D. to provide a series of statements, Sean and Harry hitched a ride back to New York. Accompanying them were Jane, Darcy, and Dr. Selvig.

The Asgardians had come and gone in a flash, vanishing as mysteriously as they had arrived. Jane was disappointed, she had hoped to gather more information about their otherworldly realm.

The astrophysicist glanced at Sean, who sat by the window. If not for his intervention, she would have been taken away by S.H.I.E.L.D.

Truthfully, Jane still didn't fully understand what had happened. Why had that metal hammer ended up in her hands? Where had that sudden surge of power come from? A whirlwind of questions plagued her mind, leaving her restless and sleepless, with that deep voice echoing in her ears.

Lost in thought, she barely noticed as Sean moved to sit beside her.

Startled, she tensed, her gaze flickering away awkwardly. Nearby, Darcy and Harry were engrossed in lively chatter, their playful banter filling the cabin with an air of youthful energy.

"Nervous?" His clear voice pulled her back to reality.

"Huh?" Jane blinked at him in confusion.

"Once we're back in New York, compile your research. You can start by publishing a paper in a high-impact, credible journal... Dr. Connors should be able to help, he has plenty of connections..."

Sean spoke calmly, his tone reassuring, "...If anyone tries to challenge or discredit you, Umbrella can hold a press conference, present solid evidence, and use the media to spread the truth to the world."

From his brief clash with Thor and his mental confrontation with Odin, the All-Father, Sean had gained a rough understanding of his own strength.

Compared to seasoned powerhouses, he still had room to grow, but his rapid progress gave him confidence. One day, with the power of Sentry, he would stand toe-to-toe with these formidable opponents.

Still, he lacked sufficient power. Otherwise, he would have considered exchanging Thor for Loki, Odin's adopted son.

The cunning, silver-tongued prince of Asgard knew countless secrets across the Nine Realms and had studied countless historical texts.

Unlike Thor, who had been raised as a future king, Loki, though less physically formidable, excelled in other areas under the tutelage of Frigga, Odin's wife.

The proud and warlike god of Thunder held little value to Sean himself. However, the spatial travel methods of Asgard were another matter...

If he could capture Loki, he might extract some useful information. The young man was particularly interested in that gauntlet in Odin's vault, the one waiting to be embedded with Infinity Stones...

"I think I need to prepare myself," Jane said with a weak smile.

She had always juggled part-time jobs while conducting her research... she had never been part of something this high-profile.

"Don't worry. You'll get used to it soon enough." Sean reassured the nervous astrophysicist, "The Foster Theory... sounds pretty good, doesn't it?"

Jane blinked, then a faint smile touched her lips as she studied his youthful face. The warm, golden light streaming through the window cast a glow on his profile, and for a fleeting moment, he seemed to overlap with that mysterious voice in her mind.

But when she looked again, it was just a trick of the light...