Upon hearing about psychic abilities from Wade, Robert started considering the strategic advantages such abilities could offer. The Avengers, despite their impressive roster, lacked a dedicated telepath. Clark, even though he had learned some mind-reading techniques from Robert, was primarily a powerhouse with defensive psychic capabilities rather than offensive or manipulative ones.
Robert himself possessed a wider array of abilities, including telekinesis and some mind-related powers he had developed since arriving in this world. However, these were mainly supplementary tools for combat and exploration, not his area of expertise.
Other than Clark and Robert, the Avengers didn't have anyone with psychic abilities. While Tony Stark and others admired the unique powers of Susan Storm and Lorna Dane, their abilities leaned more towards telekinesis rather than true psychic prowess.
Robert's thoughts wandered back to his brief encounter with the Martian Manhunter, a being who exemplified powerful telepathic abilities. He wasn't a villain; in fact, he seemed to protect Earth in his own way. Robert recalled that during the Frost Giants incident, the Martian Manhunter had been prepared to intervene but chose to observe when Robert took over the fight against Laufey.
Robert believed that defending Earth required a coalition of like-minded individuals. In the Dragon Ball world, Earth's defenders were never just one or two heroes. Even characters like Krillin, who might seem weaker, played crucial roles in protecting the planet. If the Martian Manhunter shared their goal of safeguarding Earth, inviting him to join the Avengers could be mutually beneficial. It would bolster the Avengers' capabilities and provide the Martian Manhunter with a support network to address threats beyond his solo efforts.
Robert reasoned that if he were still solely training Peter Parker and the rest of the fledgling Z-Fighter team, he might not have entertained the idea. However, with the Avengers established and Peter and his peers stepping into the limelight, it made sense to help the Avengers strengthen their ranks further.
Given the vast array of potential threats on Earth and in the cosmos that Wade hinted at, Robert saw the necessity of expanding the Avengers' power. The team needed the ability to hold their own even if Robert and Clark were occupied or incapacitated by powerful adversaries.
Sharing his thoughts with Clark, Robert found him contemplative but not opposed. Clark agreed to keep an eye out for the Martian Manhunter while dealing with the aftermath of the Spider-People incident. They both acknowledged that finding and recruiting him would be a significant advantage.
"Who exactly are you talking about?" Tony Stark asked, looking puzzled. He had only overheard the part where Robert mentioned knowing someone with psychic abilities, missing the rest of the telepathic exchange between Robert and Clark.
"He's another alien. We'll talk more when we find him," Robert explained. "Think of him as a more comprehensive, enhanced version of Kara."
"What do you mean, more comprehensive and enhanced? I'm pretty powerful right now, you know. Want to test that?" Kara challenged, glaring at Robert.
"We can do that—after I've had something to eat!" Robert replied with a laugh, noting Kara's eager expression. He agreed to her challenge with a grin.
Soon, a sumptuous meal was laid out. Wade was unceremoniously relegated to a separate table, where he was joined by Peter Parker and the still-unfamiliar Harry Osborn, who couldn't decline Wade's boisterous company.
While Robert's table remained relatively calm, Wade's table buzzed with non-stop chatter. Wade seemed to treat the meal as an all-you-can-eat buffet, determined to eat his fill and then some. Despite his constant talking, his table consumed a staggering amount of food, rivaling everyone else combined, except for Robert.
Wade declared it the best and most expensive meal he'd ever had, joking about stuffing himself to make the most of it. Given that he hadn't paid a cent, every bite was a win for him. Besides, his venture to the Avengers had brought him considerable wealth, more than many could earn in a lifetime.
However, once the meal ended, Wade was promptly shown the door. Tony Stark assured him that the rest of his payment would be transferred soon and that they would call on him for help in the future if needed.
Wade resisted leaving, especially after reconnecting with Robert and thinking he had secured a bond with Clark. But dealing with someone like Wade, who had great healing but wasn't exceptionally powerful, was easy for Robert. He gave Wade another kick, supplemented with a bit of telekinesis, sending him flying to a secluded spot far from the Avengers' base.
From Tony Stark's perspective, Wade finding his way back was nearly impossible. The Avengers' base location was not public, and Wade had arrived with Clark flying him over. Without a map or flight capability, Wade wouldn't find his way back unless they contacted him again. The Avengers felt they had successfully avoided future intrusions from Wade unless needed.
"Phew! Finally, that annoying guy is gone," Tony Stark sighed in relief once Wade was out of sight. Even Tony, who had a penchant for sarcasm, found Wade's endless chatter overwhelming. Despite the leverage of payment, Wade's presence was unsettling due to his relentless talkativeness.
The Avengers had discreetly decided to send Wade off for now. If they needed his intel or assistance again, they'd let Tony handle it with payments. For Wade, money was preferable to working pro bono. This way, Wade wouldn't linger in their base, allowing everyone to breathe easier.
"Indeed, that guy is something else. I thought my personality was quite outgoing, and Pietro isn't shy either. But compared to him, we're amateurs. His mind works in ways I can't even fathom," Johnny Storm admitted, glancing in the direction Wade had disappeared, reflecting on the remarkable difference between them.
Johnny and Pietro were usually the most energetic members of the Avengers, but Wade's presence overshadowed them. They had to acknowledge the gap between Wade's behavior and their own, akin to the difference in power levels between them and stronger heroes.
"Yeah, since he showed up, the atmosphere in the base got weird. He's definitely one of a kind. The fact that he's lived this long without getting killed is a miracle," Pietro agreed, nodding thoughtfully.
The Avengers had learned about Wade's incredible healing abilities, which explained his survival despite his antics. Yet, his longevity before gaining such powers was surprising to them.
Listening to the Avengers' discussion, Peter Parker seemed uneasy. He had exchanged contact information with Wade and had arranged a meeting time. Wade had messaged him during the meal, predicting he'd be kicked out and sharing a rendezvous point.
Initially, Peter had been reluctant to agree, but Wade's promise to help him avoid body control convinced him. Peter decided to meet with Wade, though it felt like a betrayal to his teammates. He worried about potentially exposing the Avengers' base location.
Aside from Harry Osborn, the others didn't notice Peter's discomfort. They attributed any odd behavior to the trauma Peter had recently endured. After all, his estranged father, Richard Parker, had turned out to be a villain and had died in the recent conflict. Such events would deeply affect anyone.
"Harry, you should consider collaborating with Stark Industries," Tony Stark suggested, breaking through the chatter about Wade. He turned to Harry Osborn, who was observing the others silently. "If I'm not mistaken, you've recently taken over Oscorp, right?"
"Yes, Mr. Stark," Harry responded, more familiar with Tony than the other Avengers. He had long admired Tony Stark, both as Iron Man and for his former playboy persona. In his youth, Harry had aspired to have the same kind of vibrant lifestyle Tony once led.
"Call me Tony. You're not just anyone now," Tony said, acknowledging Harry's position. "With Oscorp's assets and your technological grasp, you're in a position to join us. However, for now, you can't officially join the Avengers."
Tony continued, "Oscorp has a strong foundation, stronger than Hammer Industries, for sure. But you need to fully control your board of directors. I want you to strengthen Oscorp, making your voice the sole authority."
Tony's strategy was clear. He wanted Harry to consolidate power within Oscorp and grow the company. Once Harry had total control and Oscorp was more formidable, he could either join the Avengers openly or support them from behind the scenes. Either way, Oscorp's influence would significantly boost the Avengers' clout.
From the recent Spider-Man incident, Tony realized that he and Steve Rogers alone couldn't fend off all threats. Even with their combined prowess, they couldn't simply eliminate all other players. Thus, expanding the Avengers' influence and power was crucial.
Oscorp might not rival Stark Industries, but with Harry's leadership, it could become a major player. Its resources and connections could help fend off various entities eyeing the Avengers and enhance their standing in critical spheres.
On the battlefield, the Avengers could outmatch any official force. Yet, they hadn't transcended to a position of ultimate authority above all governments. They still needed to navigate Earth's rules and politics, which meant they couldn't just overpower or disregard established powers.
The Avengers' goal was to protect Earth from extraordinary threats, not engage in global dominance. If they had wanted to, they could have overthrown any government interference long ago. Instead, they chose to work within the system to safeguard the planet.
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