Chapter 58: Chapter 57
"It's really unexpected. After all, she seems to have never demonstrated this ability before," Holm sighed.
In response to Holm's sigh, Daisy explained, "That's because there were no conditions or opportunities for me to show off in previous missions. I'm basically not needed every time, especially when it comes to combat. I only get to play a significant role when I'm making reports."
Speaking of this, Daisy felt a little disheartened. She was envious of Holm's exceptional combat abilities.
During this period, as long as their tasks were combat-related, Holm could handle them all by himself.
Even if there were dozens of enemies, it hardly mattered. Holm's special ability allowed him to overpower them with ease. Even if their numbers doubled, the result would still be one-sided.
Daisy's role had always been to provide logistical support to Holm and then write reports after the mission was completed.
Over time, and with training, she no longer needed Holm's guidance in writing reports like she did in the beginning. She could now complete them independently and do so quickly and skillfully.
Hearing Daisy's words, Coulson smiled and said, "Once you join the team, you'll have plenty of chances to fully showcase your strengths. That said, you'll still need to improve your combat abilities."
"Your missions won't take too much of your time in the future. Agent Clint can guide you in training during your free periods."
After saying this, Coulson turned to Holm, his smile growing more pronounced.
Looking at his expression, Holm knew what was coming.
As expected, Coulson finally asked him, "Do you have anything you'd like to share about your special abilities?"
Upon hearing Coulson's question, Holm calmly recited the explanation he had prepared long ago.
In Holm's account, it all began with their last meteorite mission.
After the mission was completed, Holm noticed certain changes in his body, and that was when the sticky black liquid first appeared.
Through observation and experimentation, he discovered that the viscous black liquid was akin to a unique life form with special properties.
Under its influence, his physical capabilities underwent significant changes. His overall fitness improved, and, over time, he learned that the black liquid could be used in combat—manifesting in the way he had demonstrated during this period.
Holm's story was a mix of truth and fabrication. Nine parts were true, and one part was false. Specifically, it outlined how he came into contact with Venom and described some of Venom's characteristics.
The falsehood was that he concealed certain abilities of Venom and downplayed its intelligence. He presented it as a low-intelligence life form that he could control and coexist with, rather than the highly intelligent entity it truly was.
Since most of what he said was true, his explanation was seamless. Daisy had already heard this version, so it was easy for him to recount.
Coulson listened to Holm's story intently, smiling throughout. He didn't detect any inconsistencies in the account.
When Holm finished, Coulson nodded with a smile and said, "No problem. Your statement aligns with our recent investigations and speculations. There's no discrepancy. You might not be aware of the developments after the meteorite incident last month. According to our researchers' observations, there was something inside the meteorite when it fell, but it disappeared afterward.
"We've been wondering where it went. Now, it seems that it attached itself to your body during the mission.
"This is the first time SHIELD has encountered a life form like this, so we weren't sure if it would have any special effects on you. To confirm, we've been conducting evaluations and monitoring your physical data during your recent missions. Thankfully, there's been nothing abnormal."
After listening to Coulson's explanation, Holm understood why SHIELD hadn't approached him earlier. They had been conducting a secret investigation.
Now that they were sitting here and discussing the matter openly, it was clear that their findings hadn't revealed anything alarming. His abilities hadn't caused any adverse effects, which was exactly what Holm had planned. This revelation also meant he had garnered more attention from higher-ups.
"But just to be certain, we need to run some tests on this substance. Can you release it for us?" Coulson asked, pulling out a small bag containing specialized tools.
As he spoke, his tone and expression remained unchanged, his smile as friendly as ever.
Still, Holm could sense that the request left him no room to refuse.
"Of course," Holm replied without hesitation, placing his right hand on the table.
He had anticipated this scenario and had prepared a way to handle it.
Seeing Holm's cooperation, Coulson's smile became even more genuine.
The tool Coulson held resembled a small container. Through its transparent reinforced glass, Holm could see a miniature knife and tweezers inside. It was clearly an automatic collection device.
As Holm focused, the sticky black liquid seeped from his arm, pooling and rippling slightly on its surface.
Watching this process up close, Coulson seemed both curious and surprised. Slowly, he brought the device closer.
The container's cover opened, and the miniature knife and tweezers extended toward the liquid. The device was designed to cut and collect a small sample automatically upon contact.
All three people in the room focused on the scene before them, watching as the device inched closer to the venom. The sharp blade extended toward the black liquid.
But just as the knife was about to touch it, the sticky black liquid retreated, disappearing back into Holm's body. Only his right arm, now restored to its original state, remained on the table.
An awkward silence fell over the room. No one had anticipated this sudden turn of events.
Breaking the silence, Holm looked at Coulson with an apologetic expression. "Sorry, sir. This has never happened before. Let me try again."
As he spoke, Holm released the venom onto his arm once more. But as soon as the device approached, the black liquid retreated again, returning to his body.
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