Chapter 113: Yes, You Are an Outsider!

"I remember: the Kree Empire, the Shi'ar Empire, and the Skrull Empire—the three powers vying for cosmic dominance." Skye nodded as she observed the obelisk.

Over the past three years, in those quiet days spent alone together, Old Wang had told her many stories. He spoke of the Nine Realms, the Infinity Stones, the Multiverse, and the three great empires of the cosmos. According to him, the universe was vast and teeming with diverse civilizations, countless of which were far superior to Earth. The three empires were among them.

The Skrull Empire originated from the planet Skrullos in the Andromeda Galaxy hundreds of millions of years ago. A reptilian species, they had evolved the ability to shapeshift at will through eons of natural selection. They lived for over two hundred years and possessed physical capabilities far exceeding those of humans.

The Kree Empire, located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, was a highly advanced military superpower whose technology left Earth’s in the dust.

The Shi'ar Empire, also known as the "Imperium of the Mighty Feather," was a vast collection of alien races, cultures, and worlds. As the Skrull and Kree empires declined, it gradually became the preeminent empire of the universe.

At first, Skye had just listened to these as mere stories. But recently, she had discovered that many of them were true. Could the three empires be real as well? Old Wang seemed to know everything. Was he truly connected to the mysterious "K'un-Lun"? Perhaps he was the reincarnation of some legendary K'un-Lun figure—the Jade Emperor, Lei Kung, or Shou-Lao—just like in novels and movies. Or perhaps he only appeared young, having lived for hundreds or thousands of years, just like in myths and legends...

*Could the man I sleep with every night actually be an old geezer older than my grandfather?*

Skye shivered inexplicably, looking at Old Wang with a strange expression. Although Old Wang found her reaction odd, he wasn't a mind reader and didn't know what the young girl was thinking; otherwise, he would have given her a thumbs-up. While he wasn't an ancient monster who had lived for millennia, if you added up his three lifetimes, he was certainly old enough to be Skye's father, if not her grandfather.

"The Kree are experts in biological engineering," Old Wang said, taking a small sip of his essence wine as he spoke. "To defeat their arch-enemies, the Skrulls, the Kree conducted experiments on humans many years ago. By splicing in their own genes, they altered the genetic makeup of many humans. These modified individuals were given a new name: Inhumans—hybrids of Kree and human descent."

Old Wang continued, "Over the long passage of time, Inhumans intermarried with other humans, and more people came to carry Inhuman genes. Today, it is difficult to determine exactly how many people on Earth carry that genetic legacy."

"So, many people on Earth aren't really human? They’re descendants of the Kree?" Skye seemed to grasp the implication.

"They originate from humanity, so naturally, they are human. There are genetic differences between black, white, and Asian people—does that make them different species? Should the offspring of a black person and a white person be called a 'black-white person'? Is genetically modified soy no longer soy? Most importantly... Inhumans and humans have no reproductive isolation, so of course they are human!"

Old Wang smiled. Seeing Skye nod silently, he continued, "A small portion of Inhumans possess extraordinary abilities that transcend human limits. In the distant past, the Inhumans were plagued by conflict. A leader named 'Hive' was exiled by humans and fellow Inhumans to another planet. His followers founded an organization dedicated to bringing Hive back to Earth—that is, HYDRA."

"I see," Skye nodded. She had once heard Old Wang tell Black Widow about the origins of HYDRA. The Red Skull was actually just the leader of one branch; the true HYDRA was, as their propaganda claimed, everywhere.

"Later on, war broke out between humans and Inhumans. The specifics are unclear, but humans eventually became the masters of Earth, and the Inhumans slowly faded into obscurity," Old Wang explained. "After absorbing a miraculous substance called 'Terrigen Mist,' some Inhumans gain various abilities, such as flight or the manipulation of fire or ice. It can basically be considered a genetic mutation."

"It sounds like a plot from a comic book or a movie," Skye couldn't help but remark.

"But it's real." Old Wang pointed to the obelisk. "And this is the device used to store and release the Terrigen Mist. The Inhumans call it the 'Diviner.' Only an Inhuman can touch it; if an ordinary person touches it, they turn into black stone—the same color as Fury."

Skye froze, a terrifying truth dawning on her. "You said the obelisk is connected to my future, so..."

"You guessed right." Old Wang smiled, patted Skye on the shoulder, and said softly, "Yes, you are an Inhuman."

...

On the drive back, Fury drove while deep in thought. If the obelisk had really been taken by the Iron Fist, what could he possibly want with it? Was it truly linked to K'un-Lun? Was the obelisk manufactured by K'un-Lun, related to "Chi" or the "Immortal Weapon"? Did it contain vital information, or was it a weapon itself, or perhaps an artifact that could enhance the power of the "Iron Fist"? There was too little information to make an accurate judgment.

*Maybe it has nothing to do with K'un-Lun or the Iron Fist, but rather those under his command?*

Fury’s imagination ran wild. He slammed on the brakes and leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to reflect. S.H.I.E.L.D. collected detailed files on every individual with special abilities, maintaining a "Superhuman Index." Using public and private data—bank records, emails, medical history, hotel stays—they calculated the threat level of these individuals and determined how to handle them: surveillance, house arrest, capture, or liquidation.

The Iron Fist and his associates were all on the list.

Immortal Iron Fist: Male, Chinese-American, just turned 18. Although he gets along with his neighbors, he possesses an innate sense of pride. Physical strength is six times that of an average human (needs further confirmation). Capable of manipulating a special energy called "Chi"... Surveillance: Long-range (Director's special approval).

Ghost Rider: Male, Los Angeleno. Gained abilities three months ago (needs further confirmation). Skilled in manipulating Hellfire. Hellfire characteristics are as follows... Shows a tendency toward slaughter and dominating the lives of others. Surveillance: Long-range (Director's special approval).

Daredevil... The Hand... Stick...

Information flashed through his mind. Fury’s memory was incredible; there could be no mistakes. Nothing abnormal. None of these people should have any connection to the obelisk. That left only one final person—someone not on the "Superhuman Index," yet closest to the Iron Fist.

Fury pulled a small black device from his coat and opened it; a holographic projection appeared. "Skye."

As soon as the name was spoken, a stream of data appeared. Everything else was ordinary, but the final entry made Fury gasp.

"S.H.I.E.L.D. Top Secret? Level 10 clearance? Sealed 19 years ago—Skye wasn't even one year old then... Was this Pierce's doing?"

Fury tapped the screen, and the file opened. His one eye scanned the contents, and he went slightly still.

"So that's how it is..."

Fury suddenly had an intense premonition: The obelisk was connected to Skye.