[Sama in the MU] Part 19
Added 2025-03-30 04:13:41 +0000 UTC“There are going to be some changes coming in the Avengers, Mr. Barton,” I informed him frankly. “They are nothing but beneficial to you, but you should be aware of them.”
“I’m listening,” he said, looking at me carefully. “Natasha said you were very impressive, and not to dismiss what you say. Cap was also pretty direct.”
I nodded. “I aim to make Cap’s Shield the focus of the Crew enchantment that powered up the Wrecking Crew. That means that one of the primary recipients of the magic is going to be you.”
He started. “Whoa. So... super-strength, and invulnerability?”
“That is correct. Also, Tony Stark is going to be working on some form of flight for the whole team, which includes you. So, you’ll have some aerial maneuverability.
“This also means your current weaponry will be inadequate, and you need to extend your training paradigm.” I eyed him speculatively. “You know that you have one of the rarest of human Talents, right? You are a Natural Marksman. Not a natural archer. You were lucky to be trained in archery and exploit the gift, but you also know you are very, very good at throwing things, right? And, I presume you’ve shot enough firearms to confirm you’re sniper-quality with those, without even the same level of practice, right?”
He licked his lips. “Have you been spying on me or something?” he had to ask.
I snorted. “The assassin Bullseye is a Master Hurler. His Talent is one step down from yours. You should be able to do everything he can, and more besides.” I tapped the table pointedly. “Mr. Barton, your skill and power is to deliver a payload directly where it needs to go. Throwing it, shooting it... it’s all the same.
“Your strength is about to get a substantial boost. It’s going to make you much more dangerous in close combat, but it also means you are going to be able to deliver some very heavy payloads that won’t fit on a bow. For instance,” I pulled a round ball out of my Masspack and tossed it to him.
He caught it deftly, looked it over. “A cue ball? Made out of steel?”
“And if you threw it at two hundred miles an hour at someone’s temple?” His eyes flickered. “What if it was a solid-state explosive, detonating on impact? What if it was the size of a bowling ball?” He looked thoughtful. “Even without the strength enhancement, being able to throw anything would give you a short-range versatility you are in need of. Being able to put a shuriken, knife, or dart where it needs to be will make up for the penetrative power of an arrow. Being able to shoot down enemies from a thousand yards away is extremely powerful.” I took a deep breath, and paused, obviously thinking about something.
“You are eligible to learn how to use a Mindbow,” I finally told him, and he blinked. “You have exceeded Seven, but you aren’t a Human Three, I’d know.” I tilted my head as he wondered precisely what that meant. “In doing so, you can start getting into profound archery... archery powerful enough to keep up with superstrength. But, it would mean expanding your skills into a whole new mental arena, as you start walking with the archers and hunters of myth and legend.
“I’m willing to help you with that, Mr. Barton. Is it something you are interested in?”
