Marvel: Little Genius - Chapter: 449 (Patreon)

"Where's he?" Sam frowned, looking at the quantum time-space tunnel device that was empty.

"I don't know... I've already synchronized the timestamp; Captain should be back in five seconds, right?" Dr. Banner also puzzledly adjusted the instrument in front of him, unsure where he had made an operational error that deviated from the planned return of Captain.

Other members were also extremely anxious, all crowding around Dr. Banner, urging him to make corrections quickly.

Only Mark stood on the sidelines without moving, wearing an expression of anticipation.

"Alright, don't worry, everyone. Can't you see Captain sitting there comfortably?" Mark pointed in a direction, and everyone followed his finger. On the lakeside of the Avengers' base, a slightly hunched figure was sitting alone on the grass.

Most people wore expressions of confusion upon seeing the person. Observing the slim figure and pale hair on the shore, they couldn't connect it to the image of Captain.

However, Tony, Bucky, and Sam seemed to have figured something out and walked straight towards him.

Tony and Bucky's expressions were more certain, indicating that they had guessed the reason for Captain not being transported back and the decision he had made from their past experiences with him.

This wasn't a malfunction in the quantum time-space tunnel or an issue with Dr. Banner's operation. Captain had simply not intended to return to the current timeline.

Sam approached the lakeside, skeptically addressing the elderly man quietly enjoying the scenery:

"Captain?"

"Hello, Sam. Long time no see," the aged Captain, with his white hair, acknowledged with a nod.

After receiving the response, Sam confirmed his internal suspicions, smiling knowingly at Captain:

"So, did something go wrong in the mission, or did you change your mind based on Mark's advice?"

Upon hearing Sam's question and seeing the gossip expression on his face, Captain, too, wore a happy smile:

"As you know, the regret of not being able to fulfill my promise to Peggy has always been a lingering burden in my heart."

"So, from the moment Mark proposed the time heist plan, the idea had already taken root in my heart.

However, apprehensions about the potential consequences of interfering with the development of the timeline made me hesitant, and I forcefully suppressed the idea.

Later, after the mission to retrieve the Space Stone failed during the Battle of New York, Tony and I followed the clues Mark left behind and traveled back to 1970.

The experiences there allowed the seeds that had already taken root and sprouted in my heart to grow and flourish.

In reality, at the moment the final battle of Endgame began, I had already secretly decided that if we ultimately achieved victory, and I also managed to survive, I would do everything to fulfill the promise I made to Peggy.

Mark sensed my determination and will, so it was just before I departed that he spoke those encouraging and supportive words to me..."

Captain slowly recalled various events from the past, calmly narrating them to Sam, his face displaying a constant sense of happiness.

While these memories were just a few days ago for Sam, he showed no signs of impatience. Instead, he listened with keen interest.

"So, what was the outcome? Did you and Ms. Carter finally find happiness together?"

Captain didn't provide a detailed answer. Instead, the curve of his smile grew even larger:

"It was a very beautiful time!"

Sam responded sincerely, "In that case, I genuinely feel happy for you. The only regret I have is that there won't be a Captain America in the world anymore."

"Oh, you remind me!"

"This is a gift for you. Keep it low-key, don't attract attention. I didn't bring gifts for everyone..."

Captain opened a cloth bundle beside him with one hand, while the other gestured to his mouth, indicating silence.

Hearing these words, Tony, not far away, couldn't help but burst into laughter. Captain had blatantly borrowed the exact words he used when giving him the shield.

In the cloth bundle next to Captain was not just any item, but his iconic item as Captain America—the Vibranium shield."

"It seems he has already chosen the most suitable successor." From Captain's words and actions, Tony had already understood Captain's intentions.

"Try putting it on."

Watching Sam, who still seemed a bit stunned, Captain picked up the shield and handed it to him.

"Can I...?"

Sam felt somewhat incredulous, but at this moment, Captain's straightforward expression made him understand the meaning behind it.

This was not just a passing down of a weapon but also an inheritance of spirit, courage, justice, and responsibility. If he were now willing to take the shield from Captain, it meant that he would shoulder this mission and carry it forward.

Wanting to step into Captain's shoes and become an admired hero like him was not a simple matter. It wasn't just about having a high power level and being able to defeat dangerous enemies; you also needed to possess noble morals and character.

But as the inheritor valued by Captain, how could Sam shrink away from these difficulties and challenges?

With just a brief moment of hesitation, Sam unhesitatingly took the Vibranium shield from Captain and then wore it on his arm.

"How does it feel?" Watching Sam put on the shield, Captain asked with satisfaction.

"It feels like suddenly adding weight on my shoulders, making it a bit hard to catch my breath."

Sam didn't use fancy words but directly expressed his most genuine feelings at that moment.

"This is both a responsibility and a representation of my approval for you. Just keep an open mind, give it your all, and keep progressing forward. Don't forget, by your side, you have the most powerful and reliable companions on Earth."

"Thank you, Captain. I will do my best!"

Encouraged by Captain, Sam's eyes lit up with confidence.

"Very good, so from now on, it's yours."

As the old generation came to a close, the new generation rose. In the inheritance and transition of superheroes' stories, they would never come to an end...