178

Chapter 178: Accusation

"Oh, damn it!"

At Halle Airport in Germany, Tony Stark muttered a curse under his breath after receiving the latest news.

"This guy is just pouring fuel on the fire! Does he think the situation isn't bad enough and wants to start a war between superhumans and ordinary people?"

He was extremely frustrated.

Yesterday, with the assistance of Black Panther and the CIA, the Winter Soldier had been captured and was awaiting transfer back home.

However, during an examination, something went wrong. The Winter Soldier suddenly went berserk, escaped from his containment, and Captain America and Falcon ended up helping him flee.

General Ross had issued an ultimatum: Stark must bring the rogue Avengers back within 36 hours.

At this point, Stark realized that the council's real objective wasn't capturing Bucky, but using the situation to target Captain America and other Avengers who opposed the bill.

Reflecting on the rigid stance of the 117 countries involved, Stark felt increasingly uneasy.

Steve and the others were manageable—they could communicate and were merely seeking fairer terms for the Avengers, leaving room for possible reconciliation.

But Thor had made his stance clear and had even declared a form of war during his press conference.

"Damn it, Thor demonstrated his formidable power in Sokovia, and now he's escalating things even further. I doubt Washington will remain passive!"

Vision's emotionless voice cut in: "This may be exactly what Lord Thor wants."

Stark's face grew pale, and he gritted his teeth. "It seems those council members need to be more rational!"

He shook his head to refocus and called out, "Steve, come back with me! You and your team can get a fair trial!"

"No," Steve replied firmly. "You've arrested the wrong person. He didn't do it."

"Your judgment is flawed. Your old comrades killed many people yesterday."

"It's the Winter Soldier. There are five other super soldiers like him, and I can't let them be found first. Trust me!"

Steve tried to explain, but Stark interrupted, "Alright, time is running out. Steve, you know what? I'm doing everything I can to prevent the alliance from falling apart, and you're dragging Clint into this..."

"No, Tony, once you sign it, it's over."

Stark was taken aback and said dejectedly, "Maybe. Fine, hand over the Winter Soldier. Please, don't make this harder for me!"

He lowered his voice, "Otherwise, it will be the special forces coming in, and they won't be merciful."

Steve still shook his head. "Sorry, I can't return."

The first internal strife since the Avengers' formation had begun.

"I once thought the legendary Thor was a hero, but now he's just like those who tried to destroy the world, using the threat of global security to control us!"

"He's a tyrant! Didn't you hear him? We should fear him? Sorry, I will never bow to someone who threatens us with war!"

People forget quickly. Save the world once, and they see you as a hero. But help them multiple times, and they see it as your duty.

"After venting, I feel completely relaxed—my back pain is gone!"

Thor was reclining comfortably in a chair, enjoying a massage from Peggy Carter.

"I don't know about your back pain, but that sore back must be from last night!"

Sharon Carter teased, "It was so noisy last night; I couldn't sleep next door!"

Peggy added, "Indeed."

"This situation is unstoppable!"

"Presumably, there will be a lot of people criticizing me outside, right?" Thor asked with a grin.

"Yes," Natalia replied, typing away on her computer.

"At least half of the latest posts on Twitter are criticizing you, comparing you to historical tyrants, and calling for you to be tried for crimes against humanity... If it's like this, are you planning to explain yourself?"

"Explain? That's not my intention!"

Seeing their disapproving looks, Thor smiled and said, "Let me tell you a story.

There was a bully who was disliked by everyone.

One day, he performed a good deed, and people praised him as a good person. On the other hand, there was a genuinely good person who often helped others.

One day, this good person fell ill and couldn't help anyone.

As a result, the neighbors criticized him for being selfish."

Peggy pondered, "You used to play the role of a hero, but now you're shifting your stance?"

"Isn't that how it works, Blacken? Just like in the movies."

Sharon Carter interrupted, breaking the moment.

Ignoring her, Thor gave a cold smile. "If reason fails to resolve the problem, then use force."

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