chapter 22

Grant first used a variety of tactics to ensure Nathan Landis's missions failed repeatedly, creating setbacks and missteps that painted a bleak picture of Landis's competence. Then, with meticulous care, he fabricated and compiled a series of falsified evidence, submitting it anonymously to ensure that Landis would be secretly reported and subject to an investigation.

Throughout all of this, Grant Ward concealed his involvement exceptionally well, taking great care to avoid suspicion. Nathan Landis didn't suspect him in the least; on the contrary, Landis even sought Ward's help to resolve his predicament as quickly as possible, placing his trust in him entirely.

Grant Ward, of course, readily agreed to help, eager to play along with his ruse. Yet, instead of alleviating Landis's troubles, he doubled down on his efforts to solidify Landis's identity as a traitor, pushing events forward with relentless intent.

Nathan Landis was entirely oblivious to the fact that Ward had already branded him as a traitor. He remained hopeful, counting on Grant Ward's assistance to navigate him through his predicament, unaware of the elaborate trap tightening around him.

Exploiting this gap in information, Grant Ward crafted an elaborate overseas mission and convinced Landis to undertake it. He assured Landis that, upon successful completion of the mission, the situation would be remedied, and all would be forgiven. Grant's convincing demeanor and detailed arrangements left no room for doubt.

Landis trusted Ward's plan without reservation, believing it to be his path to redemption. However, this decision to leave the country was soon misconstrued as an act of fleeing from justice. By the time his plane landed, Nathan Landis's status had changed dramatically, and he was officially marked as a wanted fugitive by S.H.I.E.L.D., branded a criminal on the run.

However, turning Nathan Landis into a wanted man wasn't the conclusion of Ward's scheme; rather, it was merely the initial culmination of his early plans. Ward's ultimate objective extended far beyond that point.

What Ward truly desired was to see Nathan Landis vanish entirely from the world, along with the secrets they shared—a complete erasure of his existence.

Needless to say, Holm could easily envision what followed. With limited resources and restricted mobility, Ward entrusted Holm with the grim task of killing Landis. Yet, despite Ward's plans, Holm's initial attempt proved unsuccessful, and the cunning Landis managed to turn the tables, killing Holm instead.

"Hehehe, Holm Clint, you must grasp the consequences now that you've heard all of this. Do you really think he'll spare you just because you both serve Hydra?" Nathan Landis sneered, satisfaction mingling with relief on his pallid face.

"Believe me, you have no idea just how damning the things I know truly are. If either S.H.I.E.L.D. or Hydra were ever to learn of these secrets, his downfall would be nothing short of catastrophic."

"No, not quite," he continued, his voice laced with a sinister edge. "Death would be a mercy compared to what he'd face. Even if he wanted to die, it wouldn't be that simple. His suffering would be far worse than mine. Hahahaha."

Holm remained seated on the stool, his expression stoic and unmoved, as though the revelations spilling from Landis's mouth were utterly meaningless.

He appeared entirely unfazed by Landis's accusations, either too clueless to grasp the implications or simply indifferent to the twisted narrative unfolding before him.

Faced with Holm's cold reaction, Landis felt an uncomfortable pang of dissatisfaction; this wasn't the response he'd anticipated.

Dragging Holm into the depths of this conspiracy hadn't elicited the panic or anxiety he'd expected; there was not even the slightest hint of a reaction.

After a moment of contemplation, Landis's brow furrowed, still unable to decipher Holm's indifference. Resigned yet determined, he decided to play his final, most desperate card.

Adjusting his position on the floor into an unusual posture, he raised his hips and jammed his fingers down his throat, as if determined to force himself to vomit.

At the sight of this bizarre action, Holm's typically impassive expression shifted slightly. Although the change was subtle, the flicker of shock in his eyes was unmistakable, and Landis did not miss it.

For the first time, a look of satisfaction washed over Nathan Landis's face as he smirked, pleased that Holm had finally exhibited a reaction.

Encouraged, he intensified his efforts, his retching noises growing louder and more frequent as he continued his grotesque display.

"Damn, this guy is absolutely revolting!" Holm muttered, unable to mask the disgust etched in his gaze. "If I'm right, he must have hidden the item within his stomach. This person's cruelty knows no bounds."

No matter how calm he tried to remain, Holm couldn't conceal his shock. He could hardly fathom that Landis would resort to such lengths, actions that stretched his understanding and challenged all sense of normalcy.

Initially, Holm had assumed the item might be concealed elsewhere, perhaps in an undisclosed location, hidden away in a private bank, or even entrusted to a secret ally.

Never had he considered that the object might be lodged within Nathan Landis himself, stored directly within his body.

"Disgusting! I don't want to eat this guy's head anymore. I take back my request," Venom muttered in Holm's consciousness.

Earlier, it had been urging Holm to devour Landis's head, a suggestion that Holm had reluctantly agreed to. After all, he reasoned, consuming the body would make cleanup simpler. However, Venom's sudden change of heart took him by surprise.

"Are you sure?" Holm responded, casting a sideways glance at Landis, who was still retching violently. "If you pass up this chance, you might not encounter another 'edible' head anytime soon. Opportunities like this don't come around often."

Venom quickly confirmed, "Yes, I'm absolutely sure. This guy is far too revolting."

"I've learned a fair amount over the past few days and gained some basic insight into humans."

"How could he possibly keep something like this in his stomach indefinitely? At some point, it must be expelled."

"Following that logic, he'd have to swallow it again after it was released, meaning he—"

"Enough!" Holm interrupted abruptly, a look of revulsion crossing his face as he realized where the conversation was headed. Just imagining the scenario made his stomach churn.

This mission was indeed one of the most sickening he'd ever faced.

Finally, after several minutes of relentless retching, Landis managed to produce a thumb-sized silver capsule from his mouth. It clattered to the floor, coated in filth and gleaming in the dim light.

With shaking hands, Landis clutched the silver capsule, his fingers trembling as he raised his gaze to meet Holm's. His expression was fierce, yet there was an odd satisfaction in his eyes as he held out the capsule. "Go on, take it."

"Take it, kill me, and you'll be finished with this mission."

"Ha! You should know by now that you'll end up just like me. Grant Ward will never let you go."

"In truth, even if you were clueless today, he'd still dispose of you. He won't let anyone live who could potentially uncover his secret."

"The moment he assigned you to kill me, your fate was sealed. You're nothing more than a disposable tool, and when your purpose is fulfilled, you'll be discarded like garbage."

"I am you today, and you are me tomorrow. The only difference is the timing of our demise. Perhaps your end will come even sooner—and it will be far more agonizing than mine."

Nathan Landis had surrendered all hope, abandoning any plea for mercy. Instead, his final wish was to drag Holm into his hellish reality, desperate to watch Holm squirm with fear and dread.

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