Same Mistake

Just one step away from the exit, the spy thought he was home free. But at the last second, Ivan Petrov appeared, blocking his way.

The spy's heart pounded as he realized his escape might not be as easy as he'd thought. He glanced quickly at Petrov, then back to the exit, calculating how long it would take to break through. It was risky, but he had made up his mind.

He would force his way out.

With Batman and his powerful allies away from the camp, the only thing left for him to worry about was the massive dragon guarding the Advent Core, a mysterious object everyone seemed to fear. But he guessed that the dragon only cared about protecting the Core and wouldn't involve itself in a fight between humans. So, as long as he didn't go near that, he figured he'd be fine.

The other agents of the Ninth Special Service Division, even the so-called "ultimate powers," didn't bother him now. He had something stronger: God's blessing, a gift that made him feel beyond human.

He clenched his fists, feeling that new power coursing through his veins, ready to take action. With a sudden jerk, he yanked his wrist free from Petrov's grip and threw a punch aimed straight at his head.

This wasn't just any punch—it was a quick, surprise attack from Jeet Kune Do, a martial art known for catching opponents off guard. It was the type of punch that came out of nowhere, fast and powerful, with no warning.

[TL Note - Is that an actual martial art]

Petrov had grabbed the spy's wrist, but he hadn't expected such strength. Shocked, he barely had time to react as the spy's punch landed, creating a powerful gust of wind that sent him stumbling back. Instinctively, Petrov crossed his arms in front of his face, his skin shifting into a shield-like form. Even with the shield, the punch hit hard, vibrating through his whole body and knocking him backward.

Petrov rolled several times before finally stopping. He gritted his teeth and quickly got to his feet, shaking off the shock. Petrov was no ordinary agent; he had been training with his powers for years. He could change his hands into weapons—blades, guns, even shields—and he could do it without a second thought. His training was practically burned into his DNA, allowing him to defend himself in that split second.

Petrov looked up, his face serious. "What are you, some kind of phantom with this power?"

The spy smirked. "Phantom? God's Chosen Saints are far above such weak things."

Petrov felt a chill. The Ninth Special Service Division had installed new security equipment that was supposed to detect anyone with phantom or infected powers as soon as they entered the camp. But the equipment hadn't made a sound, so how did this guy manage to sneak past?

Before Petrov could make sense of it, the spy charged again, his face twisted into a grin.

Petrov reacted quickly, transforming his hand into a pistol and taking aim. He was too close to use a long gun, so a pistol was his best choice. But the spy was faster than he'd expected—already closing in on him before he could fully raise the gun. Petrov fired, but the spy slapped the gun aside with one swift motion, and the bullet flew off in the wrong direction.

Petrov moved fast, turning his free hand into a sharp blade and swiping it toward the spy's neck. But the spy leaned back, dodging the blade by inches. Petrov didn't stop; he reversed his swing, bringing the blade back to catch the spy off guard. Yet, the spy blocked the move with his arm, skillfully deflecting the attack and creating an opening in Petrov's defense.

The spy took advantage, driving a punch into Petrov's ribs. Petrov heard the sickening crunch of his ribs cracking. The punch threw him backward, and he fell hard, his body sliding across the ground as if on wheels.

Pain shot through Petrov's chest, but he didn't have time to dwell on it. Gritting his teeth, he transformed his arms into a grenade launcher and aimed at the spy, who was still approaching.

Just before he fired, he saw something strange. A faint glow appeared in the spy's hand, shaping itself into a long staff. Dark, twisted vines wrapped around its tip, making it look like something out of a nightmare. The spy pointed the staff at Petrov and unleashed a burst of energy, which collided with the grenade, exploding it in midair.

The explosion was massive, flames erupting like a volcano. But an invisible force suddenly swept through, pushing the flames aside and clearing the air. When the smoke faded, the spy was still standing, the dark staff in his hand, embers floating around him like fireflies.

The noise finally drew the attention of nearby agents, who rushed forward, weapons ready.

"Wait!" Petrov shouted from the ground. "Don't come any closer!"

But before he could finish, the spy turned around, sweeping his staff in a wide arc. Another wave of energy shot out, blowing the agents backward, tossing them like rag dolls.

Where did this monster come from?

Petrov gritted his teeth, trying to push himself up, but his body was screaming in pain. He looked up just in time to see the spy aiming his staff at him, a cruel smile on his face. Energy began gathering at the tip of the staff, and Petrov's heart pounded with fear.

Just then, a blue blur shot out from the shadows, landing right in front of Petrov.

It was Captain America.

Captain America lifted his shield, and the energy from the staff struck it, deflecting in a fan-shaped blast that bounced back toward the spy, knocking him off his feet.

Petrov's eyes widened in surprise. "You? Where did you come from?"

Charlie had sent Captain America as backup, knowing that the Advent Core and the dragon made the camp a high-risk area. Invisible drones had alerted Cooper when Petrov first began fighting, and when he saw the spy's power, he knew Petrov needed help.

Captain America gave Petrov a reassuring nod, then looked at the spy who was struggling to his feet. "You know, I fought a guy with a scepter once who called himself a god. It didn't end well for him. Don't make the same mistake."

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Read the entire fic on at P@treon.com/Onesword