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Chapter 169: Open the Video and Let Me See You!

Due to the butterfly effect of Thor's intervention, many things have shifted slightly in recent years.

One reason for this is the extensive reach of an organization now extending into Asgard.

This development has energized HYDRA, boosting their enthusiasm and confidence. Thanks to the tireless efforts of countless staff members, the Insight Project was completed a year ahead of schedule!

In short, the events of *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* and *Thor: The Dark World* have collided.

Thor's absence didn't deter Nick Fury. He continued his inquiries: "What about the girl with the glowing eyes?"

"A minute ago, Thor took her to Asgard to meet his parents..."

Nick Fury: "..."

In 2013, it was still a long way from the full Avengers lineup. The team consisted only of the original six members, plus a child laborer named Karla who joined from Thor's story.

Thor was out of reach, and Stark had just undergone surgery to remove shrapnel. He was now resting on the top floor of the Stark Tower, enjoying the sun.

The Hulk's erratic nature made him an unreliable option.

After considering his options, Nick Fury decided to rely on Captain America and called Steve from another number.

He didn't want to trouble the Captain but recognized the assassin who had tried to kill him—Bucky Barnes.

"Hey, Captain? We need to be cautious. The organization has been infiltrated."

"Infiltrated? By whom?"

"By the man you captured seventy years ago."

A wave of realization hit Steve.

He didn't disclose Nick Fury's survival. He had just had a heated argument with Pierce in Alexander Pierce's office and was heading downstairs.

Hanging up, Steve took a deep breath.

He wasn't naive; the hint had made things clear.

Among the key figures captured seventy years ago was only Dr. Zola.

If this person had secretly embedded HYDRA within S.H.I.E.L.D, then by now, S.H.I.E.L.D itself was likely compromised and riddled with HYDRA's influence. Even Pierce, the Secretary-General who seemed suspicious, was probably HYDRA...

No wonder Steve felt uneasy every time he entered the Trident Building—it had been a den of snakes!

As Steve pondered, the elevator doors opened, and Crossbones Rumlow entered with two agents, offering a greeting.

Steve noticed Rumlow subtly touching the gun at his waist.

If this could be called a coincidence, it would not be the case next time. Almost every few floors, more people entered the elevator while no one exited. The elevator quickly became overcrowded.

A quick glance at the height of the building confirmed it was too dangerous to attempt a jump.

Looking at the dozen or so heavily armed agents around him, with only a shield on his back, Steve felt somewhat vulnerable.

He decided to use his wits.

Quietly leaning into Rumlow's ear, he whispered, "Hail HYDRA !"

Rumno, quick on the uptake, remembered an old organizational saying: "If Captain America says 'HYDRA Hail' to you, don't believe him—'hit him until he's dead!'"

This saying originated from countless deceptions during World War II...

Crossbones and the others exchanged glances and moved in to attack.

Steve: "What the—?"

..

In Asgard's courtyard, Thor directed Karla and told Sif, "Take her to my mother's bedroom and stay alert!"

Seeing them rush off, Thor felt a bit more at ease.

He then activated the communicator linked to Carol Danvers: "Turn on the video, let me see you."

Carol, wrestling with Thanos on Morag, was infuriated by the demand.

"You're insane! If you don't show up soon, I'll be burned alive!"

If it were only Thanos, she might have considered a head-on attack. However, with so many enemies and only one ally by her side...

The fourth general, Black Dwarf, and a group of Chitauri surrounded them, carrying anti-tank weapons.

If not for the concern of accidentally hitting Thanos, they would have overwhelmed him already...

"You're crazy! I can't even see the destination, and you want me to send it with my head?"

Thor's voice was equally exasperated, and the system's coordinates were worth 200,000 points...

Realizing her mistake, Carol quickly paused to open the video communication.

During this moment, Thanos seized her arm and tossed her aside like a ragdoll.

An opportunity presented itself!

The nearest Black Dwarf's eyes gleamed with excitement as he raised his massive axe and leapt into the fray.

At that instant, his eyes widened in shock...

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