27

Chapter 27: We Are Even

Although Stalingrad is a large city, it pales in comparison to the vast expanses of modern times.

In just two days, the two had reached the edge of the city and could leave this place of death by tomorrow.

In fact, besides the German soldiers, there were also a number of other people around that day, but they seemed to be searching for something. When Natalia saw these people, she appeared more nervous than when facing enemies.

However, under Thor's protection, they resembled an adult with a child. This combination was too common, so they were not scrutinized closely.

…

Yet the person in front of them might not be so easily deceived.

"Natalia, stop pretending; this man is not your uncle at all."

A middle-aged man exuding an aura of death stood before them, his hawk-like eyes fixed intently on the girl behind Thor, who was trying to blend into the background.

Taras Romanov, who was nominally Natalia's adoptive father, had also been the one to teach her many of her espionage skills.

Natalia gave Thor an apologetic glance, stepped forward, and positioned herself in front of him.

"It's none of his business; he doesn't know anything."

Taras barely acknowledged Thor but addressed Natalia with a stern expression. "You have disappointed me greatly! Have you forgotten who taught you these skills? Who gave you the opportunity to undergo the gene transformation and become the best agent?"

Natalia retorted with a sneer, "I haven't forgotten. But I will never forget that you abandoned me and twenty other agents in the wilderness, and only one of us survived!"

"I will never forget that you attempted to implant false memories in me, nearly driving me to madness!"

"And what about the final ceremony? Do you think I don't know about that?"

As she spoke, her agitation increased.

She had endured the previous trials, but the final training session had been too terrifying for a teenage girl.

It had also made her question the worth of the skills she had acquired.

The skills earned through hard work seemed insignificant compared to something that came so easily to others.

"Scoundrel! Do you still hold any reverence for our leader? You've forgotten your mission, and even more, your honor!"

Taras was enraged. "In this case, if I can train you, I can destroy you!"

With that, he lunged forward, and Natalia's dagger was instantly thrust out.

Thor observed the duel between them from the sidelines.

Strictly speaking, Natalia's abilities far exceeded those of her opponent, and she already displayed the demeanor of the future "Black Widow" at a young age.

However, age and experience could not be overlooked, and Natalia was significantly lacking in strength and combat experience compared to Taras. Moreover, she was not in her usual condition and was weakened, making it only a matter of time before she fell at a disadvantage.

From the corner of her eye, Natalia saw Thor standing idly by and shouted anxiously, "Uncle, go!"

Though she had taken all the blame upon herself, there was no telling if Taras would also target Thor.

Distracted by her plea, Taras kicked the dagger away and positioned himself to choke Natalia.

"Come back with me, and you will forget what happened today."

Taras spoke calmly, and Natalia's face turned ashen.

"I asked, did you forget about me?"

Thor's voice finally emerged. After observing for so long, he decided to stop remaining passive.

After being called "uncle" for two days and seeing Natalia taken away right under his nose, he felt compelled to act.

Natalia remained silent but looked at Thor with hopeful eyes.

She didn't believe that this uncle, who had always been so enigmatic, was a fool. Perhaps he could...

Taras glared at Thor coldly. "Thank you for the reminder. As a gesture of thanks, I'll give you a happy ending!"

"Boom—"

As soon as the words were spoken, a figure appeared before his eyes, and then everything went dark.

Natalia watched in amazement as Thor kicked Taras through the air for hundreds of meters, pinning him against a telegraph pole. Her eyes sparkled with admiration. "Uncle, you're incredible!"

Indeed, this time her admiration was genuine.

Thor turned his head and smiled. "You lied to me, and I lied to you as well. We're even."