Chapter 36: Is Hydra Still Around?

(Vote plz..)

[The third question begins, please prepare.]

[Among the following individuals, who successfully created the Arc Reactor?]

[A. Ivan Vanko]

[B. Justin Hammer]

[C. Bruce Banner]

[D. Arnim Zola]

[If you answer correctly, you will be rewarded with one pound of Vibranium. If you answer incorrectly, one year of your lifespan will be deducted.]

As soon as this question was asked, Clint Barton and Phil Coulson turned their heads and stared at Tony Stark.

The reason was simple. In a recent hearing, Tony Stark had declared that no one could replicate his technology. Even if countries wanted to, it would take at least 5-10 years. But now, there was a question asking who else had created the Arc Reactor. It was quite a slap in the face.

Unfortunately, Thor was still new to Earth and didn't understand anything. Otherwise, he could have used this opportunity to counterattack Iron Man. For Iron Man, it was no less embarrassing than being electrocuted by a stun gun.

"What are you looking at me for?" Tony Stark felt uncomfortable under the scrutiny of Clint Barton and Phil Coulson.

"Stark, didn't you say that your technology is unique and cannot be replicated by anyone?" Phil Coulson asked directly, without beating around the bush.

"My technology is indeed ahead of this world..." Tony Stark shrugged. "Well, now it seems like it's not that far ahead, but isn't this kind of surprise within the acceptable range? You see, even Dr. Banner ran off to outer space, and even gods have come to Earth. What crazy things can't happen?"

"Stark, regardless of whether your technology is unique," Clint Barton spoke up at this moment, "I agree with your approach. This kind of technology should never be handed over to the military or politicians."

"Sorry," Thor, who was listening on the side, was puzzled. "Can someone tell me what the Arc Reactor is?"

Tony Stark glanced at Thor upon hearing his question, indicating that he couldn't be bothered to answer such a stupid question.

"The Arc Reactor provides power to Stark's armor," Phil Coulson briefly explained.

"Justin Hammer can be ruled out. He's just a clown," Tony Stark glanced at the options and immediately eliminated Justin Hammer.

"He can definitely be ruled out," Clint Barton and Phil Coulson held the same opinion about this person. Although they were both involved in the arms trade, this person was incomparable to Tony Stark.

Not to mention anything else, just a few days ago during the hearing, Tony Stark took control of the hearing's computers and played a video of Justin Hammer attempting to replicate the Iron Man armor. The result was abysmal; it was nothing but junk.

It would be truly baffling if someone like him could create the Arc Reactor.

"I think Bruce Banner should also be ruled out," Tony Stark eliminated one person, and Phil Coulson eliminated the second. "I respect Dr. Banner's knowledge and talent, but firstly, his research field is not related to this, and secondly, I don't think Dr. Banner would be interested in studying the Arc Reactor. Controlling the 'big guy' inside him would be his priority."

Everyone agreed with this point.

"That leaves two people: Ivan Vanko and Arnim Zola," Clint Barton touched on an area of his knowledge. "Who are these two?"

"I have never heard of Ivan Vanko, but as for this Arnim Zola, I don't know if it's the same Zola I know," Tony Stark pointed at Arnim Zola's name.

"Who is he?"

"He's a German scientist who worked for the Red Skull and

also a member of Hydra," Phil Coulson explained. "If the question is referring to this Arnim Zola, then he has been dead for many years."

"Really? A dead person?" Thor shrugged. "Then the answer to this question is A?"

"Perhaps this person is not actually dead," Tony Stark said solemnly. "Just like Captain America, Steve Rogers. We thought he was dead, but he's actually alive."

"Speaking of which, Arnim Zola was indeed a contemporary of Captain America and was once captured by him," Phil Coulson, a superfan of Captain America, became excited. "But the reason Captain America might still be alive is that he is a super soldier. But this Zola, he's just an ordinary person. What abilities does he have to withstand the erosion of time?"

"Coulson, I have to ask you a question: How did Captain Steve Rogers become a super soldier?" Tony Stark asked.

"Even a three-year-old knows the answer to that question," Clint...

"Even a three-year-old knows the answer to that question," Clint Barton interrupted. "Steve Rogers was transformed into a super soldier through the Super Soldier Serum."

"Exactly!" Tony Stark pointed at Clint Barton. "Arnim Zola might have undergone a similar transformation. We can't rule out the possibility that he found a way to extend his life and preserve his capabilities."

"But how is that possible?" Phil Coulson questioned. "The Super Soldier Serum was a unique and experimental formula. It's unlikely that Zola could have replicated it."

"Maybe he didn't replicate it," Tony Stark suggested. "But he could have discovered an alternative method or created a similar serum with his knowledge and resources. We're dealing with Hydra here, after all. They have been involved in all sorts of secret experiments."

"Hydra? Are you suggesting that Hydra is still active?" Phil Coulson asked with concern.

"It's a possibility we can't ignore," Tony Stark replied. "Hydra has always been resourceful and elusive. It wouldn't be surprising if they had managed to survive in some form or another."

"Finding out if Hydra is still operating would be a crucial piece of information," Clint Barton said. "If they are, we need to be prepared."

"Indeed," Phil Coulson agreed. "We'll investigate further and gather more intelligence. Hydra may be lurking in the shadows, but we won't let them go unchecked."

As the discussion continued, Thor couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The revelation that Hydra might still exist and pose a threat weighed heavily on his mind. He realized that the challenges he faced on Earth were not just limited to external enemies but also hidden dangers from within.

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=>Sailing with Whitebeard: Starting with a Question

=>The day of studying in Hogwarts

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(End of this chapter 36)