Chapter 49

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A storm of chaos and bloodshed was on the horizon.

But, Natasha and Yelena found themselves headed to a prison.

Russia's largest prison, nestled deep in the frigid wilderness of Siberia, was infamous for its isolation. The environment for hundreds of kilometers was brutally harsh, with little more than snow-capped mountains and sparse vegetation. Animals were a rare sight, and supplies could only be delivered by transport helicopters, making this prison one of the most difficult places in Russia to escape from.

The sisters came for one reason: to find their old "family member," Alexei. He was the only one who knew the location of the person who had once been both mentor and mother to them.

But upon arriving, they faced a disagreement. If they wanted Alexei out, it would take more than just a visit. Yelena believed chaos was the key—create enough disorder, and they could break Alexei free. Natasha, however, objected.

Unlike Yelena's willingness to act without restraint, Natasha knew the prison housed dangerous criminals. Causing chaos would lead to countless deaths and injuries, something Natasha wanted to avoid at all costs. She wasn't willing to bring harm to innocent people for their mission.

Natasha and Yelena stood atop a snow-covered mountain, both clad in white combat uniforms, locked in an argument. Behind them, Hank's sleek black fighter jet sat on the snowy clearing, blending into the icy landscape.

Frustrated, Yelena finally snapped, "Then what's your plan? How are we supposed to rescue Alexei from a prison with four anti-aircraft guns and 300 heavily armed guards?"

Natasha rolled her eyes at her. "Maybe stop relying on those Red Room tactics," she replied sarcastically. Then, with a hint of regret, she added, "If I had Conqueror's Haki, I could knock everyone out at once. But I guess I'll need Clarice's help."

Yelena's curiosity piqued. "Conqueror's Haki? Is that some kind of super stun grenade?"

Ignoring her, Natasha pulled a satellite phone from her pocket and dialed a number. After a few rings, a gentle voice answered from the other end.

"Natasha?"

"Wanda, I need your help."

"Got it. I'll be there soon," Wanda replied without hesitation.

The call ended without any further questions from the other end. Yelena, who had been eavesdropping right next to Natasha, teased, "Wow, so you've got yourself a secret little lover? I didn't know you were into that."

"Shut up!" Natasha snapped, clearly irritated.

Ever since Yelena had realized the vast difference in strength between them, she'd taken every opportunity to be cheeky, often poking fun at Natasha to uncover her secrets. Now, pouting after being scolded, Yelena groaned, rolling her eyes.

Just as Yelena was about to let the topic go, the air around them suddenly rippled. A rift seemed to tear open beside her, startling her. Before she could react fully, her instincts kicked in, and she reached for her gun in alarm. From the crack in space, black and purple clouds swirled.

Two figures emerged—one tall, one small. The taller one wore a black trench coat and sunglasses, exuding a calm, cool demeanor. The smaller figure, also dressed in a black combat uniform and a tiny trench coat, had sunglasses perched atop her wide eyes, resembling a miniature assassin.

It was Wanda and Clarice. Both held their weapons, ready for action.

Natasha's eyes widened in surprise. The cold wind howled, but neither Wanda nor Clarice seemed to notice. After all, growing up in places like the Ural Mountains, they were accustomed to such freezing conditions. With their enhanced physical capabilities and resilient bloodlines, they could easily ignore the biting cold.

Both Wanda and Clarice were unaffected by the cold. Wanda, with her sunglasses perched coolly on her nose, approached Natasha with the demeanor of a hardened assassin. "Who do you want me to kill?" she asked, her voice icy.

Little Clarice, mimicking her, stood beside her, also striking a serious, silent killer pose.

Natasha couldn't help but laugh. "Are you two cosplaying?"

Yelena chimed in, grinning, "You girls look so cool."

Clarice's face twitched slightly, almost breaking into a laugh, but she managed to hold it back, staying in character.

"Alright, enough with the act, Wanda. Look over there," Natasha said, covering her forehead as if she had a headache, but clearly amused. She gestured toward the prison below.

Seeing Natasha's expression, Wanda finally dropped her tough facade and flashed a sweet smile. The two had a close sisterly bond, and this was just one of their playful moments.

Realizing Natasha was getting serious, Wanda turned her gaze toward the prison, confused. "Are you planning to destroy this base? But Natasha, you could handle that on your own."

Yelena's eyes twitched at the nonchalant comment. The way Wanda said it made it seem like a trivial task, but considering Natasha's strength, Yelena begrudgingly admitted it was probably true.

"No, I'm here to rescue someone," Natasha explained.

"Got it," Wanda nodded.

Wanda, quick to catch on, understood Natasha's intention immediately. Under Yelena's curious gaze, she calmly walked to the edge of the snow-capped cliff, overlooking the prison below. Taking a gentle breath, her eyes glowed red, and a wave of crimson energy began to swirl around her.

Tendrils of red energy extended from her body like silken threads, spreading down toward the prison. In less than ten seconds, the entire facility was enveloped in her magic. Everyone inside the prison had glazed, vacant expressions.

"All done," Wanda said, snapping her fingers, completely at ease.

Yelena stood in shock. "What... what is that?"

Natasha ignored her sister's disbelief and simply replied, "The person we're looking for is called Alexei."

"Got it," Wanda said.

Within minutes, a large, burly figure emerged from the prison, trudging up the mountain. He was wearing clothes that resembled dirty rags, his face unshaven and haggard. Despite his unkempt appearance, the power in his body was evident.

"That was way too easy," Yelena muttered, her disbelief growing. Lately, everything seemed to defy what she thought was possible.

Natasha smiled, patting her on the shoulder. "It's that simple."

With a nod, Wanda dispelled the chaos magic, and Alexei's dull eyes slowly regained their focus.

When Alexei saw Natasha and Yelena, his eyes widened in shock and then flushed slightly red.

"Natasha, Yelena? Am I dreaming?"