Chapter 206: Iron Man: Didn't Expect That, Did You? I'm Hydra Too!

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"The video wasn't very clear, but it sounds like it," Phil Coulson said.

"Janet Van Dyne, huh?" Nick Fury murmured the name, initially intending to tell Hank Pym that she was still alive, but now he hesitated.

"Fury, how did the original Wasp 'die,' and how did trying to save her lead to a zombie apocalypse?" Tony Stark couldn't help but ask.

"That was in 1987 when separatists hijacked a Soviet missile silo in Kursk and launched an intercontinental ballistic missile towards the United States. Hank Pym and his wife went to stop the missile from landing on American soil," Nick Fury explained, "The missile was disarmed, but only Hank Pym returned."

"If that's the case, how did it lead to a zombie outbreak?" Tony Stark was having trouble understanding.

[This round of questioning is over. Participants, prepare to return.]

The superheroes had all returned to their homes, leaving only Li Cheng alone.

[Questioning complete, rewards distributed.]

[Host gains simplified version of the Flame Giant Surtur transformation ability, can transform into a simplified version of the Flame Giant (can grow).]

[Host gains simplified version of the Sword of Twilight (can grow).]

"Surtur?!" Li Cheng was instantly shocked. He hadn't expected the questioning space to reward him with this, the image of Surtur destroying Asgard with the Sword of Twilight was impressive, and compared to the immensely powerful Hela, he was even more formidable.

Now, he could transform into Surtur too?

Though it was a simplified version, even a simplified version of such a colossal being shouldn't be underestimated!

"Let's see how it works. Transformation!" With a thought, Li Cheng's body was suddenly engulfed in raging flames, and his body grew larger, stopping at a height of 10 meters.

There was still a gap between him and the Surtur who destroyed Asgard in the movies, but this form could already be considered a giant. At least he was much larger than the Hulk.

...

The heroes returned to the party.

However, Loki and the Peter Parker from the other two worlds were no longer there.

"I really didn't expect Loki to sacrifice himself to deal with Thanos," Nick Fury said.

"Yeah, Loki's previous actions make it hard to believe he would make that choice," Stephen Strange added.

"Can we not paint Loki as that bad?" Thor spoke up, "He's just... mischievous at times. His true nature isn't evil..."

"Come on!" Thor's words were met with ridicule before he could finish, "Thor, Loki invaded New York, aided the Dark Elves in invading Asgard, and caused a lot of death and destruction. You call that mischievous? Your obsession with your brother is beyond salvation!"

"Those things won't happen anymore!" Thor said.

"Those two things may not happen, but they fully demonstrate Loki's nature," Tony Stark said.

"No, no, no, Tony, Loki assassinating Thanos, that's the real him," Thor said.

"Okay, my bad, I shouldn't discuss these topics with a brother-lover like you," Tony Stark stood up, "I'll just drink."

"Thor, why don't you take the Mind Stone back to Asgard," Nick Fury walked over to Thor, "Since Vision won't be created, it's probably best not to leave the Mind Stone on Earth."

"Alright," Thor agreed.

"Before that, let's see if the Mind Stone can still enhance Maximoff's abilities," Nick Fury's gaze turned to Wanda Maximoff, "Wanda, hopefully you can be empowered by the Mind Stone like in the video."

"Hopefully." Wanda Maximoff said.

At that moment, the group of heroes arrived at the secret base of S.H.I.E.L.D., in front of the Mind Stone.

Because they weren't sure if the Mind Stone would have any effect on others, only Thor and Wanda Maximoff entered the room together, while the others watched from outside.

The current Wanda Maximoff was not the powerless little girl from the video. She was now a relatively powerful witch. Although she was far from her peak, she was not someone ordinary could compare to.

She wasn't as cautious as in the video. She reached out directly, and crimson energy wrapped around the Mind Stone, pulling it toward herself.

The blue Mind Stone floated in front of Wanda Maximoff, giving off a gentle and warm feeling.

"It's useless." Wanda Maximoff didn't even touch it with her hands, but she immediately knew the result, "The Mind Stone can no longer enhance our abilities."

"How do you know?" Thor asked, "You didn't even try."

"I don't know why I know, but as soon as the Mind Stone came close, I knew it wouldn't work for me." Wanda Maximoff said.

"Very well." Thor reached out and grabbed the scepter.

"Now that the scepter is useless, Thor, you should put it in Asgard's vault," Nick Fury suggested.

"Alright." Thor agreed and started to leave with the scepter, "I'll be back soon."

"As for the rest, you don't need to worry," Phil Coulson said, "It's just Hydra. We're enough to handle them."

"I know, I just like to join the fun." Thor left.

"It's time to cut off all the heads of this snake!" Nick Fury's eyes glinted coldly.

For most of the past half year, the superheroes had been preparing to deal with Loki and the Chitauri, but for Nick Fury, most of his time had been spent secretly preparing to deal with Hydra.

After more than half a year of investigation, he had gathered a lot of information about Hydra's secrets, as well as lists of Hydra members and their bases.

But he had been waiting, because he wasn't confident in completely uprooting Hydra.

But now he wasn't worried anymore, because Wanda Maximoff was here.

Wanda Maximoff could enter people's minds to read their memories and create illusions. With her abilities, she could go unnoticed, and those whose memories were probed would have no idea their minds had been scanned.

In just 10 days, Wanda Maximoff had already compiled a thick stack of Hydra member names and base locations.

When this list was handed to Nick Fury, he was taken aback.

"I knew S.H.I.E.L.D. had many Hydra agents, but this is too many!" Nick Fury's eyes widened. Almost every department within S.H.I.E.L.D., even the smallest ones like janitorial services, had been infiltrated by Hydra.

The more critical departments were even worse. There were more Hydra agents than S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel!

Even the core leadership was heavily infiltrated. Three-quarters of the leaders were Hydra!

Even some individuals who had a close relationship with Nick Fury and were considered absolutely reliable turned out to be Hydra agents!

"Is this even S.H.I.E.L.D. anymore? It's clearly Snake-Shield now..." Nick Fury sighed deeply. The number of people on the list far exceeded his expectations, and this wasn't even the complete list because one significant figure had not been revealed yet.

That person was Alexander Pierce!

"Thank goodness we didn't act rashly," Phil Coulson also wiped his forehead. He used to think their "Hunting for Snakes" operation was going well, and they had probably unearthed most of Hydra.

But comparing the list provided by Wanda Maximoff, they had only found a tenth of them, and the other nine-tenths were still well hidden!

If they had acted prematurely, at best they would have eliminated only a tenth of Hydra, and the other nine-tenths would have survived.

And it was likely that Hydra would go into hiding, and they wouldn't be able to find them again.

And that wasn't even considering Alexander Pierce. As one of Hydra's "heads," he could likely reveal key figures and lead them to an entire string of Hydra agents.

"If we eliminate all these people, S.H.I.E.L.D. would probably collapse immediately," Phil Coulson looked again at the horrifying list.

"Let it collapse. Even if S.H.I.E.L.D. ceases to exist, we must uproot Hydra!" Nick Fury was determined to bring down Hydra.

"If it collapses, it collapses. If you're attached to this Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., we can just establish a new one, right?" Tony Stark chimed in, "I'll foot the bill."

"You guys are the key. Me being the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. is optional," Nick Fury was quite philosophical, "But for now, being the Director still serves a purpose. I need to meet with Alexander, along with Wanda."

"Sir, you want to read Alexander Pierce's mind?" Phil Coulson understood Nick Fury's intention.

"That's right," Nick Fury said, "That old fox surely knows things that even Hydra itself doesn't."

Buzz!

At that moment, Nick Fury's phone suddenly rang. He picked it up and saw that it was a call from Alexander Pierce.

"We're quite in sync. I was just thinking of meeting him, and he called me." Nick Fury put the call on speaker, "Hey, Pierce."

"Nick, have you assigned any tasks to Stark these past few days?" Alexander Pierce wasted no time and went straight to the point.

"Pierce, I wouldn't dare assign tasks to Tony. Being rejected is not a pleasant experience," Nick Fury replied.

"Alright then, let me rephrase. Has Stark been up to anything these days?" Alexander Pierce continued.

"Pierce, do you have something to discuss with Tony? You can contact him directly," Nick Fury said, "He's available."

"As you say, being rejected is not a pleasant experience," Alexander Pierce chuckled, "If I were to contact him, he'd definitely refuse."

"What's bothering you? Tell me about it, and I'll see if I can help," Nick Fury said.

"It's not a big deal, just that my nephew's birthday is on Monday..." Alexander Pierce explained, "You know, he's been a huge Iron Man fan. He really wants Iron Man to show up on his birthday and give him his blessings. I've been pestered by him so much that I've decided to go all out and do it."

"Pierce, leave it to me. I'll take care of this small matter. Just wait until Monday to see Iron Man," Nick Fury hung up the call.

"For so many years, Pierce is being unexpectedly 'considerate' for the first time. He's given us an opportunity to get in touch with him," Nick Fury said to Tony Stark, "Tony, when the time comes, bring Wanda along. You're already known for your playboy reputation, so it won't raise suspicions if you're with an attractive girl."

"How do you know he'll be at his nephew's birthday?" Tony Stark asked.

"He'll definitely be there, because his nephew is actually his son, despite appearances," Nick Fury revealed.

"Son?" Natasha Romanoff was surprised, "If I'm not mistaken, that little boy is only five years old, right? Pierce is quite the impressive old fellow."

"Nephew is actually a son... that's a lot of information to process," Clint Barton exclaimed.

On Monday, Tony Stark arrived as promised, accompanied by Wanda Maximoff holding a well-crafted Iron Man action figure.

Ding dong!

Tony Stark pressed the doorbell.

Soon, the door opened, and Alexander Pierce appeared in sportswear.

"Ah, Tony! You've finally arrived. My nephew is ecstatic knowing you're coming," Alexander Pierce grinned, genuinely happy.

"This is the gift Tony prepared." Wanda handed over the Iron Man action figure.

"An amazing gift! Let's go inside." Alexander Pierce's praise was genuine. For an Iron Man fan, what could be a better gift than an Iron Man action figure personally delivered by Iron Man himself?

"No rush, I have something to tell you," Tony Stark said mysteriously.

"To tell me?" Alexander Pierce was a bit taken aback.

Tony Stark gestured for him to come closer.

Alexander Pierce leaned in.

"Hail Hydra!" Tony Stark whispered in his ear.

"What?!" Alexander Pierce's eyes widened in shock. The renowned Iron Man was actually on their side? Was Hydra truly this influential that even Iron Man had joined them?

But if Hydra was this influential, then why wasn't he, a Hydra leader, aware of it?

"Oh no!" The shock lasted only a moment, and Alexander Pierce immediately regained his composure. His cover had been blown!

However, what difference does it make?

This is his nephew's birthday party, he didn't bring a gun, didn't bring any weapons.

Even if he did, what use would it be against Iron Man?

"Shit, did Nick discover it?" Alexander Pierce chuckled.

"Wanda," Tony Stark called out, and Wanda Maximoff understood. She immediately initiated mind control on Alexander Pierce while simultaneously reading his memories.

As expected, Alexander Pierce's mind held numerous secrets, things that even other Hydra members were unaware of.

But in front of Wanda, no secret could remain hidden.

From Alexander Pierce, Wanda was able to extract information about various Hydra members and bases.

"With this, we've finally located all of Hydra's people," when Wanda summarized this part of the list and handed it to Nick Fury, he stood up from his chair, "Tell everyone to get ready for the "Cut Off the Heads" operation. It's time to begin!"

"I'll handle Base T-2," Steve Rogers said, cracking his knuckles, "I'll personally rescue Bucky."

"Go ahead, Captain. After all the time he spent 'lodging' with Hydra, it's time to bring the Winter Soldier back," Nick Fury naturally had no objections.

While Steve Rogers was immensely powerful now, much stronger than before, he wasn't embarking on the "Cut Off the Heads" mission alone. Sharon Carter was leading a team alongside him.

It wasn't a lack of trust in Steve Rogers, but rather to ensure that no one slipped through the cracks. While Steve Rogers was formidable, if he went alone, someone might escape.

"Captain, any plan?" Inside the vehicle, Sharon Carter asked Steve Rogers.

"Stay hidden, secure the front and rear entrances, and eliminate anyone who tries to flee!" Faced with Hydra, Steve Rogers didn't hold back, "The rest is up to me."

"Captain, are you planning to infiltrate the base alone?" Sharon Carter looked at the data about the base on her phone, "The armed forces inside are quite substantial. You might need backup."

"Trust me, I won't need it," Steve Rogers put on a smile, whether intentional or not.

Soon, they arrived at Base T-2.

"Team 1, Point 1."

"Team 2, Point 2."

"Team 3, cut off communications."

Steve Rogers issued commands.

"Take positions."

"Take positions."

"Take positions."

Soon, all three teams were in position.

"Bucky, I'm here." Steve Rogers pushed open the car door and walked down.

"Captain, are you really not taking me with you?" Sharon Carter was a bit worried and asked.

"No need," Steve Rogers replied, not even turning around, and headed towards the base.

Sharon Carter stayed in the car, using binoculars to watch. However, not even half a minute later, her binoculars almost slipped from her hands in shock.

Because she saw Steve Rogers taking flight.

Yes, he was flying, soaring up into the sky.

"When did Captain learn to fly?" Sharon Carter was truly astonished.

As the first well-known superhero in America, everyone was familiar with Steve Rogers, including his origin story, his abilities—everything. But no one had ever known that Captain America could fly!

Dada dada!

It took a full 3 minutes after Steve Rogers entered the base for gunshots to ring out.

It wasn't because the Hydra guards inside the base were lax; it was because Steve Rogers was simply too fast. Those who saw him didn't even have time to fire a shot before they were taken out.

Until 3 minutes passed, those people finally had a chance to fire the first shot.

However, the sound of gunfire didn't last long, only about 2 minutes, before the base fell silent again.

"Is it over?" Sharon Carter couldn't believe her eyes. She knew the opponent was Captain America, a super soldier, but this was still an heavily armed base. How could everything be wrapped up in just 5 minutes?

Just as she was bewildered, she saw a figure descend from a tall building, holding another figure in his arms.

Under the sunlight, the reflection of a metallic arm shone directly into Sharon Carter's eyes, causing her to squint.

"A metallic arm, it's the Winter Soldier!" Sharon Carter's spirits lifted, realizing that the mission was accomplished.

"Captain, is it over?" Sharon Carter hurriedly asked.

"It's over," Steve Rogers's voice came through the earpiece, filled with excitement.

Steve Rogers's side went remarkably smoothly, just as all the other teams' operations did. The reason was simple: this group of superheroes was incredibly powerful.

Thor, Tony Stark, Pietro Maximoff, Wanda Maximoff—superhumans of this caliber—how could ordinary individuals possibly stand against them?

Even Clint Barton and Natasha Romanoff, who were once unremarkable, had become towering figures after being enhanced by the Answer Space. 

Especially Natasha Romanoff, who had just acquired the sentry arrows; to ordinary people, they were the reaper's scythe, harvesting lives without mercy.

Not to mention Thor, the god from Asgard, was simply a force of nature.

"Pierce, your last base has been taken down as well," in a secret room, Nick Fury informed Alexander Pierce, "Now Hydra is down to just you."

"Impossible!" Alexander Pierce couldn't believe it, "Just relying on you?"

"Of course, it's not just me. It's them," Nick Fury replied.

"Who are they?" Alexander Pierce asked.

"I guess I should be one," a gust of wind suddenly swept in, and Alexander Pierce's vision blurred for a moment as a new figure appeared before him.

"Who is he?" A shiver ran down Alexander Pierce's spine. This person was moving at such incredible speed; clearly, he possessed unique abilities like Iron Man and Captain America, yet he had never seen him before!

"You can call me Quicksilver," Pietro Maximoff said.

"You should tell him the story about how you got shot by bullets. In times of despair like this, I think he could use a story to lift his spirits," Wanda Maximoff flew in through the window.

"Another one? And he can fly too?" Alexander Pierce was shocked again. How could there be yet another super-powered individual?

"Surprised?" Nick Fury looked at Alexander Pierce's astonished expression and felt quite pleased, "When aliens invaded, you really should have been there. Then you would have known that I've deliberately concealed several individuals."

"Besides Thor, Iron Man, Captain America, the Hulk, Hawkeye, Black Widow, and Ant-Man, how many of them are there?" Alexander Pierce asked, "It seems you've been up to a lot without me knowing."

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[END OF CHAPTER]