Chapter 41: The First Appearance of the Scarlet Witch
Early morning, 178A Greenwich Village.
Lin Che sat on the sofa in the living room, the computer screen in front of him displaying dozens of split-screen feeds: live news of New York's post-disaster reconstruction, an encrypted meeting summary from S.H.I.E.L.D. regarding "Special Asset (Tesseract)," and an email Tony Stark sent him at three in the morning titled "Seventeen Questions Regarding Spatial Energy Stability"... The scent of frying eggs wafted from the kitchen. Angela, dressed in simple loungewear, was preparing breakfast... This was one of the new skills she had learned on Earth, and she was unexpectedly good at it.
"Breakfast is ready," her voice called out from the kitchen.
Lin Che turned off the projection and walked to the dining table. Simple fried eggs, bacon, toast, and two glasses of warm milk. It was modest, but warm.
"What are the plans for today?" Angela asked.
"Recovering," Lin Che took a bite of toast, "and then... start researching this."
He took an item out of his system space—the scepter... Sokovia, HYDRA Secret Base.
In a dim room, only an old television flickered with light, playing chaotic footage of the Battle of New York.
Wanda Maximoff, her brownish-black hair somewhat messy, stared intently at the screen with her blue-green eyes.
She saw the invasion of the Chitauri army, the struggle of the Avengers, and the brilliant performance of the black-haired youth closing the portal.
The moment Lin Che's hand gripped the scepter...
Wanda's body trembled almost imperceptibly.
The originally unstable scarlet Chaos Magic around her suddenly surged, like a stone being thrown into a lake!
Buzz... The magic spilled out of her body uncontrollably, forming faint red arcs of magic in the air.
It wasn't because of fear, nor was it because of anger.
It was a kind of... strange resonance and attraction originating from the very source of the magic.
That scepter... that man... she didn't know what that feeling was.
It was like a prisoner in the dark seeing a distant sliver of light.
Or like strings of the same frequency being gently plucked.
"Pietro..." Wanda subconsciously whispered her brother's name.
But Quicksilver, Pietro, was not here at the moment.
She could only clutch her chest alone, struggling to suppress the restless magic within her body, yet her gaze remained fixed on that last smile Lin Che gave before he disappeared from the screen.
That smile was bold and confident, as if everything was within his grasp.
It was deeply imprinted into her mind.
Deep within the Base, Baron Strucker saw Wanda's anomaly through the surveillance and frowned. "The test subject is acting abnormally? Record the data! Also, check! Check that video from just now thoroughly! There might be something we need in there!"
... "An artifact Loki used to control minds," Lin Che said, his eyes shining with a thirst for knowledge. "Although it's easy to break the control, I feel that Loki didn't bring out its true function..."
He paused and looked at Angela. "This might require your help. Has Asgard researched these things?"
Angela leaned in to observe the scepter, runes flowing within her pure white eyes. "The logic of the energy flow is completely different. Asgardian runes rely more on divine power for drive, whereas this... is more crude and efficient."
"Then we'll start with a comparative analysis," Lin Chesaid excitedly. "This afternoon we..."
Before he could finish, the doorbell rang.
The two shared a look. The location of the safe house was a secret, known to very few people.
Lin Che walked to the door and looked through the peephole.
Standing outside was an unexpected person.
Natasha Romanoff.
She was in civilian clothes, her short burgundy hair fluttering slightly in the morning breeze. She held a file folder in her hand, her face wearing the calm expression of a professional Agent.
Lin Che opened the door.
"Good morning," Natasha handed over the folder. "Director Fury asked me to deliver this. Your official identity documents, security clearance cards, and... an invitation."
Lin Che took the folder and opened it. On top was a gold-embossed invitation:
"Cordially inviting Mr. Lin Che and Ms. Odette Odinsdottirto attend a special hearing of the World Security Council."
"Subject: Regarding the determination of responsibility for the New York alien invasion and the future defense cooperation framework."
"Time: Ten days from now, Geneva."
Lin Che raised an eyebrow. "A hearing? Is this to interrogate us or to commend us?"
The corner of Natasha's mouth quirked up. "That depends on how you perform. Director Fury's suggestion is: maintain a cooperative attitude, but don't reveal too many details about the stones. There are... differing voices in the Council."
"Understood." Lin Che put away the invitation. "Thanks for bringing this. Want to come in for a cup of coffee? It's freshly brewed." He stepped aside and made an inviting gesture.
Natasha hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, there are some things we can communicate further on."
Lin Che was stunned for a moment; was she really that casual?
Natasha stood at the door, the morning light tinting her short burgundy hair with a layer of pale gold.
She looked at Lin Che, then at Angela, who was clearing the breakfast dishes inside, and smiled slightly. "What, not welcome?"
"Of course you're welcome." Lin Che stepped aside to let her in. "I just didn't expect you to actually come in. Isn't the time of a top S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent billed by the second?"
Natasha walked into the living room, her gaze quickly scanning the room—a professional habit. Her eyes swept from several abstract paintings on the wall to the ancient books on the bookshelf, noted the conspicuous scepter on the dining table, and then naturally landed on Angela.
"Ms. Odinsdottir," Natasha nodded in greeting.
"Just call me Angela." Angela put the washed cups back into the cupboard, her movements as fluid as if she had been doing housework for decades. "Coffee? Or tea?"
"Coffee, black, thank you." Natasha sat down on the sofa, her posture relaxed but her back still straight.
She placed the folder on the coffee table and looked at Lin Che. "Director Fury asked me to verbally convey some information that wasn't written in the documents."
Lin Che sat in the armchair opposite her and raised an eyebrow. "Such as?"
"Such as the divisions within the Council." Natasha took the coffee handed to her by Angela, thanked her, and continued, "Among the five permanent members, two are highly wary of superpowered individuals and advocate for a 'Registration and Oversight Act.' Two others have an open attitude but demand shared technology. The remaining one... has an ambiguous stance."
Angela sat on the armrest of the sofa next to Lin Che, her pure white eyes looking calmly at Natasha. "Asgard will not accept Earth 'registering' the Aesir."
"That is exactly the message Fury needs you to convey at the hearing." Natasha took a sip of coffee. "Not as a threat, but as a fact. Earth has neither the capability nor the right to dictate terms to a higher civilization. But it needs to be expressed skillfully."
Lin Che smiled. "So we need to both flex our muscles and extend an olive branch. We need to let them know we're not to be trifled with, while also making them feel that cooperation is more cost-effective than confrontation."
"Pretty much." Natasha set down her cup. "Tony will be responsible for the technical demonstration, the Captainfor the moral standpoint, and Thor... for deterrence. As for the two of you, what you need to showcase is the 'unknown' and 'possibility.'"
"The unknown?"
"What those people in the Council fear most is the unknown." Natasha's eyes turned sharp. "They can understand armor, super-soldier serum, even the Hulk—those are all extensions of weaponry."
"But they don't understand your stealth abilities, they don't understand Angela's divine power, and they don't understand the principles behind the Tesseract and the scepter. The unknown triggers fear, and fear leads to two results: either elimination or recruitment."
She paused. "Fury hopes it's the latter. So he needs you to appropriately... reveal some things at the hearing. No core secrets are needed, just enough for them to feel that 'it's necessary to continue research rather than destroy.'"
Lin Che rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Like the basic characteristics of spatial energy? Or research on the compatibility between divine power and Earth's energy?"
"Something like that." Natasha nodded. "Fury will discuss the specifics with you in detail. I mainly came today to deliver the documents, and..."
She looked at Angela. "To check on your status. After the Battle of New York, many people need psychological evaluations, but the two of you seem to have skipped that step."
Angela responded calmly, "A Warrior of Heaven doesn't need a psychiatrist. We have faced deeper darkness."
"And as for me," Lin Che grinned, "my psychological resilience is good enough to fool a polygraph."
Chapter 42: SS-Rank — Scarlet Sorrow
Natasha didn't smile; her gaze was serious. "The preliminary analysis results from S.H.I.E.L.D.'s technical department regarding Black Dwarf's severed arm are out."
"The technological level of that thing is at least two hundred years ahead of Earth, and it's a pinnacle blend of bio-engineering and energy technology. Fury wants to know how you plan to handle it?"
"Research," Lin Che had already decided. "Let Tony and Dr. Banner lead it, with S.H.I.E.L.D. supervising. The research results will be shared three ways. However, all sensitive data must be encrypted, and access requires simultaneous authorization from all three of us."
"Very cautious."
"When facing an opponent like Thanos, not being cautious is a death wish." Lin Che looked at Natasha.
The living room fell silent for a moment, with only the slight sound of the coffee machine working.
New York outside the window was slowly waking up, and the sound of construction machinery could be heard in the distance.
The debris clearing work had already begun.
"By the way, Lin Che," Natasha said suddenly, her tone a bit softer than before, "...Hawkeye—Clint. Last time on the helicarrier, thank you for saving Clint, and for saving me."
Lin Che was somewhat surprised. "I didn't do anything special."
"You did." Natasha looked directly into his eyes. "On the helicarrier, you saw through how the scepter amplified emotions. In New York, you closed the portal and ruined Loki's plot. You might not realize it yourself, but your actions truly helped many people."
She stood up, preparing to leave. "That promise... I owe you one... it's always valid. When you need it, tell me."
"Wait," Lin Che said suddenly.
Natasha stopped in her tracks.
Lin Che also stood up, his expression becoming serious. "Since we're talking about help... I need it now."
Natasha raised an eyebrow. "Now?"
"Ding! Emergency mission issued: SS-Rank — Scarlet Sorrow."
"Mission Objective: Travel to Sokovia in Eastern Europe, rescue the imprisoned Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) and Pietro Maximoff (Quicksilver), and stop Baron Strucker of HYDRA's genetic modification experiments."
"Mission Time Limit: 72 hours."
"Mission Rewards: Beginner Chaos Magic Affinity (learning Chaos Magic will be only slightly harder than drinking water for you), Beginner Speed Force (when you run, even your underwear won't keep up with you), coordinates of all HYDRA secret Bases (where the Black Braised Egg's funds are leaking to)."
Scarlet Witch! Wanda Maximoff!
The system's prompt rang out in Lin Che's mind, coming suddenly and urgently.
He took a deep breath and looked at Natasha and Angela. "I have an emergency mission now. Angela, interested in going somewhere interesting with me? Agent Natasha, now is the time to fulfill your promise."
"Mission?" Angela raised an eyebrow. She saw the instantaneous shift in Lin Che's attitude, which piqued her curiosity.
What kind of mission could make this slippery fellow so serious?
"What mission?" Natasha also followed up immediately; this was a perfect opportunity to understand Lin Che's motives and abilities.
"Saving people," Lin Che said concisely. "Going to Sokoviain Eastern Europe to rescue a pair of twins from a secret organization."
"These twins are very important. Not because of their abilities, but because they shouldn't have to go through this. The brother, Pietro, should be a prankster youth, and the sister, Wanda, should be a girl who loves reading. But now, they are locked in cages, being raised as weapons."
"Weapons?" Natasha's gaze narrowed. She too had once been raised as a weapon. "What is the name of that secret organization?"
"That's not important." Lin Che didn't explain much and looked at Angela. "How about it? Your Highness queen of the hunt, want to deal with some vipers hiding in the shadows and stretch your muscles?"
Angela wasn't very interested in "secret organizations" or "saving people," but she was interested in the "interesting" and "important" things Lin Che mentioned.
"Fine." Angela stood up. "It's a good time for me to do some rehabilitation activities."
Natasha weighed her options quickly.
Fury's instructions to her were to contact, assess, and take action if necessary.
Now Lin Che was going to move against an illegal secret organization, which in itself aligned with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s interests and was an excellent observation opportunity.
"I need to report to Director Fury. But... I can provide intelligence and support in a personal capacity." Natashamade her decision. She had a faint feeling that this mission might involve a great deal.
"Suit yourself," Lin Che said indifferently. "Gather in the backyard in one hour. We'll teleport there."
"Teleport?" Natasha was surprised again.
Lin Che didn't explain and picked up the scepter from the table.
The faint blue light illuminated the room once more.
Angela felt the vast mental energy contained within the scepter, and her eyes flickered slightly.
Natasha was even more shaken; this was the scepter that had been stolen during the Battle of New York!
"Using it to locate, we can open a temporary portal directly to the vicinity of Sokovia," Lin Che explained.
The plan provided by the system utilized the Mind Stone's faint resonance with Wanda's magic for reverse positioning and short-distance dimensional jumping.
Lin Che walked toward the bedroom. "I need to change into clothes suitable for infiltration and bring some 'tools'. Angela, check your gear; we might have to face energy weapons and bio-engineered soldiers this time."
Angela nodded and turned toward the second floor.
Natasha looked at Lin Che's back and suddenly asked, "Lin Che, how do you know about these twins? S.H.I.E.L.D. knows nothing about this."
Lin Che didn't look back. "Because some people are destined not to be forgotten, Natasha. Even if the Worldgives up on them, someone should still go and save them."
He walked into the room and closed the door.
In the living room, Natasha stood in the morning light, her communicator's screen lit up, showing an encrypted data stream being transmitted.
She looked out the window; the New York sky was as blue as if it had been washed, as if yesterday's war had never happened.
But the war never truly ended. It just changed battlefields and forms.
Secret organizations, human experimentation, genetic modification... these terms linked together, pointing toward a dark and dangerous path.
"Clint," she whispered into the communicator, "I need you to help me check some files. Keywords: human experimentation projects between 1970-1990, Eastern European missing persons reports... focus on cases involving twins."
Hawkeye's voice came through the communicator, "Copy that. What's the situation on your end? Does Fury know?"
"I'll report to him, but the operation has already begun." Natasha's tone left no room for doubt. "Sometimes, the right decision doesn't need to wait for approval. Help me send some gear over."
"Understood. I'll give you preliminary results and gear in half an hour."
The communication ended.
Angela came down from the second floor, having changed into a set of black tactical clothes she had found somewhere; they fit her perfectly.
Her long hair was tied in a neat ponytail, and her pure white eyes were covered by special contact lenses, turning them a deep brown.
The blade of the hunt was shrunk and hung at her waist.
"You look like the lead violinist of a symphony orchestra," Natasha remarked.
Natasha sized her up, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Tactical gear on you doesn't look like you're going to a fight, but rather like you're going to a ball—sharp and eye-catching."
"Dance and combat both require rhythm and precision," Angela responded calmly. "What about you? Do you need any special gear?"
"My gear is in a safe house." Natasha checked the time. "Someone will deliver it in half an hour."
At that moment, Lin Che stepped out of the bedroom.
He had changed into a set of deep black coveralls with a multi-functional tactical vest over them, and various small tool pouches hung from his belt.
He walked to the coffee table, picked up the invitation to the Geneva Hearing, and tossed it into a drawer. "If I'm late for the hearing, I hope the gentlemen of the Councilwon't be too angry."
"Fury will handle it." Natasha walked toward the door. "Alright, see you in a bit."
Lin Che didn't delay any further and began to use the scepter and system assistance to tune the energy.
Angela watched with her arms crossed, quite interested.
An hour later, in the backyard of 178A Greenwich Village.
Lin Che held the scepter, and the space in front of him began to distort, rippling like water, as a faint blue portal just large enough for a few people to pass through slowly took shape. Through the portal, Eastern European-style hills and a gloomy sky were faintly visible.
Lin Che stood at the front and looked back.
On the left was Angela, the queen of the hunt, with her pure white wings, brilliant golden armor, and a proud expression.
On the right was S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Natasha, in her black combat suit, with wine-red short hair and a cold, alert face.
The temporary squad was fully assembled.
"Let's go."
Lin Che was the first to step into the portal.
Angela followed without hesitation.
Natasha took a deep breath, took one last look in the direction of New York, and stepped in as well.
Chapter 43: The Shadow of ※18⛬
The next second, the three people appeared in a remote mountain forest on the border of Sokovia.
They were surrounded by dense coniferous forest; the air was cold and damp, and snow-capped peaks could be seen in the distance.
"Hoo..." Lin Che lightly exhaled, rubbing his slightly throbbing temples. "One-time Spatial Walking while carrying two people over such a long distance still puts a bit too much strain on my mind."
Angela looked around, the desolate scenery reflected in her pure white eyes. "Is this Sokovia? The energy readings are very faint, and life signs are sparse. It's a good place to hide."
"Constant warfare, various forces interwoven, and chaotic intelligence," Lin Che stretched his wrist. "Evil loves places like this. Chaos is their best cover."
Natasha had already squatted down, quickly operating a portable tactical tablet to retrieve data. "Matching coordinates... confirmed. Based on fragmented intelligence intercepted earlier and topographical analysis, the target Base is five kilometers straight to our northeast. It is located deep within the mountains, disguised on the surface as an abandoned mine."
She turned the tablet screen toward the two of them, which displayed a satellite map and a projected cross-section of the Base's structure.
"Infiltrate, or assault?" Angela asked directly, her tone suggesting she was asking what to eat today.
"We cannot assault," Lin Che shook his head. "This time we must infiltrate, quietly entering the village without firing a shot. The target's state is extremely unstable; her power is deeply linked to her emotions."
"If our assault triggers a large-scale battle and alarms, stimulating her, it could cause her power to spiral out of control, harming herself, and potentially causing uncontrollable destruction."
"We must find her first, ensure her safety, and then consider other options."
"Understood." Angela nodded. "Infiltration, followed by precise rescue."
"I suggest splitting into two groups," Lin Che assigned the tasks. "Angela, you handle the external support, responsible for vigilance and creating chaos if necessary. Natasha and I will infiltrate through the ventilation shaft."
"Why you and me?" Natasha put away the tablet and looked at Lin Che, her gaze sharp. "You seem very familiar with this place? You even know the location of the ventilation ducts?"
"Part of the intelligence gathering." Lin Che didn't explain further, just pointed to his head. "I have my methods. As for why you..."
"Because I trust your professional abilities, Black Widow. Also, there might be things inside that you need to confirm with your own eyes."
Natasha gave him a long look and did not press the matter further. "Fine. But we must keep communication open, confirming our status briefly every three minutes. If communication is interrupted for more than five minutes, or if a specific distress signal is received, Angela, you may act according to your judgment."
The Wings of Light behind Angela slightly extended and then retracted, indicating agreement. "I will find the best observation point. Be careful."
"Then, let's move." Lin Che checked his gear and several small disruptors. "Natasha, stick close to me."
The two, like leopards merged into the shadows, stealthily crept toward the steel fortress disguised as a mine deep in the mountain forest... Dark clouds obscured the moon, and the forest was pitch black.
The HYDRA Base, like a steel behemoth lurking in the belly of the mountain, faintly emitted sporadic light.
Fifth floor underground, High-Risk Experiment Zone.
Wanda Maximoff was trapped in a specialized suppression device, connected to countless tubes and wires.
Her eyes were tightly closed, and her entire body was enveloped in red energy.
In the adjacent observation room, Baron Strucker, wearing a sharp uniform, looked through the one-way glass at the violently fluctuating energy curve on the monitoring screen as if appreciating a work of art.
"The peak has hit a new high, but stability is decreasing."
"Your Excellency the Baron, Subject W's mental pressure has reached a critical point, and the suppressor load is near its limit. Continuing to increase the pressure may lead to..." A bespectacled researcher stared at the data, sweat beading on his forehead.
"Continue to increase the suppression," Baron Struckersaid coldly. "Her power has not yet been fully activated."
"But Officer..." the researcher hesitated. "If this continues, she might..."
"Lead to what? Collapse? Or awakening?" Strucker turned around, his eyes behind the lenses devoid of warmth. "I want a controllable weapon, not a fragile vase."
"If she cannot withstand this 'gift,' then she is not a suitable candidate. Record all data and prepare for the next subject."
"...Yes." The researcher lowered his head, not daring to speak further.
The researcher dared not speak again and could only continue the operation.
At this moment, Wanda's consciousness had fallen into chaos.
She drifted between dream and reality, various images flashing continuously in her mind... the scene of her parents being killed by a bomb.
Her younger brother Pietro's painful cries.
And... the smile of that man in black.
"Save me..." Wanda whispered in her dream. "Who can..."
East side of the Base.
Lin Che looked up at the massive silhouette of the building in the darkness, his eyes cold.
"Wanda... hold on."
"I'm coming."
Although the outer defenses of the HYDRA Base were tight, they were practically useless in front of true experts.
Lin Che and Natasha moved like geckos in the shadows along the outer wall of the building, avoiding patrol teams and rotating surveillance cameras.
They were practically one with the darkness.
The ventilation grate was silently cut open.
Lin Che and Natasha slid into the dark duct like two fish.
The duct was filled with dust and cobwebs, and the air carried a pungent chemical odor.
The two had to crawl forward, their movements extremely slow to avoid making any noise.
"There's light ahead," Natasha whispered.
The end of the ventilation shaft had a filter screen, and they could see the room below through the mesh.
It was an Equipment Storage Room, piled high with various electronic devices and cables.
Lin Che carefully removed the filter screen with a multi-tool, and the two silently dropped to the floor.
Footsteps and voices came from outside the room.
"Subject W's stability is still insufficient; she destroyed another energy monitor yesterday."
"Dr. said she needs more time to adapt. After all, she grew up in a normal environment; suddenly receiving this level of energy infusion..."
"The higher-ups are pressing hard, and Baron Strucker is already impatient. If she still hasn't reached combat readiness by next week, we might have to consider... a replacement plan."
The footsteps faded away.
Natasha's expression became serious. "Baron Strucker... Wolfgang von Strucker, a HYDRA high-ranking official, and my former instructor. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s files indicate he died during World War II at the hands of Nick Fury."
"It seems he has risen from the dead," Lin Che whispered.
"How is that possible?"
Lin Che replied casually, "Then the files were mistaken. Don't worry, you might see the truth soon enough."
The two slipped out of the storage room and proceeded cautiously down the corridor.
The interior of the Base was more modern than expected; energy conduits were installed on the metal walls, the floor was spotless, and surveillance cameras were placed every dozen meters.
Lin Che took out some small disruptors and attached them to the wall at regular intervals.
The disruptors would create brief signal interference, preventing the surveillance footage from capturing them and avoiding triggering an alarm.
"Here." Lin Che stopped in front of a door labeled "Archive Room."
The lock was an electronic password type.
Lin Che pulled a homemade decoder from his pocket and connected it to the interface beside the door.
The numbers on the screen flashed rapidly, and the lock clicked open.
Metal filing cabinets lined the Archive Room, and the air was filled with the smell of paper and ink.
Natasha quickly flipped through files, while Lin Cheheaded toward the computer terminal deeper inside the room.
"These are..." Natasha picked up a file, and her voice suddenly stopped.
Lin Che turned around and saw a clear symbol printed on the cover of the file she held.
Red background, white skull, surrounded by six tentacles.
The HYDRA symbol.
Natasha's fingers were white; she rapidly flipped through the documents, the paper making a hurried rustling sound. "Human experimentation records... Energy infusion side effect report... Subject Number: W-23, Name: Wanda Maximoff, Age: 18... Experiment Content: Superpower Induction and Enhancement..."
Her breathing became ragged. She abruptly looked up at Lin Che, her eyes filled with disbelief, astonishment, and deep suspicion. "These are HYDRA's core experimental files! Lin Che, how did you know the exact location of this Base?! HYDRA was supposed to have been completely destroyed seventy years ago!"
Chapter 44: Breaking into the Experimental Zone
Lin Che walked to her side, meeting her sharp scrutiny with a calm gaze. "I know many things, Natasha. Some are information obtained from special channels, while others... are 'possibilities' I've seen."
"What possibilities?" Natasha's voice was very low, yet it carried a blade-like coldness. "HYDRA is a mortal enemy that S.H.I.E.L.D. swore to eliminate since its inception!"
"If you knew of their existence long ago, knew they were conducting these anti-human experiments, why didn't you report it?!"
"Because I didn't want to be the child who pointed out the Emperor's New Clothes." Lin Che pulled another file from the nearby filing cabinet and handed it to her.
"Look at this, 'S.H.I.E.L.D. Personnel Loyalty Preliminary Assessment Report (For 'Project Insight' Reference),' filed last month."
Natasha snatched the file and flipped through it quickly. The more she read, the paler her face became.
The report detailed background analyses, behavioral pattern assessments, and color-coded "Potential Risk Levels" for dozens of S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents and civilian staff.
She recognized many of them, including several department heads.
At the end of the report, there was a clear HYDRA seal and a line of small text: "Source: S.H.I.E.L.D. Internal Database (Lv. 8 and above clearance)."
"...They can access the S.H.I.E.L.D. database with Level 8 clearance or higher?" Natasha's voice was a bit dry. "That's impossible... unless..."
"Unless HYDRA's tentacles have already taken deep root within S.H.I.E.L.D., perhaps even..." Lin Che paused, stating the chilling conclusion, "...perhaps a part of them has already grown together with S.H.I.E.L.D., becoming indistinguishable from one another."
Natasha stumbled back a step, leaning against the cold filing cabinet just to stay upright.
This inference was too terrifying, shaking the perceptions and beliefs she had built over decades.
She was once a weapon of the Red Room, redeemed and accepted by S.H.I.E.L.D., serving it for years. If S.H.I.E.L.D.itself... "We need more evidence." She took a few deep breaths, forcing herself to calm down.
The resilience belonging to Black Widow took over once more. "We can't draw a conclusion based solely on a few documents. But this place, everything happening here, must be exposed and destroyed."
"Agreed. But before that, let's save the people." Lin Chebegan a quick search in the records room. "Maps, experimental zone location, cell locations... we need to find those being experimented on."
Minutes later, he found a detailed structural diagram of the Base in a locked drawer.
"A five-level underground structure." Lin Che spread out the map. "The first floor is the living quarters and guard dormitories, the second floor is training facilities, the third floor is laboratories and the energy control center, the fourth floor is cells and the isolation zone, and the fifth floor... is marked as the 'High-Risk Test Area,' requiring special clearance to enter."
He pointed to two locations on the map. "Natasha, you go to the fourth-floor cell block and rescue the captives. I'll go to the third and fifth floors to see what 'experiments' they're actually running."
"Splitting up is too dangerous," Natasha objected. "We should stay together."
"There's not enough time." Lin Che shook his head. "According to the files, they perform an 'Enhancement Procedure' on the test subjects once a week. If today is procedure day, those kids might be suffering right now. We need to act fast."
Natasha was silent for a moment, then finally nodded. "Fine. But stay in communication; check in every five minutes."
"Deal." Lin Che handed an access card to Natasha. "I 'borrowed' it from a guard; the clearance should be enough. Be careful."
"You too."
The two split up.
Natasha followed the map's directions toward the elevator to the fourth floor, while Lin Che sneaked toward the third-floor laboratory area.
Occasionally, researchers in white coats passed through the corridor, looking hurried. Lin Che activated God-level Stealth, passing through the crowd like a shadow, unnoticed by anyone.
When he reached the third-floor laboratory area, he was shocked by the sight before him.
Behind transparent observation windows were individual isolation rooms.
Each room held a person, ranging in age from their teens to their thirties.
They were connected to various tubes and wires, with energy flowing through the conduits, emitting a faint blue glow.
Some were struggling in pain, some lay with hollow eyes, and others had undergone bizarre mutations—transparent skin, twisted limbs, and energy fields surrounding them.
"Human experimentation..." Lin Che muttered under his breath. "These lunatics."
He moved quickly through the laboratory area, looking for the "twins" mentioned in the files.
According to the records, Wanda Maximoff and PietroMaximoff had only recently been brought to the Base for "Superpower Induction and Enhancement."
Just as he passed a room labeled "High-Risk Sample Storage," he suddenly felt a strong energy fluctuation.
It wasn't coming from inside the room, but from... below.
The fifth floor!
Lin Che's eyes sharpened. No longer hiding, he burst into full speed, rushing toward the emergency passage leading to the fifth floor.
There was a heavy alloy security door there, with two fully armed guards standing at the entrance.
"Who's there?!" The guards were startled, just beginning to raise their muzzles.
Lin Che's figure had already flitted past like a ghost.
He didn't use any fancy skills, just the most direct combination of speed and power.
Thud! Thud!
Two dull thuds, and the guards slammed against the metal wall like limp sacks of grain, passing out.
Lin Che stopped before the security door. It required both a password and dual-factor clearance; forcing it open would inevitably trigger a maximum-level alarm.
He opened communication directly. "Angela, Natasha, I've reached the fifth-floor entrance. The target's situation is critical; preparing for a forced entry!"
"Angela, listen for my signal and be ready to clear any guards at the exits who might reinforce! Natasha, how are things on your end?"
"The fourth-floor guards are changing shifts. I've found the detention area; there are about twenty people. I'm trying to unlock it. I need three minutes." Natasha's voice carried a hint of urgency.
"Copy that. Angela?"
"Clear line of sight. All main exits and potential reinforcement routes are locked. Ready whenever you are." Angela's voice was as calm as ever.
"Good." Lin Che took a deep breath and stepped back. The muscles in his right arm bulged, and faint golden patterns appeared beneath his skin—a sign of surging Divine Power.
He channeled all his strength into his fist, aiming at the alloy door.
BOOM—!!!
A single punch thrown, and a sonic boom exploded within the narrow passage! The entire corridor shook violently. A deep indentation appeared on the alloy door, with cracks spreading like a spiderweb!
A second punch followed immediately! The indentation grew deeper, the cracks expanded, and the screech of twisting metal was ear-piercing!
A third punch! The build-up was even more powerful, the fist-wind even kicking up a visible shockwave!
CLANG—!!!
The heavy alloy door, along with its twisted frame, collapsed inward, slamming heavily onto the floor of the inner corridor amidst a cloud of dust!
Piercing alarms instantly rang throughout the fifth floor! Red lights flashed frantically!
Lin Che stepped into the dust, his gaze like lightning as he scanned ahead.
Several HYDRA soldiers rushing from rooms on both sides didn't even have time to aim before being struck in vital points by metal shards he casually threw, falling to the ground.
Following the guidance of the Mind Stone and the increasingly clear wave of agonizing magical energy, he rushed toward the large metal door at the end of the corridor, which had a one-way observation window.
Through one-way glass,He saw what was inside..
A red-haired girl was bound to a chair, surrounded by unstable, agonizing scarlet energy. Her face was pale, her gaze stubborn.
Wanda Maximoff!
Inside the lab, Baron Strucker and several scientists were also startled by the loud crash outside, looking in shock toward the violently breached door.
Lin Che's eyes met Baron Strucker's through the glass and the chaotic air.
"Found you."
Lin Che grinned, a cold smile without a hint of warmth.
The next second, he raised his fist and aimed it at the thick observation window.
Chapter 45: Guiding Wanda
Baron Strucker's face turned incredibly grim the moment he saw Lin Che.
"Intruder! Seize him!" the Baron calmly ordered, simultaneously pressing a red button on the control panel!
Inside the laboratory, several automatic machine guns immediately popped out from the ceiling, their muzzles locking onto Lin Che!
Secret doors on both side walls slid open, and four HYDRA elite guards, clad in black special combat suits and exuding a formidable aura, rushed out, armed with specialized energy rifles!
But Lin Che was faster than them!
As the machine guns rotated and the guards lunged, he had already charged up, his right fist carrying the Hulk's ferocity, smashing heavily onto the specialized observation window, which was strong enough to withstand Rocket launcher attacks!
Boom!!!
It was like a sudden clap of thunder!
The entire thick, one-way glass observation window instantly became covered in spiderweb-like cracks, as if struck by a heavy hammer!
Then, to everyone's disbelief, it exploded with a crash! Turning into countless sparkling fragments that burst outwards!
Puff, puff, puff!
The two closest HYDRA scientists were hit by glass fragments, screaming and falling to the ground.
The automatic machine guns had just opened fire, but Lin Che, with his uncanny movements, had already anticipated and easily dodged the bullets, most of which hit empty space or his own men.
The four elite guards roared as they charged, their energy rifles gleaming with deadly cold light.
Lin Che's eyes turned cold.
"Get out of the way!"
He held nothing back, unleashing his full speed and power!
His figure flickered, dodging the first energy beam, then he swung his left fist, colliding forcefully with a guard!
Clang!
Metal clashed! The guard felt an irresistible force, his tiger's mouth split open, and his rifle flew out of his hand!
Immediately after, a sharp pain in his chest, and he was sent flying by Lin Che's punch, crashing into the equipment behind him, spitting blood, and falling unconscious.
He sidestepped, dodging a dagger's thrust, then grabbed the opponent's wrist like an iron clamp, twisting it with force!
Crack!
His wrist bone shattered! The guard screamed.
Lin Che seized the opportunity to snatch the dagger and threw it back!
Pfft!
The dagger accurately embedded itself in the throat of the third guard!
The last guard had just raised his gun when Lin Cheappeared before him like a ghost, delivering a hand chop to the side of his neck. The guard didn't even grunt, slumping to the ground.
The entire process took less than five seconds!
All four elite guards were annihilated!
Only Strucker remained, quietly watching this scene.
"Welcome," Strucker's voice was gentle and polite, as if greeting a visitor. "Mr. Lin Che, isn't it? I've read reports about you."
"Stealing Hulk's shorts, teasing Black Widow, and having a close relationship with the Asgardian princess... you are indeed an interesting trouble."
His mechanical right hand gently lifted, fingers splaying open and clenching shut, the joints emitting a faint hydraulic sound. "But this is not where you should be."
Lin Che's gaze passed over Strucker, locking onto Wanda.
The girl seemed to sense his arrival, struggling to lift her head, a momentary clarity flashing in her blue-green eyes.
"I'm here to take her away," Lin Che said.
Strucker smiled, a cold and sarcastic smile. "Take her away? Do you know how many resources I've invested in cultivating her?"
"Selecting her and Pietro from over thirty thousand Sokovians, three years of careful guidance, countless adjustments to experimental protocols... She is HYDRA's future weapon, my masterpiece."
"She is a person," Lin Che corrected. "Not a weapon, nor a masterpiece."
"In HYDRA, there is no distinction between the two." Strucker took a step forward, his body beginning to emit a faint green glow... the death spore virus was activating. "I gave her power, transforming her from that poor girl whose home was destroyed by a missile, giving her strength that surpasses ordinary people. I am saving her."
Inside the chamber, Wanda suddenly let out a painful scream.
Scarlet energy erupted again, this time even more intensely, the entire chamber door began to twist and deform, the metal groaning under the strain.
Strucker glanced back, his eye behind the monocle flickering with calculation. "It seems the stimulation isn't enough. Perhaps... a stronger catalyst is needed."
His mechanical right hand suddenly transformed, a small Launch port popping out from the front, aimed at Wanda.
"Stop!" Lin Che rushed towards Strucker.
"If I can't have it, then I'll destroy it!"
"Boom!"
The suppression device suddenly overloaded, frantically injecting energy into Wanda.
"Ahhh!!!"
Wanda screamed, her Chaos Magic completely out of control!
Red energy erupted like a tsunami, and the entire laboratory began to collapse!
"Damn it!" Lin Che's expression changed drastically.
"You lunatic!" Lin Che charged at Strucker, but a dark green energy barrier suddenly rose before him, repelling him.
It wasn't a technological barrier, but rather condensed Death spore energy released from Strucker's body.
Strucker calmly retreated, "Apologies, but I must go. The security system here will initiate a self-destruct sequence in three minutes. As for Wanda..."
He looked at the out-of-control girl, fanaticism flashing in his eyes. "Let her be my first 'greeting' to Nick Fury."
"Tell him, Baron Strucker is back, and this time, I will reclaim everything... including all the victories he stole."
The elevator door closed, and Strucker's figure disappeared.
Lin Che ignored Strucker, rushing towards Wanda at full speed.
"Boom!"
The device exploded, scattering fragments.
Wanda fell from it.
But Lin Che had already stepped over the scattered debris, arriving before the restrained Wanda.
Wanda had looked up when he broke through the window.
Lin Che's figure was reflected in her blue-green eyes.
Who was this stranger, this Eastern youth with black hair, black eyes, a handsome face, yet carrying a cold killing intent? A new HYDRA enemy? Or... Her inner Chaos Magic became even more unstable due to the sudden changes and intense emotional fluctuations.
Scarlet energy surged from her like uncontrolled flames, emitting a dangerous hum, seemingly ready to destroy everything around her!
"Get... get away from me!" Wanda's voice was hoarse, filled with pain and a hint of fear. She didn't want to hurt innocents, but her magic was spiraling out of control.
Lin Che looked at the Scarlet Witch, who in the future would be capable of shaking reality, but who now resembled a wounded, wary little beast.
The coldness on his face quickly melted away, his eyes becoming calm, even carrying a hint of gentleness.
"Wanda," Lin Che tried to soothe the fragile girl. "Listen to me."
Wanda's scream paused slightly.
"I know you're scared," Lin Che continued, his voice calm and firm. "You're scared of this power, scared it will hurt others, just as you were scared of that missile, scared of losing your family."
The scarlet energy fluctuated.
"But do you know? Power itself has no good or evil; what matters is who uses it and why." Lin Che's palm began to emit a faint golden glow, the power of Asgardianbloodline, gentle and pure.
"Your brother Pietro is still in the fourth-floor cell, and Natasha is going to rescue him. Your family needs you, Wanda. Not to suppress your power, but to learn to control it."
The Chaos Magic began to slowly contract, condensing around Wanda.
"Breathe," Lin Che guided. "Feel the flow of energy; don't resist it, but guide it. Imagine you are steering a great river, not being swept away by its currents."
Chapter 46: The Red Room's Past
Lin Che saw Wanda slowly lift her head. Her eyes had turned deep red, her dark hair now scarlet, yet a trace of clarity began to surface.
Good. Very good.
He did not immediately remove the physical restraints.
Instead, with a thought, he summoned the Loki scepterfrom his system storage.
The Mind Stone glowed soft and warm at the tip of the scepter.
When its light touched Wanda's restless crimson Chaos Magic, a miracle happened.
Hum… blue and scarlet resonated.
Mind Stone power slipped gently into her wild magic, soothing rather than suppressing.
A quiet voice calmed the storm.
Her pain, fear, rage faded; the magic quieted.
The red light dimmed; her eyes returned to clear jade.
Her body relaxed.
She stared at Lin Che, at the scepter, at his steady eyes.
What is… she whispered.
Something to help you rest, he answered, crushing the inhibitor rings.
Hulk Power flexed.
Snap.
The steel shackles shattered like plastic.
Ankles freed.
She staggered; he steadied her.
His warmth and the scepter's glow erased her last wariness. Who are you?
Lin Che. Time to leave.
Freedom—too distant a word—brought tears.
Red energy surged at his touch; Asgardian blood repelled it.
We both have gifts, he said. Three minutes until self-destruct.
Strucker… what did he do to my brother?
Natasha has Pietro. Meet on Level Four.
Alarms screamed: Level Four breach.
Lin Che sprinted.
Level Four corridor.
A man in black coat, monocle, metal arm.
Baron Strucker, alive since World War II.
Natasha shielded Pietro.
Stralker greeted her.
You died in Budapest, she said.
Death spore virus rebuilt me, he replied.
Evolution, not experiment.
Where is Wanda? Pietro demanded.
Thirty thousand Sokovians screened; only twins survived.
Natasha's heart sank.
You're insane.
I gave them power, Stralker declared.
You turned us into weapons, Natasha countered.
You were my finest creation, he murmured.
Red Room blood never forgets.
She could not pull the trigger.
Chapter 47: Black Widow Defeated
"Budapest," Strucker stopped two meters away; this distance was a dangerous critical point for both sides. "You and they come to kill me... the student I taught... how ironic. But I never blamed you."
Natasha's eyes widened slightly.
"It was a mission, a job," Strucker said. "I taught you never to bring personal feelings into a mission. You did very well."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I want you to understand," Strucker raised that Satan's Claw, "you and I have no fundamental difference. We both serve higher goals... you've simply changed your Master."
These words were like a knife, accurately piercing into Natasha's deepest doubts.
Over the years, it wasn't that she hadn't had doubts. S.H.I.E.L.D. missions were sometimes just as dark, and Fury's orders were sometimes just as cold.
She told herself it was for the greater good, but occasionally in the dead of night, she would ask herself: Am I really different from who I was in the past?
"I'm not like you," she said, her voice carrying an uncertainty she hadn't even noticed herself.
"Is that so?" Strucker smiled. "Then prove it to me."
His mechanical right hand suddenly transformed... metal plates flipped and reorganized like scales, revealing a pitch-black cannon muzzle in the palm, with an eerie purple light condensing deep within.
Natasha rolled to the side in an instant, a purple energy beam grazing her shoulder and melting a smooth-edged circular hole into the wall.
"The Satan's Claw energy cannon," Strucker slowly rotated his right arm, "modeled after the Tesseract, its power is acceptable."
"Come, Natasha, let me see how much you've improved over the years."
Natasha discarded her pistol and drew two tactical daggers. Against such an enemy, firearms were already useless.
"Still prefer using daggers," Strucker commented. "What about the swordsmanship I taught you? Have you forgotten it?"
"I don't need a sword to kill."
"But you might need one today." His left hand suddenly drew an ornately decorated longsword, its blade shimmering with green light. "Because your daggers won't break through my defense."
He charged at Natasha with incredible speed. The sword light lunged at her throat like a venomous snake.
Natasha crossed her daggers to parry, the sound of clashing metal echoing through the corridor. Their fighting styles were strikingly similar—concise, efficient, and lethal.
Every attack aimed straight for vital points, and every block was perfectly timed.
Their movements were like images inside and outside a mirror.
The blade grazed a pipe, sparks flying into the pervasive green mist.
With every dodge, combat boots ground against shattered tiles, the sound swallowed by the silence like Death in the empty corridor.
"Your left-hand thrust was 0.2 seconds slow," Struckersaid during the exchange. "After Budapest, you've neglected your practice."
"I don't need to practice killing techniques," Natashagritted her teeth in response. "I've found a better way to live."
"A better way?" Strucker sneered. "Risking your life for S.H.I.E.L.D.? Doing dirty work for those politicians? Tell me, Natasha, is the blood on your hands over these years any less than when you were in the Red Room?"
His sword suddenly changed patterns; after a subtle feint, the tip lunged toward Natasha's abdomen.
Natasha barely twisted her body to avoid it, but the tip slashed through her uniform, leaving a shallow mark on her skin.
A burning sensation came from the wound. The blood wasn't bright red, but instead shimmered with an eerie green light.
"Concentrated death spore virus," Strucker said calmly. "Just a scratch on the skin is enough for the virus to enter the blood. But don't worry, this is just a weakened version... I need you alive, at least for now."
"What do you want?" Natasha felt a wave of dizziness and had to lean against the wall for support.
"I want you to see the truth." Strucker sheathed his longsword, and his mechanical right hand returned to its original form. "S.H.I.E.L.D., the organization you trust, the sanctuary you thought you had... do you really know it?"
He pressed a button, and several holographic screens lit up on the corridor walls.
Natasha's eyes widened as she watched the images:
Photos of S.H.I.E.L.D. officials meeting secretly with HYDRA Agents.
"Insight Project" weapon blueprints, with the target list including Captain America, Tony Stark... even Nick Fury.
A top-secret file: "Black Widow Psychological Evaluation Report," concluding: "Highly dangerous, recommended for elimination if necessary."
Natasha's fingertips felt slightly cold.
The screenshots of those files burned deep within her.
She suddenly remembered Fury's impassive single eye when he gave certain orders.
"This is impossible..."
"Why is it impossible?" Strucker asked. "Did you think HYDRA disappeared after World War II? No, we integrated into every corner of the World. Governments, militaries, corporations... and S.H.I.E.L.D."
He walked up to Natasha and looked down at her. "Cut off one head, two more shall take its place... Our people wear S.H.I.E.L.D. uniforms and execute HYDRA's orders."
Natasha felt a wave of nausea.
Not because of the virus, but because of the shock brought by this information.
If this were true, then everything she had fought for all these years was just a joke.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I want you to choose," Strucker's voice became serious. "Not as an Agent, not as a weapon, but as a human being."
He extended his mechanical right hand. "Come back to my side, Natasha. Not back to the Red Room, but back to the side of truth. Help me establish a new order... a Worldthat doesn't need disguises and lies."
Natasha looked at the mechanical hand and then into Strucker's eyes. In those eyes, she saw not madness, but a terrifying, unwavering conviction.
"You think you're defending freedom?" Strucker's voice lowered. "Natasha, freedom is just an illusion of power. HYDRA is at least honest... we acknowledge that the World needs control, and control comes with a price."
"What if I refuse?"
"Then you will die from the virus onset," Strucker said. "These survivors will be dealt with, Wanda will become HYDRA's most powerful weapon, and the World will continue to operate on lies."
He paused. "But if you agree, I will give you the antidote, release these innocents, and even... let you take Wandaaway."
It was a trap. Natasha knew it. But did she have a choice?
The virus was spreading through her blood, and her strength was draining away.
The survivors behind her looked at her with eyes full of fear and expectation.
Pietro held an injured girl tightly, his eyes saying: Save us.
Strucker walked up to her, the tip of his sword pointing at her chest. "Farewell, my most outstanding student. Though it's a pity, you cannot leave here alive."
He raised his sword, preparing to strike.
Chapter 48: The Death of Baron Strucker
The sword stopped mid-air.
A red energy beam struck Strucker's right wrist, and the longsword flew out of his hand.
Immediately after, Lin Che rushed from the other end of the corridor and kicked Strucker in the side, sending him flying.
"Sorry I'm late," Lin Che helped Natasha up, "Are you okay?"
Natasha shook her head, wiping blood from the corner of her mouth. "I won't die. What about that girl?"
"She's fine, she's controlling Pietro and the others." Lin Che looked at Strucker, who was standing back up. "This guy is much harder to deal with than the intelligence described."
Strucker moved his wrist; the skin where he was hit was charred black, but it was healing at a speed visible to the naked eye. "Two against one? That's not fair."
"Against you, we don't need fairness." Natasha picked up the longsword and threw it to Lin Che. "Use this. His virus shield is resistant to energy attacks, but his physical cutting defense is weaker."
Lin Che took the longsword, feeling the patterns on the hilt. It was an antique sword with a German inscription carved on the blade: "Ehre und Pflicht" (Honor and Duty).
Those inscriptions felt hot in his palm... how ironic that this sword, which had carried Nazi oaths and HYDRA's ambitions, was now to be swung to end its Master's life.
"Ironic, isn't it?" Strucker looked at the sword. "I used that sword to swear loyalty to Hitler, and later used it to betray the Nazis. Now, it might be used to kill me."
"Then let's end this." Lin Che took a starting stance.
Strucker's mechanical right hand transformed again, and two rows of rotating serrated blades popped out of his forearm. "Then let me see if you are qualified to wield my sword."
The two rushed toward each other.
The sword collided with the mechanical arm, making a piercing sound of metal friction.
This time, Lin Che held nothing back. The Hulk Power, the Asgardian bloodline, and the bonuses from God-level Stealth were all utilized to the extreme.
Although his swordsmanship was not as exquisite as Strucker's, his absolute strength and speed made up for the gap in technique.
More importantly, Natasha was watching from the side, occasionally pointing out flaws in Strucker's moves.
"His third step to the left will be 0.3 seconds slow, and the transmission in his mechanical right shoulder has a slight delay!"
"The Satan's Claw's Gatling mode needs 1.5 seconds to warm up!"
"Watch out for his virus spray, the breathing interval is once every 4 seconds!"
Strucker grew more alarmed as the fight went on. Natasha knew him too well; every habit and every weakness was firmly remembered by her.
And Lin Che's learning ability was astonishing, quickly turning that intelligence into a practical advantage.
Their moves were like the encryption and decryption of the same set of codes... Every thrust Strucker made could be parried by Lin Che with the same rhythm.
With every feint he made, Lin Che retreated as if he had foreknowledge.
"Enough!" Strucker roared, suddenly releasing the death spore virus with all his might.
A thick green mist erupted with him at the center, instantly filling the entire corridor.
Lin Che and Natasha immediately held their breath, but a burning sensation began to appear where their skin touched the mist.
"Do you know what the most ironic part is?" Struckerstood in the center of the mist, the green carapace on his body becoming thicker. "If I die, the virus in my body will go completely out of control, spreading through the air to all of Sokovia, then Europe, and finally the entire World."
A crazy light flashed in his eyes. "The death spore viruswill consume all life, turning Earth into a silent Planet. And you will be the witnesses to this extinction."
Natasha turned pale. "You're bluffing."
"Am I?" Strucker smiled. "Then let's find out."
He suddenly thrust his mechanical right hand into his own chest, activating a device buried near his heart.
"Virus core activated. Countdown: 60 seconds."
His body began to emit an ominous green light, cracks appeared on the surface of his skin, and green light seeped out from the fissures.
"I die with the glory of HYDRA," Strucker's voice became distorted, "and you will live on bearing the sin of destroying the World. This ending... is not bad."
Lin Che's brain worked rapidly. This was a dead end.
"Wanda!" he shouted, "Can you control those viruses?"
From the stairwell, Wanda slowly walked out.
Her eyes were still deep red, but her gaze was clear.
She looked at Strucker, watched the expanding green light, and reached out her hands.
Red energy surged from her palms, not as an attack, but as a weaving.
Countless fine threads of energy wrapped around Strucker, penetrating his body like the most precise surgical operation... each wisp of energy precisely encased a virus cell, gently peeling them away from the host's life network, like picking poisonous fruits one by one.
"It's useless," Strucker mocked, "The death spore virushas already fused with every one of my cells, you can't possibly..."
His words stopped abruptly.
Wanda did it.
The red energy didn't try to destroy the virus, but rather 'isolated' it.
Every virus particle was encased in a tiny energy field, cut off from the outside World.
The green light on Strucker's body began to fade, and his cracked skin gradually healed.
"No... impossible..." He looked at his hands in disbelief. "You shouldn't have such control..."
"You taught me one thing," Wanda said calmly, "The size of the power is not important; what matters is the precision of the control."
She clapped her hands together, and the red energy field suddenly contracted.
All the virus particles in Strucker's body were forcibly condensed together, forming a concentrated green sphere floating at his chest.
"Now," Wanda looked at Lin Che, "it's your turn."
Lin Che did not hesitate.
He gripped the longsword with both hands and poured all his power into the blade.
The blade lit up with a dazzling golden light, a fusion of Asgardian bloodline and Hulk Power.
He rushed at Strucker, thrusting the longsword straight into the green sphere.
The tip of the sword precisely pierced the center of the sphere.
There was no explosion, no Impact.
The sphere collapsed rapidly like a punctured balloon, and the virus inside was completely purified and annihilated the moment it touched the golden energy.
Strucker collapsed to his knees.
His body aged at a speed visible to the naked eye; his skin became dry and shriveled, and all his hair turned white and fell out.
The death spore virus not only gave him power but also sustained his life.
Now that the virus was cleared, the aging accumulated over many years erupted all at once.
"I..." his voice was hoarse and dry, "I failed..."
"The World will continue," Natasha walked up to him, "but your era is over, teacher."
Strucker looked up at her, a complex emotion flashing in his cloudy eyes.
His body began to turn to ash, but his gaze went past Natasha, looking into the void.
"We are all paying the price for the fairy tales we believe in... it's just that nobody wants to hear my story anymore."
Then, he completely dissipated, turning into a handful of dust.
Only the longsword and the mechanical right hand,'Satan's Claw,' remained on the ground, proving he had once existed.
The corridor was silent.
A more violent vibration came from underground... the Base's self-destruct sequence had entered its final stage.
"We have to go!" Lin Che picked up the longsword and the mechanical hand. "Wanda, Pietro, take the others and follow me closely!"
The group supported each other and rushed toward the surface.
When they finally burst out of the Base and ran to a safe distance, the mountain behind them collapsed with a roar, burying a HYDRA stronghold under millions of tons of rock.
The roar of the landslide gradually subsided, and dust fell like snow.
Natasha stood before the ruins, the longsword in her hand stained with a mixture of ash and green blood.
The girl in Pietro's arms began to cry, a sound faint but alive... while Strucker and his two hundred years of obsession were silenced forever.
Chapter 49: Analysis of HYDRA
Northern Sokovia Mountains, 4 AM.
Angela stood on a cedar branch, her pure white eyes like two unextinguished stars in the night.
When Lin Che, Wanda, and Natasha emerged from the woods with more than twenty survivors, Angela lightly landed on the ground, her light wings retracting and disappearing behind her.
"The perimeter has been cleared," she reported concisely. "Three HYDRA patrol teams, a total of twelve people. No one escaped the Base."
Natasha nodded, quickly scanning the terrified survivors. "Casualties?"
"Seventeen minor injuries, three moderate infections, emergency medicine has them under control," Lin Cheinterjected. "Pietro is exhausted but otherwise fine. Wanda..."
He looked at the red-haired girl. "She has her power under control, for now."
Angela walked up to Wanda.
As the two looked at each other, an invisible energy flowed and probed in the air.
"Chaos Magic," Angela finally spoke. "A power recorded in the Heavenly Canon. Not destruction, but the possibility of reshaping reality. You need training, or it will consume you."
"I don't want this power," Wanda said softly.
"Power chooses the host, not the other way around," Angela said calmly. "You can only choose to control it, or be controlled by it."
Natasha interrupted their conversation, checking her tactical tablet. "I've contacted the emergency response team. They'll arrive within two hours to escort everyone back to New York."
"Which team?" Lin Che asked.
"Special Operations Department, Team Seven, specializing in superhuman transfers."
"The team leader is Brock Rumlow, codenamed Crossbones," Lin Che said flatly. "Change the team."
Natasha's finger paused. "Reason?"
"When I hacked into the bank, I found several large, unexplained transfers in Rumlow's account in the transaction records."
This was half-truth, half-fiction.
The transfer records were real, compiled by Lin Che from multiple intelligence agencies using his Hacker Master skill, but he had known Rumlow's identity long ago.
Natasha's expression darkened.
After seeing those files in the archives, too many names had been added to her suspicion list.
"Then who do you recommend?"
"Phil Coulson," Lin Che said without hesitation. "He handled the Thor incident and has experience dealing with supernatural forces. More importantly..."
He paused. "He loves Captain America, so he shouldn't have any good feelings towards HYDRA."
Natasha was silent for a moment, then modified the communication request. "Request change: Contact AgentPhil Coulson, highest priority, encrypted channel Alpha."
After sending the request, she closed the tablet and looked at Lin Che. "We need to talk. About those files."
The two walked to a rock away from the crowd.
Angela guarded the path, her pure white eyes watchful of the dark forest.
"How much do you know?" Natasha asked directly.
"More than you think, but less than you need to know." Lin Che sat down. "HYDRA's infiltration is deeper than anyone imagined. Starting with Operation Paperclip after World War II..."
"The U.S. recruited Nazi scientists, who took the opportunity to infiltrate, eventually transforming S.H.I.E.L.D. from within into HYDRA's new shell."
Natasha's breathing hitched. "Do you have evidence? Besides those files."
"No conclusive evidence," Lin Che admitted frankly. "If I did, I would have thrown it in Nick Fury's face by now. But I have enough clues and suspicious points."
He drew a diagram in the dirt with a dry twig. "What does HYDRA need for global operations? Funding, intelligence, logistics, political cover..."
"S.H.I.E.L.D. has all of these. If HYDRA controls a part of S.H.I.E.L.D., they have perfect cover."
"The most terrifying thing is," Lin Che circled the center of the diagram, "due to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s classified nature, HYDRA members can use 'national security' as an excuse to legally cover their actions and mobilize resources to advance HYDRA's goals."
"Some real S.H.I.E.L.D. Agents might even think they're doing the right thing... only to end up helping HYDRA."
Natasha closed her eyes.
If this was true, then how much of what she had done for S.H.I.E.L.D. over the years was actually HYDRAeliminating opponents and advancing its own agenda?
"We need to tell Fury."
"Of course, we need to tell him," Lin Che nodded. "But the question is how to tell, who to tell, and... who we can still trust."
He looked at Natasha. "If we act rashly, HYDRA might make a preemptive move, or eliminate all those who know."
"So your suggestion is?"
"Three steps," Lin Che held up three fingers. "First, only contact absolutely trustworthy people. I recommend Nick Fury himself and Captain America Steve Rogers."
"Rogers was defrosted from the ice less than two years ago and knows almost nothing about modern intelligence agencies."
"Precisely because of that, he's the least likely to be infiltrated," Lin Che explained. "HYDRA's infiltration is a decades-long project, and Rogers missed the entire infiltration period. Moreover, given his character and reputation, if HYDRA wanted to target him, it would attract too much attention."
Natasha thought for a moment, then nodded. "Second step?"
"Don't give a specific list, don't give conclusive accusations... because we don't have them yet," Lin Checontinued. "Just provide clues and let Fury and Rogersinvestigate themselves."
"Fury is in the late stages of paranoia; give him a direction and he'll pursue it to the end. Rogers... he has a certain quality that makes people willing to tell the truth."
"Third step?"
"Prepare for HYDRA's counterattack," Lin Che's expression was serious. "Although Strucker is dead, the news has leaked. HYDRA will definitely take action. The first target will be you, Natasha."
"Why?"
"You are the most direct threat," Lin Che analyzed. "You know S.H.I.E.L.D.'s internal operations, have enough authority to access sensitive information, and personally saw HYDRA's experimental Base. Eliminating you would cut off our most direct link to an internal S.H.I.E.L.D.investigation."
Natasha sneered, "They can try."
"They will," Lin Che said. "And I suspect the methods won't be limited to assassination. It's more likely to be public slander. Portraying us as a threat and eliminating us through 'legal' means."
He looked at the survivors. "These people's testimonies can prove HYDRA's existence. But if HYDRA controls the hearings, public opinion, and the direction of the investigation..."
"They could completely claim these people were brainwashed Terrorists, and that we were assisting terrorist activities."
Natasha fell silent.
She was all too familiar with this kind of operation.
"We need allies," she finally said. "Not just Fury and Rogers."
"Agreed." Lin Che stood up. "Tony Stark is an option. He has resources, technology, and his arrogance makes him difficult to control."
"If Thor returns from Asgard, his power and status can provide protection. Dr. Banner... uncertain, but Hulk is a powerful combat force."
"And Angela." Natasha looked at the figure guarding the path. "Her identity and abilities are unknown, which makes her difficult to predict and control."
"Exactly." Lin Che nodded. "Now, let's complete the first step. Contact Fury and Rogers, then wait for Coulson."
...Two hours later, at the temporary camp.
Pietro found Lin Che, who was checking his equipment. "Thank you... thank you for saving us."
"You're welcome." Lin Che didn't even look up. "I have my own goals too."
"What goals?"
Lin Che looked up. "To have you join my team. Your sister has powerful abilities, and you must have awakened yours too, right?"
Pietro was silent.
He had indeed awakened — super-speed movement.
But he couldn't master it yet.
"You hate Stark, don't you?"
Pietro's pupils contracted. "How did you know...?"
"I know many things," Lin Che said calmly. "Your parents died from Stark Industries missiles, which is why you participated in HYDRA's experiments, wanting to gain power for revenge."
Pietro clenched and unclenched his fists, tacitly admitting it.
"Now the HYDRA Base is destroyed, and you have nowhere to go." Lin Che stood up. "Follow me, and I will give you a home, give you the chance to become stronger. In exchange, you must fight for me."
Pietro's eyes were complex. "I... need to discuss it with Wanda."
"Alright."
Chapter 50: Wanda Joins the Team
Wanda woke up in the tent.
"Brother..." She weakly opened her eyes.
"I'm here!" Pietro held her hand.
The siblings embraced tightly.
Outside the tent, Lin Che and Angela waited quietly.
After a long while, Wanda calmed down and looked at Lin Che, "You saved us."
"Yes."
"Why? We've never met before."
"The arrangement of fate." Lin Che answered truthfully, "I need your power."
Wanda was silent for a moment, her gaze falling on Loki's scepter. "That thing in your hand... is it the one from the news?"
"Yes, the Mind Stone is embedded inside."
"Mind Stone..." Wanda murmured to herself, "Why does my power resonate with it?"
"You're very smart." Lin Che praised, "The Mind Stone is connected to the Chaos Magic within you. It can help you stabilize your power."
Wanda looked at the scepter. "You said... you want us to join your team?"
"Yes." Lin Che nodded, "I won't force you, but this is a win-win choice. You need to become stronger, and I need combat power."
"And..." He looked at the siblings seriously, "Following me, at least you won't be treated as test subjects again."
Wanda and Pietro exchanged glances. After a long while, Wanda nodded.
"We'll join. But on one condition."
"Speak."
"Help us deal with Stark." Hatred flashed in Wanda's eyes, "His weapons killed our parents. I must avenge this."
Lin Che pondered for a moment, "Alright, but not now."
"Why?"
"You're too weak right now; going there would just be suicide." Lin Che said bluntly, "Once you become stronger, I'll arrange for you to meet Stark. By then... whatever you want to do, I won't stop you."
Wanda looked deeply at Lin Che. "Deal."
[Congratulations, Host, for completing the SS-Rank mission — Scarlet Sorrow]
[Reward: Chaos Magic Affinity (Elementary), Speed Force (Elementary)]
Lin Che's heart stirred, but he remained calm on the surface. "Very good, welcome aboard. Next... we return to New York."
"Wait," Pietro tugged awkwardly at his worn experimental uniform, "Can we change clothes?"
Lin Che smiled, "Of course."
...At the same time, an unknown location.
The conference room had no windows, and the walls were made of dark gray sound-absorbing material. The long table was polished from a single piece of black granite. Seven people sat around the table, their faces hidden in shadow, only their outlines highlighted by the cold white light overhead.
Holographic projections displayed images of the SokoviaBase ruins, as well as photos of Lin Che, Natasha, Angela, Wanda, and Pietro.
"Strucker has failed." Alexander Pierce's deep voice came from the end of the table.
The former S.H.I.E.L.D. Director, now a World Security Council minister, tapped his fingers lightly on the table. "The test subjects were taken, the Base destroyed, and Black Widow and that 'Saint of Thieves' saw the files in the archives."
"Is Strucker still alive?" an elegant female voice asked. Madame Viper, a HYDRA branch leader, gently swirled the wine glass in her hand.
"The transmission beacon was activated, but his status is unknown," a voice with a distinct electronic synthesized quality replied.
Arnim Zola, the Nazi scientist who had uploaded his consciousness to a giant computer and now existed as data on a secret S.H.I.E.L.D. server, added, "The death spore virus core was forcibly stripped, which may have caused irreversible damage."
A slight stir rippled around the long table.
"Chaos Magic." Madame Viper took a sip of wine. "Wanda Maximoff's awakening exceeded expectations."
"Strucker's aggressive stimulation methods backfired... she controlled the power, instead of being controlled by it."
Pierce's fingers slid across the control panel, bringing up Natasha's file. "Compared to Strucker, the bigger problem is Black Widow. How much did she see?"
"Enough." Zola's electronic voice carried the calm unique to mechanical life. "According to the last feedback from the Base's surveillance system, she and that 'Saint of Thieves' Lin Che stayed in the archives for seven minutes and forty-three seconds. With Romanoff's information processing capabilities, this time is enough for her to memorize the summaries of thirty to fifty key documents."
Madame Viper's projection leaned slightly forward. "My informant says Coulson's team was urgently dispatched to Sokovia. Not Rumlow's STRIKE Team, but Coulsonhimself leading the team."
"Fury has started bypassing standard procedures." Pierceconcluded, "This means Romanoff mentioned something in her report that made Fury believe he had to use absolutely trustworthy people."
A silence fell around the long table.
"Proposed solution?" another blurry projection asked.
Pierce brought up the S.H.I.E.L.D. internal organizational chart. "We cannot directly eliminate Romanoff. She is a Level 8 Agent, Fury's trusted subordinate. Her 'accidental Death' would trigger Fury's maximum vigilance and investigation."
"Then what's your suggestion?"
"Use the power of the system." Pierce said slowly, "S.H.I.E.L.D. is not Fury's alone. There's the World Security Council, oversight committees, and hearing procedures."
"We can push for an investigation into Romanoff... questioning her loyalty to S.H.I.E.L.D., whether she unauthorizedly contacted dangerous super-powered individuals, and whether she had improper cooperation with unidentified individuals."
Close-up facial shots of Lin Che and Angela appeared on the holographic projection.
"This Lin Che has a blank background." Madame Vipernarrowed her eyes. "He has advanced stealth techniques and superhuman physical abilities, but no identity records, no history."
"The red-haired woman is even stranger." Zola added, "Her physiological characteristics differ significantly from humans, especially her eyes. S.H.I.E.L.D. intelligence indicates she is an Asgardian princess."
"Perfect targets." Pierce said, "We can craft a narrative: Romanoff was seduced by unknown super-powered individuals, acted without authorization, disrupted international cooperation, and endangered global security. Demand a hearing, suspend her duties, and place her in isolation for review."
"At the same time," he continued, "issue international arrest warrants for Lin Che and the red-haired woman, accusing them of being dangerous super-powered individuals, possibly linked to foreign intelligence agencies."
"Using legal procedures, drive them into the shadows, severing all their ties with S.H.I.E.L.D."
Silence fell around the long table.
"What if Fury protects them?" Malik asked.
"Fury himself is under pressure." Madame Viper put down her wine glass. "The Insight Project's budget overruns have already caused dissatisfaction on the Council, and the aftermath of the Battle of New York is still unsettled."
"If you add his most capable Agent being suspected of violating regulations... he will have to compromise."
"Moreover," Pierce concluded, "we don't need complete success. We just need to create enough chaos and suspicion to slow them down and buy us time."
"Preparations have reached the final stage, and the Insight Project is about to go online. When the whole World is in our crosshairs, these troubles... will vanish into thin air."
Pierce scanned the virtual conference room. "Then let's vote. Proposal: Eliminate Black Widow through systemic procedures, simultaneously issue arrest warrants for Lin Che and his accomplices, clearing obstacles for the Insight Project."
Seven confirmation light beams lit up.
"Operation initiated." Pierce turned off the display. "May the shadow of HYDRA cover the World."
"Hail HYDRA." Seven voices whispered, and the projections vanished one by one.