CH 272

Chapter 272 84

Dr. Zola’s mechanical arm gently touched the photo as he recounted some long-forgotten events, “In the past, when Mr. Schmidt and Captain America disappeared together, Miss Sinthea was just a young girl, hiding away, while I was captured by the U.S. government. In the following months, Mr. Schmidt’s former colleague, Werner Reinhardt, took control of H.Y.D.R.A.’s operations. Later on, I heard that he unearthed a treasure trove of artifacts in Austria and conducted experiments there. However, during that time, the U.S. military was unstoppable, and Reinhardt feared for his life. He wanted to escape from his laboratory and find a safe haven. Unfortunately though, as he was making his escape, he was discovered by Peggy Carter and her Howling Commandos. After a fierce battle, he became their prisoner, and the confiscated items were taken by the S.S.R. I’m uncertain what exactly Reinhardt had discovered, but I do know that he was held captive by Peggy Carter until the late 1980s when Pierce, the traitor, took control. That’s when Reinhardt was given a new identity and became Daniel Whitehall.”

Pausing momentarily before continuing, Dr. Zola stated, “For now, let’s call him Whitehall since he has been using this name for quite some time. Whitehall’s actions in the past have caused resentment from many people, which is why Peggy Carter locked him up in the Rat, a prison. Even when the U.S. desperately required scientific personnel for their rocket launches, she refused to release Whitehall. Of course, I suppose that Whitehall’s special treatment of Peggy Carter has something to do with the artifact he unearthed. It must be an extraordinary item! According to the common procedure of the S.S.R., now known as S.H.I.E.L.D., any objects of unknown origin or significant importance are designated as 084 and kept secret. The 084 shown in this photo is precisely the one that Whitehall discovered. It will be the hope for the resurrection of H.Y.D.R.A.!

The bald man was engrossed in Dr. Zola’s storytelling. However, since even Dr. Zola was unaware of what was inside the box labeled as 084, his greatest curiosity couldn’t be satisfied. Feeling an itch in his mind, he could only ask his second heart-gnawing question, “Dr. Zola, where is Reinhardt, no, Daniel Whitehall now? Is he still alive?”

“He should still be alive. Pierce released him and he appeared to be working for S.H.I.E.L.D. while secretly serving H.Y.D.R.A. Two years ago, when Pierce betrayed us, he wasn’t at S.H.I.E.L.D.’s H.Q. After receiving news of Pierce’s betrayal, he vanished, and his current whereabouts are unknown.”

Dr. Zola finished answering and looked at the bald man, “What’s on your mind, Supervisor Yuri?”

Yuri, the bald man, replied, “Daniel Whitehall can be considered as one of H.Y.D.R.A.’s elites. I believe we should invest some resources to locate him and have him continue serving H.Y.D.R.A. After all, we are still in dire straits and urgently need talents.”

“There’s no need! Daniel’s ideology differs from Mr. Schmidt’s and his relationship with us isn’t ideal. Moreover, Daniel is in his eighties and on his deathbed. There isn’t a need to pay attention to him.” Dr. Zola declined Supervisor Yuri’s suggestion and changed the topic.

“I am enough for the current H.Y.D.R.A. Whether it’s Wakanda, 084, or other entities, I have extensive knowledge of them. I will find the force that will rise H.Y.D.R.A. once again!”

Ever since Dr. Zola was ousted from the U.S. by Leo and Fury, he had been constantly thinking about making a comeback. Based on the intelligence he possessed, he searched for anything that could help him turn the table. After analyzing all available intelligence, the Wakanda and 084 would be his best chance.

After over a year of planning, he finally confirmed the existence of Wakanda and discovered its precise location. Nevertheless, the two assaults he organized on Wakanda ended up in failure.

Apart from that, according to the H.Y.D.R.A. agents who escaped from Wakanda over half a month ago, the weaponry possessed by Wakanda was far more advanced than what they could handle.

Disappointed, Dr. Zola was forced to put “Assault on Wakanda” on hold first. Otherwise, H.Y.D.R.A. would provoke another terrifying enemy.

Fortunately, the H.Y.D.R.A. agents managed to infiltrate back into the U.S. and located the mysterious 084 which was akin to a dose of revitalizing shot to Dr. Zola.

Next, he planned to devote all of HYDRA’s resources to the search for the 084. He named this enigmatic object, HOPE.

With Dr. Zola brimming with confidence, Supervisor Yuri refrained from commenting further. The night had grown late, and staying up wasn’t a good habit. Therefore, after exchanging a customary “Hail, Hydra!‘ gesture, he prepared to return and rest.

However, before Supervisor Yuri could even exit the room, the base’s alarm suddenly went off. Based on the frequency of the flashing alarms and the changing sound of the alarm, he was stunned to discover that the base was under attack!

Several minutes ago, Leo piloted a small Wakandan aircraft, carrying members of the Marvel Mercenaries. It hovered near the H.Y.D.R.A. base, not too far from the ground. The aircraft was equipped with a cloaking device that was capable of deceiving all current radar and satellite detection systems.

Furthermore, the aircraft utilized anti-gravity generators instead of conventional engines, resulting in minimal noise. As a result, the H.Y.D.R.A. agents remained oblivious when they arrived near the base.

“Steam, the aircraft’s control is yours. Wait for my command,” Leo instructed.

“Buzz! Affirmative, Master,” Steam responded while linking the real-time satellite signals to the aircraft from the lab.

Then, Leo left the pilot’s seat and gestured to his teammates, “Move out!”

The five of them put on their suits and proceeded to disembark from the aircraft, swiftly advancing toward the base.

As they walked, Bucky asked over the communication channel, “Leo, I asked about our tactics on our way here, but you say it’s a secret. What about now?”

“It’s simple. Charge!” Leo chuckled. “When we last visited, we learned that this base doesn’t have any self-destruct mechanisms. Besides, the Vibranium suit you’re wearing has insane defensive capabilities. Even if a grenade explodes right on your face, it won’t harm you in any bits. Since that’s the case, why waste time planning stealth tactics? It would be rather inefficient. So… Charge! We’ll bulldoze them! Draw out more enemies and create chaos, aiming to end the battle as soon as possible.”

Everyone was left speechless, especially Bucky, who muttered, “You could’ve told us earlier! I thought you prepared some kind of tactical plan…”

Finishing his words, Bucky prompted the regulator to revert to his normal size from ant size. With a flick of his right hand, an energy rifle popped into his grasp. Raising the rifle, he took a slight aim before firing at the rock wall about twenty meters ahead.

BOOM!

The energy weapon’s power was tremendous, blasting a large hole in the wall and releasing a deafening roar. This action seemed to be poking a hornet’s nest as the H.Y.D.R.A. base was immediately filled with piercing alarm sounds. The night shift personnel hastily armed themselves and charged toward Bucky.

Laughing, Bucky held his rifle without flinching as he fired three more shots, piercing through several more walls and eliminating two H.Y.D.R.A. agents in the process.

“Bucky, if you keep firing like that, the whole base will collapse! Switch to melee,” Natasha also reverted to her normal size and drew two short batons. Letting out a determined cry, she rushed forward and smashed one of the H.Y.D.R.A. agent’s heads with a strike of her baton.

Peter also charged into the fray with hostility, showing no mercy. He didn’t use any weapons and instead, he rapidly fired webs and lashed out with punches, ending his targets. Although his killing process seemed a bit elaborate, his speed in taking down enemies was the highest.

The three of them disregarded the bullets fired by the H.Y.D.R.A. as they rampaged through the H.Y.D.R.A. agents who rushed to the scene, causing massive casualties.

Meanwhile, Matt appeared rather relaxed. Instead of rushing to the frontline, he twirled his cane, revealing a sharp blade while walking at a steady pace.

Among the HYDRA agents who were knocked down by the ‘reckless’ trio, not everyone had breathed their last. Many were merely unconscious or playing dead. Regardless they were unconscious or playing dead, their heartbeats couldn’t escape Matt’s ears.

Brandishing his cane with a blade tip, Matt, akin to a grim reaper, effortlessly harvested the lives of his enemies.

Today was destined to be a nightmare for the H.Y.D.R.A. agents.