Chapitre 31: 331-335
In fact, as Mark speculated, in order to carry out his revenge plan against the Avengers, Norman Osborn not only made thorough preparations in terms of equipment and weapons, but also didn't neglect enhancements and modifications to himself.
To deal with the experienced and skilled Avengers in combat, he had to take a risky move and inject an unfinished prototype of the super-soldier serum that hadn't been fully developed.
Norman Osborn himself might not have noticed the significant changes in his temperament after injecting the serum, as he focused his attention on improving his physical capabilities.
However, if some friends who were familiar with Osborn in the past interacted with him, they would easily notice the changes in his personality.
This change was an internal transformation of temperament, which couldn't be concealed by acting or hiding individual traits. If before this, Norman Osborn was an elite figure with a gentlemanly demeanor, then at this moment, he had become a crazed and brutal suit-clad thug.
Even if he knew about the changes that would occur, if given the choice again, Osborn would undoubtedly inject himself with the serum without hesitation.
This was because the enhancement effects brought about by the transformation far exceeded Osborn's expectations. Perhaps because the drawback of the serum's impact on the mind wasn't completely eliminated, the enhancement effect stimulated by it has also been unleashed to maximum extent.
If Osborn were to unleash his peak strength at this moment, he would surpass even Captain America, who had undergone similar enhancements.
However, Osborn's preparations for his revenge plan didn't stop there. To take on the Avengers, a team of formidable individuals, he needed to recruit a group of loyal and powerful henchmen.
Even before his son Harry Osborn's accident, Osborn had already taken notice of the existence of the Winter Soldier, a creation of Hydra.
Many intelligence agencies didn't believe in the existence of the Winter Soldier, even considering it a fictional character created by the media to attract attention.
But these skeptics didn't include Norman Osborn!
Over the past fifty years, there have been over twenty unsolved murder and assassination cases. The police and the FBI had given up on investigating these cases due to lack of evidence, and the perpetrators behind these incidents were none other than the Winter Soldier.
As for why Osborn would believe in the existence of someone even government agencies had abandoned investigating, it was because Osborn had seen the Winter Soldier with his own eyes. He witnessed his arch-rival in business, Howard Stark, and his wife being killed by the Winter Soldier.
As the saying goes, your enemies often understand you the best. Osborn also adhered to this philosophy, knowing oneself and knowing one's enemy, and conducting the most detailed investigations into every move of his competitor, Howard. This even applied to news of Howard's death.
And precisely due to this kind of obsession, Osborn discovered the truth behind the incident before government agencies destroyed the surveillance footage of Howard's accident scene.
It was also because of the extraordinary abilities displayed by the Winter Soldier in this footage, abilities beyond the limits of a normal human, that Osborn decided to invest in the development of the super-soldier serum.
Unfortunately, after more than twenty years of investment and research, including collaborations with the military to obtain detailed serum information, perfect research results were never achieved.
But Osborn wasn't someone to give up so easily, especially considering that the super-soldier serum was the path, the key to solving the genetic hereditary curse afflicting inherited by the Osborn family.
It was through this unwavering perseverance that Osborn finally saw a glimmer of hope. S.H.I.E.L.D. had been infiltrated by Hydra, causing internal chaos. At this time, Black Widow Natasha Romanoff completely exposed classified S.H.I.E.L.D. intelligence to the entire world.
When Osborn first saw this content, he could only describe his emotions as ecstatic. Remember, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s precursor was the Strategic Scientific Reserve, and its founder personally witnessed the entire process of Captain America's creation using the super-soldier serum. It's even possible that the most complete experimental data and formula were preserved.
However, what disappointed Osborn somewhat was that after lengthy data decryption, although he found some relevant information in these documents, it wasn't significantly different from what the military provided. It provided no assistance whatsoever to Osborn's experimental team's progress.
In comparison, the other two pieces of information Osborn obtained were actually of greater value.
Among these two pieces of information, one was that researchers had already made a breakthrough in cooperation with S.H.I.E.L.D., successfully reconstructing the perfected formula for the super-soldier serum. And this person was Mark.
This is also why when Osborn's subordinates initially suggested business cooperation with Mark, Osborn Industries exhibited such enthusiasm, with service speed and attitude far surpassing their usual state. This was the result of Osborn's secret instruction.
However, what's regrettable is that even though Osborn Industries appeared to be licking up to Mark like a lapdog, in the end, they ended up with nothing.
As for the other piece of information, it was about the Winter Soldier, a tool Hydra used to accomplish its sinister goals.
Although he didn't have the opportunity to obtain the perfect formula for the super-soldier serum from Mark, perhaps he could use the Winter Soldier as a breakthrough to find a suitable research direction.
Thus, after repeatedly decrypting and extracting information from the publicly disclosed data, Osborn finally obtained enough information to track the whereabouts of these legendary warriors.
He first traced the whereabouts of a Hydra member responsible for brainwashing the Winter Soldier, then used hypnotic gas to extract the location of the Winter Soldiers from him, as well as the means to control them.
But fate played a cruel hand. Before Osborn could find these Winter Soldiers to use them for his research, an unexpected tragedy occurred. It took away the life of his beloved son.
And Osborn's purpose in finding these Winter Soldiers shifted from seeking a research breakthrough to aiding his own revenge.
In this twist of fate, a brand-new supervillain, Green Goblin, emerged—a being that shouldn't have existed in this universe's timeline. Simultaneously, a demonic army known as the Legion of Demons, composed of five Winter Soldiers he brought out from the Siberian permafrost, made its appearance!
Ding! — Bang!
Outside the United Nations building in Vienna , T'Challa and Bucky engaged in a fierce battle. T'Challa, transformed into Black Panther, first struck Bucky's metal arm with his claws, then used the momentum to kick Bucky's entire body away.
After learning Green Goblin's true identity from Mark, using Wakanda's unique technological capabilities, T'Challa quickly traced the various traces left by the Green Goblin in Vienna and followed the trail to his hideout.
To T'Challa's surprise, he didn't expect that after evading his pursuit, Green Goblin hadn't left Vienna at all, and was still lurking within the city.
The unusual behavior of the Green Goblin indicated that he had further plans and his target was none other than the Avengers.
T'Challa paid no attention to the Green Goblin's intentions or preparations. Once he pinpointed his location, he immediately donned the Black Panther suit and swiftly launched an attack.
However, just as T'Challa set out and hadn't gone far, he encountered an unexpected obstacle charging toward him—the Winter Soldier, Bucky. T'Challa wasted no time and directly launched an attack against any obstruction on his path of revenge.
Originally, Bucky emerged to help and explain his intentions to Black Panther T'Challa. But he didn't anticipate that the other side would act so decisively, leaving him no room for communication and directly launching an offensive against him.
Caught off guard, coupled with Black Panther's formidable strength, Bucky couldn't withstand the assault and was sent flying heavily.
In fact, apart from T'Challa's strong desire for revenge, Bucky also bore some responsibility for this unexpected outcome. After all, he always maintained an emotionless and icy demeanor, which made anyone who saw him perceive him as a villain.
After kicking Bucky away, T'Challa didn't continue to relentlessly pursue him, but instead followed his predetermined route and accelerated forward.
On the other side, though Bucky was relatively unharmed by Black Panther's full-force strike, his body still experienced a strong sensation of pain. Even with his resilience, he couldn't help but grit his teeth in agony, his face contorted with pain.
However, relying on his strong willpower, Bucky quickly adjusted his state, suppressing the discomfort in his body, and turned to catch up with Black Panther, who had taken a step ahead.
Seeing Bucky catching up from behind, Black Panther had no intention of increasing his pace. He believed that with his running speed, he would soon leave Bucky behind; there was no need to waste time dealing with him.
However, it turned out that T'Challa had underestimated Bucky's abilities and determination. As a former member of the Howling Commandos, long-distance heavy-duty cross-country run was a routine exercise, and after undergoing Hydra's Winter Soldier enhancements, Bucky's physical attributes and abilities were even stronger than before.
With exceptional tracking skills and pursuit abilities, Bucky maintained a steady distance from T'Challa, always keeping Black Panther within his view.
After a while of maintaining this situation, T'Challa noticed that Bucky was merely trailing behind without launching any attacks. While Black Panther didn't assume Bucky had ill intentions, he couldn't determine the true purpose of Bucky's appearance.
To clarify this, Black Panther decided to temporarily halt his pace and confront Bucky.
Bucky, who was trailing behind from a distance, saw T'Challa suddenly stop up ahead, seemingly waiting for him to approach. Bucky understood his intentions right away and hastened his pace to catch up.
However, this time Bucky acted more cleverly. To demonstrate that he harbored no ill intentions and to avoid triggering T'Challa's defensiveness, when they were about a dozen meters apart, Bucky halted his steps, maintaining a safe distance between them.
"Who are you? Why are you following me?" Seeing Bucky stop and, as he had anticipated, Bucky did not make any aggressive moves and instead showed a willingness to communicate. T'Challa realized his initial judgment was correct. So, he promptly and directly voiced his questions.
"I'm Bucky Barnes. I received a mission from Captain Steve Rogers to follow you and assist you in dealing with a guy codenamed Green Goblin."
After T'Challa raised his question, Bucky immediately provided his response.
Upon learning Bucky's purpose, T'Challa nodded in understanding. He believed Bucky's answer, yet soon after, he shook his head and said, "I appreciate Captain's willingness to help and his concern for my safety. But you can go back. I don't need anyone's assistance.
I am Wakanda's mightiest warrior, the embodiment of the Black Panther on Earth. I can foresee and handle the challenges ahead and deal with the dangers I might encounter.
Moreover, Green Goblin is the one who killed my father. I am determined to settle the score with him myself!"
Having said that, T'Challa was about to turn around and continue forward.
"Wait!" Seeing T'Challa about to leave, Bucky hurriedly shouted to stop him, "My coming to assist you against the Green Goblin isn't just Captain's decision; it's also Mark Stark's intention."
"Hmm?" Hearing Bucky's words, T'Challa halted his departing steps, looking at Bucky with a puzzled expression. He hadn't expected this matter to also involve Mark.
"According to Mark's analysis, after injecting the incomplete Super Soldier Serum, Norman Osborn's temperament underwent a drastic change, becoming violent and deranged.
It's highly likely that under the serum's influence on the mind, a ferocious and malevolent alter ego emerged within his consciousness, and that alter ego is the Green Goblin.
Green Goblin possesses a cruel and brutal personality, resorting to any means to achieve his goals, and he's cunning and deceitful. Similarly, Norman Osborn, in his pursuit of revenge for his son Harry Osborn, is also willing to go to any lengths, even to the extent of sacrificing his own life.
Given this scenario, T'Challa, although you share the determination to avenge your father, you're bound by the ties of Wakanda's people and your sister Shuri. You certainly wouldn't be willing to sacrifice your life for the sake of revenge.
In comparison between the two sides, Mark's analysis suggests that you have a significant possibility of falling prey to Green Goblin's devious tactics.
Even if you were to be prepared and win the confrontation, facing Norman Osborn, who is driven by a death wish to exact revenge, if he decides on a mutual destruction action, you could still find yourself in danger.
Therefore, in order to mitigate these risks, Mark believes it's necessary for me to join you in this endeavor.
I can guarantee that I won't interfere with your vengeance, allowing you to settle your score with Green Goblin on your own. However, my presence can act as insurance that can provide assistance in critical moments.
So, whether you consider it for your own sake or for the sake of your sister and the entire Wakandan populace, I believe you should accept my help."
Listening to Bucky's words, T'Challa, who had been eager to seek revenge against Norman Osborn, fell silent.
Because Mark's analysis hit the nail on the head, even T'Challa, who had been somewhat irrational, felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him upon hearing Bucky relay these words. This helped him calm down completely.
Mark's analysis was accurate.
Previously, blinded by anger and hatred, T'Challa had failed to consider that after Tchaka's death, he would need to shoulder the responsibilities of being Wakanda's heir and the obligations to the nation.
He had also neglected the potential impact on Wakanda, as well as on his loved ones and friends if anything were to happen to him.
With Green Goblin evidently having lost all regard for his own life and sanity, recklessly engaging him in battle alone, without considering the risks, would mean gambling with the future of a nation.
Considering all of this, T'Challa suddenly realized as he had broken into a cold sweat. He couldn't fathom the catastrophe that would unfold if his worst imaginings became a reality.
Taking a deep breath to adjust his emotions and state of mind, the current gaze that Black Panther cast upon Bucky was no longer one of wariness and defensiveness. It now held a mixture of trust and gratitude.
At the same time, within T'Challa's heart, his assessment and estimation of this new friend Mark were elevated to the highest degree. Though Mark's contribution was merely a warning and the dispatch of Bucky as an aide, for T'Challa and all of Wakanda, this might be an act that could salvage the destiny of an entire nation.
In T'Challa's mind, the words his father T'Chaka often used to tell him resurfaced: "T'Challa, as the future heir of Wakanda, I know you dislike diplomacy and politics. However, these pretenses are essential disguises for your future governance of this nation.
I hope that when you encounter a friend with whom you can be sincere and open, you won't be confined by the guise of a king and miss out on a valuable friendship.
Remember, if the veneer of politics is an essential means to sustain a nation's progress, then genuine camaraderie will be your hope for redemption in times of difficulty."
Before, when T'Chaka delivered these teachings, T'Challa didn't quite grasp the significance behind them. It's only today that he truly comprehends the wisdom his father intended to impart.
Having come to these realizations, T'Challa nodded at Bucky before him and said, "Thank you for coming to offer your assistance. If you have no objections, we should set out now. Given time, I worry that Green Goblin might leave the hideout I've located."
"Alright, lead the way ahead. I can keep up with your pace" Bucky replied.
At this moment, Black Panther remained unaware of just how correct his decision to join forces with Bucky was. Even Mark hadn't realized that Green Goblin had secretly gained control over the five Winter Soldiers hidden away by Hydra.
If Black Panther were to infiltrate Green Goblin's stronghold alone, the consequences would be unimaginable.
...
"Desire, rusted, seventeen, dawn, stove, nine, benevolent, return to the homeland, one, freight car compartment..."
Within the base on a farm outside Vienna, Green Goblin was reciting a series of seemingly unrelated words in unfamiliar German. In his hands, he held a red-covered notebook adorned with a silver pentagon emblem.
This seemingly illogical speech was, in fact, the key to activate the Winter Soldiers. Anyone who recited this sequence of commands in front of them would become the object of obedience for the Winter Soldiers. This was the terrifying aspect of Hydra's brainwashing technique.
"Soldiers!" As Green Goblin uttered the final word, the five Winter Soldiers, who had been in cryostasis, fully thawed and began to move.
They opened the doors of their cryostasis pods and stepped out, lining up in front of Green Goblin with lowered heads. Simultaneously, they addressed him, 'Please order--!!'
"Hi~ HI~ HI~ Hi! I've succeeded! My Legion of Demons is finally complete! Now, it's time to continue the game with the Avengers, hehe!
I wonder, who's the real Avenger now? Is it me seeking revenge? Or is it you, who are my targets for revenge? Hi~ HI~ HI~ Hi! I can't wait to witness the agonizing expressions on those high and mighty beings when my plan comes to fruition.
Listen up, you all, I need you for what comes next..."
"I didn't expect that within Green Goblin's stronghold, apart from him, there are four other heavily armed combatants. They seem to possess formidable strength!"
Influenced by the warning conveyed by Bucky, T'Challa became much more cautious in his approach to confronting Green Goblin.
Upon reaching the location he had pinpointed as Green Goblin's hideout, T'Challa didn't immediately charge in with Bucky to launch an attack. Instead, they took cover on a hill outside the farm, observing the situation within.
Quickly, T'Challa noticed the unusual aspects of the situation. The farm's surroundings were clearly fortified extensively, containing hidden intrusion alarm systems. With T'Challa's keen eyesight, he also discerned traces of traps and countermeasures set up around the area.
Inside the farm's buildings, there was even tighter security. The walls were reinforced with special metal plates designed to withstand armor-piercing sniper rounds. All windows were fitted with composite bulletproof glass and tightly closed curtains.
If it weren't for the infrared vision capability of T'Challa's Black Panther suit, rushing into the farm recklessly with Bucky might have exposed them to the alarm mechanisms within the farm and the unexpected presence of the four armed individuals.
Upon hearing T'Challa's description of the situation within Green Goblin's hideout, Bucky's mind began to rapidly analyze the situation. Years of combat and mission experience enabled him to swiftly formulate strategies appropriate for the current circumstances.
"T'Challa, we'll break through head-on in a moment. Given that the enemy has already set up such alarm mechanisms, silently infiltrating for a surprise attack is evidently not feasible.
Instead of expanding efforts to evade those traps and devices, it's better to directly destroy them using force. I have high-explosive grenades developed by Mark. After I destroy these traps, I'll move in first to engage Green Goblin's four accomplices.
You should follow closely and directly confront Green Goblin. If either of us encounters any unforeseen events, we must immediately send out a distress signal. If both of us find ourselves in unfavorable situations, we should regroup quickly and retreat together.
Once our safety is ensured, we can strategize further on dealing with Green Goblin."
"Agreed!" T'Challa didn't waste words and directly nodded in approval of Bucky's proposed plan of action.
The strategy covered various potential scenarios they might encounter, showing comprehensive consideration. T'Challa had nothing to add.
As Bucky had said, the top priority was ensuring their own safety. Only under this premise would T'Challa's revenge hold meaning and value.
After receiving T'Challa's agreement, Bucky made some adjustments and preparations, swiftly transitioning into a combat-ready state.
Gripping the high-explosive grenade in his hand, he pulled the pin and swiftly charged toward his target.
Following the plan he had formulated, after using the grenades to destroy various external devices, Bucky swung his metallic arm to break down the farmhouse door and launched an assault on the four heavily armed combatants inside.
But in the initial clash, Bucky was completely shocked: "How is this possible? How did you end up here?"
Bucky looked incredulously at the four individuals he was currently engaging with. Each face brought back memories he would rather forget—memories from his time with Hydra.
As someone who had been directly involved in the creation of these Winter Soldiers, Bucky was all too familiar with their faces.
The super-soldier serum that enhanced their abilities was stolen by him after he killed Howard and Maria Stark. The combat and fighting skills they possessed were taught to them by Bucky himself. And these killing machines, products of his work, were ultimately frozen and sealed under his own eyes.
With Hydra having been nearly eradicated by now, Bucky never imagined he would have another encounter with these Winter Soldiers, let alone that they would become accomplices of the Green Goblin, engaging him in battle.
Regardless of how shocked Bucky felt, he had to stick to the plan he had originally formulated. His task was to intercept and restrain these four individuals before T'Challa could proceed through and confront the Green Goblin. Even if the difficulty of this mission was exceptionally high...
It's important to note that according to Hydra's standards, the completion of a Winter Soldier's enhancement and training meant their strength was no longer inferior to Bucky's.
Even with his own lack of experience, the numerical advantage of the four attackers compensated for this weakness. Consequently, Bucky appeared somewhat overwhelmed as he faced the four Winter Soldiers, often being struck in vulnerable areas due to his inability to block their attacks in time.
Were it not for Bucky also having undergone enhancement, the force behind the Winter Soldiers' attacks, driven by their full-bodied strength, would have killed him already. He wouldn't have been able to hold back their actions in any way.
Suddenly, Bucky sensed a faint breeze behind him and glimpsed a swift black figure. He knew that T'Challa had adhered to the prearranged plan and confronted the Green Goblin.
At that moment, Bucky immediately altered his approach. Instead of entangling with the enemy, he began to shift backward, all the while taking out a familiar-looking grenade. Pulling the pin, he struck his metallic arm to activate the detonator and then threw it forward while retreating.
The sequence of actions flowed seamlessly, and the throw was accurate. Boom—!
At the instant the grenade landed amidst the four Winter Soldiers, they hadn't even had time to react or evade. The deafening explosion and scorching flames swiftly engulfed them.
Under the instantaneous high temperatures, not even their bones remained. Amidst the blackened blast center, their remnants were indistinguishable—only Bucky, lying prone and battered by the explosion's force, bore evidence of their existence.
With his opponents successfully neutralized, Bucky finally let out a breath of relief. Enduring the pain from his injuries, he got up from the ground and prepared to locate T'Challa, assessing the situation between T'Challa and the Green Goblin.
However, just as Bucky steadied himself on his feet, his pupils suddenly contracted, a look of astonishment crossing his face as he gazed at the location of the explosion...
The reason Bucky looked at the center of the explosion with utter shock was not due to some miracle reviving the four Winter Soldiers, who had already turned to ashes.
They were merely super soldiers, enhanced with the super soldier serum replicated by Howard Stark, and they hadn't reached the level of indestructibility seen in individuals like the Inhumans.
Bucky's astonishment arose from his realization that from the beginning, he had only seen four Winter Soldiers. Yet, according to his memories, there should have been five Winter Soldiers sealed by Hydra.
If not for the losses sustained during his mission as he was being cryogenically frozen, the current situation indicated only one possibility: there was another Winter Soldier hidden within the house.
However, T'Challa had conducted thermal imaging checks of the entire building before entering, and there were only five individuals inside the room.
Since this last person hadn't made an appearance, T'Challa might not be facing the Green Goblin he sought to avenge, but rather...
"T'Challa!" Bucky looked worriedly towards the direction T'Challa had just advanced.
After analyzing all the information in his mind, Bucky immediately reached a conclusion: the last Winter Soldier must be where T'Challa was.
If his guess was correct, this room was a trap from the start, waiting for them to walk into it.
"But how would the Green Goblin know we could find him?"
With these thoughts in his mind, Bucky hurriedly made his way towards T'Challa's position.
Upon reaching T'Challa's side, Bucky's suspicions were confirmed.
T'Challa was pinning down the final Winter Soldier with his knee pressed against their neck, tightly restraining their arms.
"Did you see any trace of the Green Goblin?" Bucky inquired.
"No," T'Challa shook his head, "The moment I entered, I only found this guy here. He seemed prepared and attacked me the instant I came in. However, my Vibranium suit protected me, and his attack was ineffective. It appears that this base is a decoy set by the Green Goblin, and he probably left long before. He's not here."
Just then, the TV screen, which had been in standby mode, suddenly lit up within the room.
Projected on the screen was the image of Norman Osborn, wearing the Green Goblin mask, along with his distinctive maniacal laughter and applause.
"Hi~ Hi~ Hi! I never thought the ones who would eventually come knocking on my door would be you. I had hoped to attract one or two Avengers, but I'm not greedy.
With you in my hands, I'm confident the rest of my plan will proceed just as smoothly. After all, for Tony Stark and Steve Rogers, you are quite a special existence!"
As Green Goblin spoke, Bucky could feel that behind the mask must be a significant and meaningful look directed at him.
Green Goblin's original plan was to make a high-profile appearance, orchestrating a sensational and heinous terrorist attack, along with a provocative declaration of war.
The Avengers were expected to respond by launching an active pursuit, and with their capabilities, even after the mysterious figure in black had taken him down, they would surely locate the base he had prepared.
Thus, Green Goblin improvised his plan, setting a trap within the base and using the Winter Soldiers he had procured as bait.
However, contrary to Green Goblin's expectations, it was not the Avengers who arrived but the mysterious figure in black who attacked him and the Winter Soldier he had once seen in the footage, Bucky Barnes.
Upon seeing Bucky's face, Green Goblin immediately recalled the horrifying truth of Howard and Maria Stark's deaths, which he had witnessed in surveillance footage.
Green Goblin was also well aware of Bucky's identity as Captain America's loyal comrade-in-arms and close friend from with the legacy recorded in Captain America's memorial.
This realization spawned an even more sinister plan within Green Goblin's mind.
"How do you know about this?" Bucky exclaimed in shock.
For Bucky, Green Goblin had truly found his weak spot this time.
Mark had mentioned that until a proper solution was reached, if Tony were to learn the truth, the Avengers Alliance might very well descend into a civil war. The previously unwavering collaboration between Tony and Captain America would inevitably crumble irreparably.
"Oh! It seems you're quite anxious about this matter! Hi~ Hi~ Hi! This is excellent news. It appears I've made the right decision, and you—will become the most crucial pawns in my scheme."
"What exactly do you intend to do? And where did you find these Winter Soldiers?"
Bucky knew that Green Goblin must have devised a treacherous and cunning conspiracy, waiting for the Avengers Alliance to fall into his trap. This made him feel impatient and uneasy.
"You needn't concern yourselves with my plan. Instead, worry about your own situation."
"I'm curious, though. When the two of you start tearing each other apart, I wonder who will emerge victorious?
Desire, rusty, seventeen, dawn, stove, nine, kindness, return to the motherland, one, freight car---"
"Despicable! Shut up! Shut up, you fiend!"
"--Soldiers!"
"At your command."
...
The terrorist attack on the United Nations headquarters in Vienna has become a hot topic of frenzied global media coverage. In this incendiary situation, both the United Nations leadership and the Vienna government officials responded swiftly.
After evacuating the personnel from the scene, an immediate investigation into the incident and tracking of the Green Goblin began. A large number of personnel were dispatched to guard the scene and gather evidence, demonstrating astonishing operational efficiency.
The Avengers, who received no instructions or appointments from the United Nations Special Oversight Group, could only return to their respective hotel rooms, awaiting further messages and arrangements.
The most challenging issue now is that the audacious terrorist attack by the Green Goblin has caused a sensation. It not only raised doubts about the capabilities and credibility of the United Nations among people worldwide but also pushed the Avengers into a passive situation.
They are currently unable to determine whether the painstakingly negotiated Accords will be signed or not, and if it is to be signed, when that will happen.
Especially today, the Green Goblin's direct challenge and provocation against journalists and media representatives from various countries on the scene have validated Mark's previous point.
Since the emergence of these superheroes, it has indeed incited a desire for supervillains to issue challenges. This might prompt the United Nations to reconsider the terms and provisions of Accords.
"They've provoked us to the point where they've killed a king right in front of us, and yet we're stuck in our hotel rooms, waiting idly without any knowledge of whether the United Nations will give us a directive!"
After returning to the hotel, the three members of the original opposition gathered in Captain's room, clearly dissatisfied with the current situation. Sam was the first to express his anger.
Originally, he and Scarlet Witch came here to sign the Accords because Captain had made his stance clear and had persuaded them with the unity of the Avengers as a reason.
But the current situation is incredibly frustrating. Such an event has occurred, yet they cannot respond or counterattack in any way. This not only suppresses and discourages their morale but will also create a very negative impact among the people who support them.
Sitting next to Falcon, Scarlet Witch didn't express her thoughts, but her equally dissatisfied expression and the frequent nods of agreement while Falcon spoke indicated her alignment with Falcon's sentiments. She was equally discontent with the Avengers' current situation.
Captain nodded in understanding of their emotions. In fact, he himself felt deeply uncomfortable with the current situation. Having strength and various high-tech equipment at his disposal, yet being unable to use them, this feeling of helplessness was torturous for someone as duty-bound as him.
However, prior to this, he had made an agreement with Mark. For the sake of unity, stability, and long-term development of the Avengers, he temporarily conceded to the United Nations.
Simultaneously, he aimed to use this external pressure to reposition the Avengers' responsibilities and undertake internal institutional reforms.
On one hand, there's the dissatisfaction and complaints of the teammates, and on the other hand, there's the agreement with Mark. Captain is currently caught in a dilemma, his brow furrowed, and his face full of worry. It's evident that he's unable to provide a solution that satisfies everyone.
Knock~ Knock~ Knock~
Just as Captain was struggling, the sound of someone knocking on the door reached the room. Falcon, who was closer to the door, stood up and opened it, revealing Mark standing outside.
"Sam? Isn't this Captain's room?" Mark looked at Sam, who opened the door for him, with some confusion. Then his gaze shifted beyond Sam's figure, looking into the room.
Upon seeing Scarlet Witch and Captain inside, Mark immediately understood what was going on. These two must be here to complain to Captain.
"Wanda and I had something to discuss with Captain, but why did you come to Captain's room to find him?"
"Sam, Can I come in before we can talk? Or are we going to have an important conversation right here at the doorway?" Mark said, a hint of skepticism in his tone.
Hearing Mark's words, Sam realized that blocking Mark like this wasn't appropriate, so he moved aside to give Mark space to enter.
"We're almost done discussing what Wanda and I came to talk to Captain about, so we won't disturb your conversation," Falcon said, giving Scarlet Witch a meaningful look.
Scarlet Witch immediately caught on, stood up, and walked towards the door. "Captain, Sam and I will head back now. We hope you'll have a response to the questions we raised later."
…
Watching Falcon and Scarlet Witch exit the room and close the door behind them, Captain finally let out a long sigh of relief.
"So, did they come over to pressure you?" Mark asked Captain with an amused tone, as if he was enjoying the spectacle.
"Don't take pleasure in this situation. It's all because of your plan that I'm in this predicament. Sam and Wanda agreed to come and sign the Accords under my persuasion. Now that things have turned out like this, of course, they would be discontented.
That's why they came directly to my room just now, wanting me to take a stance. I understand their intentions very well. Either I find a convincing reason to continue persuading them, or I join them in responding to the Green Goblin's provocation."
"It does sound quite troublesome. Typical symptoms of adolescent idealism, always wanting to use their own power to uphold justice, without considering how such actions might affect the balance of power among different forces.
However, Captain, if you don't follow my plan, I believe your situation would be even more difficult to navigate."
Captain nodded, understanding the implications in Mark's words. If it weren't for Mark informing him about Bucky's situation in advance, the situation would be far more complicated than it is now. "So, what did you come to see me for?"
"Bucky has been out for so long without any news reaching us. I'm a bit concerned about him and T'Challa. They might have encountered some trouble.
While the Green Goblin may not possess strong and formidable superpowers like Wanda and Peter, his cunning nature combined with various high-tech resources make him a formidable adversary.
Not to mention, after T'Challa launched an attack against him before, he's likely to be on guard..."
"Indeed, from the Green Goblin's previous attack on the United Nations building, it's evident that his actions, though outwardly mad, are meticulously planned step by step.
He conducted detailed investigations on each one of us Avengers in advance, leaving us powerless against his sudden appearance.
T'Challa, without proper preparation, and Bucky, who was mobilized on short notice, might very well fall into the traps set by the Green Goblin."
Just as Captain finished speaking, the television in the hotel room, which had been turned off, suddenly switched on by itself. The screen displayed none other than the Green Goblin, who declared war on the Avengers..
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone