บท 9: Chapter 9

The Norwegian countryside stretches out, a vast expanse of snow-covered mountains and valleys. The village of Tønsberg lies nestled in the heart of the mountains, a small settlement surrounded by the frozen landscape.

A HYDRA convoy, led by a sleek black car bearing the HYDRA emblem, pulls up to a small church on the outskirts of Tønsberg. The convoy halts, and the soldiers in black uniforms with HYDRA insignia on their chests step out, surrounding the church.

A tall figure steps out of the car, dressed in a black uniform with a HYDRA insignia on his chest. The insignia features a stylized octopus-like design with tentacles curling out from a central hub, symbolizing the organization's power and reach.

He is flanked by two HYDRA soldiers, who snap to attention as he approaches the church. His eyes gleam with intensity and ambition, fixed on the building before him.

Johann Schmidt enters the church, his soldiers following closely behind. Inside, the pews and altar stand silent witness to the invasion. The walls bear ancient Norse mythology runes, a stark contrast to the modern evil that has burst in.

Schmidt approaches the altar, where a ancient statue stands, its features worn by time, resembling Odin but barely discernible. The statue's hand grasps the Tesseract, its glow illuminating the darkened church. Schmidt reaches out a gloved hand, his eyes fixed on the relic, his gaze burning with an unquenchable ambition.

The Tesseract's glowing surface reflects off Schmidt's face, illuminating his features with an otherworldly light, as if the very power of the universe is within his grasp.

Norwegian soldiers burst into the church, guns firing. Schmidt draws his own weapon and returns fire, his shots striking the soldiers and sending them crashing to the ground. The sound of gunfire echoes through the church, a stark contrast to the ancient silence that once filled the sacred space.

Schmidt and his soldiers emerge from the church, having slaughtered the Norwegian soldiers.

As they depart, a soldier rushes up to Schmidt, reporting urgently, "Sir, we've received word that Dr. Erskine has been rescued from Castle Kaufmann!"

Schmidt's expression darkens, his hand rising to touch his face in a gesture of frustration and anger. He hands the Tesseract to another soldier, who carefully places it in a case. With the precious artifact secure, they swiftly depart, Schmidt's anger and displeasure palpable.

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Pov Levi:

For the past month, I've had the privilege of serving as Dr. Erskine's bodyguard. My days begin with a rigorous morning routine, starting with a 5-mile run through the surrounding countryside, followed by a series of exercises to keep my reflexes sharp. After a quick shower and change, I head to the dining hall for a nutritious breakfast, fueling up for the day ahead.

Once I've finished eating, I make my way to Dr. Erskine's laboratory, where he's usually already immersed in his research. My post is stationed just outside the lab door, where I stand watch, ever vigilant for any potential threats. Occasionally, I'll venture inside to check on the doctor's progress and engage in conversation.

Our exchanges are often brief, as Dr. Erskine is intensely focused on his work. I'll remind him about meal times or inquire about his well-being, and he'll respond with a nod or a brief comment, his mind clearly preoccupied with the task at hand.

The days blend together in a familiar rhythm. I stand guard for hours, punctuated by short breaks to stretch my legs or grab a snack. Dr. Erskine's research is his top priority, and I'm committed to ensuring his safety as he works tirelessly to unlock the secrets of human physiology, driven by his vision to enhance and improve human strength, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

As the day draws to a close, I'll escort Dr. Erskine to his quarters, where he'll continue his work or relax with a book. I'll remain on duty, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings, ever prepared to respond to any potential threat.

But today was different, as Colonel Phillips arrived unexpectedly and immediately engaged Dr. Erskine in a discussion about the super soldier serum.

Colonel Phillips strode into the laboratory, his authoritative presence commanding attention.

Dr. Erskine looked up from his work, a hint of trepidation in his eyes. "Colonel, I wasn't expecting you," he said, his German accent tinged with a hint of wariness.

"I'm here about the super soldier serum, Erskine," Phillips replied, his voice firm and direct. "I understand it's in its final phase. I want to know when it will be ready for deployment."

Dr. Erskine hesitated, his expression thoughtful. "The serum is almost ready, Colonel. But I must insist on selecting the candidate myself. You see, the serum's effects can be...unpredictable. If a person with anger issues, for example, were to take it, it could amplify their aggression, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences."

Phillips' face darkened, his jaw clenched in frustration. "I don't ask you to question my judgment, Erskine. I need a weapon, and I need it now. The Nazis are gaining ground, and we can't afford to waste time on your moral qualms."

Dr. Erskine stood his ground, his eyes flashing with determination. "With all due respect, Colonel, I will not be swayed. I have seen the horrors of war, the destruction it brings. I will not contribute to that chaos without ensuring that this serum is used responsibly."

The tension between them was palpable, their disagreement hanging in the air like a challenge. Phillips' eyes narrowed, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. "You're playing with fire, Erskine. You're not a soldier, you're a scientist. You don't get to make the decisions here."

Dr. Erskine's face remained resolute, his voice firm. "I may not be a soldier, Colonel, but I am a human being. And I will not stand idly by while you risk unleashing a monster on the world."

As I stood guard outside the laboratory, I witnessed Colonel Phillips emerge from the room, his expression stern and his stride purposeful. He brushed past me without a word. I watched him disappear down the corridor, his footsteps echoing off the walls.

With a deep breath, I entered the laboratory, my eyes scanning the room for Dr. Erskine. He stood at his workbench, his shoulders slumped and his eyes sunken. The weight of responsibility seemed to bear down on him, etching lines on his face and draining the color from his cheeks. I knew I couldn't intervene in their conversation, but I couldn't help but offer a silent gesture of support.

I approached Dr. Erskine, my footsteps quiet on the floor. I reached out and placed a gentle hand on his back, offering a reassuring tap. It was a small gesture, but I hoped it conveyed my understanding and encouragement. Dr. Erskine looked up, his eyes locking onto mine, and for a moment, we shared a silent understanding. The pressure and stress he was under were palpable, but in that instant, I hoped he knew he wasn't alone.

The laboratory, once a sanctuary of scientific inquiry, now felt like a battleground. The tension between Colonel Phillips and Dr. Erskine was palpable, the air thick with the weight of their disagreement. I stood watch, a silent sentinel, as Dr. Erskine returned to his work.

The next day, I received a summons from Colonel Phillips to report to his office. Upon arrival, he briefed me on a new mission. "I need you to accompany me to a meeting with a potential ally," he said, his expression serious. "We'll be heading to Stark Industries. Be prepared for a high-level discussion."

We drove to the Stark Industries complex, where we were escorted to a luxurious waiting area. For thirty minutes, we sat in silence, until a refined British voice announced, "Gentlemen, Mr. Stark will see you now." Edwin Jarvis, Howard Stark's butler and confidant, emerged with a warm smile. His impeccable manners and poised demeanor immediately put us at ease.

We finally arrived at Howard Stark's office, where the genius inventor and entrepreneur greeted us with a charismatic smile. His confidence and enthusiasm were infectious, and I could see why he was a leading figure in the war effort.

Howard Stark, who look like Dominic Cooper , was a visionary with a passion for innovation. His sharp mind and quick wit were evident as he welcomed us with a firm handshake. "Gentlemen, thank you for coming. I did receive the message but i shouldn't like to decline to be patt of your fairy organization."

As we exited the building, Howard Stark emerged alongside a woman, with Edwin Jarvis trailing closely behind. They approached a sleek, black car, but before they could enter, I spotted a suspicious figure lurking in the crowd. The individual's hand grasped a gun, aimed squarely at Howard. My training kicked in, and I swiftly drew my weapon, firing a precise shot that took down the potential assassin.

Pandemonium erupted as bystanders screamed and scattered. I turned to see Howard on the ground, dazed but unharmed. Jarvis had instinctively shielded the woman, but to my surprise, she held a knife, intended for Howard. As Jarvis struggled to subdue her, she muttered "Hail Hydra" - a phrase only audible to Howard, Jarvis, and myself, thanks to my exceptional hearing.

As soon as the words left her lips, her body went limp, and she slumped to the ground, dead. A white misty form seemed to emanate from her mouth, a chilling indication of her allegiance to the sinister organization.

My training allowed me to process the situation swiftly, and I sprang into action, pinning the woman's lifeless body to the ground, my gun still trained on her. Howard, still disoriented, looked up at me with a mix of gratitude and confusion. "What...what just happened?" he stammered.

Colonel Phillips, his eyes locked on the woman, turned to Howard and said, "Stark, it seems that a Hydra agent in our midst."

The scene was chaotic, but I remained vigilant, my eyes scanning the area for any additional threats. The woman's attempt on Howard's life was a stark reminder of the dangers that lurked in the shadows.