Chapter 241: Chapter 241: Bucky’s Disappearance
Inside Avengers Tower, Banner monitored Tony's perspective remotely. His abilities weren't suited for this kind of mission, so he acted as the strategist instead.
On the projection in front of him, a convoy of vehicles was displayed—Bartok, who had earlier taken the crate from the S.H.I.E.L.D. building, was among them.
Suddenly, a faint noise came from Bucky's room, where he was supposed to be sleeping. Alarmed, Banner rushed over, only to find the bed empty—Bucky was gone.
Panic-stricken, Banner opened his communicator and yelled, "Bad news! Bucky's disappeared!"
"What?"
"Say that again!"
The group pursuing Bartok was immediately alarmed. Captain America quickly surmised, "It must be the suppressant wearing off. Bucky's likely returning to Hydra."
Hawkeye asked urgently, "Cap, should we go after him?"
After a brief moment of thought, Captain America shook his head. "No, we won't find any clues. If Bucky left willingly, he won't leave a trace."
Hawkeye agreed. Tracking Bucky, a former agent with exceptional counter-surveillance skills, was less practical than continuing the pursuit of Bartok.
"Let's keep following Bartok…"
Tony, flying above, followed Bartok's vehicle into a tunnel. However, once inside, the convoy vanished without a trace.
"We've lost them!" Captain America said, frustrated.
Half an hour later, outside a fortified steel door, Bartok ordered his men to bring forward a crate bearing the S.H.I.E.L.D. logo. Pierce approached the door and said, "Well done. Open it."
This was a S.H.I.E.L.D. prison, housing former Hydra members who had been captured. After leaving S.H.I.E.L.D., Pierce sought out Bartok to retrieve a large laser device capable of cutting through the steel door and freeing the prisoners inside.
Pierce, visibly excited, softly murmured, "Hail Hydra." His soldiers immediately began setting up the laser. A red beam pierced the steel, flames licking the edges as the half-meter-thick door was melted away, showcasing the laser's immense power.
The moment the door gave way, Pierce ordered his soldiers to storm the control room. He activated the computer housing Zola's AI and commanded, "Zola, hack the system and release them all!"
As Zola executed the command, the Red Queen informed Alan of the unfolding situation.
"Pierce is attempting to free Hydra members. Should I stop Zola?"
Alan pondered for a moment before shaking his head.
"No need. Letting them escape poses no threat to me. In fact, it might accelerate things."
"Understood, but…" The Red Queen hesitated as though she had her own thoughts. Alan, slightly intrigued, dismissed the notion and continued, "I'll head out. If Pierce succeeds, their next move will likely be to infiltrate the Helicarrier."
After speaking, Alan donned the Emperor Armor and soared into the sky. Meanwhile, the prison doors creaked open, and countless inmates rose to their feet, astonished to see Pierce.
Hydra's internal structure was generally divided into Hydra Combat Units, Hydra Soldiers, Hydra Squad Leaders, and Hydra Spy Agents. Most of the prisoners belonged to one of these groups.
The moment they recognized Pierce, they shouted in unison,
"Hail Hydra!"
"Hail Hydra!"
....