"First of all, the Mutant Brotherhood is known for revealing their identity before they carry out their actions. Their aim is to demonstrate their power to ordinary people and society's managers, fighting for mutant rights,"
"But over the years, they have never targeted S.H.I.E.L.D. because they are aware that S.H.I.E.L.D. is not an ordinary government agency, incapable of handling them. We have the Avengers,"
"Moreover, protesting against us would be pointless. We can't make decisions for the government and hardly have any influence over the living conditions of mutants. Provoking us would be pointless and could potentially be harmful to them."
"If it indeed was Magneto, he would have likely taken all the equipment with him instead of blowing it up. He is capable enough to do that—he could even open a portal and have all the equipment fly in. This wouldn't be difficult for him."
"Mutants have always been at a disadvantage. They wouldn't blow up such advanced weaponry; it's a total waste. It could also potentially lead to our strong backlash,"
"But if it wasn't the Mutant Brotherhood, why would they intentionally leave traces of mutants?"
Nick turned to look at Natasha saying, "I'm not blaming you, Natasha. You rarely get outfoxed in your career as an agent. But obviously, those on the other side are crafty."
"You are a super soldier, strong and a great fighter; however, your vision does not exceed that of an average person's. In the midst of such a crisis, for you to have noticed the traces of the mutants, it's possible that they wanted you to see it....."
"We've encountered such tactics many times before—intentionally disguising their actions as mysterious and then leaving a tiny loophole so they can pin the blame on others."
Shiller approached and said, "You mean someone is trying to frame the mutants? Who would do such a thing?"
"Who else?" Nick grimaced, watching the devastated devices. The words "heart bleeding" seemed etched on his face. He said, "Who despises mutants the most? Who wishes mutants had more enemies? Who hopes the Avengers would deal with mutants?"
"You mean those anti-mutant extremists?" Captain America asked, "Their actions are unjust. Genocide is extremely evil!"
"Such people have always existed in Congress and the military," Iron Man commented with some revulsion. "They've made anti-mutant actions a business venture, bearing any cost. It's disgusting."
Spider-Man crouched by their side, speaking in a somewhat heavy tone, "These were the achievements of human technology and civilization. But now these have been destroyed by them. Originally, if continued, this research could have developed something significant, but now....."
"They must pay the price!" Nick sternly said. "Mutants are our allies, they are part of the human race—capable of offering significant assistance as we journey through the Star Ocean."
Having said that, Nick glanced at Shiller and continued, "We cannot let those idiots drag us down. Avengers, get ready. We are settling this with them!"
Just then, Shiller's phone rang. After answering, he said, "Hello?... Yes, it's me... What? Our two labs in Boston were attacked? Okay, I got it. I'll be right there!"
After hanging up, Shiller turned to Nick and said, "This isn't good, Director. The two medical research labs that I oversee have been attacked. Field Agent Ward called to inform me that our research team suffered heavy losses!"
"Get on the plane!" Nick ordered as his face darkened further. With a wave of his hand, he ushered everyone onto the plane, heading for Boston.
Boston is northeast of New York but still quite a distance away from where the Avengers were located in Southern Pennsylvania. After a lengthy journey, they set foot in Boston, greeted by the cold winds hinting at the city's higher latitude.
They quickly arrived at the lab located in the outskirts. As soon as they descended the stairs, Ward welcomed them; a lingering smell of blood still clung to him. With his usually serious expression, he said, "I am sorry, Director. I was too late."
"What happened?" Nick's eyebrows furrowed. Ward led them deeper into the lab. Just a little way in, they found several bodies strewn in front of the laboratory's doors.
The condition of their bodies was strange. Their limbs looked as though they had been twisted, none of their bones intact. Blood was splattered everywhere.
Ward led everyone to the very back of the lab, a trembling researcher was huddled there. Upon entering, ward said, "Andrew, the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. is here. Tell him what you saw."
Andrew gathered his courage to stand up. Nick approached him, patting his shoulder, "Don't be afraid, the superheroes of the Avengers will see that justice is served. Tell us, who did this?"
"Two blonde young men... we were conducting a drug experiment when they stormed in..."
"It seemed like they had taken control of our security personnel at the door, who opened fire on us. They seemed capable of controlling air, or maybe kinetic energy, and could even cause explosions. They burst in, took all our experimental drugs, and left..."
"I hid in the safe house as soon as I heard the commotion. That's the only reason I'm alive. I saw them—they caused a massive explosion the moment they joined hands... it happened in the lab across, you can check it out..."
Following the direction Andrew pointed out, Nick found the lab across was completely decimated. Excluding the scattered equipment parts, the walls and floor were scorched black, similar to the warehouse they had previously investigated.
"I saw that they looked like twins, very similar, and both seemed to have special abilities. The boy appeared to have mind control, the girl could fire an air cannon with her hands, and they could create an explosion when they combined. They are simply demonic..."
At this, Captain America seemed to recall something. He muttered a name under his breath, "Baron Strucker..."
"What did you say, Steve?" Nick asked, puzzled, swiveling his head towards Captain America.
"Baron Strucker and his children," repeated Captain America. "Strucker, a white supremacist, a NAZI, a firm believer in extreme violence, used genetic modification on his twin children, giving them mutant abilities."
"During my struggle against Hydra, he was an extremely difficult enemy. I thought I had killed him, but... why are the Fenris twins present here?"
"They are Hydra??" Nick narrowed his eyes, turning to look at Shiller. To his surprise, Shiller also looked puzzled.
Shiller subtly signaled him to talk on the side. After Nick followed him, Shiller said in a low voice, "He's from the German headquarters, a true Nazi. Hydra is just his tool to realize his malicious ideals. I suspect he has bigger plans..."
"And you..." Nick started to say, but was cut off by another call coming through. After he answered it, he barked, "What? The Avengers base was attacked?? Damn it, have they gone crazy? Get back to New York immediately!!"
Once again, they hurried back to New York. In the chaotic Avengers base, they found Matt who, luckily, didn't seem hurt. He claimed, "I arrived a bit late. They took something, but luckily there were no casualties."
"What did they take?" Nick asked.
"The defense layout of the Avengers in New York," Matt replied, pointing to a file cabinet. "Nothing important. Just a few cameras at most. Before they left, I heard a familiar slogan: 'Hail Hydra.'"
Slamming his hand down onto the table, Captain America exclaimed, "As expected! The persistent Hydra!"
Nick slapped his shoulder and shared an understanding look with him. Sighing, Captain America spoke, "Someone must have leaked our information, perhaps those anti-mutant activists..."
"I think you might be jumping to conclusions," Iron Man interjected hastily. "There could be several forces at play, but we must make them pay..."
"I'll lead the effort against Hydra," Captain America volunteered, looking at Nick. "You and Tony should be able to handle our internal traitors..."
Meanwhile, Coulson picked up the phone, listening in wide-eyed shock. "What? Our bases in 22 states have been raided?? They're requesting backup?? Alright, I got it. I'll tell the director immediately..."
"Director, our crucial bases in New Mexico have been attacked. They're probably trying to steal the Sky Carrier. The base defenses have held them off, but they're requesting reinforcements. We have to get there immediately!"
"Captain America, go with Coulson. Tony, we need to..."
Interrupting, Coulson checked his phone again, "No, Director, our two outposts in Toronto have also been attacked. They're requesting backup. These are two underwater warehouses..."
"Alright, Tony, go to Toronto. Shiller, Spider-Man and I will handle things in New York..."
Everyone quickly came up with a tactical plan and split up. Shiller and Nick returned to S.H.I.E.L.D., but Spider-Man said, "I haven't been home for a while, my aunt and uncle might be worried. I'll have to..."
"Go ahead, Peter," Nick nodded, "Don't let your family worry. We'll wait here for you and we can plan for the New York area once you are back."
Shiller also added, "Don't worry, Peter. You better call your aunt and uncle before you get there. They might get a little shocked to see you back from the dead."
Spider-Man nodded and left the base. As he made his way to Midtown, he suddenly heard a voice coming from the roof of a nearby building.
"My God! It's Spider-Man! But isn't he dead?... Quick, set up the camera! This could be the premiere of Spider-Man II!"
Caught off guard by the sudden flurry of camera lights, Spider-Man turned to see a film crew standing on the rooftop of a building next to him. A cameraman was capturing his every move.
Just then, a loud ruckus rang out from the street below. A black creature leapt out from the corner, its fangs shining in the sunlight. It roared menacingly:
"Brains!! I'll eat everyone's brains!!"
"Quick, point the camera there! Spider-Man is certain to handle that creature! We, Daily Bugle, must get the exclusive scoop on Spider-Man II!!"