Houston, USA – Hydra Underground Base.
The spacious, silver-white hall suddenly filled with a low, electric hum as three fiery-red portals blazed to life, casting vibrant red and orange sparks across the room. Hydra soldiers stationed at the hall's entrance reacted instantly, raising their weapons with hardened, wary expressions.
Bzzz! Bzzz!
"Alert… alert… enemy invasion detected!"
The Hydra soldiers sprang into action, their hands moving swiftly to the communicators at their belts. But before they could issue a full alert, a long, golden corridor of energy appeared, extending from each portal like a fortified tunnel of light.
Through this golden barrier, the Hydra soldiers could see groups of figures moving in organized lines, advancing with purpose.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Without hesitation, the Hydra soldiers opened fire, the sharp sound of bullets clanging against the golden shield filling the room. Though the bullets struck hard, producing echoes through the vast hall, they were futile; the bullets simply ricocheted or fell to the ground.
"Confringo!"
"Expelliarmus!"
The students at the front of the advancing groups raised their wands and began casting in a well-practiced rhythm. Blasts of white, red, and gray light streaked across the room, each spell finding its target with practiced precision. Almost immediately, the weapons of the Hydra soldiers were torn from their hands, and the men themselves were sent flying into the walls, slumping down lifelessly.
"Electric interference!"
"Electric interference!"
One by one, the students stepped forward, chanting the interference spell in low voices as Ian, Remy, and Vera entered the base, leading their teams. The golden corridor flickered briefly before fading away, and the students wasted no time casting the interference spell on every piece of equipment in sight.
A series of transparent ripples began spreading through the room, distorting the lights and monitors until they buzzed and smoked, fizzling out of operation. Lockhart had developed this interference spell to disrupt any power source, a crucial trick in these technological battlegrounds. Simple in principle, its effect was immediate and devastating.
Within seconds, the entire base was plunged into darkness.
Lumos!
Vera raised her wand, summoning a ball of light that floated above, illuminating the room and casting long shadows against the walls.
"I am Vera, the leader of this operation," she announced in a calm, steady voice. Ian and Remy stood behind her, observing the gathered students without interrupting. This mission wasn't just a combat exercise; it was a lesson in strategy, leadership, and cohesion. For Vera, Ian, and Remy, these practical drills were about learning to lead under real conditions.
As she glanced over the students standing in orderly rows before her, Vera's expression grew serious.
"Our goal is to neutralize this base," she began. "Divide into three teams as before. I will lead a team to the central command room. Ian will take his team to the arsenal, and Remy will head to the laboratory."
She scanned the rows of students, each one looking back at her with resolve. "This is an actual combat exercise. Our primary goal is to disable and capture where possible, but lethal force is permitted if necessary. Perform well, and your efforts will be reflected in your final scores."
As Vera continued, her voice held a calm authority, instilling confidence in the young wizards. "Most of the enemy's technological systems have been disrupted; they're operating without communications or lighting. But remember, don't get complacent. This is Hydra."
Standing toward the left of the group, Wanda listened closely, her eyes bright with anticipation and nervousness. This was her first real combat experience, and she could feel the difference. Around her, the students moved as one—casting defensive and interference spells instinctively, silencing the enemy's greatest advantages with practiced efficiency.
No communications, no surveillance, darkness everywhere. Wanda's thoughts raced as she visualized the chaos Hydra's agents must be facing right now. It was a strategy that shifted the balance, leaving their opponents fumbling in the dark.
Vera's voice cut through her thoughts, a serious tone that left no room for error. "Everyone, remember to act as a team. Stay safe and focus on disabling the enemy. Our Golden Dragon Mark will keep us connected. And don't even think about going solo—this is only the beginning."
The crowd of students responded with a chorus of affirmations. Some faces were stoic and determined, while others held a hint of trepidation. Wanda couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement as she realized the instructors were nowhere in sight; they must have used magic to stay hidden, observing without interference to test their skills.
"Alright, everyone," Vera said, her voice carrying an edge of finality, "follow your captains. Let's move out."
The three groups split off in silence. Wanda naturally gravitated to Vera's side, who welcomed her with a quick nod.
As the group moved down the dark corridor, Lumos spells lit the way, illuminating the path forward. Before Vera could issue any more instructions, Wanda flicked her wand, casting a small illumination spell of her own. The darkness receded slightly, allowing them to press on with minimal stumbling.
To Vera's surprise, their path was almost eerily quiet. There was no resistance, no sign of Hydra agents rallying to block their progress. Every step forward heightened her suspicion, a subtle tension winding tight in her mind.
This isn't right, she thought. They should have encountered some resistance by now.
But her musings were interrupted by a loud boom! as gunfire erupted up ahead, echoing sharply in the confined corridor. A dozen Hydra soldiers had appeared, weapons raised, and they opened fire on the advancing students.
Vera responded in an instant, raising her wand to create a shimmering golden barrier that deflected the hail of bullets. But a glint of metal caught her eye—one of the Hydra soldiers was raising a rocket launcher, aiming it directly at her.
"Everyone, take action!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the noise.
Expelliarmus! Incarcerous! Diffindo!
The students sprang into action, each casting their most effective spells in rapid succession. The Hydra soldiers were soon disarmed or bound, but not before one soldier managed to fire the rocket.
Boom!
The explosion hit the golden barrier, sending cracks spider-webbing across its surface. Vera grimaced as the force of the blast sent shockwaves through her body, a thin line of blood appearing at the corner of her mouth. Around her, the Hydra soldiers lay scattered, some incapacitated, others lifeless.
Sectumsempra!
Without hesitation, Vera cast a powerful dark spell, slashing at the Hydra agents who remained standing. They stumbled back, collapsing under the force of the magic. Those still capable of moving scrambled for cover, their gunfire reduced to scattered bursts as they tried to repel the relentless assault.
Wanda, spurred by Vera's example, channeled her energy into precise spells. She concentrated on accuracy and speed, following Vera's advice to direct her anger and will into each incantation.
"Let's keep moving! No time to lose!" Vera commanded, her voice steady as she led them toward the command room.
The journey through the darkened base was a whirlwind of movement and spellwork. Hydra agents continued to appear at intervals, and each time, the students worked in sync—Vera focusing on defense while the others dispatched their opponents.
"Wanda, keep your spells sharp," Vera advised mid-fight, noting Wanda's casting speed. "And, Roman," she called out to another student, "channel your emotions. It'll strengthen your casting."
The students adjusted accordingly, firing off spells with greater efficiency, their attacks growing sharper and more controlled. Vera's experience was clear; every tip she offered came from her own practical knowledge, accumulated under Lockhart's rigorous training.
In an isolated corner, hidden from view, Snape observed with approval. He noted the students' progress, particularly Vera's growing confidence as a leader. With a nod, he vanished, Apparating to another area of the base to check on Ian's team.
In the arsenal sector, Ian advanced cautiously with his team, aware of the potential dangers around every corner. Heavy-duty weapons and explosive devices lined the walls, adding a layer of risk to their mission.
"Confundo," Ian whispered, casting a charm that caused the Hydra soldiers up ahead to stumble, their movements slowed as confusion clouded their minds.
The team moved in smoothly, neutralizing each disoriented soldier with ease. Snape watched quietly, pleased with Ian's application of strategy. Moving on, he checked in with Steve, who was monitoring Remy's progress.
Over in the laboratory sector, Remy's team had subdued all opposition and now stood before a group of Hydra scientists in lab coats. They looked at the wizards with a mixture of fear and curiosity.
"Be careful with the equipment," Remy instructed, his voice clear but calm. "Some of it is fragile, and we don't know what could be useful later."
He then addressed the scientists, his tone firm but reassuring. "We're not here to harm you. Cooperate, and you'll be safe. Follow our team's instructions."
Producing a new, enchanted suitcase Lockhart had lent him, Remy gestured for the scientists to step inside. Hydra's technology and personnel were valuable resources, and Lockhart had made it clear that capturing them was a priority.
As Steve watched Remy's careful handling of the situation, a proud smile crossed his face. The training was paying off; Remy's confidence and leadership had grown remarkably.
Back at the command room's entrance, Vera's team had arrived, yet a foreboding silence filled the air. As they pushed forward, the students noticed the absence of guards—a stark contrast to the rest of the base.
Every step closer to the command room felt heavier, each shadow in the corridor casting an eerie sense of dread. Vera could feel it—a trap waiting to be sprung.
She relayed a quick message through the Golden Dragon Mark to Ian and Remy, alerting them to the potential danger. As she and her team crossed the threshold, the door behind them slid shut with a loud click.
The students froze as a figure emerged from the darkness. Tall and menacing, with dark veins crawling across his face and arms, he radiated an aura of malice, his eyes black and soulless.
Vera's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the twisted, unnatural presence.
It was unmistakable—he was a follower of Dormammu.
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