The Superhero Association was hosting a fan gathering when a truck began approaching the event area.
"Sir, this is a restricted zone. Please reroute," warned the Association's security guards. These guards wore Blade Technology's War Machine suits, offering them more confidence and protection than typical security personnel. With a secondary krypton-gold coating, these suits could withstand even depleted uranium rounds.
However, the driver suddenly accelerated, crashing into two War Machine suits and attempting to ram through. The armored guards stood their ground, seemingly unharmed, but quickly realized the truck was a threat.
"Stop that truck!" they shouted, aiming their weapons, but it was too late. The truck slammed into the Superhero Association Building, and a massive explosion erupted, sending a fiery shockwave outward.
The blast engulfed the building and nearby streets, causing extensive casualties among fans gathered outside. The fireball and towering mushroom cloud bore an eerie resemblance to a nuclear blast, shattering windows within kilometers, tossing people backward, and triggering car alarms in the vicinity.
As panic ensued, the public feared radiation exposure, though drones sent by the U.S. military soon confirmed no traces of nuclear materials. Zod, alerted by Black Queen, watched as the krypton-gold coating on the Association building minimized the structural damage, saving the occupants. The exterior was blackened, but the building itself remained intact—much to the chagrin of those behind the attack.
Blade Technology's War Machine guards quickly locked down the scene, gathering whatever evidence they could from the rubble, though the explosion's sheer power left minimal clues.
Tony Stark arrived, seething with anger. Hundreds of fans were killed in the attack, innocent lives lost in what was supposed to be a moment of connection and joy. He and Zod conferred on possible suspects.
"It has to be one of our enemies," Tony muttered, frustrated. Superheroes make powerful adversaries, and with so many heroes in one place, they'd become an ideal target.
Though Stark was uncertain, Zod had a prime suspect: Hydra. The complexity and ruthlessness of the attack suggested a well-coordinated organization, and Hydra, known for its deep resources and remorseless tactics, fit the bill.
"This only reinforces our need to take down Hydra in North America," Zod said calmly, though his anger simmered beneath. With World Serpent's recent symbiote suit recruitment surge, they had amassed over 10,000 members in the U.S., including animalized soldiers created by Dr. Connors.
Working with Stark, Zod blocked U.S. officials from intervening, reinforcing the Association's autonomy. He also heightened security measures, fortifying the Association's defenses even further.
Through telepathic waves, Zod commanded Bronsky and Bucky to initiate a full-scale assault on Hydra's North American network, specifically targeting Alexander Pierce, Hydra's leader in the region. The objective was clear: control Hydra from within by infiltrating Pierce's ranks without raising suspicion.
Bronsky took note of his leader's wrath, and with Bucky's support, they accelerated World Serpent's operations. Over the course of a single night, Hydra's members defected en masse, as World Serpent's influence spread throughout their strongholds. Zod had meticulously gathered intelligence on Hydra's bases, and now, with the order to accelerate, Hydra's collapse was rapid and complete.
Eventually, Zod traced the source of the attack to Hydra's Boston command. The Hydra officer responsible confessed under duress, claiming he acted under orders from Hydra's upper echelon. His cooperation earned him no mercy; Zod transformed him into an alloy statue, sending him to the bottom of the Pacific as an eternal reminder of Hydra's fall.
As World Serpent's grip on Hydra tightened, Zod knew this victory was only the beginning. The Superhero Association had faced an unprecedented threat and emerged resilient. Now, Hydra would know the true might of Zod and his allies.