When Zola appeared, Captain America remained composed. Years of combat experience had taught him to keep his emotions in check. Zola, clearly placed here by someone with a purpose, began slowly revealing some hidden truths to him.
Through Zola's words, Captain America learned the detailed events that transpired after the destruction of Hydra.
Zola continued, "The moment Project Paperclip began, Hydra took control of S.H.I.E.L.D. They plan to use Project Insight to eliminate everyone and every force that opposes them. This is the opportunity Hydra has waited for many years, and they will not let it slip away."
Hearing this confirmed Captain America's suspicions: Hydra had infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. If those agents weren't found, even the superheroes could face certain death.
As Zola finished speaking, Captain America was filled with more questions. Just as he was about to ask, the computer screens flickered and suddenly shut off.
Captain America gripped the computer, frustrated, but all he heard was Zola's final warning.
"They sent you here to get rid of you, to stop you from investigating Nick Fury's death. Be careful…"
The room fell into a deathly silence. It was as if, with Zola's disappearance, no other living soul would ever appear here again.
Suddenly, Captain America heard a faint rustling noise from all directions. It sounded like claws scratching against stone.
Listening carefully, he realized the noise was coming from below. Kneeling down, he pressed his ear to the ground. Out of nowhere, the communications room seemed to explode—a shower of shattered tiles and a rusty sewer cover wrenched open by a rough green claw.
Emerging from the opening was a horde of green-skinned lizardmen, their snake-like eyes fixed on Captain America like a predator locking onto prey.
Dozens of lizardmen, as if in a frenzy, charged toward him. Captain America kicked one aside and bolted for the elevator. But with Zola gone, the base's power system had failed. Left with no choice, he leapt upward, tearing through the elevator's top panel to escape.
The lizardmen pursued him, climbing after him with alarming speed. Captain America hurled his shield, taking one down. The shield ricocheted off the walls and returned to his grasp.
The horde behind him only grew larger.
Emerging from the elevator shaft, Captain America entered the main hall, only to find the entire base overrun with lizardmen. Inside and out, these creatures were everywhere, their claws and fangs glinting ominously.
He exhaled deeply, his expression cold and resolute. If escape was impossible, he would ensure none of these monsters left alive.
As the lizardmen lunged toward him, he said, "You want to kill me? I can do this all day!"
Several lizardmen charged with jaws wide open. Captain America swung his shield, wedging it firmly between their teeth, and punched another to the ground.
Though his stamina was exceptional, the lizardmen seemed equally tireless. For every one he struck down, more emerged from the ground to replace it. The number of enemies surrounding him grew steadily.
Realizing he was being encircled, Captain America strategically fought while retreating. Being completely surrounded would be a death sentence.
He fought his way outside, kicking away a lizardman, and spotted several barrels nearby. However, he wasn't sure if the oil in them was still usable.
Seeing the lizardmen's relentless advance, Captain America dashed toward the barrels. If he could draw the lizardmen closer, he might be able to use an explosion to gain an advantage.
He kicked one barrel over, spilling its contents onto the ground as the lizardmen swarmed toward him. Captain America raised his shield, threw it at the barrels, and then dove to the ground just as the explosion erupted.
...