Wang Ye shook his head, massaged his temples, and stood up. Taking the coffee Jon handed him, he took a sip.
"Regarding the current frontline situation—Hydra should refrain from intervening for now. I'll make arrangements freely in the future."
"The stationed troops at each base, with all elite units redeployed, have now shut the gates and entered a defensive stance."
"Good. Go handle the documents for now."
Jon respectfully nodded, then sat at the desk to diligently review the paperwork. This was a responsibility Wang Ye had tacitly entrusted to him—aside from matters critical to Hydra's survival, Jon was free to manage everything else.
At the Alpine Base
"The Führer doesn't like being ignored, Mr. Schmidt.
You promised to regularly provide him with powerful weaponry, which is why he funded your research.
Since you've accepted his support, you're expected to follow the rules.
Moreover, he even gave you this secret research facility as a reward!"
Trailing behind Wang Ye in the base corridor were three incessantly chattering confidants sent by the Führer.
(They were aware that Red Skull's disfigurement was due to injecting an unstable serum, so they didn't question the mask. As a result, they harbored no doubts about Wang Ye's appearance.)
"A reward?
Calling this a reward is the funniest joke I've heard all year!
He banished me to this godforsaken place, which, as far as I'm concerned, is no different from exile."
Wang Ye continued nonchalantly, "Perhaps I simply don't fit his vision of perfection.
Who knows?"
One of the officers, a thin man, noticed Hydra soldiers in the corridor wearing unfamiliar equipment and the imposing Hydra banners hanging on the walls. He paused, unease flickering across his face as he took a closer look.
"No, no, no. Honestly, Mr. Schmidt, your current mindset is extremely dangerous.
Your downfall is entirely due to Hydra's repeated disappointments and constant challenges to the Führer's authority.
Your earlier weapons were indeed of excellent quality, but over the past two months, their power barely surpasses that of standard-issue pistols!"
The thin officer sneered at Wang Ye, raising an eyebrow.
**"And our intelligence reports show that two months ago, you suddenly redeployed a significant number of elite troops, all of whom have since vanished without a trace.
How do you explain that?"
"The Führer is concerned. What did he say?"
A stocky officer interjected, "He said we can't continue indulging Red Skull like this!"
The thin officer nodded in agreement.
Wang Ye abruptly stopped, turned around, and stared at them coldly. His piercing gaze was devoid of emotion, sending a chill down their spines.
"There's no need for your little act in front of me.
Since you're so curious about what I've been up to, come and see for yourselves!"
The three officers exchanged uneasy glances, intimidated by the overwhelming aura exuded by "Schmidt." They already regretted volunteering for this investigation but reluctantly nodded.
"Of course. We're eager to see."
In the Laboratory
"The Führer's grand vision still seems as distant as ever. Countless soldiers have sacrificed their lives on meaningless battlefields."
Wang Ye walked into the lab, picking up an X-1 light sniper rifle powered by the We1 energy core, which had been prepared in advance.
"So, are you saying magic is the solution to winning this war?"
The thin officer smirked mockingly, his eyes full of ridicule.
"To be precise, what you call magic falls under the realm of science—just advanced science.
But I understand that your intellect can't comprehend this.
Such immense power naturally induces fear and disbelief.
While you plot and scheme for world domination, Hydra has already undergone its transformation.
I have obtained divine power. Hydra is no longer the servile organization it once was!"
Wang Ye spoke calmly, then unlocked the X-1 sniper rifle. Raising it, he aimed at the officers, causing them to take a few nervous steps back.
"You will pay for your arrogance! You'll be taken before the Führer—"
The thin officer, who had long harbored disdain for Wang Ye, exploded in anger, pointing a finger at him.
"I don't like being pointed at!"
Wang Ye shifted the rifle's aim and pulled the trigger. A sharp crack resounded as a blinding blue bolt of energy vaporized the thin officer instantly, leaving no trace behind.
The other two officers turned to flee, only to find the doors locked tight, leaving them no escape.
Without hesitation, Wang Ye fired again, eliminating the remaining officers in seconds. Their terror-filled lives ended in futility.
"Finally, no more pesky flies! Zola's designs really are impressive."
Placing the rifle back on the desk, Wang Ye gazed at the snowy mountains outside. Taking a deep breath, he smiled faintly.
"From this day forward, Hydra is officially independent!"
Jon entered, his face beaming with delight. To him, Wang Ye was Hydra's greatest pillar, far superior to any politician.
"Leader, all external threats have been dealt with!"
"Excellent. Let's return to headquarters."
Wang Ye opened a portal and stepped through, with Jon following closely behind.
(End of Chapter)