Alps Mountains
Wang Ye, Steve, Lieutenant General Phillips, and Agent Carter stood on a concealed high ground, their expressions solemn as they peered through binoculars at the heavily guarded entrance to a Hydra base at the foot of the mountain.
Behind them stood 500 fully armed elite soldiers, including members of the Howling Commandos.
"Major General Wang Ye, do you have a plan?"
(That's right—he had been promoted again!)
Lieutenant General Phillips lowered his binoculars and looked at Wang Ye with a serious expression. Given the challenging situation, he trusted that Wang Ye must have devised a strategy.
Steve and Carter also awaited Wang Ye's plan eagerly.
Usually, when Wang Ye wasn't around, each of them had plenty of ideas.
(A true intelligence-dampening aura!)
But ever since Wang Ye returned, they had grown accustomed to following his commands. Perhaps this was the charisma of a true leader, Wang Ye mused to himself.
"I think it would be rude if we barged in unannounced. So, we should knock first and say hello," Wang Ye said, glancing at Steve.
"Steve, you'll lead the Commandos and come with me. General Phillips, you and Agent Carter will stay hidden a bit further back and wait for the signal."
Although none of them knew what "saying hello" entailed, they trusted Wang Ye's abilities. Nodding in agreement, they began to move.
Near the Base, Around a Blind Spot in the Road
Wang Ye, Steve, and the Howling Commandos crouched behind cover, preparing for their assault.
"Master, are we seriously going to knock and say hello?" Steve asked, puzzled. They were practically at the enemy's doorstep—what could be the point of knocking?
"Of course, and with enough sincerity!" Wang Ye replied, pulling out a set of Howard-brand super high-explosive grenades from his belt.
He removed the pin and hurled the grenades toward the base entrance, 300 meters away. Propelled by immense force, the grenades shot through the air like lightning and exploded with a deafening roar upon impact.
The thick base gates disintegrated like tofu, and the shockwave sent the patrolling Hydra soldiers flying, leaving them lifeless before they could react.
Before Steve and the others could process what had just happened, Wang Ye had already picked up an AK and dashed toward the base entrance, covering the 300-meter distance in mere seconds.
The surviving Hydra soldiers, still disoriented, barely registered his presence before succumbing to his swift and decisive assault.
After clearing the gate, Wang Ye fired a flare gun into the sky, signaling the others before charging into the base. He had an old friend, the Red Skull, to meet.
Steve, now back to his senses, led the Howling Commandos in an all-out assault.
Lieutenant General Phillips and Agent Carter, seeing the signal, advanced with the soldiers.
However, when they entered the base, ready for battle, all they found were corpses. Each had a single gunshot wound to the forehead—clean and precise. But Wang Ye was nowhere to be seen.
"This… is he always like this?"
It was Lieutenant General Phillips' first time witnessing Wang Ye's combat prowess, and he was questioning everything he knew.
Steve nodded seriously.
"When Master fights, he leaves no survivors. It's just basic protocol."
Everyone fell silent.
Deciding not to dwell on Wang Ye's terrifying combat skills, they pushed deeper into the base.
Inside the Base
After eliminating most of the Hydra soldiers, Wang Ye entered the base's control room.
Inside, an old acquaintance, Jon, was waiting silently. Upon seeing Wang Ye, he saluted respectfully. Over the years, Jon's youthful face had been replaced by determination and sharpness. Yet his admiration and reverence for Wang Ye had only deepened.
"Leader!"
Wang Ye nodded slightly.
"How's the progress?"
"It's all ready. Setis, sensing imminent failure, has boarded the Valkyrie, preparing for a last stand.
The experimental Unit I Super Serum troops have been deployed through the portal and are in position. We're just waiting for your command!" Jon reported with respect.
"Excellent. Inform them to begin. I've heard the Unit I serum pushes individuals to their physical limits. Let's see how effective it truly is."
Wang Ye casually pulled up a chair and sat, watching the monitors as Jon stood reverently behind him.
Elsewhere in the Base
Steve and the others searched for Hydra soldiers but found nothing but bodies. Just as they thought the base was devoid of life, ten Hydra soldiers clad in specialized metal armor and armed with long blades appeared out of nowhere.
Simultaneously, every squad encountered similar groups of enhanced Hydra soldiers.
Having spent time with Wang Ye, Steve had learned the value of striking first. Without hesitation, he hurled his shield at one of the soldiers, but the soldier deftly dodged it.
The Hydra soldiers, seemingly provoked, charged at them with blinding speed, far beyond that of normal humans.
Steve realized this was no ordinary foe.
While the Howling Commandos opened fire, their shots missed more often than not. Only one soldier fell under their barrage, his body riddled with bullets.
"Fall back immediately! These aren't normal humans—you can't handle them. Regroup with the others and prepare for defense!" Steve shouted, shielding his team as they retreated.
Base Plaza
The separated groups reconvened, forming a circular defensive line. Soldiers took turns firing at the encroaching Hydra super soldiers, holding them at bay.
Steve arrived with the Howling Commandos, tipping the scales. With his support, the tide turned, and the Hydra super soldiers began to fall.
Victory was now just a matter of time.
Control Room
"The Unit I serum is performing well—it's more than enough to crush ordinary elite forces.
This battle will end soon. I'll head to the Valkyrie to meet an old friend. Jon, return to the headquarters. Once this is resolved, I'll join you."
"Understood. I will await your return at Mlad Headquarters, Leader!"
Wang Ye opened two spatial gates and stepped into one. Jon followed, disappearing into the other.
(To be continued...)
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