Chapter 109: Rhino in the New York Underground Passage
It was 2 PM at the New York Federal Bureau of Investigation.
"Benjamin Connors?"
Listening to Alice's report, Lynn Hall walked towards his office and asked, "Didn't he just return from space last month? What, did he discover aliens in space?"
"Although I haven't been following it, there hasn't been any unusual information from NASA."
Facing Lynn's inquiry, Alice shrugged, "He refused to say anything specific, insisting on waiting until you returned."
"But Boss, I can feel intense fear from Benjamin, and he keeps talking about disappearing, and how Robert was right!"
Listening to Alice, Lynn pushed open his office door.
"Mr. Hall, you're finally back. You must save me! I don't want to disappear, I don't want to be forgotten by the World like Robert."
Seeing Benjamin Connors, who was abnormally agitated, Lynn motioned for Barbara to pour him a glass of Water.
After returning to his seat, Lynn finally spoke, "Mr. Benjamin, now you can tell me exactly what happened!"
Taking the Water glass from Barbara, Benjamin Connorsimmediately said, "Mr. Hall, do you know how many of us went into space half a year ago?"
Facing Benjamin's question, Lynn shook his head, "Half a year ago, I was dealing with a very complex case, so I didn't pay much attention. Barbara, do you remember?"
"There were four astronauts in total!"
Hearing Lynn's question, Barbara immediately replied, "They were Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Cecil Michael, Mr. Abel Willis, and Ms. Ariel Pansey!"
"And because this space mission was very difficult but successfully completed, the President is preparing to award them medals!"
Hearing Barbara say this, Benjamin Connors' hands trembled slightly, then he looked at Lynn and said, "Mr. Hall, would you believe me if I told you that there were a total of six astronauts on that space mission?"
With that, Benjamin Connors recounted the events to Lynn Hall.
Listening to Benjamin Connors' account, Lynn frowned and said, "You mean, besides you four astronauts, there were also two astronauts named Robert Kenny and Aaron Needham?"
"And you only remember Robert Kenny, and you heard about Aaron Needham from him?"
"Exactly!"
Looking at Lynn, Benjamin Connors nodded repeatedly, "Although I don't remember Aaron Needham, I am absolutely certain that Robert Kenny went to the Universe with us."
"And the media and newspapers all reported it, but this morning I found that all information about Robert Kenny in this World has disappeared!"
"Mr. Hall, you must save me! I don't want to end up like Robert!"
Watching Benjamin constantly pleading with him, Lynnpondered for a few seconds, "Barbara, have Joey look up information on Robert Kenny."
"Alright!"
Hearing Lynn's command, Barbara immediately walked out.
A moment later, Barbara returned and shook her head at Lynn, "According to Mr. Benjamin's description, we haven't found any information about Mr. Robert Kenny."
"Robert Kenny's parents don't even remember having such a son!"
"I also called NASA, and they are absolutely certain that only four astronauts went into the Universe for the mission half a year ago!"
Hearing Barbara report the investigation results, Benjamin immediately said, "Mr. Hall, you see it too. Now the entire World doesn't remember Robert. You must save me!"
Lynn calmed Benjamin's emotions and gave Barbara a meaningful look.
"Mr. Benjamin, if this matter is true, then I will investigate it!"
"You can now—"
"I'm not going, I'm not going anywhere. I want to stay in the FBI building. Only here is safe!"
Hearing that Lynn was preparing to let him leave, Benjamin immediately grabbed the chair.
Seeing this, Lynn nodded, "Alright, if you want to stay here, then Barbara, take him to the resting room!"
"Yes!"
Nodding, Barbara looked at Benjamin and said, "Mr. Benjamin, please follow me. You are safe inside the FBI building!"
Hearing Barbara say this, Benjamin hesitated for a moment, then stood up and followed Barbara out.
After taking him to the resting room, Barbara returned to Lynn's office and said, "I have already contacted NASA's designated Hospital, and the Doctor there will be here soon."
"Boss, I think Benjamin might have stayed in space for too long, which caused him to develop schizophrenia and hallucinate Robert Kenny, who grew up with him."
Listening to Barbara's analysis, Lynn thought for a few seconds and said, "Perhaps, but my intuition tells me he isn't lying."
"Have Alice send someone to monitor him twenty-four hours a day, and also have the attending Doctor treat him here when he arrives."
"Also, contact NASA again and see if the other three astronauts are experiencing similar situations!"
"Yes!"
Hearing Lynn's command, Barbara immediately nodded.
"Boss, where are you going?"
Watching Lynn stand up to leave, Barbara stepped forward to help him put on his coat, "Are you going to the Illuminati Base?"
"Mm!"
Lynn squeezed Barbara's perky bottom and said, "Recently, several Rhinos have appeared in the underground tunnels of New York. I'm going to see what's going on!"
"Rhino? Like the Lizardmen back then?"
"It's not clear yet, but if it really is like the Lizardmen, I'm afraid New York will be in chaos again!"
After speaking, Lynn left the office.
Half an hour later, inside the Illuminati Base.
Looking at the analysis of the Rhino's vital signs on the large screen, Lynn asked Peter Parker, "Peter, did you just say that the Rhino transforms by drinking a certain beverage?"
"Yes, Lynn, and the transformation process only lasts three hours. Scott and I observed those Rhinos after locking them in the Cube Prison."
"We found that they transform back into humans after three hours, and according to our interrogation, they all said they became Rhinos by drinking a beverage."
"And after transforming into Rhinos, they have no consciousness of their own!"
Hearing Peter say this, Lynn nodded, "Have you found out what kind of beverage it is?"
"Still investigating, but one of the Rhinos said he bought this beverage from a drug dealer, claiming it was the newest type of drug on the market."
"Gwen and Ororo have already gone to apprehend this drug dealer. I estimate we'll know very soon!"
As the two were speaking, Gwen and Ororo walked in together from outside.
"You're back!"
Seeing Lynn, Gwen immediately threw herself into his arms, "When did you get back? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Just got back. By the way, what about that drug dealer you and Ororo went to apprehend?"
Facing Lynn's question, Gwen shrugged, "Didn't catch him. By the time Ororo and I arrived, the guy had already escaped."
"And even the city's surveillance couldn't find any trace of that drug dealer."
Hearing Gwen say this, Lynn frowned, "If the Rhino truly mutated because of drinking this new type of drug, then once this drug flows into the market, it will inevitably bring great disaster to New York."
With that, Lynn had Friday pull up the drug dealer's information while dialing Shawn's number.
As the call connected, Lynn immediately said, "Shawn, immediately take people and search the entire city for a guy named Justin Francis. I've already had Friday send the specific information to your phone."
"In addition, get the informants to act, and also issue a bounty. Anyone who provides useful information about Justin Francis will receive a reward of 10,000 U.S. dollars."
"Those who can capture Justin Francis will be rewarded with 50,000 U.S. dollars!"
"Yes!"
Hearing Lynn's command, Shawn immediately began to execute it.
After hanging up the phone, Lynn dialed Kingpin's number.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Hall."
"Good afternoon, Kingpin, there's something I need you to do!"
Inside Hell's Kitchen.
After hanging up the phone, Kingpin looked at Bullseye, who was playing with a dagger, and said, "Get your men moving. Find Justin Francis within 24 hours!"
"No problem!"
Hearing Kingpin's command, Bullseye shrugged.
He stood up, about to leave, but suddenly turned back and said, "Boss, is it another order from Lynn Hall?"
"Tsk, I don't understand why you're always willing to associate with Lynn Hall, who is an official person. This doesn't fit our identity!"
"We are gang members, not some pet that Lynn Hallkeeps…"
"FUXX!"
Kingpin casually threw the cigar at Bullseye, watching Bullseye cleanly catch the cigar and even start smoking it.
Kingpin said, "When I tell you to do something, just do it. Why so much nonsense?"
"Alright, you're the Boss, you have a lot of money, I'll listen to you!"
With that, Bullseye shrugged and then turned to leave.
Ignoring Bullseye, who was a bit slow-witted, Kingpintook out his phone and made a call.
Once the call connected, Kingpin said, "Start building momentum. The Federal Bureau of Investigation won't stop us now!"
"Alright, Boss!"
Hearing Kingpin's words, the person on the other end of the phone immediately began to act.
Inside the Campano Family.
Looking at the butler in front of him, Polinka Campano, who had newly taken over the family's "business," said, "Mr. Hall has asked our Campano Family for help, hoping that we can find Justin Francis."
"This is the first time Mr. Hall has actively sought us out. We must strive to find this guy before the other four major families!"
With that, Polinka Campano forwarded the person's information to the butler.
Glancing at the information about Justin Francis on his phone, the butler nodded, "If we can get on board with Mr. Lynn Hall, then it will be very beneficial for our Campano Family."
"However, young master, our Campano Family's main business is not drugs, so to find this guy, we will have to use some unconventional methods."
Hearing the butler say this, Polinka Campano smiled, "Any method is fine, as long as we can establish a connection with Mr. Lynn Hall, then everything is worth it."
"Just like last time when we took over the Incheon Association's territory!"
"Alright, young master, I'll go prepare right away!"
Nodding, the butler turned and left.
Two hours later, inside a very secluded house in Bronx.
"Fuck, Justin, what the hell have you done? Damn it, now everyone, both legitimate and illegitimate, is looking for you, and even the Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a bounty for you."
"Did you stop dealing drugs and become a Terrorist instead?"
Listening to the gang leader's curses on the phone, Justin Hammer also felt a bit wronged.
He was just a small drug dealer for the Blood Bird Gang; did they really need Spider-Woman and Storm from the Illuminati to catch him?
If he hadn't been quick-witted, he probably would have been locked up in Cube Prison by now.
"Boss, I don't know what happened either. I was just selling drugs in the gang's territory like usual..."
"Stop the damn nonsense! I'm asking you, where are you now?"
Hearing his boss's question, Justin Hammer was about to say where he was.
But the words caught in his throat, and he suddenly asked, "Boss, you're not going to hand me over to those cops, are you!"
"Fuck, is your head full of shit? If I sold you out to the cops, how would I ever get by again?"
"Besides, I'm not just your boss, I'm also your cousin. Would I betray you? Quickly tell me where you are so I can arrange for your escape!"
Hearing his boss say that, Justin finally relaxed: "Boss, I'm in that old house in Bronx, the abandoned house of Aunt Julia from when I was little. Please make arrangements quickly, I really don't want to go to Cube Prison!"
Hearing Justin's reply, the boss said, "Wait there. I'll arrange for your escape right away. Remember, don't leave that place, or if the cops catch you, I won't be able to save you!"
"Understood, understood! Thank you, Boss!"
With that, Justin Hammer hung up the phone.
Luckily, his boss and cousin was still very loyal, otherwise he probably would have gone to Cube Prison!
Brooklyn, within the Blood Bird Gang's territory.
After hanging up the phone, the Blood Bird Gang boss smiled fawningly, "Bullseye Boss, you heard it too. Justin Hammer is hiding in Bronx, the exact address..."
Listening to the Blood Bird Gang boss betray Justin without hesitation, Bullseye said, "I thought you were very loyal. Isn't he your cousin?"
"Bullseye Boss, he's just a cousin, not a real brother. Besides, I didn't lie, I didn't sell him out to the cops!"
Looking at the self-righteous man in front of him, Bullseye finally lowered the gun pointed at his head and said, "You are a talent!"
With that, Bullseye left with his men.
After Bullseye left, the Blood Bird Gang boss finally breathed a sigh of relief.
He subconsciously wiped the sweat from his forehead, then muttered to himself, "Don't blame me, cousin. Who told you to provoke someone you shouldn't have?"
With that, the Blood Bird Gang boss immediately prepared to pack his things and flee New York.
Before he could even put the money into his bag, a dart pierced his head.
Looking at the man who fell straight to the ground, Bullseye, who had returned, fired several shots into his body.
"Damn it, I hate these bastards who betray their own family the most!"
Two hours later, inside the Illuminati Base.
"Lynn, will those gang members really listen to you? And that's Kingpin, the biggest villain in Hells Kitchen. Are you sure it's okay to get involved with him?"
Sitting opposite Lynn, Peter hesitated for a long time before finally asking.
"I thought you were going to keep it in!"
Looking at Peter Parker, who had hesitated for a long time and finally spoke his mind, Lynn said with a smile.
"I just feel that you are the Director of the New York Federal Bureau of Investigation and a superhero, while Kingpin is a gang leader and a super villain. Your identities should naturally be in opposition."
Hearing Peter say that, Lynn smiled, "Peter, there is never absolute Black and White in this World."
"Just like the four on Mount President, Washington was a slave owner and a supporter of the Indian massacre policy, Jefferson enslaved over six hundred people in his lifetime, and General Ross and Lincoln were the same."
"And more often, power is like a whip. The whip itself has no right or wrong; only the person holding the whip decides who to strike!"
"I don't understand!"
Hearing Lynn say that, Peter Parker scratched his head.
"Lynn means that although he is currently the Director of the New York Federal Bureau of Investigation, he cannot use this identity to completely eradicate the gang members."
"After all, once the existing gangs are completely eliminated, more gangs will emerge to seize this territory, which will inevitably lead to chaos, and even more innocent people will die in the process."
"So, in this situation, Lynn, holding the whip symbolizing power, can strike those gang members, making them feel pain."
"He can also use this whip to deter those gang members, thereby making them fearful and obedient!"
Coming down from upstairs, Steve explained to Peter Parker.
Hearing Steve say that, Peter Parker suddenly realized, "Like now, Lynn can make Kingpin obediently help with just one phone call?"
"Alright, but Captain, how do you know so much?"
Facing Peter's curiosity, Steve shrugged, "Anyone who is regarded by those in power as a monkey that can ride a bicycle, and then forced to perform on stage to sell bonds."
"Then he will understand this truth."
"A monkey riding a bicycle? I think I've seen that drawing in your notebook, Captain."
Just as Peter was speaking, a car horn suddenly sounded outside the Illuminati Base.
"Peter, Bullseye has already brought Justin Hammer over. Go and bring him back!"
Looking at the curious Peter Parker, Lynn said.
"That fast? My goodness, sometimes gang members even seem more useful than the NYPD!"
Saying that, Peter Parker immediately walked outside.
A few minutes later, inside the interrogation room!
Looking at the photos laid out in front of him, Justin Hammer's expression was one of depression.
His cousin had indeed not sold him out to the cops, but he had directly sold him to Bullseye.
Damn it, when he saw Bullseye surrounding the house with a group of people from the window, he almost peed his pants.
After all, who in the gang World didn't know Bullseye's cruel methods?
"These are all people who bought drugs from you. You should know them, right!"
Looking at Justin Hammer in front of him, Lynn said, "After they drank the new type of drug they bought from you, they all, without exception, turned into Rhino."
"Justin, I'm only asking you one question now: where did you get this drug?"
"If you don't want to be thrown into a heavy Cube Prison, and you don't want to visit a proctologist every week, then you'd better tell me honestly!"
Facing Lynn's undisguised threat, Justin Hammer's face turned pale, and he immediately explained, "I really didn't know this new type of drug would turn people into Rhino."
"Mr. Hall, at first, when I heard that those Mexican people had developed a drinkable drug with hallucinogenic effects several times stronger than regular powder, I secretly bought a batch from my cousin, the Blood Bird Gang leader, hoping to make a fortune!"
"The result... but I swear to God, I really didn't know it would have this effect."
"It must have been that crazy Doctor on purpose!"
"Crazy Doctor?"
"That's right, I heard that those Mexican people found a crazy Doctor to help them make drugs. I'm not too clear on the specifics, but since then, their product has been purer than what's on the market!"
Hearing Justin Hammer's reply, Lynn frowned, "Where are those Mexican people?"
"Brooklyn Black District!"
Watching Lynn Hall get up, Justin Hammer immediately said, "Mr. Hall, I have cooperated fully and confessed everything. You won't throw me into a heavy Cube Prison, will you!"
Facing Justin's plea, Lynn sneered, then turned and left.
In the evening, Brooklyn Black District.
Following the address provided by Justin Hammer, Lynnled the Illuminati to a factory. Just as they were about to enter the factory to apprehend the Mexican people and the crazy Doctor.
But the next second, Lynn's Spider-Sense began to warn him.
"Be careful, something's not right here!"
As soon as the words fell, a Rhino instantly smashed through the factory wall and rushed out, then, with glowing red eyes, charged straight at Lynn, attacking him.
Watching the suddenly appearing Rhino charge towards him, Lynn gripped the giant horn on the Rhino's head with one hand and, with a powerful swing, threw it directly to the other side of the wall.
"Bang!"
The violent impact directly collapsed the thick wall, but then dozens of Rhino rushed out from various corners of the factory.
"My goodness, there are so many Rhino hiding here? Did we just stumble into a Rhino's nest?"
Shooting a web to blind a Rhino, Peter Parker quickly rushed forward, attacking the Rhino while chattering.
Lynn glanced around, then released his power, and hundreds of bricks and stones floated in the air, then smashed towards the Rhino.
"Bang!"
"Bang!"
As a series of dull thuds sounded, the Rhino charging towards Lynn were repeatedly forced back by the impact of the bricks.
Looking at the Rhino roaring at him and then fearlessly charging forward, Lynn said, "These Rhino must be those Mexican drug dealers. Jean, Ororo, don't hold back, just take them down!"
As his words fell, Lynn released his Heat Vision, instantly piercing through a Rhino's head!
Hearing Lynn say that, Jean Grey and Ororo immediately released their energy to attack.
Bolts of lightning struck the Rhino from the sky, charring them.
And Jean Grey's Phoenix Force directly tore apart the Rhino charging at her!
As the two unleashed their attacks, the Rhino were instantly suppressed.
Seeing this, Lynn flashed to the Mexican's main Base to search, but unfortunately, there wasn't a single person there.
Chapter 110: Battle with the Shadow Man
After a thorough search inside the factory, Lynn used Heat Vision to take down a Rhino that had ambushed him, and then he found a pile of papers on a table.
Picking up a piece of paper and glancing at it, Lynnconfirmed that it was likely a formula for some kind of chemical agent.
If he wasn't mistaken, this should be a part of the new drug formula.
Thinking of this, Lynn collected these formulas, intending to take them back for Friday to analyze.
After completing all of this, Lynn teleported out of the factory and appeared beside Peter Parker.
Watching Peter constantly dodging the Rhino's attacks, Lynn flew in the air, continuously unleashing Heat Vision.
As the Heat Vision swept across these Rhinos like a cutting machine, the ground was soon covered with their shattered bodies.
Retracting his Heat Vision, Lynn saw only a few Rhinos left, attempting to escape, so he directly used force field energy to control them.
"Just keep these few to find out where that mad scientist is hiding."
"What about here?"
Looking at the ground covered with shattered and mutilated Rhino bodies, Peter Parker asked.
"Don't worry, someone will come to clean it up!"
With that, Lynn took the struggling Rhinos back to the Illuminati Base.
The next morning.
After breakfast, watching Peter vividly recount last night's battle to Tony Stark, Lynn asked, "Peter, have those Rhinos turned back into normal people?"
Facing Lynn's question, Peter Parker shook his head: "Not yet. Unlike the other Rhinos, the ones caught last night haven't changed back since being put into the cube."
"And through last night's battle, I found that these Rhinos are much stronger than the ones I've caught these past few days."
"Not only that, but the eyes of those Rhinos last night were red, whereas the eyes of the Rhinos I caught on the street were all normal colors!"
Hearing Peter say this, Lynn said, "It's probably due to different substances they drank. Perhaps this group of Mexicans drank what that mad scientist most recently researched."
Just as he was speaking, Lynn's phone suddenly rang.
He picked up the phone and saw that it was Alice calling, so Lynn walked aside and answered.
"Boss, you need to come back to the Bureau. Mr. Ceci Michael, who recently returned from space, has something very important to discuss with you."
"And from his demeanor, the matter seems to be extremely serious!"
"Got it!"
After hanging up the phone, Lynn said to Tony Stark, "Tony, I'm heading back to the FBI Building. I've already had Friday analyze the chemical formula I found at the factory last night, so when the..."
"No problem!"
Before Lynn could finish, Tony Stark spread his hands and said, "That won't stump the greatest genius of this century!"
Half an hour later, inside the New York Federal Bureau of Investigation Building!
"You're finally back, Mr. Hall. You must save me. Oh my goodness, I can't even imagine such a thing happening. This is simply—"
The moment he saw Lynn return, Ceci Michael walked forward in a panic.
"Calm down, Mr. Michael. What exactly happened?"
Hearing Lynn's question, Ceci Michael swallowed: "Mr. Hall, do you remember how many astronauts went into space for a mission six months ago?"
Facing Ceci Michael's question, Barbara, who was walking over with a cup of coffee, said, "There were three astronauts in total: yourself, Mr. Abel Willis, and Ms. Ariel Pancy."
Hearing Barbara's answer, Ceci Michael took a deep breath, then tremblingly said to Lynn, "Mr. Hall, would you believe me if I told you there were six astronauts in total?"
"The other three were Benjamin Connors, Robert Kenny, and Aaron Needham."
"Although I only remember Benjamin Connors, the other two names were told to me by Benjamin when he called me. At first, I didn't believe it."
"But this morning, I found that Benjamin had disappeared, and no one remembered him, not even the media or newspapers!"
"Wait!"
Hearing Ceci Michael say this, a memory suddenly surfaced in Lynn's mind from yesterday.
It seemed that the person named Benjamin Connors had come to the New York FBI yesterday to seek his help!
This memory was very blurry, as if it happened yesterday, or as if it happened in the very distant past.
He didn't even remember what Benjamin Connors looked like.
But as Lynn closed his eyes and recalled, gradually, Benjamin Connors' panicked appearance became clearer.
Seeing Lynn suddenly close his eyes and ponder, Barbara, who was nearby, found it a bit Strange but didn't speak up to disturb him.
Even the tense and anxious Ceci Michael quieted down.
"Barbara, pull up all the surveillance footage from the Bureau yesterday, and also have Alice come over!"
Opening his eyes instantly, Lynn's expression became somewhat solemn.
"Okay, boss!"
Seeing Lynn's very serious expression, Barbaraimmediately sprang into action.
"Mr. Michael, is the Benjamin Connors you mentioned 1.82 meters tall, with thick lips and a black mole below the corner of his eye?"
Hearing Lynn say so much, Ceci immediately exclaimed excitedly, "Yes, yes! Oh my goodness, Mr. Hall, you actually still remember Benjamin Connors?"
"This is incredible. Thank God. I told this to everyone, and they all didn't believe me. I..."
Looking at the agitated Ceci Michael, who was almost in tears, Lynn comforted him with a few words, but his brow remained tightly furrowed.
If not for Ceci Michael's reminder, he would have even forgotten what happened yesterday.
This memory was as if it had been deliberately concealed by some kind of energy, or some kind of rule.
Lynn was certain that no one had invaded his brain to hide this memory.
Yet, just now, he couldn't recall it!
This feeling was too Strange!
As he was thinking, Barbara and Alice walked in simultaneously.
"Boss, you called me?"
Looking at Lynn, Alice asked.
"Alice, do you remember what happened yesterday afternoon?"
Facing Lynn's question, Alice nodded: "Of course I do. Yesterday afternoon, after you returned to New York from Britain, you had a cup of coffee in your office, then said there were Rhinos at the Illuminati that needed to be dealt with, and then you went directly to the Illuminati Base."
Seeing that Alice didn't remember the Benjamin Connorsincident from yesterday afternoon, Lynn had Barbara play the surveillance video from the Bureau yesterday afternoon!
In the surveillance video, Alice was standing in the lobby yesterday, talking to herself in the air, and when entering the elevator, she deliberately waited a few seconds, as if letting an invisible person enter the elevator.
And in the corridor leading to Lynn's office, Alice was comforting the air the entire time, even pointing to the air and introducing it to Barbara when she encountered her.
Seeing this scene, Alice frowned and said, "Boss, what's going on? I don't remember any of this at all."
Saying that, Alice looked at Barbara: "Barbara, do you remember?"
Facing Alice's question, Barbara shook her head: "I don't remember anything either."
The surveillance video continued to play, and in the footage, Alice had already left Lynn's office.
She opened the door to the lounge, then gestured to the air for "him" to enter.
After entering the lounge, Alice sat on a chair, sometimes talking to herself in the air, sometimes playing with her phone.
She never left during this time, and at dinner, Alice even had two meals delivered, placing one of them across from her.
Seeing the dinner across from her untouched, Alice even urged the other party to eat quickly.
Upon seeing the content in the surveillance video, Aliceimmediately rubbed her arms: "Boss, this is too bizarre. I don't remember what happened yesterday at all! Oh my goodness, I'm getting goosebumps."
Hearing the fear in Alice's voice, Lynn sped up the video playback.
At accelerated speed, the time in the video quickly moved to the latter half of the night.
Just after midnight, Alice, who was originally sitting in the chair in the video, instantly froze.
She got up and looked around, her expression filled with confusion, seemingly not understanding why she was there.
Seeing this scene, Lynn said to Alice, "Do you remember this scene?"
Facing Lynn's question, Alice nodded: "Yes, around midnight last night, I suddenly felt a surge of energy, and then I inexplicably found myself in the lounge."
"Although for a moment I felt something was off, my subconscious told me that it was because I hadn't been resting well lately, which was why I stayed at the Bureau to rest."
Hearing Alice say this, Lynn nodded.
"That's it, Mr. Hall, that's it!"
Looking at Lynn, Ceci Michael said in horror, "Around midnight last night, Benjamin called me, crying that he was about to disappear, and then told me to definitely find you."
"As a result, this morning I found that Benjamin had really disappeared, and the whole World didn't remember him!"
Just as he was speaking, Ceci Michael's expression suddenly froze, and then his face turned pale.
And Lynn's Spider-Sense also began to warn madly.
Instantly focusing his gaze behind Ceci Michael, Lynnreleased force field energy, and a utility knife instantly flew up, stabbing towards Ceci Michael's back.
"Pfft..."
The sound of the knife piercing flesh and hitting bone rang out, and a stream of blue blood dripped from the air.
Seeing this, Alice immediately pulled out her pistol and aimed it behind Ceci Michael, while Ceci, at this moment, was so scared that he directly hid under the table.
As the Spider-Sense warning disappeared, the utility knife also immediately fell to the ground.
"Alice, put your gun away. The enemy has disappeared. Also, send the utility knife to the laboratory and have the research department test the blue liquid on it!"
"Yes!"
Hearing Lynn say this, Alice immediately nodded.
"Mr. Hall, you saw it. Someone really wants me to disappear. All of this is real!"
Crawling out from under the table, Ceci Michael immediately grabbed Lynn, constantly pleading for help.
"Now, tell me everything about your experience in space."
Lynn looked at Cecy Michael with a serious expression: "If you don't want to end up like Benjamin and the others, then don't hide anything!"
Hearing Lynn's solemn tone, Cecy hesitated for a moment, then revealed everything they had encountered in the Universe.
Inside the Illuminati Base.
"No matter how I hear it, this kind of thing sounds too ridiculous!"
Looking at Cecy Michael, who was terrified in the lounge, Tony Stark shrugged: "Even if the aliens they encountered had the ability to make a person disappear, or even make everyone in the World forget them."
"But those aliens couldn't possibly erase all traces of their past lives, like videos or photos, right!"
Saying that, Tony Stark had Friday find the video of the astronauts being interviewed before their launch half a year ago.
Looking at the people in the video, Tony Stark continued: "Look, there's no Benjamin Connors or anything like that here, even the group photo in the newspaper is just them!"
Hearing Tony say this, Steve, who was beside him, said: "Perhaps it's magic? Like Stephen Strange's magic!"
"After all, we've met sorcerers, and we've fought aliens, and we even defeated a guy made of Current."
"So, no matter how unbelievable things are, I'm not surprised anymore!"
"Yes, it's not Strange at all, after all, even a person frozen for nearly seventy years can be resurrected!"
Listening to Tony's venomous sarcasm, Lynn looked at Cecy Michael, who was trembling with fear in the lounge behind the transparent glass: "Steve's words actually reminded me of something."
"Perhaps, it really is some kind of Obliviate. We'll know once we find Strange!"
Saying that, Lynn took out his phone, preparing to call Stephen Strange.
Lynn remembered the Obliviate-like magic Strange used in the movie to make everyone in the World forget Peter.
Just as he was about to dial Stephen Strange's number, a golden magic portal appeared in front of the three of them the next second, and then Strange walked out of the portal.
"Phew, I knew you guys needed help!"
Looking at Stephen Strange who walked out of the portal, Lynn hadn't even opened his mouth when Tony Stark directly said: "Wow, that's really convenient magic. If I learned this magic, wouldn't it mean I could appear anywhere I wanted to?
"What if some peeping tom uses this magic to appear in someone else's bedroom and wants to watch a live broadcast?"
Before Tony Stark could finish, Stephen Strange said: "This kind of arcane magic is not something anyone can learn, and Kamar-Taj is very strict about accepting disciples!"
"For example, you are not qualified to learn magic!"
"Is that so? I don't think it's that strict, after all, even you were taken in!"
Listening to the two bickering as soon as they met, Steve, who was beside them, shrugged at Lynn!
Seeing the two bickering as soon as they met, Lynndirectly interrupted them: "Now is not the time for you to bicker."
"Strange, do you know what's going on now?"
"This is a very advanced dark magic."
Facing Lynn's question, Stephen Strange said: "Legend has it that all dark magic was created by Chthon, the god of dark magic, and opposed to him is Vishanti."
"Although Chthon, the god of dark magic, is not in the real dimension, there are countless races in the Universewho believe in Chthon."
"Half a year ago, when this group of astronauts was on a mission in space, they accidentally discovered a 'meteor', and even brought the fragments of this 'meteor' that automatically disintegrated in space back to Earth."
"But in fact, that was not a meteor, but a sacred object from Planet U'tar."
"You should know that in order to collect the broken sacred object from three thousand years ago, the U'tarians have launched wars again and again!"
As Strange was speaking, Thor, carrying Mjolnir, walked over: "What are you talking about? Planet U'tar? I thought that was just a legend."
Hearing Thor say this, Steve asked curiously: "You know about this Planet too?"
"Of course, my Mother was raised by a Witch. She learned a lot of knowledge from the Witch and met people from many Planets, including the U'tarians."
"When I was little, Mother always tricked us, saying that children who didn't sleep well at night would be snatched and eaten by the Shadow people from Planet U'tar."
At this point, Thor spread his hands: "Planet U'tar is located outside the Nine Realms. The people on this Planet all know magic and can turn their bodies into something similar to Shadow, Mother said that was invisibility magic, but it has a physical form!"
"Speaking of this, I suddenly remembered, when Loki was little, he was afraid of being snatched and eaten by the U'tarians, and then he would run to my room to sleep, and he often..."
Seeing Thor getting off-topic, Lynn signaled Strange to continue.
"The people of Planet U'tar believe in Chthon and study dark magic. Because this group of astronauts brought the sacred object fragments back to Earth, a group of Shadow people from Planet U'tar also pursued them."
"According to the character of those lunatics from PlanetU'tar, anyone who has come into contact with the sacred object fragments will be slaughtered by them. Lynn, Benjamin, whom you remember, is just one of them!"
Hearing Strange say this, Lynn frowned, then walked to the side, picked up the phone, and dialed a number.
A few minutes later, seeing Lynn walk back, Steve asked: "How is it?"
Facing Steve's question, Lynn nodded: "I just called NASA, and they said that the 'fragments' Benjamin and Cecy brought back from space have disappeared, and Washington is currently looking for them."
Hearing Lynn say this, Tony Stark asked curiously: "Didn't anyone at NASA study those things?"
"How could no one study them? It's just that they don't remember if anyone studied them. I think the researchers who studied this thing have probably disappeared!"
"So what should we do now?"
Looking at Strange, Steve frowned: "Will those U'tarians you mentioned pose a threat to Earth?"
"You don't need to worry about that. The U'tarians only want to take the sacred object fragments and the people who have come into contact with them. They are not very interested in conquering other Planets!"
At this point, Strange looked at Lynn seriously and said: "Lynn, anyone who has come into contact with the sacred object fragments will be marked by dark magic, and their souls will also be gazed upon by Chthon."
"If we leave them on Earth, then Earth might attract Chthon's covetousness!"
Hearing Strange say this, everyone present frowned.
Steve, who was beside him, even said: "According to you, are we not going to save them and just watch these astronauts be slaughtered by the Shadow people of Planet U'tar?"
"Strange, you are a master of mystic arts, you should know a way to break it!"
Facing Steve's question, Strange hesitated for a few seconds, then nodded: "Unless we can eliminate the residual aura of the sacred object on them, only then can the U'tarians stop hunting them!"
"But I can't do it for now; I'll have to send them to Vishanti Temple!"
"Then what are we waiting for?"
Looking at Strange, Tony Stark said: "Where is Vishanti Temple? I'll find a way to send the people there right away!"
"I agree!"
Steve, who was beside him, nodded: "We must never give up on anyone's life!"
Looking at Steve and Tony's determined attitudes, Lynntook out his phone and made a call: "Alice, bring the other three astronauts to the Illuminati!"
Facing the Illuminati members who had already made their decision, Strange said: "Before that, we have to fight off the next wave of U'tarians!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Cecy in the lounge suddenly stood up blankly.
Immediately, as if sensing something, he frantically clutched his head and cowered into a corner, shouting things like 'don't kill him'.
Seeing this, everyone immediately rushed into the lounge.
Lynn, who had used his teleportation skill to enter the room, immediately stood in front of Cecy Michael, releasing Heat Vision that directly pierced through the chest of the U'tarian in front of him.
Blue blood continuously dripped in the air, and Lynn, relying on his Spider-Sense, immediately grabbed the Shadow person rushing from the other side.
"Crack!"
He twisted the U'tarian's neck without hesitation, but his Spider-Sense told Lynn that there were traces of Shadow people everywhere in the room.
"Damn it, we can't even see them, you magician, how are we supposed to fight this?"
Tony Stark, who had rushed in wearing his armor at the first moment, looked at the empty room, and the blue blood everywhere where Lynn's Heat Vision had swept.
He then had Jarvis perform a human thermal imaging scan.
But Jarvis scanned around and found no enemies.
"It's useless, U'tarians can use magic to turn into Shadows with physical forms. Ordinary scanners can't detect them at all!"
As his voice fell, Stephen Strange immediately released magic, and the next second, the light of magic enveloped the entire room.
As the magic light intensified, the bodies of the U'tarians in the room instantly appeared before everyone.
Looking at the U'tarians, who had blue skin all over their bodies and looked extremely Strange and ugly, Thor, who was beside them, said, holding his hammer: "These guys remind me of the Frost Giants from Jotunheim!"
Before everyone could make a move, one of the U'tarians directly raised his hand, signaling his companions behind him to stop!
Chapter 111 Showdown, conquer Duke!
Seeing the Utari stop their actions, Lynn retracted his Heat Vision.
In just a few seconds, more than a dozen Utari corpses lay on the ground.
Looking at the bodies of his companions on the ground, the leading Utari first glanced at them with disdain, as if to express that these dead Utari were useless trash.
Then, this fellow looked at Lynn with some apprehension, and immediately began speaking a lot of gibberish that no one could understand!
"Lynn, what are they saying?"
Watching the Utari continuously speak to Lynn, Steveheld his shield, vigilantly observing them, then asked Lynn.
"I don't understand. Thor, can you understand?"
"Uh, although I've learned many planetary languages, and even the language of the Flora Colossus, this is the first time I've heard this language!"
Hearing Thor say this, everyone could only turn their gaze to Stephen Strange.
Seeing everyone look at him, Strange shook his head, holding up his magic shield with both hands: "I don't understand either!"
"Tsk, what should we do then? We can't just..."
Seeing that these Earthlings in front of him didn't understand his words, the leading Utari looked at Strange, then pointed to his own head.
"You mean, use a mental link?"
Understanding the Utari's gesture, Strange hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
As the two used magic to construct a mental link, the next second Strange began to speak the Utari language!
After the two finished communicating, Strange said to Lynn with a troubled expression: "He means that you are very strong, and these people present are also very powerful."
"But the ordinary people on Earth are very weak, and he doesn't mind that you killed so many of his subordinates."
"However, he must take away and kill anyone who has come into contact with the sacred artifact, and then sacrifice their souls to Chthon."
"If the Illuminati wants to stop him, then he will consider it a declaration of war from Earth against the Utari, and at that time, all Utari dark mages will invade Earth!"
Hearing Strange's translation, everyone present's expressions turned grim.
Even Steve's expression was very solemn: "I will never give up anyone's life. This is my principle."
Stepping forward with his shield in hand, Steve said resolutely: "Even if it causes a planetary war!"
"Haha, that's right!"
Hearing Steve say this, Thor, holding his hammer, laughed: "If these Shadow people want to invade Earth, then let them come. You should know that Asgard is the Guardian realm of the Nine Realms."
"Once they dare to invade Earth, I will lead the warriors of Asgard to jointly defend Earth. Lynn, what do you say?"
Facing Thor's question, Lynn smiled: "The last person who threatened me like that has already been sent to hell by me!"
"Perhaps we should think of other ways!"
Listening to the three's conversation, Tony Stark frowned: "Once the Utari invade, Earth will inevitably suffer a great catastrophe."
"Strange, haven't they already taken the artifact fragments? Ask him if there are any other solutions?"
Nodding, Strange looked back at the Utari.
The two chattered for a long time, and Strange shook his head with a troubled expression: "He said this matter is non-negotiable."
"Not only that, but because Lynn killed so many of his subordinates, he intends to take Lynn's life as compensation!"
"What?"
Hearing Strange say this, Tony Stark's faceplate immediately closed: "Then what else is there to say? Let's fight!"
As his words fell, Tony Stark immediately unleashed a repulsor blast, attacking the Utari.
As Tony began to act, the others in the lounge joined the battle.
In just a few seconds, the Utari suffered heavy losses.
Seeing the unfavorable situation, the remaining Utari immediately released a magic barrier to envelop themselves, and at the same time began to chant a magicspell.
The moment the magic spell was chanted, the entire lounge was instantly enveloped in a cloud of black mist.
Not only that, but the smooth walls of the lounge were also corroded, and countless black moths scurried out of the thick fog.
Seeing this scene, Strange's expression changed drastically, and the magic in his hand transformed into a giant axe, striking the Utari's magic shield.
Seeing cracks appear in the magic shield, Strangeimmediately said: "Lynn, don't let them finish chanting the spell, otherwise—"
Before Strange could finish speaking, Lynn's Heat Visionwent straight for the cracks in the magic shield.
As the Heat Vision energy continuously increased, the cracks in the magic shield grew larger and larger.
"Crack..."
A crisp sound, like a glass bottle shattering, rang out, and the Utari's magic shield immediately shattered.
The moment the shield shattered, Lynn instantly teleported to these guys, and the dagger in his hand unhesitatingly slit their throats!
Several Utari fell dead, and the mist in the lounge gradually dissipated.
Those black moths were incinerated into ash by Tony Stark's energy blasts.
However, the once clean and luxurious lounge was now a mess, and even an entire wall was corroded and mottled!
"Phew."
After a long sigh, Strange looked at Lynn and said: "Fortunately, their summoning magic was interrupted in time, otherwise, once the demons from the underworld were released by them, the consequences would be unimaginable!"
Hearing Strange say this, Tony Stark frowned: "Underworld? You mean hell? My goodness, there really are devils and such? Then does Santa Claus exist?"
"Not hell, it's the underworld, those are two different dimensions."
Correcting Tony's misconception, Strange said: "Now, let's first send Cecy Michael and the other astronauts to Vishanti Temple."
"As for what comes next, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble my teacher!"
With that, Strange earnestly said to Lynn: "If my teacher is willing to act, then the Utari are not a problem."
"Your teacher is that powerful?"
Listening to Strange's emphatic words, Tony asked curiously: "If your teacher is really that powerful, then why was your face so grim when that blue elf said he was going to war with Earth earlier?"
"That's because my teacher rarely interferes with the development of the real dimension."
Looking at Tony, Stephen Strange said: "According to her, everything in the real dimension is predetermined, and even if an error occurs causing a time branch, this time branch will eventually return to the river of time."
"So I can't be sure if the teacher will be willing to intervene in this incident!"
Inside Vishanti Temple.
"My goodness, this place is actually built on a cliff?"
Looking at the abyss-like cliff below, where even white clouds were beneath their feet, Tony Stark said to Lynn: "You know, if I let Jarvis calculate exactly where this is—"
"Even if you know where this place is, you won't be able to enter."
Before Tony could finish speaking, a golden magic portal opened around them, and then a bald woman in a magicrobe appeared before them.
"Teacher!"
Seeing Ancient One appear, Strange bowed, then introduced her to Lynn and the others: "This is my teacher, and also the Guardian of Earth's real dimension, Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One!"
Hearing Strange's introduction, Lynn and the others also nodded to Ancient One.
"No need to be polite."
Ancient One smiled as she surveyed everyone, finally resting her gaze on Lynn.
"The plan you are brewing can begin ahead of schedule; this will bring great help to the future!"
[Ancient One's Favorability: 5!]
Listening to the system prompt, Lynn was somewhat surprised that Sorcerer Supreme Ancient One, who he was meeting for the first time, had a favorability of 5 points!
"You mean..."
Seeing that Lynn didn't understand, Ancient One smiled and glanced at Steve.
In an instant, Lynn realized that Ancient One was referring to him selling out HYDRA!
Tsk, just as he had expected, Ancient One, possessing the Time Stone, had seen the future more than once, and certainly knew of his existence.
And, if there were no surprises, the reason for the 5 points of favorability upon their first meeting should be his establishment of the Illuminati, as well as something he would do in the future!
"Strange, take these four astronauts into Vishanti Temple. Preparations have been made inside to cleanse them of the aura of Chthon's remnants that they have come into contact with!"
Hearing his teacher's words, Strange nodded, then said to Cecy and the other three somewhat bewildered astronauts: "Follow me!"
Watching Strange about to lead them into an unknown place, Cecy and the others immediately looked at Lynn.
Compared to the person who opened a portal in the Illuminati Base and brought them here, they were more willing to trust Lynn Hall, the Director of the New York FBI branch, from the bottom of their hearts.
"Go on, this is saving you!"
Seeing Lynn nod, the four of them hesitantly followed Strange into Vishanti Temple.
After the few of them walked in, Sorcerer Ancient Onesmiled at Lynn and the other two: "You don't need to worry about the Utari. They are just some followers of Chthon. I will tell them that Earth is not something they can covet!"
Lynn nodded, looking at Sorcerer Ancient One, who had a gentle smile and a soft voice, but whose tone became unyielding when speaking of Chthon's followers.
He knew how powerful Ancient One truly was.
It was Tony Stark who spoke: "I'm not trying to question you, but if you're really as powerful as Strange says, then why did you stand by when Loki brought the Chitauri to invade Earth?"
Facing Tony's confusion, Sorcerer Supreme Ancient Onesmiled: "Because you need to know, Earth is not as safe as you imagine!"
After speaking, Sorcerer Ancient One nodded to Lynn, then disappeared from everyone's sight.
"Wow, this time she didn't even use a magic portal?"
Watching Ancient One turn and disappear, Tony Starkshrugged, then said to Lynn: "Lynn, do you really believe she has the power to say that if the Utari aren't allowed to come to Earth, they won't dare to come to Earth?"
Before Lynn could answer Tony's question, Thor, who was carrying his hammer, said, "She's very powerful!"
"Oh?"
"I can sense it. She is truly strong. I was just thinking, who is more powerful, her or my father!"
Hearing Thor say that, everyone, including Lynn, became interested. "And then?"
"I don't know!"
Seeing everyone look at him, Thor shook his head. "Unless they truly fight, I can't be sure whether my father is stronger or this Sorcerer Supreme is stronger!"
"Tch!"
Seeing Thor's expression, as if he couldn't analyze it, everyone immediately shook their heads.
Steve walked over to Lynn and saw his solemn expression.
Steve said, "Are you thinking about the plan the Sorcerer Supreme just mentioned, the one you need to implement ahead of time?"
"This plan should be related to me, after all, the Sorcerer Ancient One just looked at me!"
Listening to Steve's question, Lynn "fell silent" for a moment. "Steve, do you trust me?"
"Of course!"
Seeing Lynn's serious gaze, Steve also nodded solemnly.
"I'll think about it again. I'm not sure if telling you the plan now would lead to a worse outcome once things start moving!"
Well, after I go back, I need to have a good talk with James Duke and get him ready to jump ship from HYDRA.
Everything is already prepared. The broken ship called S.H.I.E.L.D., controlled by Alexander Pierce, should sink to the bottom of the sea!
Seeing Lynn's "preoccupied" look, Steve patted Lynn's shoulder. "No matter what your plan is, I will support you!"
"Me too!"
Tony, who had just been chatting with Thor, also walked over. "Not to mention you saving me from the Middle EastDesert, and the matters with Obadiah and Whiplash, just our friendship alone is enough for me to stand by you!"
"Me too, me too!"
Thor, holding his hammer, leaned in and chuckled, "Although I don't know what you're talking about, I always feel it must be very interesting!"
Inside the Illuminati Base.
Seeing the few people walk out of the magic portal, Peter Parker immediately rushed over. "Oh my goodness, you're finally back."
"This is bad, something big just happened. God forbid, I didn't expect such a proposal to pass. This is simply outrageous!"
Seeing Peter Parker excitedly babbling again, Lynn said, "Calm down, Peter, get to the point!"
"Oh, sorry, sorry, I'm too excited!"
Taking a deep breath, Peter Parker immediately said, "Just now, the President announced through the media that he will support Mutants in establishing a new nation, and this proposal has already passed the World Security Council!"
"Furthermore, the World Security Council will even allocate a special fund to help Mutants establish their nation, and this bill will officially take effect starting today!"
Hearing Peter say that, Steve and the others exchanged glances.
Lynn, however, didn't show much emotion.
After all, he had already known this outcome after the President's dinner party!
The U.S. President announced support for Mutants to establish their own country, and the World Security Council would also allocate funds to support it.
When this news came out, the entire World was in an uproar.
Many countries were speculating whether the U.S. President's sudden change of attitude to support Mutants meant that some kind of agreement had been reached with them?
And when the specific bill to aid Mutants in nation-building was announced, seeing that in addition to the World Security Council's allocation, even the United States would allocate funds for aid.
At this point, the residents of the United States could not sit still.
After all, the promises made during the presidential election regarding improvements in people's livelihoods, such as healthcare and elder care, had not yet been resolved.
Now they were going to provide hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars in free aid for the Mutants to establish their nation, which enraged the American public. They believed the President had deceived them!
In just a few days, large-scale protest marches erupted across the United States, especially in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Washington.
Even the Governor of Texas publicly came out to announce his opposition to the aid bill passed by Congress, and even claimed that if Congress "persisted in its folly," then Texas would declare its secession from America and similar declarations.
Los Angeles, inside a luxurious apartment.
"Cassandra, we Mutants can establish our own nation!"
Looking at the news announced by the media, Moiraexcitedly said to Cassandra.
Facing Moira's excitement, Cassandra remained calm. "What's so Strange about that? We Mutants haven't established our own country before?"
"But what was the result? Heh..."
Seeing Cassandra's indifferent expression, Moira happily sat on the sofa and said, "No matter what, at least this is a huge piece of good news for Mutants."
"The reason our Universe's Mutant nation eventually perished was because we weren't recognized by most countries in the World at the time."
"Plus, some Mutants always acted recklessly, angering most countries in the World, and even provoking the Inhumans, which is why they were jointly attacked by all the countries in the World and the Inhumans."
"But it's different now. The World Security Council of this Universe has agreed to our nation-building, and when Black Bolt and Medusa descended to Earth some time ago, I even met them!"
At this point, Moira looked at Cassandra and smiled, "I believe that the Mutants of this Universe will definitely live a free life!"
Seeing Moira's confident expression, Cassandra chuckled. "I can't imagine that after several reincarnations, you are still so naive!"
"Moira, humans and Mutants can never live in peace, unless..."
"Unless what?"
Hearing Cassandra's words, Moira asked curiously.
"Nothing!"
Turning to look at Moira, Cassandra said, "Viktor Von Doom has returned from Molecule Man. Notify him that once Lynn Hall decides to eliminate the HYDRA faction led by Alexander Pierce."
"Then he can act in advance!"
"I'm not your subordinate!"
Listening to Cassandra's arrangements, Moira said, "Why don't you let Green Goblin notify him?"
"By the way, are you sure that Chaos Magic and Phoenix Force won't repel each other, or even destroy this Universe, if they come into contact?"
"No!"
Looking at Moira, Cassandra smiled, "As long as the power within you doesn't get involved, then this Universewill not be in danger!"
Getting up from the sofa, Moira said, "Then I'll help you one more time. Don't forget your promise to help me strip away this power parasitic in me."
"I don't even know if you have the ability!"
After speaking, Moira turned and left the apartment.
Cassandra chuckled as Moira left, but looking at the protesting crowds below, a hint of coldness flashed in her eyes.
At the same time, inside James Duke's office at FBI Headquarters in Washington.
"I don't know what kind of madness the President has gotten into, to actually support Mutants in establishing a nation, and even the Senate and House of Representatives have expressed their support."
Looking at the marching crowds on the street reported on TV, James Duke said to Lynn.
"Perhaps the President and the Mutants have reached some kind of agreement, just as the internet speculates!"
As he spoke, Lynn glanced at the young and promising members standing beside James Duke, then said, "You go out first, Director Duke and I have something to discuss!"
Hearing Lynn say that, James Duke's assistant nodded and then left the office.
Once only the two of them were left in the office, Lynnsaid, "Director Duke, there's something I think I should tell you."
"Oh? What is it?"
He picked up a cigar, about to light it, but hearing Lynnsay that, James Duke put down the cigar and asked.
"This broken ship, HYDRA, is about to sink. The Illuminatiand the Avengers are preparing to eliminate HYDRA, led by Pierce!"
As he spoke, Lynn took a cigarette from his pocket, put it in his mouth, and casually picked up the lighter on the table to light it.
As the light blue smoke slowly rose and floated between the two, Lynn looked at James Duke and continued, "So, out of consideration for our past acquaintance, Director Duke, I can now give you two choices: either stand against me and become a burial object for HYDRA, or start working for me from now on!"
"Time is a bit tight, so I hope Director Duke, you make your choice as soon as possible!"
Hearing Lynn's blunt words, James Duke was stunned. Lynn's sudden revelation left him somewhat confused.
Before he could ask for clarification, Lynn continued, "Director Duke, in fact, we are quite similar. The so-called loyalty to HYDRA is nothing more than a means to climb to a higher position."
"Honestly, I greatly admire your ability and ambition. So, if you are willing to switch sides and start working for me, then I will unite the Illuminati and the Avengers to push you to an even higher position!"
Hearing Lynn wanting to recruit him, James Duke also reacted from his previous surprise.
Lynn was right, HYDRA, for him, was merely a tool for advancement.
If he could have a better option, then he could naturally abandon HYDRA at any time.
As for changing allegiances and becoming a subordinate to someone who was once his subordinate, this did not pose any psychological burden for James Duke.
After all, as a qualified politician, whoever offered higher stakes, whoever could elevate him to a higher position, that's who he would be willing to serve!
Moreover, Lynn now controlled the Illuminati and even had intricate connections with the Avengers.
James Duke was very aware of how high the public's reputation was for the Illuminati and these superheroes of the Avengers.
If they were willing to stand up and support him, then it would definitely bring him greater power than HYDRAcould!
Thinking of this, James Duke put on a smile again.
Chapter 112 Lynn: I have always been a Hydra!
Standing up, James Duke picked up a glass of Water and filled it, then placed it in front of Lynn.
This represented James Duke's attitude at the moment; he wanted to know what kind of bargaining chip Lynnwould offer him!
"James Duke, the entire World knows how dangerous HYDRA is, and yet the U.S. political, business, scientific research, and other crucial sectors have been completely taken over by HYDRA."
"HYDRA wants to split the United States, to plunge its citizens into war. Just as the entire United States was in peril, on the brink of collapse, you, as a hero, turned the tide, shattered HYDRA's conspiracy, and saved this country."
"What do you think of the identity I've arranged for you?"
Hearing Lynn say this, James Duke's eyes lit up, but he quickly asked, "Will the public believe this story? After all, if HYDRA truly controlled the United States, they would never split it!"
Facing James Duke's question, Lynn knew that he was deliberately asking such a "naive" question, actually wanting to know what kind of support he, or rather the Illuminati and the Avengers, would give him if he defected.
So, facing James Duke, Lynn said, "Don't worry, once we completely eliminate HYDRA, led by Pierce, then the Illuminati and the Avengers will vouch for you in front of the media!"
"You should know the Illuminati's reputation and public image. With us standing up to support you, absolutely no one will question your 'achievements'!"
"As for whether HYDRA would split the United States? Heh..."
At this point, Lynn chuckled, "Don't forget, we are still HYDRA right now, so..."
Hearing Lynn say this, James Duke immediately understood Lynn's meaning.
He was HYDRA, and his status within HYDRA was extremely high. If he produced some documents about splitting the United States, and with Lynn's help, who would dare to say these documents were fake?
Even Alexander Pierce or Ophelia, these HYDRA heads, would only think he had another plan, and would not doubt the authenticity of the documents.
"James Duke, in two more years, Justice Minister Jeff Russell will retire. As long as you are willing to work for me, I guarantee that the position of Justice Minister will be yours, and perhaps even the position of President!"
Looking at James Duke, Lynn said, "So, you'd best make your choice quickly now: either choose to be buried with HYDRA, or continue to be your FBI Director, and in two years, gloriously become Justice Minister, or even President."
Listening to the choices Lynn offered, James Duke didn't need to think at all.
He stood up, took out a good bottle of wine from the cabinet, opened it, and personally poured a glass for Lynn: "Mr. Lynn Hall, please take care of me from now on."
Watching James Duke make his choice in an instant and immediately adapt to the change in identity.
Lynn smiled as he took the wine glass and said, "Don't worry about your information in Pierce's hands; I've taken care of everything. In private, you'll work for me, but publicly, you'll still be my superior."
"I look forward to the day you become the President of the United States!"
"I look forward to it too."
With that, the two clinked their glasses and then smiled at each other.
As of now, Steve and the others are not yet aware that Alexander Pierce is part of HYDRA!
However, in the past week, Steve and Tony have already learned that HYDRA still exists!
In the morning, on a street in Queens.
"Fuxx, where is that mad scientist Justin Francis talked about hiding? Even satellites can't find a trace of him!"
Looking at Rhino lying on the ground, Tony Stark opened his faceplate and said to Steve.
"I don't know, but in the past two days, several more Rhinos have emerged from the sewers. I suspect that mad scientist might be hiding in the sewers?"
While letting the arriving NYPD officers shackle Rhinoand take him away, Steve said to Tony.
"Probably not, after all, after getting the New Yorksubway and sewer blueprints from the City Planning Bureau, I already had Jarvis search all possible hiding places underground!"
"What I suspect now is that the mad scientist is being hidden by some force, like HYDRA!"
Hearing Tony say this, Steve's expression also became serious: "Yes, I didn't expect HYDRA to still exist in this era!"
"If it weren't for FBI Director James Duke announcing to the media a few days ago that he had captured many HYDRA members, I wouldn't have dared to imagine that HYDRA still existed!"
At this point, Steve glanced at the shield in his hand: "Cut off one head, and two more shall take its place—that's HYDRA's motto!"
"Who cares how many heads it can grow? As soon as I find one, I'll smash it!"
As the two were talking, Natasha drove up and stopped beside them: "Hey, boys, does anyone need a ride?"
"Oh? Why are you in New York?"
Looking at Natasha in the car, Tony Stark asked curiously.
"Lynn asked me to come; he said he needed me for something and also to pick you guys up!"
Hearing Natasha say this, Steve nodded, then got into the car and looked at Tony: "Aren't you getting in?"
"No, it's more convenient for me to fly back!"
With that, Tony activated his armor and soared into the sky, heading straight for the Illuminati Base!
Inside the Illuminati Base.
When Steve and Natasha arrived on the balcony following Friday's guidance, Lynn was currently sitting on the balcony having a video call with James Duke.
Although James Duke had privately become Lynn's subordinate, in front of Tony and the others, the two still maintained a superior-subordinate relationship.
Seeing the two approach, Tony shushed them, then gestured for them to sit down!
"I've captured most of HYDRA, but unfortunately, the remaining HYDRA members on the list fled immediately after hearing their companions were caught."
"I've issued a warrant, and now airports, train stations, and docks in various cities are under full lockdown. They can't escape the United States!"
At this point, James Duke glanced at Tony Stark next to Lynn.
Then he praised Lynn profusely: "Fortunately, we have you, Lynn, otherwise the United States would have been infiltrated by HYDRA. Thank you for your hard work as an undercover agent within HYDRA all these years!"
"No trouble, Director, everything is for this country!"
After speaking, Lynn hung up the video call.
After Lynn hung up the video, Steve immediately asked, "Undercover? Undercover for what? Lynn, are you an undercover agent for HYDRA? I mean, you're undercover in HYDRA? And from what James Duke just said, you provided the list of these HYDRA members?"
Looking at Steve's curious expression, Lynn nodded and said, "That's right, I did provide the list of these people, and I've always been undercover in HYDRA."
"But to be precise, it's not exactly 'undercover,' because when HYDRA forced me to join them back then, I simply played along!"
Hearing Lynn admit to being undercover in HYDRA, the three present were first stunned, then Tony Stark said, "My God, I can't imagine you have such an identity. Tsk, but what happened when HYDRA forced you to join them back then?"
"Because of you!"
"Me?"
Hearing Lynn say it was because of him, Tony Stark was clearly taken aback.
"That's right, it was indeed because of you."
Looking at the three, Lynn shrugged and said, "This goes back to when I rescued Tony from the Middle East. After I rescued Tony, I thought it was just an ordinary mission."
"But I didn't expect that because I led people to save Tony, HYDRA took notice of me."
Hearing Lynn say this, Steve said, "That's normal. After all, Tony's father, Howard, was one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D. When you saved Tony, HYDRA would definitely focus their attention on you!"
"Indeed!"
Smiling and spreading his hands, Lynn continued, "At first, HYDRA wanted to kill me, but after reviewing my file, they decided to recruit me instead."
"To that end, they even killed the Deputy Director of the New York FBI, who was recuperating in Los Angeles. When I went to Los Angeles to investigate, they directly approached me."
"They threatened me with the lives of Gwen, Uncle George, and Aunt Helen. If I didn't join them, HYDRAwould kill them."
At this point, Lynn shook his head: "So I could only pretend to join them."
"At first, I even thought about wiping them all out once I returned to New York."
"But after truly joining them, I realized just how vast HYDRA's power was, and I discovered they had always been plotting a conspiracy to rule the World."
"To investigate their conspiracy, I've been hiding by their side and secretly investigating all these years."
With that, Lynn took out a USB drive and handed it to the three: "It wasn't until a few days ago that I truly uncovered that Pierce, or rather, HYDRA within S.H.I.E.L.D., has been planning a project called the Insight Project!"
Hearing Lynn say this, Natasha immediately took the USB drive and plugged it into a computer.
Looking at the contents of the USB drive, the expressions of the three gradually became solemn.
After seeing the full contents of the Insight Project, Tony Stark frowned and said, "Using an algorithm to predict who will pose a threat to HYDRA, and then using Helicarriers to directly kill everyone who could threaten HYDRA?"
"It can even calculate who will pose a threat to HYDRA in the future? My God, how is that possible? I've never heard of a similar algorithm!"
"This is the Zola Algorithm."
Looking at the shocked Tony, Lynn said, "I didn't copy the specific Zola Algorithm, because once that's done, it would activate the Zola Algorithm, thereby awakening Dr. Zola's consciousness uploaded to the computer, and then Pierce would discover it!"
After listening to Lynn's detailed explanation of the Zola Algorithm, the expressions of the three once again became solemn.
"No wonder!"
"No wonder what?"
Hearing Steve say "no wonder," Tony asked curiously.
"Nothing, I just remembered when Lynn told me that he didn't trust anyone within S.H.I.E.L.D. except for me, Natasha, and Clint!"
"Even when Drakov was eliminated in the Bear Country, I questioned Lynn about the reason, but he told me then that it wasn't time yet!"
With that, Steve looked at Lynn: "So, the real reason is that S.H.I.E.L.D. is full of HYDRA?"
Seeing Lynn nod, Natasha also spoke: "I once had this doubt too. The first time Lynn and I met, he didn't trust me because I was from S.H.I.E.L.D."
"At the time, I thought it was because S.H.I.E.L.D. often had friction with the FBI, which was why he didn't want to trust me."
At this point, Natasha looked at Lynn and asked: "But when did you start to trust me?"
Facing Natasha's question, Lynn smiled: "The Hudson Hotel. That time we went into the Hudson Hotel together and encountered a demon that rushed out of the Fire Lake, do you still remember that?"
"Of course, that was the first time I encountered a real demon!"
"But what you don't know is that, after encountering the demon, the surrounding space-time froze, and I also met Mephisto there!"
Looking at the three, Lynn spread his hands: "At that time, Mephisto wanted to make a deal with me, but I refused. However, I also learned from him that Natasha is not a member of HYDRA!"
"God, Mephisto? A demon from the Fire Lake? Is everything recorded in the Bible true? Does this Worldreally have—"
Seeing Tony's surprised look, Natasha interrupted him: "We'll tell you slowly when we have time. Right now, the most important thing is how to eliminate HYDRA, led by Alexander Pierce!"
With that, Natasha looked at Lynn and said: "Lynn, since you've been working with James Duke for so long, and now you're suddenly making a move against HYDRA, you must have a way to eliminate HYDRA, right!"
Facing Natasha's question, Lynn took out an album and handed it to her: "These people are HYDRA members hidden in New York. Ever since I was forced to join HYDRA, I've been secretly investigating HYDRA's situation."
"Over the years, Director Duke and I have cooperated and resolved over one hundred and thirty HYDRA members."
"Unfortunately, due to their identities and different cities, I couldn't act against some of the remaining people, so I could only ask Director Duke to secretly monitor them!"
"What you see in the news now, the HYDRA members Director Duke arrested, are those we've been secretly monitoring."
"Of course, these are just small fries, and what we're going to face next are the HYDRA inside S.H.I.E.L.D.!"
At this point, Lynn took out another list: "I'm not clear yet exactly how many HYDRA members are in S.H.I.E.L.D."
"After all, this is Pierce's secret. I once thought about joining S.H.I.E.L.D. to investigate thoroughly, but unfortunately, Pierce ordered me to lie low in New York."
"According to him, once the Insight Project begins, I am to immediately take control of New York, the largest city in the U.S., and then assist him in eliminating Nick Fury."
Taking the list from Lynn's hand, the three glanced at it: "Alexander Pierce, Sitwell, Brock Rumlow, Brian Freeman."
"Oh my goodness, many people on the list are heads of various departments in S.H.I.E.L.D., and even if not primary heads, they are second-in-command in important departments!"
"Even more than half of the action teams and people from the scientific research department—it's unimaginable how many HYDRA operatives are lurking within S.H.I.E.L.D.!"
Looking at the names on the list, Natasha's expression was a bit grim: "All this time, I thought I was doing the right thing by leaving the Red Room and joining S.H.I.E.L.D., but I didn't realize I was just jumping from one quagmire into another!"
Three days later, Washington, on the rooftop of a skyscraper.
"How are the investigation results?"
Looking at Natasha, Steve asked.
"The investigation is almost complete. The people Lynngave us on the list are indeed closely related to HYDRA. Not only that, I also found some people not on the list but who had close contact with them!"
At this point, Natasha sighed with emotion: "Fortunately, we have Lynn. Otherwise, we might not have discovered HYDRA's conspiracy until the Helicarriers carrying the Insight Project launched!"
Facing Natasha's emotion, Steve also nodded: "Yes, fortunately we still have Lynn. Otherwise, once the Insight Project is successfully implemented, this Worldwould truly fall into HYDRA's hands!"
"And given Lynn's abilities and identity, once this World is controlled by HYDRA, Lynn would definitely gain greater power and a higher position."
"But now, he is willingly giving up these easily obtainable things. It can only be said that Lynn is a respectable person!"
Looking at Steve's sincere expression, Natasha shrugged: "Compared to that, don't you think it was harder for him when he was undercover in HYDRA? After all, he had to prevent us from discovering his identity."
"At the same time, he had to deal with HYDRA and secretly investigate HYDRA's conspiracy. You know, even if he made the slightest mistake, his identity would be noticed by us!"
"But under this double pressure, he not only didn't make any mistakes but also uncovered HYDRA's conspiracy!"
"It's unimaginable how he endured these past few years!"
At this point, Natasha said seriously: "This is much more stressful than when I escaped the Red Room, being hunted by the Red Room while also worrying about being wanted by various countries."
"After all, at that time I could still fight back against those who chased me, but he could only endure this torment alone!"
As the two were talking, they saw Sam Wilsonapproaching, pointing a gun at Sitwell.
"It seems your new friend isn't bad!"
Watching Sam the Falcon bring Sitwell over, Natashashrugged and said.
When Sitwell saw Steve and Natasha, his previously terrified expression immediately relaxed, and he then questioned: "Captain Rogers, Natasha, what do you intend to do by having me arrested?"
"Are you trying to betray S.H.I.E.L.D.? You are committing a crime!"
"Shut up!"
A heavy punch landed on Sitwell's stomach. Watching Sitwell double over like a shrimp, Natasha grabbed his neck and said: "Tell me, how many HYDRA members are hidden within S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
Hearing Natasha mention HYDRA, Sitwell's pupils immediately constricted, and he then looked at Natashaand said: "I don't understand what you're talking about!"
"Don't understand?"
Seeing Sitwell pretend not to know, Natasha grabbed his neck and kicked him off the rooftop.
"Ah!!!"
Hearing Sitwell's terrified scream as he fell, Natashalooked at Steve and said: "The Sitwell I know isn't that tough!"
As her voice fell, Tony Stark, wearing his armor, flew up, carrying the falling Sitwell.
Casually tossing Sitwell onto the rooftop, Tony Starklooked at Steve and said: "Still no good. The chip to block the Insight Project lacks algorithmic support and cannot be manufactured yet."
"So your idea of manufacturing the blocking chip in advance to prevent HYDRA in other countries from implementing the Insight Project again won't work. I think it's better to follow Lynn's plan and directly storm S.H.I.E.L.D. to completely eliminate HYDRA."
"Or simply destroy all of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Helicarriers. As for HYDRA in other countries and regions, well, eliminate them as we find them!"
Hearing Tony mention Lynn, Sitwell's eyes suddenly glazed over, and the things Lynn had planted in his brain suddenly erupted.
Sitwell then stood up, supporting his somewhat weak legs, and said: "Lynn... Lynn Hall is also HYDRA. Although I don't know how you found out about the Insight Project, you have clearly all been deceived by Lynn."
"He is also a part of HYDRA!"
Hearing Sitwell say this, Natasha and Steve exchanged glances, then laughed.
"This is true, Lynn Hall really is HYDRA. We even have Lynn Hall's information in our internal HYDRA files. He is indeed one of us!"
Seeing that the two didn't believe him, Sitwell quickly explained: "After Lynn Hall rescued Tony Stark from the Middle East, he came into our sight. After we reviewed his detailed file, we became increasingly impressed with his abilities!"
"For this, we even specifically killed the Deputy Directorof the New York FBI branch who was recuperating in Los Angeles at the time, just to lure Lynn Hall to Los Angelesfor investigation."
"Once Lynn Hall was lured to Los Angeles, we threatened his adoptive parents and their family to make him join us!"
Hearing that what Sitwell said was exactly consistent with what Lynn had said, Natasha shrugged: "We already knew Lynn's identity. Otherwise, how do you think we knew about the Insight Project?"
"If nothing unexpected happens, Alexander Pierce is already under Lynn's control. Compared to that, I'm more interested in the specific list of HYDRA within S.H.I.E.L.D.right now!"
With that, Natasha once again grabbed Sitwell by the collar and brought him to the edge of the rooftop: "You'd better think carefully, because this time, if I throw you down, no one will catch you!"
"I'll talk, I'll talk!"
Seeing that Natasha wasn't joking, Sitwell immediately blurted out a large number of names.
The more they listened to the list, the uglier everyone's expressions became.
"This is just a small part of S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters. We have HYDRA operatives all over the World in S.H.I.E.L.D.It can be said that on the surface, Nick Fury is in control of S.H.I.E.L.D., but in reality, S.H.I.E.L.D. has always been under our HYDRA's control!"