The three people who passed through the wormhole did not face the imagined sight.
There were no flourishing streets, no fiery French girls, even though this was a hidden alley, but it was still possible to see the large '卍' flags flying on the surrounding buildings.
The red flags hung from the rooftops like cascades of blood, immersing the city in a bizarre atmosphere.
At the end of the alley, one could see the road outside, and occasionally, passersby who had a numb expression. It seemed these people had accepted reality — France had already been defeated.
The streets had more soldiers in gray uniforms who appeared relatively relaxed. They conversed in German, touring this great city.
France had surrendered, Paris had fallen, and this was the heart of the German-Controlled Zone. Many German soldiers came here during their leave.
The City of Romance was busier than Berlin, and victors. The Germans liked to see their new trophies.
"Alright, it seems French won't be needed." Monac leaned his cane against the ground and sighed. Now they were deep behind enemy lines, surrounded by Germans.
"I should speak less; I don't know German." The doctor made a zipper gesture on his lips, grimacing as he spoke to the two.
"If you're still thinking of finding girls, there are other ways," Su Ming said, pulling out a few compressed biscuits from his bag — originally provisions for field operations. "The French aren't doing well now; many young women sell themselves for food. Use these to trade."
The doctor and Mage shook their heads. They wanted to prove their charm in a relaxing environment, using normal means to attract beauties, not for the fleshly desires of reality.
What should have been romantic turned into a transaction, losing all mood.
Su Ming put away the dry food and refocused on the things outside the alley.
The sky had many large German airships, layered like houses in the sky, not only were soldiers active on them but also floodlights and various heavy weapons.
Besides soldiers on the streets, many wore black leather coats. They were too far to distinguish if they were Hydra or Gestapo, but their vigilance was evidently much higher than ordinary soldiers.
Every few minutes, a patrol team would pass by on the street. Elite Germans were capturing underground guerrillas. Besides conventional weapons, they were equipped with armored vehicles carrying energy cannons and a giant robot over five meters tall, walking on inverted mechanical legs.
Whether it counted as a robot was unknown, but the strange thing looked like a rhino assault cannon chassis with two long legs attached under it, appearing bizarre.
There's no turret above the cockpit, only densely packed various weapons: heavy machine guns, rocket shells, energy cannons, and even a retractable circular saw as a melee weapon.
The sky was overcast, as if a storm was coming. Large flags hung from the airships flew across the sky, and citizens of Paris watched in terror at the sinister war machines passing by on the streets.
Ordinary people were naturally scared. Blood dripped from the circular saw — it was unknown whom they killed, when, or where.
"Clang clang clang..."
The heavy metallic footsteps gradually faded away. The three merely watched the towering black shadow disappear, uncertain of what to say.
"What the hell are those things?"
Holloway spoke first, frowning and scratching his head. That mechanical monster was filled with a sinister oppressive feeling, and he didn't remember the US Army having comparable terrible weapons.
Su Ming didn't know the answer either. In this world, Germany seemed to be hacking; any black tech weapon was possible.
Never mind bootleg sentinel robots, even if an 'Emperor's Poison Blade' tank rolled down the street, he would have to accept it.
The situation was worse; when Su Ming smoked while observing from the alley, a row of flying discs floated by at low altitude. The round flying devices drew big German Air Force markings visible clearly on the ground.
There was no sound, no heat — they silently floated by and disappeared in an instant, like ghosts.
Holloway covered his mouth and nose, taking a deep breath, releasing a noticeable breathing sound. He started to waver.
Before arriving on the battlefield, he thought the battlefield was like the recruitment promotional film seen in the cinema. Though flesh was torn and injuries were severe, it was at least understandable warfare.
But now the facts proved him wrong. He couldn't even understand the Third Empire's weapons — an unknown fear enveloped him.
Su Ming planned to say nothing. The army would naturally confront the army. How to use 'Wild Horse' or 'Flamethrower' for air battles with flying discs wasn't his concern.
Moreover, there was Captain America and Torchbearer. Steve should be able to deal with those dozens of flying discs 50-50, right?
Probably... probably.
Su Ming focused on retrieving Namor from the others to send him home to raise fish. Other war weapons posed no threat to Deathstroke; preventing Germans from making breakthroughs in mutation was the priority.
This was a world of superpower users and super soldiers, and often they decided the outcome of wars.
It's confirmed that Namor's fragments fell into German hands, so the mage's previously probed locations were likely secret bases, possibly Hydra or German allies — anything could happen.
Luckily, he had swayed another reinforcement. The task divided among several squads wasn't so difficult.
"You all! What are you doing?"
A group of leather-wearing Germans noticed the few in the alley. Instantly, the sound of weapons clicking surrounded them. They examined the three warily and gradually surrounded them.
The doctor and the Mage eyed Deathstroke — should they fight or flee?
Opening another wormhole might draw the attention of enemy warlocks, and fighting would draw larger forces. Su Ming signaled with his fingers behind his back, telling them not to act rashly — they hadn't been exposed yet.
He scrutinized the leading officer across, observing the insignia on his outfit. Besides the skeleton collar badge, there was nothing else.
That made it easy.
Su Ming gestured for the two to step back. He approached the officer, speaking in flawless Berlin-accented German.
"Hi! Hydra!"
The officer visibly paused, a look of vexation flashed across his face, but still indicated for soldiers to lower their guns. He raised his right hand with a dismissive salute, replying, "Hail the Supreme Leader!"
Su Ming then tilted his chin, hands behind his back, watching him with arrogance — no intention of presenting credentials came across.
The officer breathed heavily, snorted loudly — but finally gritted his teeth, adjusting his wide-brim hat. "Excuse us, we have tasks."
It seemed he was a Supreme Leader loyalist, indifferent to Hydra. Su Ming initially intended to glean information, but that seemed unlikely now.
As the enemy squad departed, Holloway understood.
Evidently, inside Germany, they weren't monolithic, meaning there was still opportunity, significantly reducing infiltration difficulty.
After all, encountering secret police meant disguising as Hydra; should they meet Hydra, disguise as the Defense Army; when facing the Defense Army, mask as secret police.
These groups were independent; always a loophole to exploit.
Crucially, among their team was a super soldier like Deathstroke — he always had a plan.