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Read more than 50+ chap there
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The room was large, quiet, and clean. Floor-to-ceiling windows showed the city below, dotted with lights even during the day. He removed his coat, tossed it on the chair, and loosened his shoulders.
Walking to the balcony, he watched the city. It was sunset, painting a beautiful view across the skyline. He poured himself a glass of wine.
"Whoever said money can't buy happiness needs to get their mind checked," he muttered.
Enjoying the view, Ethan came up with his own poetry as he ordered something to eat and listened to calm music while waiting for the others to be ready.
Meanwhile, in their rooms, the others were suiting up.
Storm was fastening the last straps of his white combat suit.
Grant zipped up his black tactical gear.
Sharon checked the seals on her sleek armored outfit.
All of them wore special long coats over their suits—disguises that made them look like they were wearing normal clothes. Otherwise, as Grant joked earlier, they'd look like "a bunch of off-brand Power Rangers walking through the lobby."
When the three stepped into the hallway, Ethan joined them, already dressed and ready.
"Okay then," Ethan said, finishing the last sip of his wine and tossing the empty disposable cup into the trash. "Let's go deal with Salvage. After that, we can tour the city a bit—since we're here anyway."
They walked out of the hotel room and headed down the hallway together. Storm pressed the elevator button, and the doors opened with a soft chime. The four of them stepped inside.
When the elevator reached the lobby, they walked straight through without stopping. The staff bowed, but Ethan didn't pay attention. He pushed open the glass door, and the warm Johannesburg air hit them immediately.
Their car was already waiting outside.
The driver quickly opened the back door.
"Sir, the route to Klaue's salvage depot is ready," he said.
Ethan nodded and slid into the back seat. Storm, Grant, and Sharon took their places beside him.
The doors closed.
The driver started the engine and pulled out of the hotel driveway.
As the car moved deeper into the outskirts, the tall buildings vanished behind them. Warehouses, scrap metal piles, and half-broken fences replaced the skyline. Dust rose with every turn.
"Looks like we're here," Grant muttered as the vehicle slowed.
The car stopped in front of a wide, rusted gate. Workers nearby froze when they saw Ethan step out. Their eyes followed him—some nervous, some confused, all cautious.
Ethan ignored them completely.
He walked straight toward the main building, Storm, Grant, and Sharon beside him. The inside smelled of oil, metal, and rust.
Two guards blocked the entrance, rifles hanging from their shoulders.
"No weapons allowed," one guard said, voice rough and arrogant. He looked Ethan up and down like he was nobody.
Ethan stopped.
He didn't glare. He didn't raise his voice. He simply said, cold and flat:
"Move. Or in the next three seconds, you'll be dead."
The guard blinked, stunned.
"What did you—"
Ethan sighed.
"I did warn you."
His hands blurred.
In one smooth motion, he grabbed both guards by the neck, lifting them slightly off the ground. They choked, kicking, eyes wide with panic.
All around them, other workers and guards shouted—alarms triggered, weapons raised.
Storm drew his gleaming white blade with a hiss of metal.
Grant cocked both pistols, stepping forward with a grin.
Sharon activated her arm guards, her fingers brushing over hidden triggers.
She glanced at Ethan.
"I thought we were supposed to act like a normal visiting team… not start a fight instantly."
Ethan shrugged, still holding both guards effortlessly.
"They were being disrespectful."
He tossed the two men aside like rag dolls. They hit the ground hard, alive but completely out of the fight.
Ethan stepped forward as the rest of the salvage yard erupted into motion around him.
"Finish this fast," he said. "Klaue's inside."
Storm nodded once.
In the next second—right in front of Sharon's and Grant's eyes—Storm vanished. His body flickered, moving with unnatural speed.
Guards didn't even have time to aim properly.
One by one, they dropped.Storm appeared beside each of them for only a split second before knocking them out.
Some guards panicked and fired at him.
Storm's katana flashed.
Clang—clang—clang!
Bullets split cleanly in midair.
"He… he really cut the bullets with his sword," Sharon whispered, stunned.
She and Grant stood awkwardly next to Ethan, watching Storm handle the entire yard alone.
Within seconds, it was over.
Every guard lay unconscious on the ground, and Storm stood calmly, resting his blade on his shoulder as if he hadn't even broken a sweat.
Ethan didn't react. He simply pushed the large metal door open.
Inside, dozens of armed men immediately raised their guns. On the upper platform stood Ulysses Klaue, smirking down at them.
"Why are you here?" Klaue asked. "I don't remember messing with Arasaka."
"It's true. There's no bad blood between us," Ethan said with a small nod.
"Then why?" Klaue demanded.
"You should've taught your dogs how to greet a guest properly," Ethan replied with a shrug. "Don't worry—they're not dead. Maybe a few broken bones, that's all."
Klaue stared at him, eyes narrowing. "So what do you want?"
Ethan smiled slightly.
"Now we're talking."
He raised a hand toward him. "Vibranium. I want that."
Sharon, standing beside him, widened her eyes in shock.
Even S.H.I.E.L.D. didn't have much Vibranium. They didn't even know where to find more.
And here Ethan was—calmly asking an illegal arms dealer for the rarest metal on the planet.
Hearing Ethan's words, Klaue's smile vanished. His expression tightened as he stared down at Ethan.
"...How do you know that?" he asked slowly.
"Does it matter?" Ethan replied casually.
Klaue's jaw clenched. "I killed everyone who knew about it… so how did the information leak!?" he roared, furious and suddenly tense.
Ethan sighed and waved his hand dismissively.
"I don't care about your problems," he said calmly. "I'm not here for that. I'm here for the vibranium. That's it."
Klaue stared at him, breathing hard, anger still burning in his eyes. But Ethan didn't flinch. He didn't even look bothered.
Storm, Sharon, and Grant stood behind Ethan, ready to move the moment things went wrong.
Ethan tilted his head slightly.
"So," he said, voice steady, "are we going to talk business… or are you going to waste my time?"