Annihilated

In downtown New York, on a bustling two-lane road.

Three Volkswagen vehicles of different models accelerated slightly at the same time, closing the distance from behind with the black business van, silently tightening like a net of encirclement.

Farther ahead, a truck and a van slowed in coordination, seemingly intending to use their bodies as roadblocks.

"The target vehicle shows no abnormalities. They probably haven’t noticed us yet. Take this chance—everyone in the assault team, prepare to attack!"

The assault captain, crouching in the rear compartment of a van with a gun in hand, issued commands through a sleek, compact walkie-talkie.

"I’ll count to three. Three, two…"

The five armed disguise vehicles, like predators lurking amid dense traffic, naturally closed in on the target business van, ready to launch a jointly devastating attack!

But before the assault captain could say "one,"

the business van’s wheels spun wildly, flames blasted from its exhaust, and its engine roared as it charged forward like an enraged bull.

"What’s going on?!"

The assault team was thrown into confusion, thinking the target vehicle was trying to flee. But in the next instant, a scene that left them dumbfounded unfolded…

The business van accelerated in a straight line and rammed full speed into the rear side of the van, flipping it over from the side.

The van crashed and rolled along the road for more than ten meters, spraying bright sparks all the way.

For a moment, vehicles passing through the intersection descended into chaos, horns blaring as they swerved away or braked to a stop.

Instead of fleeing at once, it had taken the initiative to attack…

The assault captain’s mind froze for a moment. Without further hesitation, he shouted hoarsely, "Damn it! We’ve been exposed! Everyone, move! Don’t let him escape!"

The moment his words fell, the massive heavy truck suddenly accelerated in reverse, its rear end slamming viciously into the front of the business van and becoming an impenetrable steel roadblock.

The three cars behind it immediately sped up as well, crashing into it from the rear and both sides, completely sealing off the target business van’s escape route.

Despite enduring so many violent impacts, the business van was almost completely intact. Not even its windows or windshield showed the slightest crack.

Inside the business van,

Vis said in surprise, "Well, damn. This vehicle’s protection rating is extremely high. Without sustained bombardment from high-intensity heavy weapons, it’s impossible to force it open from the outside…"

Before it could finish its analysis, the windows of the surrounding armed disguise vehicles rolled down, revealing the specialized muzzles of mounted machine guns, all pointed squarely at their business van.

"Fine. Pretend I said nothing." Vis sounded a little awkward.

The machine-gun barrels began to rotate. Accompanied by fierce rattling gunfire, dense bullets became a torrent of steel, raining down upon the business van.

The business van shook violently as several cracks began spreading across its windows.

"I wasn’t planning to hide in here anyway." Kyle shrugged, unfastened his seat belt, and prepared to open the door and step out.

Vis suddenly beeped and said, "Master, you have an incoming call from Secretary Yutong."

"A call at a time like this?" Kyle considered it, withdrew his hand from the door, estimated that the vehicle’s defenses could hold out a little longer, and nodded. "Put it through."

Half a second later, Yutong’s sweet, crisp voice rang out. "Boss."

"What is it? Keep it brief," Kyle said softly.

Yutong immediately reported, "Two things. First, our people just discovered traces suspected to be Bucky Barnes. He is currently in New York City!"

"Go on. What’s the second thing?" Kyle asked, his gaze sweeping around him.

Under the continuous machine-gun fire, the business van shook violently. Its windows were already covered in spiderweb cracks, nearing their limit.

Yutong said quietly, "Second, Nick Fury was attacked by an unknown force just now. The reason is unknown."

Hearing the strange sounds and noise coming from Kyle’s end, she added, "Boss, what’s happening over there?"

"Nothing. Just some annoying flies…"

Before Kyle could finish, the business van’s windows finally shattered after fulfilling their purpose. Bullets surged violently into the cabin, sweeping through and ravaging everything inside.

At the same time,

the assault captain received a communication.

After listening for a moment, he went blank. "What did you say—the target is on another street? How is that possible?! Then who the hell are we attacking right now?"

From the other end of the call, the operation commander replied bitterly and fearfully, "Earlier this morning, that person seemed to have visited S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters too… Remember, from this moment on, you are no longer S.H.I.E.L.D. agents… Here’s some advice: if you can run, run as soon as possible!"

After saying that, the other party hastily ended the satellite call, as if terrified of being implicated.

Listening to the dial tone, the assault captain stood frozen. Looking at the bullet-ravaged business van beside him, he thought of a possibility.

His face turned deathly pale, cold sweat soaking his Combat Uniform as his teeth chattered. "Headquarters wouldn’t screw me over like this, would they?"

Other than that person, who else could make S.H.I.E.L.D.’s higher-ups so terrified?

"Captain, should we intensify the attack?"

A team member’s question came through his earpiece at just that moment. The assault captain’s mouth twitched as he said in terror, "Attack what? Retreat, now!"

"Retreat?" All the assault team members froze.

"We got the wrong target. And the person we’re attacking right now is very likely…"

Whoosh!

A hot wind surged. A ball of searing golden flame burst from the wrecked business van, rising like a small sun. The van’s body and the nearby bullets melted into molten iron under the high temperature.

Before the horrified eyes of the assault team, Kyle stepped out amid blazing flames. His tall, powerful body stood straight as he coldly swept his gaze across the surrounding vehicles.

"The Symbol… of Peace?"

Every one of them stared blankly, their faces drained of color, fear crushing the breath from their noses and mouths.

In New York, openly attacking the Symbol of Peace? No one could bear that charge!

"Run! Run!"

The assault team members nearly screamed in unison.

The four vehicles frantically adjusted their directions, trying to flee the scene.

"Since you came, don’t leave." Kyle raised his eyes. Divine power coiled and flowed around his arm before pouring forth from his open palm.

Once Fire Divine Power left his body, it transformed into surging, searing golden flames that raged outward, engulfing both people and vehicles.

Screams erupted. In only a few seconds, nothing remained but mangled vehicle wreckage burning fiercely in place.

The assault team was completely annihilated!

"Bucky isn’t here?" Kyle scanned the area, drew the Venom card, and unfurled dark wings after bonding with it.

He shot into the sky, instantly reaching supersonic speed and streaking back toward Emperor Building as a black stream of light.