Baron Zemo

Alberta, Canada—Weapon X Research Center.

This was Wolverine’s birthplace, and also where countless mutants had been studied. However, after the X-Men took out the commander here, this fortress had been abandoned.

But now, it had become part of Hydra. After the old war ended, Baron Zemo occupied the place and made it his military base. For more than forty years, he had conducted secret experiments here.

"Sir, we just detected an unauthorized magical energy signature."

Inside the fortress, a Hydra researcher nervously reported the situation to Baron Zemo’s holographic projection.

"Magic. It has been a long time since I heard that word. I never expected two magical energy surges to erupt in less than a week. It seems some people can no longer sit still."

Baron Zemo was not overly alarmed. He slowly turned around, stared at the young Hydra researcher, and continued asking.

"Where?"

"This time, it was in the outskirts of New Babylon. According to the longitude and latitude map, that should be the long-abandoned X-Men base. That power is too strong, sir. Should we…"

"The X-Men’s base?" Baron Zemo froze for a moment, then quickly remembered something. "If I recall correctly, we were attacked by an unidentified energy when we handled that site, weren’t we?"

"Yes, yes. Hydra’s files recorded the other’s identity. It was the consciousness of a mutant named Amahl Farouk. He was very powerful and had been sealed inside Cerebro. Red Skull ordered us not to act rashly, so we never managed to retrieve Cerebro."

After answering, the researcher thought carefully before continuing. "Sir, when Osborn’s alliance was wiped out before, magical energy of this level also erupted. Should we…"

He did not finish the rest. He was only a researcher and had no right to offer his own advice. To continue would be overstepping his bounds.

Still, he believed Baron Zemo understood what he meant. Within a week, two immensely powerful magic users had been attacked by an unknown force. There was clearly no small conspiracy at work.

At this, Baron Zemo merely nodded. After pondering for a while, he waved his hand and spoke.

"No need. It has nothing to do with our plans. New Babylon and Osborn City are both Skull’s territory. He should be the one worrying about these matters. What matters most to me now is properly welcoming my ‘guests.’"

"…Yes." The researcher fell silent for a moment, then nodded.

"Oh, right. Where are my guests? I have been looking forward to their arrival for a long time." Baron Zemo’s holographic projection clasped his hands behind his back and asked sternly.

Hearing this, the researcher sighed before answering seriously. "Sir, they have arrived."

"Oh?"

Baron Zemo’s tone was somewhat flippant and excited.

The military-industrial gates of the Weapon X Research Center opened. Sure enough, Old Hawkeye and Songbird soon appeared on the surveillance feed.

"All right. It took you long enough to get here, Barton."

Baron Zemo’s voice came through the loudspeakers, instantly putting Old Barton and Melissa on alert.

"Zemo!?" Old Barton drew his bow and nocked an arrow, responding warily.

"I have watched you for years, savoring every one of your failures, including your own daughter’s disgust and hatred for you. It has kept me thoroughly entertained all these years. I even hoped you would arrive a little later."

Baron Zemo sounded delighted, as if he were seeing not an enemy of many years, but an old friend he had not seen in ages.

Though, in a sense, that was indeed the nature of their relationship.

"You even brought a friend, Barton. Oh, Ms. Melissa, after all these years, you are still as beautiful and captivating as ever. But if I remember correctly, you made your choice long ago. You should know that you can never be called a hero."

"I am not a hero, nor do I deserve to be called one. Now, I am merely a sinner seeking redemption." Melissa stepped forward two paces and said bitterly, "I am going to avenge my friends, Zemo!"

"Hahaha, you once served me, Melissa. Honestly, you really should keep quiet—"

Clang!

An arrow flew out and instantly shattered the loudspeaker. Baron Zemo’s voice became a burst of shrill static.

"I don’t want to hear your bullshit anymore, Zemo! Bring out whatever filthy tricks you have. No matter what it is, I’ll take it all!" Old Barton roared.

Soon, as if to satisfy Old Barton’s wish, a Hydra soldier emerged. Instead of attacking them, he made an inviting gesture, seemingly showing them the way.

Old Barton and Melissa exchanged glances. Then both their gazes hardened with resolve.

Ever since they had followed the Sentinel Robots’ signal here, they had already cast life and death aside. Whatever awaited them next, they would not feel the slightest fear.

Having made up their minds, Old Barton and Melissa walked side by side, heading straight toward where the Hydra soldier had indicated.

They did not take long. Guided by several Hydra soldiers standing guard, they passed through a series of winding corridors, and Old Barton and Melissa finally reached the destination of their journey.

Barton had originally thought that a fully armed Zemo would be waiting for him here. But when he saw the scene before him, he froze on the spot.

A burly man wearing a green-and-white combat suit, with Hydra’s insignia emblazoned on his chest, was glaring at him viciously.

What was more, the man held a round shield, just like Captain America’s. But instead of a five-pointed star, it bore Hydra’s crimson emblem.

"What the fuck are you supposed to be!?"

Old Barton stared in disbelief at this guy dressed up as Captain America, then abruptly turned toward Baron Zemo’s holographic projection and said in shock.

"You… you developed the Super Soldier Serum!?"

"Heh, I spent half my life studying this. Now tell me, Barton, are you satisfied with the surprise I prepared for you? I will record your final battle before you die. It will be a perfect finale for me to present to Red Skull."

"Then why don’t you come here yourself? I’ll personally show you my archery!" Old Barton roared.

"Why would I do that? I proved my superiority half a century ago." Baron Zemo sneered as he stared at the two elderly figures before him, then slowly spoke.

"Now, my Captain, eliminate them!"