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Inside the S.H.I.E.L.D. building, Alexander Pierce sat at his desk. A woman posing as his secretary handed him a detailed document—surprisingly similar to what Hawkeye and others had seen, but far more comprehensive.
"So, you never even saw Alex Ray in person, yet you were driven off by his men. And one of them is blind!" Pierce's voice was low and commanding, his presence regal even without overt anger.
His face was grim, his eyes cold as they locked onto the report, as if searching for hidden truths between the lines.
Crossbones, standing across from the desk, lowered his head respectfully. "That's exactly right. We underestimated Alex Ray and his crew. Honestly, if that blind man hadn't used his mutant abilities, he wouldn't have stood a chance against me."
There was frustration and disbelief in his tone, clearly dissatisfied with the outcome.
Pierce didn't look up but asked the secretary beside him, "Have we identified the power backing Alex Ray yet? What kind of force commands so many mutants and even transforming mech warriors?"
The secretary bowed her head. "Minister, the Hand faction that was supposed to join us was completely wiped out by Alex Ray. Currently, neither our own intelligence nor S.H.I.E.L.D.'s contacts have located the forces behind him."
Pierce closed his eyes thoughtfully. To Hydra, the Hand had always been a minor nuisance.
He didn't feel troubled.
After a pause, he reopened his eyes and said slowly, "Are you sure we can bring Alex Ray over?"
Clearly, Pierce was intrigued by the strength Alex had demonstrated. His mysterious powers and groundbreaking mech technology could not be ignored.
The secretary glanced over the data she held, then responded carefully, "Minister, from what we've gathered, Alex Ray doesn't seem like the type to bow to anyone."
"But there are indications of conflict with Nick Fury's people, so perhaps cooperation is possible. Given his current standing, he's backed by some unknown organization, so winning him over will be costly."
Crossbones interjected, "I noticed Alex Ray's men spared us. He clearly respects the federal government somewhat. I think there's a chance to bring him on board."
Pierce's eyes gleamed with a complex calculation, debating internally.
Flipping through Alex Ray's dossier, his voice hardened with resolve: "Alex Ray… the Lord of Hell. That title carries weight. Find a time and send someone to negotiate with him."
"You, Crossbones."
"As leverage, I hear their hospital in Hell's Kitchen needs renovation. We'll offer to fund that, help recruit top professors and doctors, and provide federal subsidies. Let's see if that tempts him."
For Pierce, dealing with someone like Alex Ray wasn't a challenge.
If Alex wanted to run Hell's Kitchen well, he needed federal backing.
Hydra had abundant resources for this kind of influence.
If Alex Ray were truly reckless and indifferent to consequences, that would be a real threat—someone who fears no one and can act freely.
"Of course," Pierce added, "we'll prepare the base to release the Winter Soldier. If Alex Ray refuses our offer, let the Winter Soldier eliminate him."
Crossbones frowned in doubt. "I don't think the Winter Soldier is strong enough to take Alex Ray. His men might have subdued or killed Bucky before he even got close."
Pierce smiled slyly, eyes gleaming. "We want Alex Ray to kill the Winter Soldier. Don't forget who Bucky's friend is."
He trailed off, hinting, "I believe Nick Fury has been working on some 'Superboy' project."
Crossbones suddenly understood: by provoking Alex Ray into killing Bucky, they'd spark a conflict with Captain America.
Captain America would seek revenge, dragging Nick Fury into the fray—and Hydra would benefit from the ensuing chaos.
Losing the Winter Soldier would be a mere pawn sacrifice.
Crossbones gave Pierce a thumbs-up. "Brilliant! Truly brilliant! You're the Minister."
Pierce laughed confidently, ambition shining through. He knew S.H.I.E.L.D. would be his soon enough.
Meanwhile, Alex Ray was driving his old car with Miles Morales toward Tony Stark's villa.
They arrived at dusk.
"We finally made it. This damn car broke down halfway. We need to get it fixed," Alex complained. It had taken them ten hours to reach near Tony's estate.
Just as Alex reached the gate, a Maybach rolled out.
He studied the occupants closely and muttered, "That bald guy looks familiar. Never mind, let's find Tony."
The driver of the Maybach was Obadiah Stane, Tony's uncle. He spotted Alex's broken-down car and smirked.
"Letting any junk car into the neighborhood these days? How cheap."
But he told himself he wouldn't come back here anytime soon, feeling better for the thought.
Alex paid no mind and drove through the estate for ten more minutes until reaching the villa.
After parking, Alex and Miles stepped out.
Miles frowned. "Why didn't we just use our powers to get here? Driving this car is a waste of time."
Alex smiled awkwardly. "People like us need to keep a low profile. Blending in is the only way to avoid trouble. Can't always rely on powers."
Miles, still getting to know Alex in this parallel universe, nodded reluctantly.
Alex approached the villa's gate, knocked lightly, and called out loudly, "Tony! Tony! It's Alex Ray. I'm here to see you!"
His voice echoed through the night, but no answer came.
Minutes ticked by. Five passed with the door still closed.
Miles watched anxiously. "Maybe Tony's not home? Why don't you call him?"
Alex studied the villa. Lights were on—someone had to be inside.
He pulled out his phone and dialed Tony's number. The line was busy.
A sinking feeling grew in Alex's chest.
He recalled the bald man on the road and a grim premonition struck him.
He pounded on the door. "Tony, open up! It's Alex Ray!" No response.
Fear gripped him. Something was wrong.
Taking a deep breath, he kicked the door hard.
Miles started to step forward to stop him but was too late.
The door burst open.
Alex rushed inside and froze at the sight.
Tony's face was pale, the arc reactor in his chest missing.
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Bonus Chapter - 150 Power Stones
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