------------
If you enjoy please support me on my patreon Future 80+ chapters at patreon.com/Phoenizbeelze
-----
Upstate New York, Avengers Base
In the surveillance room on the outer level, a group of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents were chatting happily.
"Hank, you'll never believe it—I got invited to run with Captain Steve this morning!"
"Man, look at that physique—there's no more symmetrical or powerful body on the planet."
One agent was ecstatic, clearly a huge fan of Captain America. Being invited to run with his idol was definitely something worth boasting about.
Hank, smirking, replied, "Sorry, John. As much as I admire Captain Steve, I'm more into fiery blondes."
He pointed to the screen, where Black Widow could be seen jogging near the Avengers base.
There was a playful undertone in Hank's comment, implying that John had a unique fascination with muscles, and these kinds of jokes often lightened the mood among Americans during early mornings.
Laughter erupted in the room.
John, pretending to be exasperated, quipped, "Even if I'm a muscle fan, who here wants to experience what it's like being alone with me tonight?"
"Dear Director Fury has assigned us the prestigious task of inspecting the Avengers' base facilities. So here we are, the elites who should be out chasing down super-powered criminals, instead monitoring surveillance footage at the crack of dawn."
John pointed at several screens. "And look at the entrance—vehicles have been coming and going nonstop for days. This isn't a job that'll be finished anytime soon."
"Hey, wait, Jobie! What's up with that guy on the monitor? Chinese? Is he new?"
He frowned slightly as he noticed a figure on one of the screens.
The agent in front of the console shrugged, not bothered. "There aren't many Chinese agents, sure, but it's not a big deal."
"With all the strange deliveries we've been receiving lately, some of which we aren't even allowed to check, it's not surprising to see new faces."
"But don't worry. Director Fury personally selected these people. There's no way Hydra could infiltrate here."
Jobie raised his eyebrows mockingly. "Or maybe you're still sensitive because of that last time you got thrashed by that Chinese female agent?"
Everyone in S.H.I.E.L.D. knew about John's failed attempt to woo the Chinese agent. His face flushed as more laughter filled the room, but no one paid much attention to the mysterious figure on the screen.
Jackson adjusted his cap, his face mostly concealed, save for his piercing eyes. His slender, white-gloved fingers moved confidently.
"Alright, you're clear to go in."
The security officer at the entrance gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Jackson responded with a casual, authentic New York-style greeting before smoothly entering the car and driving into the core area of the Avengers base.
After spending the previous day studying the base, Jackson had not only successfully blended in with the logistics team but also memorized all the surveillance locations.
From the outermost cameras to the internal infrared sensors, he had it all figured out.
Getting into the Avengers base now was as effortless as eating and drinking. The entire base's layout was etched clearly in his mind.
The Avengers base, stripped bare like a homeless man, had no secrets left.
If Jackson were to detonate the bomb inside, he had at least ten escape routes planned.
Dozens of detonation scenarios played out in his mind, his thoughts crystal clear with no stress. He could even identify gaps in the base's defenses to perfect his plan.
The corners of Jackson's mouth twitched into a smirk.
As for delivering the bomb? Child's play.
A fully assembled bomb would never make it past S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, so Jackson had divided it into parts. Different people, unaware of their role, had quietly smuggled the components inside.
From equipment inspectors to delivery workers, they all unknowingly carried his pieces into the base.
At that moment, near the warehouse, Jackson stood with Jack, a worker who had just finished unloading the last of the goods.
"Finally done, Jackson. I have no idea what these superheroes need with so many potato chips," Jack muttered.
Jack, a man nearing thirty with a thick beard, seemed baffled by the superheroes' snack choices.
Leaning against the warehouse door frame, Jackson chuckled. "Before they became superheroes, Jack, they were human—ordinary people, just like you."
"They still have normal needs, and of course...weaknesses."
Jack furrowed his brow, puzzled. Could someone as powerful as Iron Man really have weaknesses? He didn't quite get it.
Shaking his head, Jack said, "The only weakness I know of is my girlfriend, waiting for me to celebrate her birthday."
Jackson glanced at Jack's eager expression and smiled, but with a tinge of pity. "No need to rush, Jack. I don't think your girlfriend wants you bothering her right now."
"What?" Jack's face fell with unease.
Jackson's voice remained calm. "I saw your video chat with her earlier, when you were in the car."
"When she talks to you, the left corner of her mouth slightly droops—a clear sign of disgust based on micro-expressions."
Jackson's voice remained steady as he continued, "Her pupils also dart behind the camera occasionally, accompanied by shy gestures like pulling at her hair or licking her lips."
Jackson's eyes narrowed, his words quickening, "It's obvious. While she was video chatting with you, there was another man behind the camera. He was doing... shameful things with your girlfriend."
Staring directly at Jack, Jackson added coldly, "You've been played. She's cheating."
Jack's expression shifted from disbelief to sudden recollection, piecing together his girlfriend's recent behavior with Jackson's analysis.
A surge of anger overtook him. "That damn—!"
Clenching his fists, Jack turned toward Jackson. "Thanks, I'm going to confront those two right now!"
But Jackson remained calm, brushing some dust from his clothes. "No, Jack. I told you this so you could die knowing the truth."
Before Jack could process Jackson's words, a flash of steel cut through the air, and in an instant, his throat was pierced. His eyes widened in horror as he collapsed, lifeless, to the ground.
Without missing a beat, Jackson bent down, skillfully opening Jack's stomach and retrieving the final piece of the bomb.
------------
If you enjoy please support me on my patreon Future 80+ chapters at patreon.com/Phoenizbeelze
-----