Here is another free chapter for you to enjoy.
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The members of the professional group instinctively turned their gazes toward the director. For a moment, no one could quite understand why he had reached such a conclusion.
The director chuckled softly and said, "I'm only judging from Bucky's reaction. It always feels like this situation isn't as simple as it appears. When Bucky and Rogers were alone in that room, Bucky didn't sound like he was lying to him."
Xiaotian, a scholar specializing in humanities and sociology, let out a cold sneer. "A nation may change, but human nature rarely does. In my opinion, it's Rogers who places far too much trust in people."
No one else spoke. After all, at this point, nothing was truly clear, and every judgment felt premature.
The screen flickered slightly.
[Wanda and Vision appeared in the kitchen, standing side by side as they busied themselves with cooking. Vision carefully studied the recipe, his gaze unwavering.]
[Wanda walked over and asked casually, "Is that chili powder in your hand?"]
[Vision paused before answering. "I think it might… enhance the flavor a little."]
[Wanda leaned closer, dipped the spoon into the pot, and tasted it. After a brief pause, she nodded with a faint smile. "It really is quite refreshing."]
[Vision hurriedly added, almost flustered, "Oh—don't blame me. I've never…"]
["I've never eaten food before." He stepped back slightly, giving her space.]
[Wanda naturally took over, clearly ready to finish cooking on her own.]
The viewers instantly flared with excitement.
"These two definitely don't have a normal relationship."
"An artificial intelligence cooking just to comfort someone?"
"Wait—does Vision like Wanda?"
"It's not impossible. Wanda is cute, and Vision basically thinks like a human now."
"She put the spoon back—yeah, that pot is Vision's now."
"Vision cooking was way too adorable just now."
"And Wanda's legs look perfectly fine!"
[Wanda walked toward the dining area.]
[After hesitating for a moment, Vision looked up at her and said softly, "Wanda… no one hates you."]
[Wanda smiled gently. "Thank you."]
[Vision seemed to feel the need to explain further. He raised a finger and pointed to his head, "It's an unconscious response from the amygdala in their brains. They fear you without even realizing why."]
[Wanda asked quietly, "What about you?"]
[Vision sat down across from her. "My amygdala is artificial, so…"]
[Wanda suddenly laughed. As she stirred the pot, she spoke slowly, almost to herself. "I used to know exactly who I was. But after gaining these powers…"]
[A faint bloom of dark red energy flickered in her hands, "I became someone else. I still feel like myself. But to everyone else… I'm no longer the same person."]
[Vision reached up and touched the yellow gem embedded between his brows, "I don't know what this is, I only know it didn't originate on Terra, and it powered Loki's forces. It gave me my abilities, but no one truly understands what it's capable of."]
[He looked directly at Wanda. "Even so… it's a part of me."]
[Wanda asked softly, "Are you afraid of it?"]
[Vision shook his head. "I want to understand it. The more I understand it, the less control it has over me. Perhaps one day… I'll be the one controlling it instead."]
[Wanda seemed to half understand his meaning and quickly changed the subject, "I don't know what's in this dish, but it's definitely not chili powder. I'm going to the store. I'll be back in twenty minutes."]
[She turned and walked toward the door. Suddenly, an illusion formed—Vision stood directly in her path.]
["Or," he suggested gently, "we could order pizza."]
[Wanda looked at him calmly. "Vision, are you stopping me from leaving?"]
[Vision lowered his head slightly. "For safety reasons."]
["I can protect myself," Wanda replied evenly. Even so, she continued walking toward the door.]
[Vision reached out, stopping her, his voice tinged with helplessness. "Not your safety. Mr. Stark wants to avoid any further public incidents. That way, the agreement can remain on solid ground."]
[Wanda turned back to face him. "What do you want?"]
[Vision met her gaze without hesitation. "I want people to see you… the way I do."]
The broadcast surged once again.
"Wait—Tony actually put Wanda under house arrest?!"
"Vision, that line was insanely sweet."
"As expected of something built by Tony."
"What is this, advanced flirting?"
"That's master-level emotional intelligence!"
"But Tony really is terrifying. Wanda was already hesitant about the agreement, and now Vision's staring at her like that…"
The screen shifted.
[Several detainees were being escorted in armored police vehicles, and Sam and Rogers sat in the same car. Sam leaned back casually and glanced at Black Panther. "So… you like cats?"]
["Sam," Rogers warned in a low voice.]
["What?" Sam grinned. "A guy dressed like a cat—aren't you even a little curious?"]
[Rogers turned his head. "Is that suit made of vibranium?"]
[Black Panther stared straight ahead. After a brief silence, he spoke, "The Black Panther has guarded Wakanda for generations. The title is passed from warrior to warrior."]
[His voice remained calm, but the weight behind it was unmistakable, "My father was killed… because of your friend. I have inherited both the throne and the mantle."]
[He paused briefly before continuing. "Tell me—now that I am both king and warrior—how long do you think you can protect him?"]
[Rogers said nothing.]
The convoy soon arrived at the underground base. Rogers looked toward Bucky, who was [restrained by multiple suppressive devices.]
[He walked over to Carter, who stood beside the task force commander. "What are you going to do with him?"]
[Commander Ross answered coldly, "The same as you. A psychological evaluation, followed by extradition."]
["Can I get a lawyer?" Rogers asked.]
["A lawyer?" Ross scoffed. "Interesting. Confiscate their weapons. I'll issue a receipt."]
[Sam muttered under his breath, "Hope I don't see anyone flying around in my gear for a while."]
[They were escorted inside.]
["We're giving you an office, not a cell," Ross said flatly, "So please don't run."]
[Inside, Black Widow arrived as well. She leaned toward Rogers and whispered, "Just so you know… When things go wrong, they go really wrong."]
[Rogers replied quietly, "He's still alive."]
[Nearby, Tony was on the phone, "There is no finalized agreement yet. Colonel Rhodey is handling the aftermath. Yes—there will be consequences. Don't worry. I'll take responsibility. Any other questions? Thanks."]
[He ended the call and turned to Rogers and Sam, "The leadership intends to prosecute both of you to appease them."]
[Rogers asked calmly, "Are you confiscating my shield?"]
[Black Widow answered without hesitation, "It's government property now. The wings too."]
[Sam let out a dry laugh. "My heart just got cold."]
[Tony replied flatly, "Prison's colder."]
[Tony then brought out a small box, and inside lay two pens, "From my father's archives. They were used to sign critical bills, and they helped support the Allies when they needed it most."]
[Rogers spoke quietly. "Some say those brought the war to our shores."]
[Tony met his gaze. "Without them… There would be no you."]
The broadcast buzzed with tension.
"Tony's really pushing Rogers to sign."
"That line was brutal."
"Tony's words cut like a knife."
"I don't think Rogers will give in."
[Tony continued, his tone firm. "I'm extending an olive branch."]
[Rogers asked, "Where's Wanda?"]
[Tony hesitated. "She's… secured at the Alliance headquarters. Vision is with her."]
[Rogers stiffened instantly. "That's detention."]
[Tony snapped back, "She's not a citizen. She's a weapon of mass destruction."]
["She's a child!" Rogers shouted.]
[Tony's voice rose sharply. "Forgive me!"]
[Silence filled the room, then Rogers slowly placed the pen back on the table, "Take it back."]
[Then he turned and walked out.]
The broadcast room erupted once more.
At the Administration, Tonio stared at the screen.
"Both of them are right," he said softly. "It's the world that's wrong."
No one replied.
Xiaotian let out a long sigh. "Power without restraint will always invite chaos."
Johan added quietly, "Internal division has always been their greatest weakness."
The director stood by the window, his expression grave. "No matter how fierce their conflict becomes… the real threat is still that purple monster and that golden glove."
No one spoke.
"I just hope the Avengers survive. Otherwise… the Earth Era…"