Deep inside HYDRA's underground base, Dr. Arnim Zola's distorted mechanical face flickered with excitement. He stared at the false "Faust Organization" data the Winter Soldier had stolen—data secretly created by Levi—and began laughing wildly.
"I must begin this unparalleled research immediately!"
The laughter echoed through the metallic room like a broken siren. The Winter Soldier, standing nearby with a cold expression, watched Zola with a growing sense of unease. Something felt deeply wrong. Zola wasn't just excited—he was consumed. Obsessed. Dangerous.
But the Winter Soldier couldn't figure out why. He only stood silently, unaware that Levi, through his connector, watched every second of the scene as if enjoying a private movie theater.
Levi smirked from his office inside Vanderbuilt Technologies.
"Perfect. Everything is happening exactly as I planned."
Zola had taken the bait flawlessly. He believed every word. He believed the fake Faust Organization was real. He believed Consortium X existed. And most importantly—he believed he could revive HYDRA using "Faust technology."
Levi leaned back with a mocking smile.
"This guy wants to steal the technology for himself? Fine. That makes him predictable. And a predictable villain is easy to control."
He raised his hand to take a sip of wine—
Beep—!
His connector flashed. A holographic window opened, revealing Izzy.
"Mr. President." She bowed elegantly. "General Ross has sent you an official invitation. He asks that you travel to Camp Casas in Florida to discuss a large-scale Modia Unit purchase."
Levi nodded slowly.
A military purchase.
A big one.
And a key part of his long-term plan.
"I see. Prepare my transport. I'll leave immediately."
"As you command," Izzy replied. The call closed.
Levi stood up.
Next to him, Yaz—his second personal Modia, often acting like a jealous younger sister—put on an exaggerated pout.
"Master President! Are you going to abandon Yaz again?"
She crossed her arms, chin tilted upward, eyes trembling with mock sadness.
Levi chuckled softly. "Calm down. Stay here and monitor Vanderbuilt's systems. I'll take you out next time."
"R-Really?" Yaz's eyes brightened like a teenager being promised ice cream.
"Yes." Levi smiled and patted her head. Yaz practically glowed with happiness, proving once again that despite being a mechanical being, she behaved more like a mischievous girl than a robot.
Of course… with a disturbingly dark personality hidden underneath.
Levi stepped into the elevator and rose to the top level of Vanderbuilt headquarters.
Waiting for him on the rooftop was a magnificent silver-white warplane—sleek, polished, and fully AI-controlled. It resembled the legendary Victory Feiyan from "Ultraman Tiga," except more advanced, more stylish, and entirely designed by Vanderbuilt Technologies.
Stealth systems, anti-radar shielding, adaptive cloaking, emergency collision avoidance—this aircraft was a masterpiece. A machine even the U.S. military could not match.
Izzy stood at the entrance of the craft, bowing slightly. Two rows of Modia security units formed a ceremonial corridor on both sides of the red carpet.
"Master President, preparations are complete. You may depart at any time."
Levi nodded and walked through the line of perfectly still Modia Units, stepping into the aircraft with calm authority. Izzy followed. Behind her was Breaker—the former Ames captain—now Levi's personal full-time bodyguard.
Once everyone seated, the door sealed.
The engines glowed a deep blue.
"Vanderbuilt Falcon-001, preparing for takeoff," Izzy announced.
A moment later:
FWOOSH!
The fighter shot into the sky, vanished from sight instantly as the stealth system activated, and became invisible to both the human eye and radar.
Inside, the aircraft was pure luxury—leather seats, a minibar, panoramic windows, quiet engines. Levi sat comfortably, sipping wine while admiring the clouds. Izzy was beside him, reviewing company files. Breaker sat rigidly, eyes scanning every corner as if waiting for an attack.
He didn't realize the fighter was completely undetectable.
Soon, they reached Florida. Below them stretched the enormous Camp Casas, a massive military installation surrounded by desert terrain. It looked quiet on the surface, but Levi's instincts told him—
"There's more underground."
As the Falcon aircraft landed—drawing surprised faces from soldiers—the hatch opened, and Levi descended with calm elegance.
He tapped twice on the connector behind his ear. Izzy instantly created a holographic map of the entire base using Vanderbuilt's scanning tech. Levi observed it silently.
"It's huge. The entire surface layer is only camouflage. Underground… it's far larger."
Weapons, labs, holding cells, research facilities—it was like a nest straight from a bioweapon apocalypse movie.
As Levi studied, a familiar man approached:
Colonel James Rhodes.
"Mr. Levi! Welcome."
The two shook hands. Rhodes then gestured.
"General Ross is downstairs performing a demonstration. Want to take a look?"
"Of course."
They rode a jeep into a research building, descending deep into an underground testing hall. There, Levi saw a small lineup of generals standing behind reinforced glass. Inside the testing chamber, a soldier wearing an Osborn-Industries green suit stood atop a high-tech glider.
Levi's lips curved lightly.
"Norman Osborn. Interesting."
The soldier accelerated, dodging machine-gun fire as the generals murmured with satisfaction. But then—
BOOM!
The glider malfunctioned and smashed into a pillar, exploding violently. The soldier turned into ashes instantly.
The hall fell silent.
Norman Osborn turned pale, covering his face.
"Generals, please! That was just a small accident—"
"Enough!" a stern lieutenant general yelled—none other than General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross.
"This equipment fails every time. We will NOT be purchasing it. Now—how is your physical enhancement project?"
Norman swallowed nervously. "We tested the serum on mice. It increased their physical strength by eight times. We're preparing for human trials…"
Ross frowned deeply.
"I don't care about your excuses. You have three weeks. If your serum cannot produce results, your funding is revoked."
Ross left immediately. Osborn stood frozen, humiliated.
But when Ross saw Levi, he instantly put on a friendly smile.
"Mr. Levi, follow me. Let's talk in my office."
They walked through security and reached Ross's private room. Levi casually glanced at Ross's desk and noticed dozens of documents about Bruce Banner — The Hulk.
Ross lit a cigar. "I heard you were targeted by assassins. Want military help?"
"No need," Levi replied calmly. "I handle my own problems."
Ross nodded, then leaned forward.
"The Department of Defense has approved the proposal to purchase Modia Units. But the quantity… that depends on us."
Levi smiled silently. So Ross wanted leverage.
"General Ross, you can speak plainly."
Ross grinned.
"Good. I'll get straight to it."
He activated a screen showing footage of the Hulk rampaging.
"I want you to help me capture the Hulk."
Levi raised his eyebrows.
"Oh? Your entire military failed, yet you believe I can do it?"
General Ross stared directly at him.
"My intuition."
Of course, he meant his analysis—but Levi only smiled, swirling his drink.
The game was just beginning.
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