American Comics: Multiverse of Madness

212. Baron Zemo.

Canada, Alberta—Weapon X Research Facility.

This was the birthplace of Wolverine and also the place where countless mutants were studied. However, after the X-Men dealt with the commander here, this fortress was abandoned. But now, it has become part of Hydra. After the war of the Old Days ended, Baron Zemo took over this place and made it his military base. For over forty years, he has been conducting secret experiments here.

"Sir, we have just detected an unauthorized surge of magical energy."

Inside the fortress, a Hydra researcher was reporting the situation to Baron Zemo's holographic image with a panicked expression.

"Magic... It's been a long time since I've heard that term. To think that in less than a week, two surges of magical energy have occurred. It seems some individuals can't stay idle," Baron Zemo remarked calmly, without much panic. He slowly turned around, gazing at the young Hydra researcher, and continued to ask.

"Where is the location?"

"The location this time is in the outskirts of New Babylon. According to the map coordinates, it should be the long-abandoned X-Men base. The power is overwhelming, sir. Should we…"

"The X-Men's base?" Baron Zemo paused, and then quickly realized something. "If I remember correctly, when we handled the scene back then, we were attacked by a mysterious force, weren't we?"

"Yes, it's recorded in the Hydra archives. The attacker was a mutant consciousness named Amal Farouk. He was very powerful and had been sealed inside the Cerebro amplifier. Red Skull ordered us not to act recklessly, so we failed to retrieve the Cerebro amplifier."

After answering, the researcher thoughtfully added, "Sir, when Osborn's alliance was wiped out previously, there was also a magical energy surge of this magnitude. Should we…"

He didn't finish his sentence. After all, he was just a researcher and didn't have the authority to make suggestions. Continuing further would be overstepping his boundaries. However, he believed that Baron Zemo had already understood the implication—within a week, two powerful magical entities had been attacked by an unknown force, which clearly indicated a significant conspiracy.

Baron Zemo nodded slightly at these words. After a moment of contemplation, he waved his hand and said, "No need, this has nothing to do with our plan. New Babylon and Osborn City are Red Skull's territories. He should be the one to worry about these matters. What matters most to me now is welcoming my 'guests.'"

"...Understood," the researcher nodded after a brief silence.

"By the way, where are my guests? I've been eagerly awaiting their arrival," Baron Zemo's holographic image asked sternly, with his hands behind his back.

"They've already arrived, sir," the researcher replied with a sigh and then composed himself.

"Oh?"

Baron Zemo's tone carried a hint of lightheartedness and excitement. The military doors of the Weapon X Research Facility opened, and sure enough, the figures of Old Hawkeye and Mockingbird quickly appeared on the surveillance screen.

"Well... You took your time getting here, Barton," Baron Zemo's voice echoed through the broadcast, instantly alerting Old Barton and Melissa.

"Zemo!?" Old Barton shouted back, his bow drawn and ready.

"I've been watching you for years, savoring every one of your failures, including your own daughter's disdain and hatred for you. This has kept me immensely satisfied all these years. I even hoped your arrival would be delayed a little longer..."

Baron Zemo's voice was filled with joy, as if he were greeting an old friend rather than a long-time enemy. In some sense, their relationship was indeed like that.

"You even brought a friend, Barton. Oh, Melissa, after all these years, you still look as beautiful as ever. But if I recall correctly, you made your choice years ago. You should know you could never be called a hero."

"I'm not a hero, nor do I deserve to be called one. Now, I'm just a sinner seeking redemption," Melissa stepped forward, her voice filled with anger. "I'm here to avenge my friends, Zemo!"

"Hahaha, you once served me, Melissa. Honestly, you should really stay silent—"

Crash!

An arrow shot out, instantly shattering the speaker into pieces, silencing Baron Zemo's voice.

"I don't want to hear your nonsense anymore, Zemo! Whatever dirty tricks you have, bring them on. I'll take them all!" Old Barton roared.

Soon enough, as if to fulfill Old Barton's wish, a Hydra soldier emerged. However, instead of attacking, he made a gesture of invitation, seemingly pointing the two towards a specific direction.

Old Barton and Melissa exchanged a glance, and then both of their gazes turned resolute.

When they followed the signal of the Sentinel robot to this location, they had already put life and death aside. No matter what they faced next, they would have no fear. With their minds made up, Old Barton and Melissa walked side by side, heading straight towards the direction indicated by the Hydra soldier.

It didn't take them long. Guided by several stationed Hydra soldiers and passing through a series of intricate passageways, Old Barton and Melissa finally reached their destination.

Barton had initially thought that he would be met with a fully-armed Zemo. But when he saw the scene before him, he was instantly stunned. A burly man in a green-and-white uniform, with a Hydra emblem on his chest, was glaring at him fiercely.

Not only that, but the man also held a round shield similar to Captain America's. The difference was that instead of a star, the shield bore Hydra's crimson emblem.

"What the hell are you!?" Old Barton couldn't believe his eyes as he stared at the man who looked like a cosplaying Captain America. Then, he sharply turned to Baron Zemo's holographic image, exclaiming in shock.

"You… You've developed the Super Soldier Serum!?"

"Haha, I've spent half my life researching this. Now, tell me, Barton, are you pleased with the surprise I've prepared for you? I'll record your final battle before your death, a perfect ending that I'll present to Red Skull."

"Then why don't you come down here yourself? I'll give you a firsthand demonstration of my archery!" Old Barton shouted angrily.

"Why would I do that? I proved my superiority half a century ago," Baron Zemo sneered, staring coldly at the two elderly figures before him. Then, he slowly opened his mouth.

"Now, my Captain, finish them off!"

............

📢30 advanced chapters on p@treaon📢
For advance chapters: /Uchiha_Itachi007 (replace @ with a)
213. Hydra Captain.
214. The Waning of a Hero.
215. The Death of the Hydra Captain.
216. The Final Chapter of Baron Zemo.
217. Red Skull's Judgment Proclamation!