Vienna, the capital of Austria and a world-renowned city of music and art, had a history stretching back to Ancient Rome and had witnessed nearly every major event in Europe.
Yet today, quite a few elites and dignitaries from all walks of life had suddenly gathered inside one of its ancient castles.
Some were influential politicians within the European Union system, while others were super-rich tycoons with fortunes exceeding ten billion...
Though there were not many of them, the influence they wielded far exceeded anyone's imagination.
There was no need to ask. These people were none other than Hydra's "Heads of the Serpent" in Europe.
And unlike those newly risen "nouveau riche" in the Americas, every one of their families had endured for at least several centuries. Without exception, their ancestors had been legitimate nobles with fiefs of their own.
It was these people who had built the original Hydra from nothing, expanding it to its peak during Red Skull's rule in World War II.
But after Germany's defeat, many ancient families were purged and swiftly crushed beneath the righteous iron fist of the Allies, vanishing without a trace. Only a very small number, those who had hidden deeply enough, escaped disaster.
After WWII ended, Europe entered an era of reconstruction and economic recovery. Riding the wave of the booming economy, these survivors quickly infiltrated every industry and used their wealth and connections to grow stronger.
Gideon Malick was their leader.
As Gideon Malick looked at the "allies" around him—people who had once betrayed the Malick family to side with Red Skull, then later accepted his protection out of fear of being purged—a trace of contempt flashed through his eyes. He deliberately coughed loudly. "Ahem! Gentlemen, I'm sure you're wondering why I summoned everyone here without any warning, aren't you?"