If You Don't Court Death, You Won't Die

Deep within Hydra's experimental base, under dim lighting, Alexander stood before a high-tech monitoring room, his brow furrowed. With his hands clasped behind his back, he paced restlessly, an unusual sense of anxiety radiating from him.

Beside him stood the loyal Winter Soldier, Hydra's ace, and Captain America's good buddy, Bucky Barnes.

"Why is the progress so slow?"

Alexander muttered to himself, his voice laced with considerable dissatisfaction.

Several days had passed since they acquired the limbs of those monsters, yet there had been no significant results, which was making Alexander anxious.

Nick Fury had initially been an excellent tool in his hands. Under Fury's leadership, S.H.I.E.L.D. had grown stronger, and Hydra had expanded alongside it.

However, a few days ago, the Security Council had inexplicably dismissed Nick Fury and appointed someone he'd never even heard of as the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Alexander had intended to do something about this new Director, but the moment he saw him, all his negative thoughts vanished.

As a result, even now, he had no idea about Director Xia's background.

The most critical issue was that this new Director was incredibly diligent, practically a born Ox-Horse Sacred Body.

He was in the office all day, every day, never going home.

This level of diligence sent shivers down Alexander's spine. At this rate, Director Xia would discover the irregularities within the organization before long.

Therefore, their plan had to be moved up. If this new Director found out, the consequences would be unimaginable.

He had also observed the battle between Banner and the military. For Alexander, this might be an opportunity.

Since that Blood God could bestow blessings at will, could they not steal His power?

Alexander stopped pacing, his gaze piercing through the flickering light of the monitoring screens to the scientists busy in the laboratory in the distance.

Suddenly, the door to the monitoring room burst open, and a scientist in a white lab coat hurried in, a hint of nervousness on his face.

"Sir, we've found that these special energies are more active than ever before. These energy fluctuations seem to be interacting in ways we can't predict, exceeding the framework of our current theories. We've tried various methods to stabilize them, but with little success. Instead, it's only increased their instability."

The scientist spoke rapidly, his eyes filled with worry.

Alexander's eyes, however, lit up at the news. Active was good. Instability was also fine, as long as there was a reaction.

The current situation was full of potential.

"What exactly is happening? Where are these energies coming from? They were dormant and showed no progress before, so why have they suddenly become so active?"

The scientist took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts. "Sir, based on our initial analysis, it might be related to the gods becoming increasingly active. Perhaps that Blood God is bestowing blessings upon His followers again."

So, it's like this, Alexander's heart pounded.

He turned to face the scientist, his voice filled with unwavering resolve. "Immediately organize a team to thoroughly research the nature of this energy and its connection to divine activity. We need to know how this power is being triggered and how we can utilize it. At the same time, intensify intelligence gathering, especially any unusual activities related to the Blood God and His followers."

The scientist nodded. Although many uncertainties remained in his mind, faced with Alexander's resolute gaze, he could only suppress his doubts and act swiftly.

So what if there are gods? Alexander mused inwardly. As long as we can control this power, nothing is impossible.

"In the future, when all warriors loyal to Hydra possess this power within their bodies, this world will belong to Hydra! As for the Blood God, the world needs a villain. We can use Him to let people know that only Hydra can protect them. The world will become increasingly dangerous under the destructive influence of that brainless deity, the Blood God. Under immense pressure to survive, I believe people will willingly give up their freedom."

Alexander stood before the monitoring room, his heart filled with anticipation and ambition for the future.

Little did he know, an eye in the void was also watching him.

"Director, what's so funny?"

On the other end of the computer video call, Coulson looked somewhat awkwardly at Xia Ling, while Nick Fury's already dark face grew even more somber.

He was wearing a tattered shirt and shorts, and didn't even have shoes on his feet. It was as if he was about to be branded. Compared to a guy working on a farm in the 18th century, it wasn't just similar; it was identical.

Coincidentally, during their video call, Xia Ling had let out a chuckle, and it was hard to say it wasn't a mockery of Nick Fury's attire.

"It's nothing, Mr. Fury. I'm not laughing at you; I'm just laughing at a clown."

Hearing this, Nick Fury could barely maintain his composure, wanting to unleash a torrent of curses at Xia Ling. While it wasn't explicitly stated that he was a clown, wasn't it an indirect insult?

"Of course, Mr. Fury, your appearance is indeed memorable. It seems Coulson has taken good care of you. It wasn't a waste of my time cultivating him. However, your appearance is not the source of my laughter. Truly, it's just because of a clown."

Xia Ling said things with a straight face that made Nick Fury furious. Coulson quickly pulled his former superior back, preventing the dark-skinned man from doing anything irrational. Otherwise, he wouldn't even be qualified to beg on the streets.

"Di-Director, Mr. Fury is video-calling you to thank you for paying the medical expenses for his friend Frank, right, Mr. Fury?"

Nick Fury glared at Xia Ling but ultimately suppressed his impending rage, revealing a hint of gratitude instead.

"Yes, Coulson is right," Nick Fury's voice was deep and powerful. He tried to keep his tone calm. "Director Xia, I do indeed need to thank you. Frank is an old friend of mine, and I've always been concerned about his situation. But lately, I've been too busy with affairs. Thank you for lending a hand in time."

The phrase "busy with affairs" was used quite cleverly. Did "enlightenment in the dragon's den" count as being busy with affairs? Did working on a farm count as being busy with affairs? However, Xia Ling didn't expose him; otherwise, the dark-skinned man would truly lose control. People should be a little kinder occasionally.

Xia Ling's smile faded, and he said seriously, "Fury, let's put other things aside for now. When are you going to pay back the ten thousand you owe me?"