The Well-Organized Hell's Kitchen

A black S.H.I.E.L.D. car sped into the streets of Hell's Kitchen once more. Unlike last time, only Coulson and Hawkeye were investigating this time.

After discussing it, the two felt that a secret investigation was too unreliable.

The last time they followed the Director here, they had openly revealed their FBI identities. Although it hadn't escalated, given that this was Hell's Kitchen, their appearances and personal information were likely known to everyone.

Once their identities had been exposed, any subsequent attempts at concealment would be futile.

So, the two decided to stop pretending and go for a direct, open search.

"Barton, don't you think Hell's Kitchen feels more oppressive than when we were here last time?"

Coulson tugged at his tie, feeling an urge to loosen it.

Following the "monster" incident, the entire atmosphere of Hell's Kitchen had become heavier and more unsettled.

Ever since they drove in, Coulson had felt like he was being watched by many eyes, which made him even more unnerved.

He was driving, and what did that mean? It meant that most people in Hell's Kitchen were probably monitoring him.

Coulson's heart sank. This mission was likely going to be troublesome.

"Exactly, it's too strange. Even if our FBI identities spread throughout Hell's Kitchen, it shouldn't have reached this point. The current situation looks like the entire Hell's Kitchen has united, becoming a single rope.

And the one holding that rope is definitely not Kingpin. While his methods are superb, he absolutely cannot make so many people willingly die for him."

Hawkeye scanned the surroundings with his excellent eyesight, a chill running down his spine. He had a bad premonition.

"Barton, it's likely no one in all of Hell's Kitchen will assist us this time."

Coulson felt a bit discouraged. He had thought that even if their FBI identities were known, considering the complex situation within Hell's Kitchen, someone would be willing to become a "tainted witness."

However, this situation seemed like a foolish fantasy.

"This time might not go smoothly, and there might even be danger. Coulson, the Director has entrusted you with handling this operation. You decide whether we continue investigating or retreat immediately."

Upon hearing this, Coulson's gaze swept across the street as he weighed the pros and cons.

As S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, facing difficulties and dangers was commonplace, but the current situation clearly exceeded their expectations. However, retreating before the mission even began felt...

"Retreating isn't our style, Barton, but I understand that a direct confrontation might only lead us into a more dangerous situation."

Coulson gritted his teeth as he said this. Retreating now would make him seem too incompetent and cowardly.

This was not something an honest person like him could do.

Moreover, Coulson didn't believe that with everyone in Hell's Kitchen knowing they were FBI, anyone would dare to beat him to death or arrest him, a government official, in broad daylight.

Doing so would be a public declaration of war against the country. Not only would S.H.I.E.L.D. not let it go, but the entire America would react.

It certainly wouldn't be like in the movies, where someone dies like a stray dog and no one cares.

"In that case, do you have a target?"

Hawkeye asked. Since they had decided to investigate, they needed a direction, to know where to start.

"Let's first go to... Huh? What's that?"

Coulson's words stopped abruptly, and the car he was driving also stopped.

"Coulson, what's wrong?"

Hawkeye, who was waiting for Coulson to finish, saw his colleague's astonished expression.

"I think we might not need to search so hard."

Coulson pointed not far ahead, where a church with a bizarre style had suddenly appeared before them.

Coulson found it difficult to describe the strangeness of the church. It looked like a normal church structure, yet it felt odd no matter how he looked at it.

He had a strong sense of foreboding, as if a monster was hidden within the church.

However, they wouldn't have to search painstakingly now. They could go directly to the church to investigate. Perhaps they might even find some surprises.

"How... how dare they?"

Hawkeye's voice was filled with disbelief and shock as his gaze fixed on the strangely styled church radiating an ominous aura ahead.

The church's exterior appeared even more bizarre under the sunlight. The black stone seemed to emit a faint, eerie glow in the light, and the twisted decorations and unknown totems sent a chill down their spines.

"It's fortunate they are so bold, otherwise I would have been troubled about where to start."

Coulson quipped, though a chill ran down his spine.

The fact that they dared to build a church so brazenly, what did that mean? It meant they felt untouchable!

Coulson regretted if his actions were too hasty. However, faced with the situation, not asking anything would also mean he couldn't report back.

"But since it's come to this, we have no retreat."

Coulson took a deep breath, his eyes gradually becoming resolute.

"Barton, get ready. We're getting out of the car. This time, we'll go as FBI agents, walk right into that church, and see what secrets are hidden inside. I doubt they'd dare do anything to us."

The two quickly got out of the car. No words were needed between them; a glance was enough to understand each other's intentions.

They slowly approached the strange church, each step feeling exceptionally heavy, as if the stone slabs beneath their feet bore an unspeakable pressure.

As they drew closer, the church's ominous aura grew stronger. The surrounding crowd also seemed to sense the strangeness, casting curious yet fearful glances their way.

Ignoring the stares of those around them, the two quickly walked to the church entrance. Coulson lightly tapped the heavy wooden door, awaiting a response.

After only a few seconds, footsteps could be heard approaching.

Coulson swallowed, worried that a monster might leap out once the door opened, and whether he'd have to immediately unleash an American-style iaijutsu on it.

However, after the footsteps stopped, the door slowly opened to reveal a middle-aged man in a black robe with a stern expression. It was Kaecilius.

This ordinary human face immediately disappointed Coulson, while also secretly rejoicing that he wouldn't have to fight right away.

"Welcome. Have you come to hear the teachings of the Great Father? No matter who you are, as long as you believe in the Great Father, our Church of Dagon welcomes you."

"We are FBI agents. Here are our badges. We suspect illegal items are present in your church, and we are now going to search this place."

Coulson cut to the chase, directly presenting his forged credentials. Kaecilius observed them for a moment before nodding and saying something that surprised Coulson.

"Do you have a warrant?"

Kaecilius's words were gentle, but this completely stumped Coulson.

Who knew a cult would demand a warrant? He hadn't forged one!