Hydra Conference

Richard swore that, at first, he had genuinely had no intention of getting involved in Hydra's mess.

He had no desire to rule the world, nor did he need more people or resources. Why bother wasting the effort to seize things he did not need in the first place?

But now, he realized he had been wrong. It had nothing to do with whether he wanted to get involved. It was a reality he had to face. Whether he chose to participate or not, the other Hydra leaders would never allow him to stay out of it.

Whitehall had been right. Baron Strucker's downfall was not merely a matter of fighting over his remaining territory and resources; it also involved a redistribution of interests. The balance that had existed for years had been broken, and it might even give Hydra the opportunity to reunite as one.

No one could stay out of it. Just as Whitehall had come knocking today, Viper or Baron Zemo might show up next. Even if Richard did nothing, someone would eventually come looking for trouble. They would either force him to pick a side or swallow up his forces.

No matter what, things definitely would not be quiet for a while.

But that was fine. Ever since Galacta had left, Richard had been restless and irritable, with the urge to find something to distract himself—or someone to beat up. This was the perfect opportunity to "relax."

Rather than wait for others to come knocking and deal with them one by one, he might as well make the first move and settle every problem in one go.

Thus, after seeing off Whitehall's former lackey, Sunil Bakshi, Richard immediately contacted Gideon Malick again and had him spread the word to summon all the Hydra leaders.

He intended