In a corner of the Hydra Mars Base, Strange stopped his endless pursuit of Bucky. He hid in a secluded spot and sat down cross-legged.
The bizarre passageways seemed endless. After searching for so long without finding a way out, and with Bucky running around like they were playing hide-and-seek, he finally came to his senses and realized he had fallen into a trap.
It was not just him. Every Avenger, including Tony and Steve, had been exposed to the enemy's scheme. The previous coincidences and accidents had been deliberate, meant to separate them and defeat them one by one.
It was a very simple tactic, one that should have been obvious at a glance. The reason they had failed to notice it was their blind confidence that the infiltration plan had been a success.
But if Hydra had known about this infiltration plan from the very beginning, then...
The consequences were too terrifying. Strange did not dare dwell on them. He could only hope Tony and Steve came to their senses soon and found their missing teammates.
"I was too impulsive. That metal-armed man was bait meant to lure me away!"
Strange regretted it deeply. He was certain that there was a Hydra spy among the Avengers, but he had no idea who it was. Like trying to shut the stable door after the horse had bolted, he sensed the chaotic, disordered space around him, attempting to find the correct way to reopen a portal.
The plan had failed. The surroundings were full of enemy traps, and his teammates were in danger on all sides. He prayed that no one had been killed before he could open the portal.
Bzzzz!
An invisible force closed in. Strange, seated cross-legged, abruptly opened his eyes. Blinding light pierced the void as he