The Mission to Save the World, Entrusted to You

The next morning, an awkward situation arose when Luke, Rogers, and Howard all appeared outside the barracks at the same time.

Everyone wore knowing smiles. Even Rogers, who had no prior experience in such matters, let out a couple of chuckles.

It seemed everyone was well aware of what had happened the night before.

"Morning, Luke. And Steve, are you guys out for your morning training too?"

Howard coughed twice, asking with feigned casualness.

Howard retaliated, his tone laced with a hint of sourness.

Previously, he had showered Carter with attention, but she remained unmoved, her attitude cold.

Yet, Luke had done nothing and effortlessly plucked that thorny rose.

This left Howard, who had always been successful in the dating scene, feeling somewhat dejected.

"If I told you nothing happened between Miss Carter and me last night, you wouldn't believe me."

Luke shrugged, his expression serious.

As expected, he was met with doubtful glances and scornful laughter.

"Come on, that's like a drunkard always saying he's not drunk, or a politician always saying they're serving the citizens. It's completely unconvincing!"

Howard scoffed, clearly not believing him.

A man and a woman, disappearing after dancing a single dance, only to reappear the next morning.

Could they have spent the night gazing at the stars and moon, discussing life's ideals?

Rogers nodded in agreement.

It was evident that he had grown significantly after his immersive first experience the previous night.

"Go on, tell me, how did you do it?"

Howard asked, full of curiosity. He wanted to know where he had lost.

When it came to looks!

Alright, Luke was indeed young and handsome.

But wasn't a mature, steady, and profound man like himself more attractive?

When it came to achievements!

Although Luke was a war hero of the Allied Nations and a world-renowned Superman.

In the scientific community, Howard Stark was also a rising star.

He had the potential to rival Robert Oppenheimer and Leo Szilard as a new genius!

"Since you asked so sincerely, I won't hide it from you—Miss Carter said she was deeply attracted to me the moment she first saw me. She said I was like a firefly in the night, so distinct, so outstanding..."

Howard froze on the spot. Seeing Luke's teasing gaze, he realized this guy was just spouting nonsense and spat fiercely—

"Pfft!"

His upbringing would never have allowed such a rude behavior.

"If I could beat you, I would have punched you right now!"

Howard turned and left, but his movements were so exaggerated that he almost twisted his waist.

In the end, he left with one hand on his hip, staggering awkwardly.

"Heh heh, judging by your expression, you had a pleasant night."

Luke hooked his arm around Rogers' shoulder, and the two walked towards the barracks.

He remembered how people in his past life often debated whether Captain America was a seventy-year-old virgin who had never dated.

Now, it was certain that he wasn't.

"Her name is Margie."

Rogers said shyly.

He was still not accustomed to conversations on such topics.

In the afternoon, as Luke entered the operations room after resting, he heard Colonel Phillips' furious roar.

"Johann Schmidt should be locked up in a mental asylum!"

He stood before a map, his expression shocked and angry.

Rogers, Carter, and Howard were all seated at the long table, their faces also quite grim.

The remaining senior officers remained silent.

The atmosphere in the entire room plummeted to freezing point, as if the air had solidified.

"What's wrong?"

Luke asked, frowning.

Colonel Phillips, who had been furious, softened his tone considerably when he saw him and explained patiently, "Red Skull wants to destroy half the world! Starting with New York, and not even sparing Berlin, which belongs to the Axis Powers! We have to stop him!"

Colonel Phillips' finger jabbed forcefully at the marked red dots.

These were several crucial cities for both the Allied Nations and the Axis Powers, including New York, London, and even Berlin.

A heavy silence fell upon everyone present; these were all densely populated, thriving metropolises.

If Hydra's plan were successfully implemented, the casualties would be immeasurable!

The Strategic Scientific Reserve had obtained this intelligence because Red Skull's plan map and detailed information were displayed in the command center of a Hydra base.

They hadn't had time to destroy or take it with them when they fled.

It was seen by Rogers, who was searching for his friend Bucky, and he remembered it.

"Schmidt is researching mysterious powers beyond our comprehension! If he crosses the Atlantic Ocean, he could destroy the entire East Coast within an hour."

Howard's confident tone further intensified the oppressive atmosphere in the operations room.

As the chief scientist of the Strategic Scientific Reserve, he had specifically studied the blue energy block that Captain America had casually pocketed at the factory.

Its power was immense, its effects astonishing!

This was Howard's conclusion!

He had only extracted a tiny, minuscule particle for analysis and had nearly blown himself up.

"Luke..."

In that critical moment, Colonel Phillips disregarded the formalities of rank.

"I've already sent a dispatch to Allied Command and the White House. Mr. President wants you to step forward and stop Hydra's plan! Only you can do it at this time! In twenty-four hours, Red Skull will implement his insane plan!"

In the operations room, all eyes were focused on Luke.

The Allied Nations needed a hero to save the world.

And he was the most suitable candidate!

This young Commodore had created miracles time and time again.

The capture of Rome in Italy, assisting the Allies in landing in Sicily, dismantling Hydra's secret bases, rescuing captured soldiers...

These legendary feats were all proof of Luke's capabilities.

He was called "Superman" and "Savior of the Allies" for good reason.

"Steve, you definitely know where Hydra's headquarters are, right?"

A faint smile touched Luke's calm face.

"There's an underground base in the Alps! That's where Hydra's headquarters are located!"

Rogers replied with certainty.

"Then are you willing to come with me to destroy it and stop Red Skull's evil plan?"

Upon hearing the answer, Luke offered a composed smile, his steady demeanor inspiring everyone present.

"I will unconditionally follow your orders, Commander!"

Rogers stood tall and proud, his eyes devoid of fear.

In his view, this mission would undoubtedly be fraught with danger.

But as Luke's friend and a soldier of the Allied Nations, he naturally had an obligation to participate!

"Commodore, please take me with you!"

As Dum Dum volunteered, the members of the Howling Commandos echoed his request.

The honor and applause they received were all thanks to Luke's brilliant leadership.

The Howling Commandos held genuine admiration and respect for this young Commander!

"Alright. You have two hours to prepare your equipment, then we depart!"

Luke didn't say much more; an impassioned speech was unnecessary, as ultimate victory was the key.

After receiving their answer, everyone in the operations room dispersed.

Carter stood up, her fingers unconsciously tracing patterns on the table.

She seemed about to say something, her lips moving twice, but then she left without a word.

Luke pursed his lips; being a gentleman truly had no good outcome.

ps: Thanks to [Mò Yè Tīng Xuě] for the 100-point tip~

ps2: Esteemed readers, do you have any votes?