The factory on the outskirts of Sokovia sat amid towering mountains. The country itself was surrounded by endless ranges, with a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery, untouched by cold currents. If its economy were developed enough and its infrastructure complete, it would have been an excellent vacation destination.
Sean watched Pietro stride excitedly through the doors of the medical room. Rumor had it that every worker who passed the physical examination and tests could receive a generous reward of no less than three thousand dollars. That was nearly half a year's household expenses for an ordinary family. No wonder those selected were so thrilled; they might not earn that much even after working overtime at the factory for an entire year.
Sean did not care much about that. He was more interested in the factory's true owner. Eastern Europe could be considered one of Hydra's strongholds. A high-ranking figure named Baron Strucker had entrenched himself here, infiltrating every level of power and weaving an intricate network. In the original timeline, Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch had both been among his proudest creations.
The Baron's real name was Wolfgang von Strucker. Born in Bavaria, Germany, his father had been a key member of the Nazi Party during the last century. He later joined Hydra himself and gradually climbed into its upper ranks.
As he read the long string of information that surfaced in his mind, Sean's lips curved slightly. He seemed to have quite an affinity with Hydra. During his last trip to Tokyo, Japan, he had encountered Viper and obtained the Progenitor Virus and ghouls. This time, he had run into Strucker. He wondered what good things the man would contribute.
After some time, Pietro emerged happily, clutching a pale yellow slip of paper about three inches wide and five