Chapter 51: The Disintegration of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Arthur effortlessly shot down three airborne carriers, while Steve Rogers, Natasha, Sam, and Bucky were eliminating all hostile agents within S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters.

Hovering above, Arthur continued to unleash energy blasts, obliterating the trio of carriers and refusing to let them fall into the hands of the American military.

Bucky, wielding a submachine gun, swept through the ranks of S.H.I.E.L.D. Special Operations, while Sam soared through the air, dealing with enemies stationed atop the high observation towers.

Natasha rescued several civilian staff members besieged by Hydra, and Steve Rogers found himself facing a worthy adversary—the captain of the Special Operations unit, Brock Rumlow.

Their battle was fierce, but Brock proved no match for Steve. Steve’s combat prowess was unmatched; even against Brock’s army knife, he held his ground, and his mastery of the shield was nothing short of extraordinary.

In the end, Steve drove Brock’s own knife into his heart.

...

All Hydra agents within S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters were eradicated by Arthur and his companions. The remaining operatives had their memories read by Arthur, revealing two agents who attempted to continue their undercover work—Bucky snapped their necks on the spot.

Natasha took charge of resolving the aftermath. Hill arrived, informing Arthur that Pierce had been shot dead by Nick Fury.

S.H.I.E.L.D. was utterly dismantled, and agents outside the headquarters were left for Steve to deal with in due course. The U.S. government chose to suppress all footage relating to the incident.

Natasha formally attended the U.S. Congress to address the S.H.I.E.L.D. crisis. Under Arthur’s directive, she adopted a resolute stance, informing the congressmen of Hydra’s infiltration and announcing the complete dissolution of S.H.I.E.L.D.

The congressmen were stunned by the news. They demanded to know who would protect America’s security without S.H.I.E.L.D.

Natasha responded that the Avengers were officially formed and would continue to safeguard the planet, but would not be subject to any national oversight.

The congressmen were furious, rejecting the existence of the Avengers and threatening to imprison Natasha.

Natasha warned them, “The Avengers are allied with Asgard. Should America choose to oppose us, the Asgardians will descend upon Earth.”

“We do not wish to be enemies of any nation or institution. You need us. This world is fragile, and we share responsibility for its fate—but we are the ones best equipped to protect her. If you wish to arrest us, come find me. You know where we are.” With that, Natasha rose and departed.

Congress found themselves powerless against the Avengers—a group of extremely dangerous individuals. Fortunately, their aim was to defend the planet.

...

The next day

“Washington’s S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters has been attacked by terrorists, reportedly by a group called Hydra. The Department of Defense is launching an investigation…” The news played on television as Arthur, Steve, Natasha, Sam, Nick Fury, and Hill sat together for a meal.

“Is your injury alright?” Steve asked, noticing Nick Fury’s right hand still in a cast.

“I can move well enough, but it’ll be some time before I’m back to my old self,” Nick replied.

At that moment, the sound of a car engine and a knock at the door interrupted them.

Natasha opened the door and was surprised to see Tony Stark standing there. “What brings you here?” she asked.

“I was hypnotized for three days. When I woke up and found S.H.I.E.L.D. gone, I guessed you’d all be here, so I came to check in.” Tony spoke, shooting Arthur a glare as he did.

“Come join us. This is Natasha and Hill’s cooking—decent enough to eat,” Arthur called out.

“Do you have any complaints about our food?” Natasha and Hill fixed Arthur with a steely gaze.

A sense of danger filled the air.

“No, I wouldn’t dare. Today’s dishes are wonderful. I’d love another helping…” Arthur replied, his words betraying his true feelings.

“Who’s that?” Tony asked, noticing the Winter Soldier, Bucky, lying on the couch.

“That’s Steve’s old friend. I’m rebooting his brain,” Arthur explained.

Natasha proceeded to recount the events of the past few days and their decision to strengthen the Avengers, earning Tony’s approval.

“I always suspected something was wrong with those S.H.I.E.L.D. ops teams. Now that they’re gone for good, it’s about time. I’ll take care of the Avengers headquarters,” Tony declared.

“It’s not over yet. Hydra has taken Loki’s scepter. I need to retrieve it—it must be in my hands,” Arthur announced.

“I’ll go with you. I haven’t had much to do lately—it’s my turn to act,” Tony volunteered enthusiastically.

“No need. I’ll go alone. In fact, out of all of us, you absolutely cannot come,” Arthur stated.

“Why? I need an explanation!” Tony demanded.

“Because Hydra’s base is in Sokovia—a small country you may not know. Its people bear a deep resentment toward you, Iron Man,” said Arthur.

“Resent me? Why?” Tony was baffled; he’d never even heard of Sokovia, so why the hostility?

“Sokovia endured war, likely at Hydra’s hands. The weapons used were all manufactured by Stark Industries. Hydra later spread propaganda blaming you for the conflict, so the people of Sokovia despise you,” Arthur explained.

Tony felt he was an innocent bystander, wrongfully blamed.

“So focus on building the Avengers’ new headquarters. You’re the chief advisor—leave that to you,” Arthur said.

“You really intend to go alone?” Steve Rogers asked.

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. Not a single Hydra agent will escape me, and I’ll deal with all their weapon research. Any other Hydra nests are yours to clear out,” Arthur replied.

“Alright, but be careful. If you need backup, contact me—I’ll come to support you,” Steve said, and the others nodded in agreement.

Bucky, now fully awake, had the Hydra brainwashing commands erased by Arthur, restoring his long-lost memories with Steve Rogers.

The two embraced tightly. Watching the heartfelt reunion, Arthur turned to Nick Fury.

“What’s next for you?”

“The Avengers business is Captain’s responsibility now. Hill will help you all. I need to rest a while,” Nick said, lifting his casted arm.

“Good, then rest easy—I trust they’ll do well,” Arthur remarked, glancing at the group, lively with laughter and conversation.

With the S.H.I.E.L.D. affair concluded, Arthur set out for Sokovia in Eastern Europe, determined this time to obtain the Mind Stone.

Having been denied Infinity Stones time and again, Arthur resolved that this time, he would succeed.

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