Chapter 134: The Winter Soldier
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As Chen Mo pressed the call button, an old-fashioned pager on a nearby office desk—silent for decades—suddenly buzzed to life.
Seated at the desk was a tall, broad-shouldered blond man with an air of quiet authority. His deep blue eyes held the calm wisdom of someone who had seen much of the world, giving him the presence of a seasoned elder rather than a middle-aged man.
Yet the moment the pager sounded, his composed demeanor shattered.
He stood abruptly, a flicker of nostalgia crossing his face.
**"Seventy years... You've finally returned."**
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Chen Mo hadn't waited long before familiar yet hurried footsteps approached. They paused outside the door, accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and slightly labored breathing.
After a brief hesitation, the door swung open, revealing the same blond man—now visibly tense.
At the sight of Chen Mo, a smile tugged at the man's lips.
**"Eddie. Long time no see."**
Albert's nervous excitement melted away the moment he saw Chen Mo seated behind the desk.
**"Master. You're back."**
He bowed slightly, warmth and reverence in his tone.
**"Shall I brew you some coffee?"**
Chen Mo's mind flashed to the rich aroma he'd missed.
**"Of course."**
There was no rush now. He hadn't tasted Eddie's coffee in years—decades, even.
Soon, Albert returned with a tray bearing an ornate silver coffee set—the very same one they'd used back in Liverpool.
Chen Mo's smile deepened.
After his departure, Albert had meticulously preserved it, carrying it from New York's martial arts school to this HYDRA base in Norway, ensuring Chen Mo could always enjoy his coffee just the way he liked.
Steaming dark liquid poured from the slender spout into the delicate silver cup, its rich fragrance filling the air.
Chen Mo leaned back, savoring the first sip as the familiar flavor bloomed on his tongue.
Between sips, he listened as Albert briefed him on the past seventy years.
Since Chen Mo's disappearance, HYDRA had operated under Albert's leadership, with Dr. Zola and Colonel John as his lieutenants.
The organization's absolute loyalty to Chen Mo ensured a seamless transition. No dissent, no power struggles—every potential threat had been purged long ago, leaving Albert with a united, formidable force.
Following Chen Mo's orders, they remained hidden, their influence spreading unseen across the globe.
Norway, home to their secret base, was entirely under their control—a shadow stronghold. Beyond that, HYDRA's tendrils reached into the highest echelons of governments worldwide, particularly in Europe.
Few could imagine that this invisible empire held the power to sway global politics.
Coupled with their advanced technology, HYDRA in the wrong hands—like Red Skull's—could have conquered the world with ease.
Fortunately, Chen Mo's vision was peace.
Technological progress, however, had slowed. Dr. Zola's research hit a bottleneck; aside from energy weapons, HYDRA's edge over global tech had narrowed to just two decades.
For specifics, Zola himself would need to explain—though he wasn't present.
Before leaving, Chen Mo had injected Albert with an enhanced Super-Soldier Serum. The then-sixty-year-old not only regained the physique of a man in his forties but also tripled his strength and extended his lifespan dramatically.
Yet immortality eluded him. His body aged, albeit at a fraction of the normal rate.
Now, seventy years later, he looked scarcely older.
The secret? Cryo-sleep.
Albert, Zola, and Colonel John took turns freezing themselves, cycling every twenty years to await Chen Mo's return.
Albert had chosen the first shift, ensuring he'd be awake to greet Chen Mo.
For the past decade, he'd waited.
Today, the wait ended.
Chen Mo hadn't just left Albert with serum vials—he'd provided the formula. The original HYDRA members, fiercely loyal, were gradually enhanced and frozen, now slumbering in the base's cryo-chambers as an elite force: the Winter Soldiers.
Their purpose? To stand ready against future threats—like the Chitauri.
New recruits, after rigorous loyalty testing, could earn the same honor.
HYDRA's selection process was flawless, ensuring only the most devoted joined their ranks.
Chen Mo was pleased with HYDRA's growth. Technological stagnation was expected—breakthroughs like Super-Soldier Serum or Iron Man armor weren't achieved through time alone.
That was why he traversed worlds: to claim their unique technologies and artifacts.
This time, his primary target was clear.
**"What of SHIELD?"** he asked between sips.
Albert's answer was precise.
**"Publicly, they're now the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division—overseen by the World Security Council. Director Nick Fury handles anomalous global incidents."**
HYDRA's infiltration of SHIELD ran deeper than anyone knew.
**"The shadow branch remains led by Colonel Phillips, Agent Carter, Steve, Howard, and Dr. Erskine. They faked their deaths over the decades, now mostly in cryo-sleep. Howard currently manages operations."**
Chen Mo smirked. The idea of Howard—the irreverent genius—running SHIELD was amusing.
**"And Howard's son?"**
**"Tony Stark. Weapons prodigy. Playboy."** Albert checked a smartphone. **"Howard faked his death after Tony came of age. He now leads Stark Industries."**
A pause.
**"Currently...**
**"Chasing women."**