Chapter 209 A Perfectly Laid Plan!

HYDRA targeting Batman was, in retrospect, understandable.

After giving it some thought, Anton didn't find this development particularly surprising.

A few months ago, thanks to Batman warning, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury became aware of internal problems within the organization.

In other words, HYDRA had already been exposed or, at the very least, was at significant risk of being exposed.

Although Nick Fury discussions with Batman were kept confidential and unheard by anyone outside the Avengers,

HYDRA intelligence-gathering capabilities would have easily noticed Fury increased internal oversight after his meeting with Batman in New York.

It was clear to HYDRA that Fury actions were likely linked to Batman.

Better to eliminate than miss.

The difference between villains and heroes is that villains operate solely on logic, while heroes are bound by rules.

Villains employ a blunt and straightforward approach.

If someone is a suspect, they're eliminated.

By eliminating all potential suspects, HYDRA ensures results.

For HYDRA, results are all that matter.

Moreover, as a superhero and founder of a superhero team, Batman principles were inherently opposed to HYDRA.

Recruitment?

Impossible.

Infiltration?

Even less likely.

From the moment Batman appeared, he shrouded himself in mystery.

The Justice League he subsequently founded operated in ways that were equally inscrutable.

Once the founding members—or the so-called "first generation"—of the Justice League were confirmed, no new additions had been reported.

HYDRA had no means of infiltrating the organization.

"No recruitment, no infiltration. So they've decided on a direct confrontation?"

Anton chuckled coldly as he considered the situation, his eyes narrowing with a sharp, icy glint.

Batman personal secrecy was well-known, but so too was Anton apparent closeness to him.

Thanks to Anton, the Jameson family had also been linked to Batman in a way that seemed unusual to outsiders.

Wayne Enterprises served as the most glaring example.

If HYDRA intended to move against Batman, their first logical step would be to dismantle Batman so-called "allies"—namely Anton and the Jameson family.

Through Anton and his family, HYDRA might hope to extract valuable information about Batman.

Anton face remained calm, but a frigid sharpness flickered in his eyes.

He instantly assessed the situation.

HYDRA, it seemed, was willingly delivering itself as experience points.

"I wonder if cutting off nine heads means they'll stop growing back," Anton mused with a cold smirk.

"Anton?"

His adoptive father, John, noticed the shift in Anton expression and looked at him with concern. "Is something wrong?"

"There indeed a minor situation," Anton said, turning to John.

"The old man hasn't left yet, right? John, I suggest you start familiarizing yourself with the company operations.

Tonight, accompany the old man to Washington for the military banquet."

"Is it that serious? What going on?"

John face darkened, realizing Anton intended to send him away.

Washington. A military banquet.

The security in such an environment was undoubtedly ironclad.

Being within the military protected zone would ensure their safety, giving Anton the freedom to handle the situation.

"Are you going to be in danger?"

John brows furrowed tightly.

"Don't worry about me. I'm far safer than you are," Anton replied with a grin.

"As an official member of the Justice League, I have more than enough protection.

Besides, my biggest secret—the old man hasn't shared that with you yet, has he?"

"What secret?"

John curiosity was piqued.

Since coming back, he'd had countless questions bottled up inside him.

His once rebellious and carefree son had suddenly become a world-renowned director, boasting connections with high-profile superheroes.

He was even an official member of the Justice League. The transformation was staggering—a rich kid turned global "big shot" in every sense of the term.

What had sparked such a dramatic change in Anton?

John suspected the truth behind it all lay in the "secret" Anton had just mentioned.

"Go ask the old man. Maybe he'll tell you," Anton said, noting John burning curiosity.

Though Anton didn't mind revealing his true identity to those closest to him, he couldn't resist toying with John anticipation.

He laughed heartily before pulling out his phone and dialing Phil.

"Hey, boss! This is Phil. What the word?"

On the other end of the line, Phil felt a jolt of energy. He could sense this wasn't an ordinary call.

Anton rarely contacted him directly. When he did, it meant something significant was unfolding.

Since stepping into his role as a superhero, Phil demeanor had undergone a transformation.

He had grown more confident, feeling he was capable of much more than his previous role had allowed.

"I've got a task for you—protect someone for me," Anton said.

"Who?"

"My father, John Jameson."

Anton provided a brief explanation of the current situation.

In essence, a villainous faction had set its sights on the Justice League and might target Anton directly.

To ensure his family safety, he wanted Phil to serve as a bodyguard for a while.

Though John Sr. was relatively safe with John Wick around, Anton wanted to leave no room for error, especially regarding his father, John Jr.

"Consider it done!" Phil responded without hesitation, brimming with excitement.

This was Batman trust—a task assigned directly by him.

"Then I'm counting on you!" Anton said with a smile.

"When you're back, I'll make sure you get a bonus. Oh, and your equipment could use an upgrade.

Wayne Enterprises has rolled out some new weapons recently. Head over there and pick whatever you like."

"Fantastic! Thanks, boss!"

Phil was elated.

After confirming the arrangements, Phil immediately made his way to Wayne Enterprises.

"John," Anton said after ending the call, turning to his younger father.

"I've arranged for a bodyguard to keep you safe. Let get you to the company. Tonight, you'll head to Washington with the old man."

"Seems like you've got everything perfectly planned for me," John said with a sigh, suppressing his curiosity as he followed Anton out of the house.

Moments later, a car pulled out of the upscale neighborhood, heading toward the next phase of Anton carefully laid plans.

New York.

Inside a dimly lit safehouse, a peculiar man with blue skin sat alone.

[Don't act yet. He just left his house.]

The strange man eyes, filled with hatred, fixated on the two monitors in front of him.

One monitor displayed a surveillance feed, while the other showed a chat window.

A message appeared in the chat window:

[Anton just made a few calls, likely gathering intel. He on the move, and his father, John Jameson, is with him.]

"When can I move? I can't wait any longer!" the man growled, his hateful gaze shifting to the surveillance screen, which showed Anton car leaving the affluent neighborhood.

[Soon.]

On the other end, the hacker was matching the surveillance data with a map to determine Anton route.

[It looks like he heading to Wayne Enterprises.]

[Be patient. The Wayne Enterprises site is much better suited for you to unleash your full potential.]