Chapter 7: Aftermath

Hydra Facility – 30 Minutes After Combat

The stench of blood and gunpowder still lingered in the air. The control room was littered with Hydra corpses, some unconscious, others beyond saving. The once-bustling Hydra base now lay in complete silence, save for the occasional crackle of a dying light bulb.

Alex stood amidst the carnage, his uniform barely touched—not a single bullet wound, not a single misstep.

The Howling Commandos weren't even bothering to hide their stares anymore.

Bucky leaned against a control panel, arms crossed. His lips curled into a lopsided smirk. "So... Al, when were you planning on telling us you turned into a one-man army?"

Dum Dum Dugan adjusted his hat. "I've seen a lotta things in this war, but that? That was something else."

Gabe Jones shook his head, disbelief etched across his face. "You just went through forty men like they were standing still."

Monty Falsworth glanced at the lifeless bodies. "More like they were mannequins."

Alex exhaled, rolling his shoulders as Combat Mode fully disengaged. He felt fine—no fatigue, no injuries. It was as if his body had only performed a light workout.

Steve was still gripping his shield, eyes locked onto Alex. Not in fear. Not in anger.

But in confusion.

"Al," Steve said slowly. "What... happened back there?"

Alex met his brother's gaze. "I fought."

Steve's frown deepened. "That wasn't just fighting. That was something else."

Peggy had been quiet, but now she stepped forward, her eyes sharp. "That level of precision... that wasn't human."

Alex shrugged. "I'm just efficient."

"Efficient?" Steve repeated. His voice was calm, but the look in his eyes said otherwise. "Al, you were untouchable. No wasted movement. No hesitation. It was like watching a—"

"A machine," Peggy finished.

Alex had no intention of explaining Combat Mode.

So, he deflected. "Would you rather I had let them shoot me?"

Steve sighed, running a hand down his face. "That's not the point, Al."

Dugan clapped his hands together, breaking the tension. "Well, whatever it was, it saved our hides. So I say we focus on the important part—getting out of here before Hydra sends reinforcements."

Steve exhaled and nodded. "Agreed. Everyone, pack it up. We're heading back to base."

The team began their exit preparations, but Peggy's eyes lingered on Alex for a second longer.

Then, she turned and followed the others.

As they made their way out of the Hydra base, Alex's mind called forth his status.

[Displaying Status Screen]

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Name: Alexander Rogers

Age: 27

Physical Condition: Peak Human (Enhanced)

Combat Mode: [Active] (Controlled by Great Sage)

Skills:

Great Sage (Analysis, Tactical Computation, Combat Optimization)

Enhanced Reflexes

Advanced Combat Prediction

Situational Awareness

Physical Reinforcement

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[Overall Evaluation: Combat Performance—95% Efficiency]

Alex's lips twitched.

'Sage, only 95%?'

[Correct. A full 100% efficiency would require additional augmentations or enhancements beyond your current capabilities.]

'Noted.'

He dismissed the screen. No need for Steve or Peggy to see.

For now, his secrets remained his own.

---

Return to Base – Camp Lehigh

By the time they arrived back at base, the sun was already rising over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the landscape.

Colonel Phillips stood waiting as they disembarked from the transport truck. His sharp eyes flickered over the team, immediately zeroing in on Alex.

"Rogers," he barked. "Both of you."

Alex and Steve stepped forward.

Phillips's gaze swept over them. "You two did good. The intel we pulled from that base is going to be game-changing."

Steve nodded. "Glad we could help, sir."

Phillips grunted. "That said…" His eyes flickered to Alex. "I've got some questions about your particular… method of combat."

Alex kept his expression neutral. "I get the job done, sir."

Phillips held his gaze for a long moment. Then, he huffed. "Hmph. Whatever works. Just make sure you don't go rogue on me, Rogers. Dismissed."

Alex smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it, sir."

As they walked away, Steve gave him a side glance.

Alex sighed. "You're not going to let this go, are you?"

Steve shook his head. "Nope."

Just as Alex thought he was done for the day, a sleek black car pulled into the camp.

A man in a tailored suit stepped out, flashing a confident smile.

Howard Stark.

"Well, well," Howard grinned, adjusting his tie. "If it isn't the famous Rogers twins."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "And you are?"

Howard smirked. "Howard Stark. Genius, billionaire, future father of a very charming son." He extended a hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Alex."

Peggy rolled her eyes. "Howard, we talked about introductions."

Howard chuckled but didn't back down. "Hey, if I don't make an entrance, who will?"

Alex shook his hand, smirking. "Stark, huh? Heard a lot about you."

Howard's grin widened. "All good things, I hope."

"Not really."

Howard laughed. "I like you already."

Peggy sighed. "Howard, why are you here?"

Howard's expression turned serious. "Because I've got something for you two. Something that's gonna change the war."

Alex's eyes narrowed.

This was just the beginning.