CH: 262 The Avengers

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{Chapter: 262 The Avengers}

Hearing the familiar voice behind him, Steve slowly turned around. His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied the man before him. William, who now bore a completely different appearance, looked nothing like the man Steve had spent years despising. To Steve, he was just another face in the crowd.

"Who are you?" Steve asked, his voice cautious but calm.

William smiled faintly and pointed at Steve as if surprised. "You... you look really familiar. Wait a second—aren't you Captain America? You must be!"

Steve blinked, slightly taken aback. "You know who I am?"

"Of course I do," William said, feigning awe. "I grew up hearing all about your heroic exploits. You're a legend! But… how are you still alive after all this time?"

Steve gave a dry chuckle, a bitter one. "Is that so? Well, I'm not sure my story is worth telling. Feels more like a long list of failures than anything else."

"Come on, don't say that," William said, shaking his head with a sympathetic expression. "You're a symbol. You represent the very spirit of America. You stood up when others fell. You protected countless lives."

Steve lowered his gaze to the lake, the reflection of sunlight flickering across the water. "I didn't protect enough. That's the truth. I failed when it mattered most. I couldn't stop the real threats from rising."

"You're being too hard on yourself," William said, his voice smooth and seemingly sincere. "You did what most people couldn't. You fought in a war that shook the world and made it out alive. That alone is a miracle."

Steve paused before asking, "Do you know about William?"

"William?" William echoed, pretending to think. "Oh, you mean that William. Of course, I know of him. The world's most hated man—resurfaced recently like a ghost from the past and then vanished again, just as mysteriously."

Steve's expression hardened, and his fists clenched involuntarily. "He's my greatest regret. My most persistent enemy. I failed to stop him during the war, and now… now the world continues to suffer because of that failure."

"You can't take all that weight on your shoulders, Captain," William replied smoothly. "One man can only do so much."

Steve shook his head slowly. "But I'm Captain America. Responsibility comes with the name. The world looks to me to lead, to protect—and yet, the world is still fractured. After all these decades, it's like nothing's really changed."

"You seem lost," William said gently, placing a hand on Steve's shoulder.

"I am," Steve admitted. "This era… it's alien to me. Smartphones, AI, digital everything—even fashion feels like it's from another universe. I'm doing my best to adjust, but sometimes it feels like I'm walking through a dream I can't wake up from."

William gave his shoulder a firm pat. "It's not easy catching up after seventy years. But if anyone can do it, it's you. You've overcome impossible odds before. You'll find your place again."

Steve gave a small, grateful smile. "Thanks. I appreciate that."

"Hey, it must be my lucky day to run into a living legend like you," William said with a bright grin. "Really made this afternoon memorable."

"You're being kind," Steve said, smiling back. "But I don't even know your name."

"Oh—right. Name's Tom," William replied quickly.

"Nice to meet you, Tom," Steve said, extending his hand.

William shook it firmly. "Pleasure's all mine, Captain."

Steve hesitated before continuing. "So… what brings you out here today?"

"Just taking a walk, soaking in the view. How about you? Any big plans coming up?"

Steve thought for a moment, then sighed. "Well, I was supposed to be focusing on finding William, but I've been told that effort is being temporarily shelved. There's something bigger now—a new threat. I've been asked to join a new team… the Avengers. Sounds ambitious."

William raised an eyebrow. "The Avengers, huh? That sounds serious. Well, I wish you nothing but success, Captain. The world still needs heroes."

Steve nodded. "Thank you, Tom. Meeting you today actually helped me more than you know. Maybe it is a good day after all." He gave William a short wave before turning and walking away from the pavilion.

William watched him disappear down the path, his eyes narrowing, a sinister grin tugging at his lips. "Oh, Captain… we will meet again."

From behind, a voice broke the moment. "Who were you talking to just now?"

William turned to see Alice, Ada, and the White Queen approaching from the direction of the shopping plaza. He smirked.

"Steve Rogers. Captain America himself," William said, brushing invisible dust off his sleeve. "We had a little man-to-man. He said he's looking forward to our next meeting."

The White Queen raised an eyebrow. "He said that?"

William chuckled darkly. "Oh, he did. But I don't think he'll be smiling when that day comes."

Alice and the other two stared at William in disbelief.

"You actually ran into him here?" Ada asked, eyes narrowing with curiosity.

William gave a faint smile. "Yes. Perhaps this is what people call fate."

"Ugh, gross," the White Queen said with a dramatic shiver, mock disgust on her face. "Two full-grown men talking about fate? I just got goosebumps."

William chuckled, unfazed. "His hatred for me hasn't lessened one bit. I suppose I leave a lasting impression."

"That's because you've done too many terrible things," Ada said dryly.

William spread his hands in mock innocence. "Evil or not, as long as people remember you forever… that's a kind of success, isn't it?"

White Queen scoffed, arms folded. "Then congratulations. You might be the most 'successful' man on the planet. You've been featured in the history books of multiple countries—though only as a prime example of what not to do."

William grinned. "Bad publicity is still publicity."

He turned slightly serious. "Steve is preparing to join the Avengers. That means it's time I make my move as well."

Ada's brow furrowed. "What do you plan to do?"

William glanced toward the sky, then looked back at his companions. "Time to make sure everything is ready. White Queen, I want you to take Alice and Ada to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s airborne helicarrier. Once there, let the Crosshairs become one of their fighter jets on aircraft carrier. The three of you will infiltrate as onboard staff. Blend in and observe."

White Queen gave a sharp nod. "Understood."

Alice tilted her head. "Are you leaving now?"

William nodded. "We'll meet again soon. For now, wait for me on the aircraft carrier."

"Be careful," Ada said softly.

"Don't worry," William replied. "I always am."

He stepped forward and pulled Alice into his arms, kissing her passionately, without hesitation. Then he turned to Ada, and did the same, sharing a long, deep kiss that made her cheeks flush.

When he looked toward White Queen, she instantly raised her hand to block her lips.

""Why are you looking at me? Don't even think about it," she said firmly. "I won't let you kiss me."

"Then I'll settle for something else." William smirked and gave her a quick, playfully pinched buttocks with one hand.

"You pervert!" White Queen shouted, half annoyed, half flustered.

"Hahaha." William only laughed, the sound echoing through the area. A golden aura shimmered around him as the deformation particle surged outward from his body. In moments, he transformed into a sleek, stunning black Lamborghini Ankonian, the engine roaring to life. With a screech of tires, he sped away in a flash, vanishing into the distance like a phantom.

Alice, Ada, and White Queen watched him go, speechless for a moment.

"I can't believe he can turn into such a cool car," Alice finally muttered.

White Queen smirked. "I must drive him next time." White Queen shouted.

Ada laughed. "I second that. I want to feel what it's like to take William for a spin."

Alice giggled. "Count me in. We have to try it."

The White Queen rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips lifted. "Alright, alright. Enough fantasizing. We've got a mission to complete. Let's head to the helicarrier."

"Do you know where it is?" Ada asked.

White Queen tossed her hair back confidently. "Of course I do. Some things, you just have to know."

---

Kolkata, India

A sleek aerial aircraft descended slowly through the humid evening sky, kicking up dust and drawing curious stares from onlookers. Its ramp hissed open, and out stepped Natasha Romanoff, dressed in a form-fitting black leather tactical dress that shimmered slightly under the sun. Her gaze was focused, sharp, and calculating.

An agent approached quickly, holding a tablet.

"Ma'am, we've pinpointed his location. The target's movements have been tracked, and he's currently within the zone."

Natasha nodded. "Good. Lead me to him. I'll handle the rest."

"This way, please. Your vehicle is ready."

As Natasha followed, her eyes landed on the car waiting nearby, and a glimmer of genuine surprise danced across her features.

"Impressive," she muttered. "A Lamborghini?"

"Yes, ma'am. Lamborghini Ankonian. Just delivered," the agent confirmed with a nod.

Natasha smirked. "Now that's style."

She stepped toward the car, her boots clicking against the pavement, and slid into the driver's seat, the leather interior cool beneath her fingers.

Time to hunt.

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