CHAPTER 46

The moment Captain America realized Hydra was behind the attack, and that he was their target, there was no hesitation in his decision.

"Please, let me fight!" Rogers turned to Shen He, his voice firm.

Shen He met his gaze, his expression unreadable. "Mr. Rogers, you understand what it means to fight, the reasons behind it, and the identity of those who do."

"They're Hydra." Rogers had already found his answer. "I know them better than anyone. I can help you deal with them, reduce your losses. Isn't that reason enough?"

For Captain America, the world could change, but one principle remained unshaken—never show weakness to the enemy. Hiding behind others was no different from handing them victory.

"What about your fighting identity?" Shen He pressed.

"I can join you." Rogers didn't hesitate. "I'm retired. Plenty of veterans join mercenary companies after leaving the service. As long as your mission is to protect civilians, I can fight as your soldier."

He was confident—no mercenary force would refuse him.

But to his surprise, Shen He shook his head without hesitation. "Mr. Rogers, I appreciate your offer, but we can't let you join us."

"Why?" Rogers couldn't understand.

Shen He didn't answer. His eyes shifted toward the sky.

"The military's here."

Before Rogers could react, he heard the low roar of approaching aircraft.

Several familiar American fighter jets appeared, hovering just above.

Rogers exhaled, relieved. "Looks like the battle's over."

But beside him, Shen He took a deep breath.

"Everyone, prepare to break through. The real fight starts now."

Rogers blinked. "What?"

Then—

The American planes began bombing them.

Fiery explosions erupted as their payload struck the golden barrier protecting the hospital. Down below, heavily armed U.S. soldiers breached the perimeter. But their weapons weren't aimed at Hydra.

They were aimed at them.

Joan of Arc swayed slightly, her face tense with strain as she maintained the defensive barrier.

Rogers froze, his mind struggling to process what was happening.

"They're attacking us?"

Shen He tossed him a machine gun. "We don't have time to protect civilians and fight at the same time." His eyes narrowed. "Do you understand now?"

Rogers stared at the rifle in his hands, then back at the advancing U.S. soldiers.

"…Why?"

Shen He's expression darkened. "Because the world isn't what it used to be, Mr. Rogers." He raised his own weapon and cocked it. "Your war was a time of black and white. Today's world is nothing but shades of gray. Absolute justice doesn't exist anymore."

He exhaled sharply, then continued, "One month ago, we exposed a high-ranking U.S. official as a Hydra leader. But we don't know how many more have infiltrated the government—or how many have willingly joined them. So, tell me, Rogers. Are these American soldiers following orders… or are they Hydra?"

Shen He didn't wait for an answer. He raised his rifle and opened fire.

One by one, American soldiers collapsed under his assault.

Seventy years had twisted the world into a monster named Reality. A naive, idealistic past had long been swallowed whole. And yet, Captain America had been frozen outside of time—left behind.

Only now, in this moment, did Rogers finally understand why Shen He had been so insistent.

They weren't soldiers.

They didn't need soldiers.

"Captain…"

A voice beside him pulled him from his thoughts.

He turned—and saw Phil Coulson.

Coulson, gripping a rifle, eyes filled with unwavering trust.

"Captain," he repeated. "You can lead us to victory, right?"

Rogers took a slow, deep breath.

He had hesitated for too long.

Even if he no longer fought for the U.S. government—

Even if he was no longer Captain America—

He was still that skinny kid from Brooklyn. The one who couldn't stand by and do nothing.

And right now, these people needed him.

"Mr. Shen," Rogers called out, his rifle already firing, "the weakest point in their formation is at three o'clock. We need an elite unit to punch through!"

Shen He grinned slightly. "And?"

Rogers didn't miss a beat. "I need a shield."

Shen He turned to the rear lines. "Give him one."

A soldier tossed Rogers a new shield—steel, unfamiliar, but enough.

As he gripped it, Shen He asked one final question.

"Are you ready to face this gray world?"

Rogers exhaled, steadying his aim. "I don't know." His bullets tore through the enemy's ranks. "But I do know who I'm fighting for."

"Even if it makes you a war criminal? Even if the country you love, the one you swore to serve, brands you a traitor?"

"As long as I can protect them."

Rogers tightened his grip on the shield. He was ready.

"Then lead them out of here," Shen He said. "And you'll pass the Chaldea test."

"Test?"

Rogers barely had time to process that word.

The battle wouldn't wait.

He raised his shield high, leading the charge as bullets rained down around them. He defended, commanded, fought—every move second nature.

Because this was what he was born to do.

Captain America was back on the battlefield.

And in the end, he succeeded.

His team broke through the enemy's defenses, forging an escape route.

Then—

The world changed.

Everything—

The gunfire. The explosions. The acrid stench of blood and burnt flesh—

Vanished.

Silence.

Rogers staggered forward, suddenly weightless. His surroundings blurred—then reformed.

A vast, tranquil lake stretched around him, endless and still.

His uniform had changed. His weapons were gone.

He turned.

Shen He and Coulson stood behind him—alongside a new figure.

A tall, bald man with a single, piercing eye.

Nick Fury.

Shen He clapped his hands lightly. "Well done, Mr. Rogers."

Rogers' breath hitched. His pulse raced.

"What… what is this?"

Shen He smiled slightly. "Virtual reality."

He waved his hand.

A massive, glowing screen materialized before them.

On it, the events of the last seventy years played out—real, undeniable history.

Then—

The truth of this simulation was revealed.

Rogers saw himself.

Lying unconscious in a high-tech pod.

Shen He.

Coulson.

Fury.

All in the same room.

"…So," Rogers murmured, his voice hoarse, "it was all fake?" He stared at the words VIRTUAL REALITY SIMULATION flashing on-screen. "Just a test?"

"No." Shen He's voice was quiet but firm. "The world was fake. But everything else? The Hydra threat. The corruption. Your choices? All real."

He gestured toward the screen again.

More data flooded in.

Chaldea. Hydra's resurgence. Rogers' own future.

Then, with a smirk, Shen He added, "And yes… Coulson really is your biggest fan."

Rogers exhaled slowly, piecing it all together.

"…What happens now?"

Nick Fury finally stepped forward.

"Now?" He eyed Rogers carefully.

"Now, you decide."