The SHIELD commando team brought by Agent Hill consisted of over 30 operatives. Now, nearly twelve of them were airborne, revealing just how deeply Hydra had infiltrated SHIELD.
A series of dull thuds echoed as the airborne agents collapsed onto the floor, swiftly restrained by the remaining SHIELD operatives.
"What's the situation outside?" Steve inquired as he stepped forward.
"Hail Hydra initiated a full-scale insurrection. Director Fury went off the grid after issuing a declaration of war. The main battle zones are the SHIELD headquarters, central command, the academy, the sandbox, and the Ocean Division's aircraft carrier base. My mission is to assist you in retaking HQ, then rally loyal forces to secure the other locations," Hill explained succinctly.
She had been confined to the interrogation room under suspicion. However, this was merely Fury's contingency plan—keeping her hidden from potential traitors. No one had anticipated the war to erupt so soon.
Steve suddenly halted, nostrils flaring. "Do you smell gasoline?"
"The surface structure of this underground SHIELD prison is disguised as an auto repair warehouse," Hill responded without pausing. "The smell of gasoline is always present, Mr. Rogers. Your uniform and shield are in a car outside."
The group, along with four SHIELD operatives, entered the elevator. Kusuo Saiki furrowed his brow slightly.
As the elevator doors slid open, a tidal wave of flames erupted, surging like a living inferno. The intense heat blast radiated outward in a violent shockwave, consuming all available oxygen.
The sheer force of the gasoline-fueled explosion rivaled that of an aerial missile detonation. Even those who managed to endure the firestorm would soon succumb to suffocation.
But then, a force far greater than the explosion manifested from Kusuo Saiki's outstretched hands.
For a brief moment, time itself seemed to pause. The rampaging flames twisted into spiraling fire-dragons, coiling skyward. Vehicles, shattered glass, and even the reinforced walls disintegrated under the immense psychic pressure. When the dust settled, the air had become so clear that they could see the star-filled night sky above.
"Hydra left three operatives outside. You didn't detect them," Kusuo stated flatly, lowering his hand as if the godlike display of power had been nothing more than an illusion.
Yet the scorched earth beneath them told a different story.
"Mr. Rogers' shield…" Hill scanned the devastated area in shock.
"Is that it?" Kusuo flicked his fingers. A blackened object levitated toward them, hovering midair.
"…Seventy years, and I barely recognize it," Steve murmured, retrieving his shield.
"Our transport is gone," Hill exhaled sharply, trying to suppress her astonishment. "No reinforcements, no backup. We are the support unit. Without immediate action, the naval aircraft carrier base could fall under enemy control…"
The gravity of the situation was evident in her expression. The SHIELD helicarriers weren't just advanced warships—they wielded enough firepower to obliterate small nations.
"I'll take Steve there first," Kusuo's voice echoed in their minds as he levitated. "We'll fly."
"Thank God you're on our side." Steve strapped his shield onto his arm and turned to Hill. "Just get me to the battlefield. I'll handle the enemy."
Hill nodded, handing over an electronic map. "Director Fury authorized all SHIELD personnel to follow your command in combat. Simply showing up will allow you to rally troops, but be wary of Hydra infiltrators."
"That won't be a problem. Kusuo can toss them into the sky." Steve smirked before stepping forward, ready for departure.
Kusuo enveloped him in psychic energy and soared into the night sky.
Their destination: SHIELD headquarters in Washington.
Meanwhile, Shen He activated his communicator, establishing a connection with Kusuo Saiki.
"Kusuo is in position," Shen He reported while scanning the battlefield. The mech's auto-search system locked onto Lelouch's vehicle. "Lelouch, I'm twelve hundred meters above you. Did you extract any intel?"
"No," Lelouch's voice responded. "These agents aren't all Hydra. They're unaware of Garrett's true objectives. We're heading toward SHIELD's New York branch—it's already a battlefield."
"Tony can handle New York," Shen He decided swiftly. "We need to strike at the Hydra leadership—Garrett and Alexander Pierce. At the very least, those two cannot be allowed to escape."
The plan had one major flaw—the failure to subjugate Hydra's high command. This oversight had granted them an opportunity to flee.
Still, even if cutting off one Hydra head led to two more sprouting, Shen He was determined to sever them all.
"Do you have any leads on their whereabouts?" Lelouch inquired.
"No," Shen He admitted. Then, turning to a particular individual, he spoke firmly. "Jeanne d'Arc, it's up to you."
"—Huh?!" Jeanne's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Just close your eyes and point," Shen He said softly. "I trust you."
According to system parameters, a Servant's abilities remained intact regardless of the world they were in. Even if this universe lacked a Root, Jeanne's divine Revelation should still function.
Shen He vividly recalled that her skill, akin to Future Vision, applied to anything aiding her cause—including navigation.
"This is irrational… but fine." Jeanne pursed her lips before conceding.
Seated on the mech's palm, she exhaled deeply, setting her spear-flag aside. With hands clasped in prayer, she closed her eyes, golden hair flowing in the wind.
May the Lord guide me…
"There!" Jeanne's eyes snapped open as she pointed her banner in a direction.
"Jarvis," Shen He commanded.
"Sir, according to Agent Hill's map, that direction leads to a classified SHIELD flight base."