---
The surface of the pool rippled as a head broke through the water. A tall, blonde bombshell immediately stepped forward with a towel in hand.
Fwoosh—
Nolan emerged from the pool, water cascading down his well-defined muscles. His sculpted physique made nearby women glance repeatedly, their eyes lingering shamelessly.
Lying on a sun lounger nearby, Klaue let out an impressed whistle. "You sure you're not a supermodel? With that body, you'd never be broke again."
Nolan shot him a look. "Shut up. Tell the others to clear out."
Klaue waved dismissively, and the poolside cleared out swiftly.
"I'm heading out," Nolan said, reclining next to Klaue. "Break's over."
A full week had passed since their escape. They'd rested enough. It was time to get back to business.
"You sure you want to go alone? I could tag along," Klaue offered. "From what you told me, that guy's no pushover."
Their partnership had deepened over the past week mutual survival bred camaraderie.
"No need," Nolan said. "You've already assembled the squad for me. If I can't handle it with that, I'm worthless."
"You stay here. Keep digging into those profiles I asked for. And stay sharp HYDRA won't be far behind."
Klaue narrowed his eyes. "What are you even after with these people?"
"I want to study them," Nolan replied with a grin. "They've got power. Real power. Don't you think that's worth researching?"
"You're the one who needs researching," Klaue muttered. "You're out here poking monsters just to study them. You're not afraid of dying?"
"Doesn't matter. Just do what I say," Nolan said. "If Hammer Industries has archived any data on the miniaturized arc reactor, we can finally complete our exosuit army."
"You really think Hammer had the tech?" Klaue scoffed. "If they did, Stark's energy monopoly wouldn't be a thing."
"Because Hammer is a clown," Nolan shrugged, rising to his feet. "We'll lay low here for now. HYDRA won't dare move too boldly in this territory. Once we're strong enough, they won't matter."
"Understood."
"And don't trust Killmonger," Nolan added. "Test him a few more times you'll see. He just wants your help to win T'Challa's trust. And let's face it, Wakandans don't think straight."
Klaue watched Nolan's retreating back, a flicker of awe in his eyes. "You're a damn monster, Nolan…"
---
One Day Later
Two jeeps rolled into a quiet mountain town.
According to HYDRA's intel, this was the last known location of Logan.
And based on what Nolan remembered from the movies, Wolverine had indeed once laid low in a place like this.
The sight of the armed convoy quickly caught the town's attention. Nestled at the foot of the mountain, it was a tight-knit place where strangers, especially armed ones, were rare.
Nolan stepped out, vibranium shield slung across his back. The rest of the tactical squad followed, decked out in bulletproof vests and carrying advanced gear.
The town was tiny just a few streets and shops. Locals stared warily.
"Start questioning them," Nolan ordered.
"Yes, sir."
The team dispersed.
Before long, reports crackled over Nolan's earpiece no sign of Logan.
Nolan frowned. 'Did he already go to Japan?'
"Boss, we've found a poacher camp…"
'Poachers?'
Nolan's eyes lit up.
In The Wolverine, Logan clashed with poachers after they poisoned his grizzly bear friend. That confrontation ultimately drove him to Japan.
"We didn't find him but we did catch five poachers," the voice said.
"Bring them in."
Gunshots and shouting rang out in the distance, but the skirmish ended quickly.
Five rough-looking men were dragged into view and kicked down at Nolan's feet by a soldier named Ander.
The lead poacher glared up. "What the hell do you want with us?"
Nolan studied the rugged, bearded man definitely Scandinavian.
"What are you doing here?" he asked coldly.
"I…"
Bang!
Nolan casually took a pistol from a nearby soldier and shot the man in the thigh. The scream pierced the mountain air.
Tossing the weapon back, Nolan said flatly, "Answer my questions, or next time it won't be your leg."
"We're hunting!" one of the others blurted out.
"What kind of prey?"
"We heard there's a grey bear up in the mountains. Wanted to bag it and sell the pelt!"
Nolan's eyes narrowed. Bingo.
That grizzly was Logan's only friend during his seclusion until it was poisoned by hunters, triggering his rage.
Thanks to his [Master of Research] ability, Nolan could recall every detail from films and comics with perfect clarity.
The pieces were falling into place.
"Get up," Nolan said with a grin. "I've got a business proposal for you boys."
---
Days Later – A Stormy Night
Heavy rain lashed the mountainside.
A group of armed men hiked through the woods, weapons at the ready. Their leader, Eddie, limped slightly as he pushed forward.
"It's close," he said, wiping rain from his face. "Based on what we've seen, the bear should be right up ahead."
Nolan remained silent, eyes scanning the terrain. He wasn't afraid of Logan attacking but if Logan ran, that'd be a problem.
"This is it."
Nolan nodded. "Begin."
Tents and tarps went up quickly, meat soup simmered over open flames. Animal traps were laid throughout the area.
Soon, the smell of cooked meat filled the woods.
A massive shadow lumbered into view.
"There!" Eddie cried out. "It's coming!"
Nolan saw it too. "Open fire!"
Thwip-thwip-thwip!
Arrows and tranquillizers whistled through the air.
The bear, drawn by the scent, staggered and let out a tortured roar. It turned to flee.
"He's trying to run!"
"He won't get far."
Nolan exploded into motion legs pumping, body blurring as he launched forward like a missile.
The trap was sprung.
And somewhere, hidden in the dark…
Logan was watching.
---
100 Power Stones = 1 Bonus Chapter!