Chapter 244: Just a Mere Nuke
Ten minutes ago, the projected meeting of the World Security Council.
"Nick Fury is dead, and the situation is extremely unfavorable. If Hydra's Insight Plan succeeds, our countries will all be in danger. This could lead to World War III, or something even worse."
"I said long ago, Nick Fury wouldn't lie to us. We should have supported him in taking out Pierce earlier."
"What's the use of saying that now? Wasn't it Nick Fury who became increasingly uncontrollable over the years, doing a lot behind our backs? We just wanted to give him a warning, but who would have thought he'd be so useless and die at Pierce's hands."
"I've already ordered Ross to take the army to handle it. Just relying on those few S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and mutants won't do much.
If necessary, we can just level the entire area. It won't be a problem."
"I heard that a lot of civilians live in that area. Isn't this a bit much?"
"Hmph, our country isn't like yours. For the safety of the entire world, we can sacrifice a few people. We also hope that in future decisions, you can be as selfless as we are."
"Oh really? In that case, I believe for the sake of the world's safety, it's better to prepare nuclear missiles in advance.
You know that agent, what's his name—Coulson, right? What he said is true. Once those three Helicarriers take off, the top officials of our countries might be the first to be attacked.
And those energy weapons they developed—our current weapons are no match for them at all."
"What did you say? Prepare nukes? You want to blow up our capital? I absolutely will not allow it.
The President and many key figures are there. If a nuclear bomb is launched, their lives will be in danger."
"For the safety of the world, sacrificing a few so that many may live is worth it. You just said it yourself—now is the time for your country to make the sacrifice."
"No, I don't agree!"
"I think preparing nukes just in case is acceptable. Don't get agitated. The President and those officials from your country still have time. They can be evacuated first.
At worst, afterward, all our countries can offer some sincere compensation. This concerns the safety of the entire world.
If Hydra completes the Insight Plan, Washington will probably be the first to be attacked."
"Agreed!"
"Agreed!"
"Alright, but if we're really going to launch a nuclear missile, you all must understand: the sacrifice of Washington is for the whole world. After this, we must have priority in many resolutions."
The Secretary of State thought for a moment, then nodded and immediately turned to instruct his subordinates to notify all high-level officials in the White House in Washington to evacuate.
As long as the high-level officials are fine, the deaths of the civilians in Washington don't matter.
On the contrary, after this event, he, who already held significant influence, might hold even more sway in the World Security Council, gaining far greater benefits than the loss of a single city.
Meanwhile, due to the intense battle at the S.H.I.E.L.D. Triskelion, all of Washington had already been shaken.
Numerous reporters were trying everything they could to get close to the area, hoping to get a huge scoop that would elevate them to top-tier journalists.
There were even reporters in civilian helicopters broadcasting live from the air.
When the three Helicarriers took off, the energy cannons destroyed all military helicopters, but did not harm the civilian ones.
It wasn't that Pierce was merciful, but because he wanted the entire world to witness Hydra's glorious moment through these live broadcasts.
From today onward, Hydra would no longer hide in the shadows. They would officially step into the light and rule the world.
So, the battle taking place at the Triskelion was being broadcast on most TV stations across the country. Many people were watching—it was a sensation.
How could it not be?
A large-scale armed conflict breaking out in the capital, with the classic villain Hydra—seen only in comics and TV shows—and the return of the very first superhero, Captain America, who had disappeared for decades.
The story of Captain America and Hydra was practically common knowledge in this country, even written into textbooks.
Washington even had a dedicated Captain America memorial museum.
And not just that—mutants, long thought to be just comic book characters, had appeared too, including the iconic Wolverine.
Even Iron Man, the hottest superhero recently, was there.
Not just domestically—many foreign TV stations were broadcasting the event live too.
In truth, the government did not want this situation to escalate and tried hard to suppress the news, but Hydra's spies within the government pushed for Hydra's grand reappearance.
So in the end, nothing was stopped—everything that was meant to be aired was aired.
"A nuke? You've got to be kidding."
Logan looked at Tony, a rare trace of fear in his eyes.
He had personally experienced a nuclear explosion—his flesh was nearly all destroyed. The pain as it slowly regenerated was second only to the pain of having adamantium bonded to his bones. He still remembered it vividly.
"Are they insane?!"
Steve's face twisted in anger at the news.
Launching a nuclear missile here could indeed destroy the Helicarriers—but it would also kill most of the innocent civilians in the city.
"The nuke's already been launched. At most, it'll take thirty seconds to arrive. I'll go redirect it elsewhere. You guys stop the Helicarriers!"
Tony checked the time, his expression serious and heavy.
His current suit could reach Mach 5—more than enough to catch up with the supersonic missile and change its direction, leading it to explode somewhere far from the city.
"No need. All of you stay here. It's just a mere nuke, an easy task."
George waved his hand and disappeared instantly with a blink.
Though surprised by the unexpected nuclear strike, he could understand it.
After all, during the Chitauri invasion, the World Security Council had made the same decision—this wasn't particularly surprising.
He stopped Tony from going because he didn't feel comfortable letting him handle it.
This kind of task was best done himself—if Tony made a mistake, the nuke could be remotely detonated or set on a timer. At such close range, he would still be in danger.
At the same time, it was a perfect opportunity to show the Security Council's leaders just how powerful he truly was—to show them that their strongest weapon, a nuclear bomb, was nothing more than a toy to him.
"It's coming!"
Very soon, with his snow-white wings spread and hovering midair, he saw a nuclear missile speeding toward them from afar.
Facing the most powerful and destructive weapon on Earth, George's face showed not the slightest fear.
He raised his hand slightly, and the rapidly approaching missile was instantly frozen in midair. Then, with a gentle wave of his wand:
"Flavido!"
The Transfiguration Charm activated. A beam of blue light shot at the missile, instantly transforming it into a piece of wood of the same size.
(End of Chapter)