------------
If you enjoy please support me on my patreon Future 80+ chapters at patreon.com/Phoenizbeelze
-----
"So, Captain, you should understand by now," Jackson Chen said, his smile widening with a hint of playful malice, "on either side of you are two different types of people."
"On one side, you have vicious criminals. On the other, innocent residents."
His eyes gleamed as he delivered the final blow. "Now, I need you to make a choice."
The U.S. team felt a shiver run down his spine. There was something ominous in Jackson's voice, something that filled him with dread.
Jackson Chen continued, his tone casual yet chilling. "Behind you, in the control room, there's a remote. It has two rows of numbers, each corresponding to the people in those two rooms."
"Now, you get to decide whether they live or die."
Jackson smiled as his words hung in the air, leaving the weight of the decision on Captain America's shoulders.
"You can choose to trade the life of a criminal for that of an innocent person."
Just as he finished speaking, an Indian man in the control room found the remote.
"Got it, Steve! Two rows of buttons, just like he said!"
The man, thin and visibly shaken, handed the remote to Captain America. His eyes lingered on the captain's face. "Captain, please… make the right choice."
The U.S. team took the remote, feeling its cold weight in his hand. It seemed heavier than it should have been. "Thank you," he muttered quietly. "Go back. I'll handle this."
The man quickly exited, leaving Captain America alone with his thoughts and the terrible responsibility in his hands.
On the monitor, Jackson Chen's image reappeared, his smile as taunting as ever.
"I'm sure by now you realize something, Captain."
His voice was calm, almost soothing. "Most of these people, no matter what you choose, are doomed. Their actions will catch up to them. So why not trade their lives for something better?"
"Each time you press a button, a criminal will die, and an innocent person will live. Doesn't that seem like a fair exchange?"
Captain America's eyes fixed on the screen, his emotions barely held in check. He felt like a trapped animal, cornered by choices he shouldn't have to make.
"No," he muttered through gritted teeth, his voice barely containing his anger. "Their lives are not mine to decide."
Jackson's smile faltered briefly, then returned with cold amusement. "Really? Is that so?"
"Oh, your high-and-mighty statements are pathetic! They disgust me!"
"A soldier drenched in blood, a killer who's taken countless lives in battle, now lecturing me about not deciding who lives or dies?"
"That was war!" Captain America roared, his voice echoing in the confined space like thunder.
Silence followed his outburst, lingering in the room for a moment before Captain America spoke again, his tone unwavering. "We fought for justice!"
But deep down, his heart trembled.
He knew, even as the words left his mouth, they couldn't fully justify what he had done.
Jackson Chen chuckled, clapping his hands slowly. "Justice, huh? Isn't that interesting. You've always killed in the name of justice, haven't you?"
"You and your so-called heroes, always using 'justice' to justify your violence."
"You fought wars, killed enemies, all under the banner of righteousness. And now, as a hero, don't you think it's your duty to judge these people?"
Jackson's taunts stung, and Captain America's eyes flickered, a trace of doubt creeping into his expression.
"Justice is just a convenient label you slap on your actions," Jackson continued. "It allows you to kill without hesitation, to destroy anyone who stands in your way, all while basking in the praise of those you claim to protect. Isn't that what being a hero means to you?"
His voice grew sharper. "Look at you, Captain. The Avengers—heroes worshipped by the world. But how many lives do each of you have on your hands? How much blood has been spilled in the name of saving others?"
"Think about it—haven't you killed plenty of so-called villains to save the day? Haven't you all solved problems with violence?"
Jackson's words hit hard, each sentence like a hammer to Captain America's resolve.
And as he spoke, the captain could feel the truth behind them. In his heart, he did want those criminals to die. He hated what they had done.
But if he made the choice to end their lives, wouldn't that make him no better than them?
His fists clenched tightly. He could feel the weight of the remote in his hand, and yet, he couldn't bring himself to act. He didn't want to be the one to decide their fates.
Life should be respected, not taken by those who claim to be righteous.
But then again, hadn't he already done that? Hadn't he been a tool of violence, a weapon, ever since the day they gave him the serum?
Jackson Chen's voice paused, sensing the conflict in the captain.
"It seems you're struggling with this choice," he said, sounding almost sympathetic. "But don't worry, Captain—I'll help you."
"I'll give you a minute. If you don't make a decision in that time, someone from each room will die."
"But if you choose, only one person will die."
Jackson snapped his fingers, and his voice took on a chilling countdown.
"Sixty!"
"Fifty-nine!"
"Fifty-eight..."
"No, please stop!" Captain America's voice cracked with desperation, his trembling hand holding the remote control.
"Stop!" he begged, shaking his head slowly, trapped in the agonizing decision between becoming an executioner or a passive observer. The weight of the choice crushed him.
The outside world watched in stunned silence. The hero they had once admired for his unshakable resolve was now visibly crumbling. Compassion, understanding, and even forgiveness might have existed, but in this moment, no one could see him as the indomitable Captain America. The man who once stood as the spiritual pillar of America was shattered, having made a deal with Jackson Chen.
"Eighteen!"
"Seventeen!"
"Sixteen!"
Time raced forward, each number from Jackson Chen slicing deeper into Captain America's soul. The pressure was unbearable. Each second stretched endlessly, as if the very fabric of time was mocking his indecision.
The captain had never felt a minute pass so slowly.
Outside, everyone watched the spectacle unfold—Captain America, the ultimate symbol of strength and justice, now broken. His shield clattered uselessly against the rubble, as he vented his frustration and helplessness. Anger, despair, and powerlessness raged within him, fully exposed for the world to see.
On the monitor, Jackson Chen's smile grew wider as he continued the relentless countdown.
"Ten!"
"Nine!"
"Eight!"
"Seven!"
The world held its breath.
And then, when there were only two seconds left, Captain America's eyes widened in horror. His shaking finger, as if possessed, pressed down on one of the numbers on the remote control.
A deafening bang erupted from the room next door.
That sound—like the thunderous crash of the captain's image in the hearts of millions—marked the end of the Captain America they once knew. The moment shattered him and their faith in him.
Iron Man, frozen in disbelief, stared at the large screen outside the building, eyes wide. All over the globe, people watching the broadcast could barely comprehend what had just happened.
The silence that followed was absolute. The whole world seemed to hold its breath.
A pin could drop, and it would have been heard across the universe.
------------
If you enjoy please support me on my patreon Future 80+ chapters at patreon.com/Phoenizbeelze
-----