In the darkness, four people stood at the corners, while in the center played the battle between Abomination and Hulk, along with the Saints rescuing civilians and eliminating Abomination.
"Everyone, our chance has come."
"Are you sure this is a chance? Testrak, you're too arrogant."
"Shut up! Pierce, you have no idea what a miracle is! As long as we can capture one of them, I'm confident I can develop the 'Perfect Creature.' Once that's done, no one in this world will be able to stop us!"
"Opposed… rejected… too dangerous… unknown benefit…"
"See, even Dr. Zola disagrees with you." The teasing tone carried a hint of mockery.
"You…"
"Baron Testrak, your 'Perfect Creature' plan has already wasted a lot of time and funding without producing results that can convince us, and the Sanctuary is far too mysterious. We have no guarantee of capturing a Saint."
"Hmph… Still more reliable than your 'Far Star Plan,' isn't it? Traveling to some planet light-years away to retrieve the original master of Hydra? Pure fantasy. Malik, I suspect there's something wrong with your family's brains."
"You! Hmph, Baron Testrak, mind your words. The Malik family, as one of the founding families of Hydra, deserves your respect more than anyone who joined halfway through."
"Heh, just hiding in your little world, oblivious to the times. I don't even bother to judge."
"Can I take that as a provocation against the Malik family?" A voice restrained with anger.
"Heh, if you think so, then consider it so…"
"Enough, stop arguing!"
"Both being… Hydra… quarreling… giving outsiders a chance… S.H.I.E.L.D.… has never stopped hunting us…" Dr. Zola and Alexander Pierce could no longer sit still. They hurriedly intervened between Baron Testrak and Malik—if they kept arguing like this, they would erupt into civil war without any enemy intervention.
"Hmph!"
"Hmph!"
Both gave a cold snort and ceased their dispute.
"Now, let's return to the original topic. Testrak, I still don't approve of your plan. Intelligence on the Sanctuary is too scarce, and we don't have the ability to control them. The chance of success is minuscule. If discovered, the retaliation would be fierce." Pierce said, though he himself was eager to understand the Sanctuary and the source of the Saints' power.
Not just him—everyone present thought the same. They secretly complained about the Sanctuary's people, calling them fools who didn't appreciate their strength. With such power, ruling the world would be easy, yet they hid in the mountains, afraid to face anyone—a complete waste!
But Pierce knew one thing well: they could not provoke the Sanctuary.
The four had clear roles: Baron Testrak managed the 'Perfect Creature' plan, the Malik family handled the 'Far Star Plan,' Dr. Zola oversaw the 'Insight Plan,' and Pierce himself stayed in the open, acting as Hydra's eyes and ears, supplying manpower and resources.
Thus, he had the most knowledge about the Sanctuary and the Saints and feared them the most among the four.
"No, Pierce, if it were before, I wouldn't have proposed this plan either. But now… we have a perfect opportunity."
At those words, several photos were displayed, showing Athena standing firmly against Abomination, a mysterious man holding her hand, and the Saints saluting him and her.
"This little girl is no ordinary person. This is a Gold Saint, one of the twelve strongest warriors in the Sanctuary. Based on current intelligence, her status in the Sanctuary is second only to the Pope. The only ones who could make him kneel are the Pope, the Pope's proxy, and their supreme god.
"So this mysterious man must be one of them, likely the supreme god, Father of the Earth, Melin. Then… who exactly is this little girl? Why does Melin personally protect her?"
Facing Baron Testrak's question, the other three fell silent, each pondering the answer.
"You mean… she is the other supreme god of the Sanctuary, the Goddess of War and Wisdom, Athena?" Pierce furrowed his brows.
"Very likely. Otherwise, I can't imagine what makes this little girl so special that another supreme god would intervene personally."
"Athena Archibaldo, Japanese name: Saori Kido… Father—Lawrence Archibaldo, Belpaesan, largest shareholder of Archibaldo Consortium… Mother—Nanako Archibaldo, Japanese, Japanese name: Nanako Kido… Date and place of birth… confirmed biological… Search… Compare… Judgment shows no anomalies… No supernatural abilities… Maintain suspicion regarding your judgment…" Dr. Zola immediately pulled up Athena's family files. After analysis, he found that the likelihood of this theory being correct was low.
"But how do you explain this?" Baron Testrak enlarged some photos, emphasizing details such as Athena's unwavering expression against Abomination, the glow around her, and her hands tightly held by the mysterious man.
"Based on known information… cannot determine…"
"So you want to take action against her? Baron Testrak, your courage is impressive. Have you considered the consequences if she really is Athena?" Malik questioned.
"Hmph! The Sanctuary and the Saints have always been Hydra's enemies, an obstacle to our grand ideals. Why fear it? Once my research succeeds, even gods are powerless!" Testrak said, revealing a manic smile.
"This plan, the Malik family will not participate in. Furthermore, before this, we will sever all ties with you." Malik decided decisively and cut off communications.
He and Baron Testrak—or rather, the entire Malik family—were not aligned with the others. Hydra has a long history, and the Malik family is one of its original founders.
Even the most famous Hydra leader, Red Skull Schmidt, joined later.
Since joining, Hydra's mission had shifted entirely, abandoning its original ideals and focusing only on world domination.
Thus, the Malik family had rarely participated in Hydra's actions and meetings, almost appearing detached.
Moreover, their long-held 'Far Star Plan' was nearing completion. They didn't want anything threatening its execution. In their eyes, the 'Perfect Creature' or the 'Insight Plan' meant nothing—they could handle the Sanctuary effortlessly.
"Hmph! Cowards who can't keep up with the times, fools!" Baron Testrak sneered.
"Enough, Testrak. Malik's concern isn't without reason. Your plan is indeed too risky."
"You disagree too, Pierce? You should know we're on the same side. Those stubborn old men in the Malik family are not fit to be Hydra," Testrak demanded angrily.
"Judgment… extremely dangerous… if assumptions are correct… bodyguards… Saints likely…"
"Dr. Zola…"
"But it's not entirely hopeless. Dr. Zola, has that unit been prepared?" Pierce asked.
"Completed… in cold storage… can be activated anytime…"
"You mean the Winter Soldier unit? Perfect. With them, this mission is almost guaranteed," Testrak said excitedly.
"Still, be careful, Testrak. We don't know the Sanctuary's capabilities. This mission must sever all connections and leave no trace, whether successful or not," Pierce reminded.
"I understand. I'll arrange it immediately. Dr. Zola, the Winter Soldier unit is yours."
"Confirmed…"
The meeting ended. Dr. Zola and Baron Testrak also hung up. Window shutters rose as Pierce looked out at the beautiful city, a dangerous curve at his lips.
"Good. Let them act as the door openers. Hydra has been hidden too long. Time to show the world we still exist and are everywhere…"
Elsewhere, Mu, after seeing Betty off, immediately approached Melin.
"Sir, please punish me." Mu knelt on one knee, pleading for punishment. This lapse nearly caused a disaster.
A gentle telekinetic force lifted Mu. Melin waved his hand and said, "I understand what happened. Athena insisted on the order, and Cletia and the others couldn't resist. Let this be a lesson."
"Thank you, sir."
"But remember, Mu, there won't be a next time." Melin said sternly.
"Yes!"
"Hmm, Mu, you're clever, but such situations shouldn't occur. Don't be timid. On the battlefield, decisiveness is crucial. Don't fear revealing your identity. Saints act boldly; no need to hide or hesitate."
"Yes, I will remember."
"Good. You may go. Athena's brief awakening has surely been noticed by many. If anyone acts with intentions they shouldn't, you know what to do."
"Yes, sir."