Steve, no matter what decision you make, I will support you."
Steve held Peggy's hand tightly, as if holding the entire World.
"I'm sorry, Peggy."
Steve's voice was low and hoarse, full of guilt.
Peggy heard his apology, and though she had been prepared, she still couldn't help but feel a little lost.
Her eyes dimmed for a moment, but quickly returned to normal.
Steve picked up the pen and signed his name without hesitation, the contract turning into flames and disappearing instantly.
And after signing the contract, Steve also felt something in his heart shatter, emitting a crisp cracking sound—it was the belief he had always held onto.
"Steve..."
Peggy was stunned.
Steve picked up the potion from the table and injected it into Peggy's arm.
"I'm sorry, I wasted your time, I'm sorry, I failed your expectations, I'm sorry, I'm a selfish..."
Steve kept muttering, tears welling up in his eyes.
How could a belief held for decades be so easily abandoned?
The signs of Peggy's body aging began to recede, and the clothes on her chest gradually became fuller.
However, there was no joy on her face, only heartache and worry for Steve.
But as a woman, she was somewhat relieved, knowing that Steve wouldn't disappear one day.
"No, you will always be my hero."
Peggy embraced Steve, letting him cry freely in her arms.
After an unknown amount of time.
Steve lifted his head, a glimmer of hope rekindled in his eyes.
"Peggy, will you dance with me?"
"Okay, for as long as you want."
Peggy smiled, her smile like a blooming flower in spring, beautiful and warm.
The two embraced tightly, as if at this moment, the entire World was left with only them.
---
S.H.I.E.L.D.
"Officer, Nick Fury has discovered an anomaly and has summoned all relevant personnel to the conference room."
Hill rushed in, reporting to Pierce.
"Got it. Also, in the Bureau, you should call him Director."
Pierce was calm, his pen continuously annotating documents without lifting his head.
"Yes, Officer, why don't we choose to silence the people in the hospital? That would minimize the risk of exposure."
Hill frowned, looking puzzled.
"Because that Demon King doesn't like senseless killing. From now on, we need to change our style."
Pierce put down his pen, leaned back in his chair, his gaze deep.
"Officer, why must we show favor to the Demon King? Our people are spread across every corner of this country, and with the Insight Project, we are only one step away from ruling the World."
This was something Hill never understood. Even if the other party was a Demon King, we just wouldn't oppose him.
Why give up the throne before them and hand it over to the other party?
Pierce looked at the ceiling, his eyes somewhat distant, as he recalled the video of the Demon King fighting in hell, that power was like a god's.
"You don't understand. Since the Demon King appeared, this World has been undergoing drastic changes. The surge in Mutant numbers, the descent of gods—all these indicate that this World can no longer be controlled by weapons and conspiracies.
So we need a leader to guide us, and the Demon King is the most suitable candidate."
Pierce's voice was low and Vicissitudes.
"But Officer, can't you?" Hill looked at Pierce, his eyes full of respect and anticipation.
"I can't. If I were still young, I'd be willing to give it a try, but I'm old now, and the other two factions of HYDRA won't submit to me.
They are too young, thinking they can get everything they want through schemes and tricks, but they will only destroy themselves. So, for HYDRA to continue, I must hand HYDRA over to the Demon King before I die."
Pierce sighed, the wrinkles on his face deepening. His gaze held both helplessness and a resolute determination for the greater good.
Hill fell silent, seemingly trying to digest Pierce's words.
After a long while, he slowly nodded and said, "Officer, I understand. I will submit to the Demon King."
"Alright, you go to the conference room first. Time is almost up."
"Yes!"
Pierce shook his head, watching Hill's retreating back.
Actually, he initially wanted to train Hill as his successor, but he was too honest, lacked ambition, and could only be an assistant.
He lowered his head, intending to continue processing documents, when his peripheral vision suddenly caught a glimpse of a Shadow.
Without a moment's hesitation, Pierce pulled out the pistol from the secret compartment and aimed at the target.
"Demon King?"
Pierce was startled.
"Hello, Alexander Pierce."
Qinuo smiled slightly, sitting composedly on the sofa.
Pierce put down the gun, composed himself, walked over, and began brewing tea, just like an old friend.
"Oh my, you came without saying a word. I didn't prepare anything."
Pierce said in Chinese.
The smile on Qinuo's face deepened. Who wouldn't like such a thoughtful organization?
"Just arrived. You sent me a gift, so I happened to have time to come and see."
"As long as you're satisfied." Pierce breathed a sigh of relief, secretly glad he hadn't spoken ill of the Demon King just now.
"Is HYDRA interested in working for me?" Qinuo said casually.
"Of course I am willing, but the other two factions of HYDRA may not agree."
"It doesn't matter. I'm asking about you."
"I am willing. Long live the Demon King."
Pierce subconsciously stood up and raised his right hand, his expression incredibly devout.
Qinuo pulled out a contract, and Pierce signed it neatly.
"Find a time to connect the personnel with Tom, and also S.H.I.E.L.D.'s various high-tech items and collections. Oh, by the way, is the Cosmic Cube in your hands?" Qinuo asked.
"Yes, Leader, it's currently at a secret Base, being used by Nick Fury to research energy weapons. Does Leader need it? It will appear before you in an hour."
"For now, hold your position, keep it as is, and don't let Nick Fury discover it." Qinuo waved his hand.
He still needed Nick Fury to attract the Chitauri army.
Pierce nodded respectfully: "Yes, Leader, I understand."
"Also, send Bucky to the Demon Group and have his brainwashing removed."
"Understood, Leader."
Pierce agreed to all of Qinuo's requests without hesitation.
At this moment, he only wanted to do his utmost to satisfy Qinuo, in exchange for his own and HYDRA's survival and development space in the new power structure.
Qinuo smiled slightly and put down a bottle of potion.