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Hearing Jack's voice, Steve slowly turned his head.
His eyes met Jack's.
Jack's appearance had already been altered—completely different from the man Steve once knew. There was no trace of the past enemy in his face, no familiar aura that would immediately trigger recognition. And yet, something subtle lingered… something that couldn't quite be explained.
"Are you…?" Steve asked, his brows slightly furrowed.
Jack acted surprised, even raising his hand as if suddenly realizing something. "You… you… I think I've seen you somewhere," he said, narrowing his eyes as though trying to recall. Then his expression lit up. "You're Captain America, right? It has to be."
Steve blinked, clearly a bit taken aback. "You know me?"
Jack chuckled lightly. "Of course. I grew up listening to your stories. Captain America—who doesn't know you?" He paused for a moment, studying Steve more closely. "But… how are you here? I thought…"
He didn't finish the sentence, but the meaning was obvious.
Steve gave a faint, self-deprecating smile. "Really? My story…" he said quietly, "it's probably something people look down on now. In the end, I didn't manage to protect anything."
Jack shook his head immediately. "That's not true," he said, his tone firm yet calm. "You represent the spirit of America. You've protected countless people."
Steve lowered his gaze slightly, his expression dimming. "No," he said. "I didn't protect anything. I'm… a failure."
Jack watched him for a moment, then spoke again, his voice carrying a strangely gentle tone. "Why think like that? What you did… was already more than enough."
Steve didn't respond right away.
The breeze by the lake stirred faint ripples across the water, reflecting the sky above. For a brief moment, silence settled between them.
Then Jack spoke again.
"You know Jack?" he asked casually.
Steve's eyes immediately hardened.
"Of course," he said, his voice low. "Humanity's public enemy. The one everyone hates. He appeared suddenly… and then vanished just as suddenly."
His hand slowly clenched into a fist.
"He's the greatest enemy of my life," Steve continued. "Back in World War II… I couldn't defeat him. And because of that, everything that followed…"
Jack watched him quietly.
"…it's my fault," Steve finished.
Jack shook his head lightly. "Captain, you can't carry all the responsibility on yourself."
Steve gave a small, bitter smile. "It is my responsibility," he said. "The war ended decades ago, but the world is still not at peace."
Jack tilted his head slightly, studying him. "You seem… lost," he said with a faint smile.
Steve let out a breath. "Yeah," he admitted. "This world… it's too strange for me. Computers, smartphones, the way people dress…" He looked at his hands for a moment. "I'm trying to adapt."
Jack reached out and patted Steve on the shoulder, a gesture that felt almost genuine. "Times have changed," he said. "You lost seventy years. But I believe you'll adapt."
Steve looked at him, surprised.
"Because you're Captain America," Jack added.
A faint smile finally appeared on Steve's face.
"…Thanks."
Jack smiled back. "Seems like today's a lucky day," he said. "Didn't expect to run into Captain America here."
Steve chuckled softly. "Meeting me isn't exactly lucky," he said. Then he paused. "I don't think I caught your name."
Jack answered without hesitation. "Tom."
"Nice to meet you, Tom," Steve said, extending a hand slightly before letting it fall. "Meeting you today… actually feels like good luck."
Jack's eyes flickered briefly.
"Captain," he said, as if thinking of something, "what are you planning to do next?"
Steve straightened slightly. "Plans…" he murmured. Then his gaze sharpened. "I'll deal with Jack… eventually. But for now, I've decided to join a team."
"A team?" Jack asked.
"The Avengers," Steve said. "A new crisis is coming. I can't stand by anymore."
Jack nodded slowly. "Then I wish you success," he said. "I hope you solve whatever's coming."
Steve gave him a firm nod. "Thanks."
He turned and began walking away.
After a few steps, he raised his hand in farewell. "Meeting you today… really was a good thing."
Jack watched his back as he left, his expression gradually changing.
"…We'll meet again, Captain," Jack said softly.
Steve paused briefly, without turning around. "I'm looking forward to it."
Jack's smile deepened, turning cold.
"When that time comes," he murmured, "I don't think you will."
---
"Who was that just now?" Alice's voice came from behind.
Jack turned slightly as Alice, Ada, and White Queen approached.
"Captain America—Steve," Jack replied casually. "Had a nice chat. He said he's looking forward to meeting me again."
The three of them froze for a moment.
"You actually ran into him here?" Ada asked, surprised.
Jack shrugged. "Call it fate."
White Queen shivered slightly. "That sounds creepy. Two grown men talking about fate."
Jack smirked. "His hatred for me is intense," he said. "I have a way of leaving a lasting impression."
"Because your methods are too ruthless," Ada replied flatly.
Jack shrugged again. "No matter how people remember you… as long as they remember, you've succeeded."
White Queen rolled her eyes. "Congratulations. You're probably the most famous villain on Earth. Every country has you in their history books—just as a negative example."
Jack laughed. "Steve is joining the Avengers," he said. "That means it's time for me to act."
Ada frowned. "What are you planning?"
Jack's eyes glinted faintly. "We prepare," he said. "White Queen—you take Alice and Jill to the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier. Have Crosshairs transform into a fighter jet and board it. You three blend in as staff."
White Queen nodded. "Understood."
Alice looked at Jack. "You're not coming with us?"
Jack shook his head. "We'll meet again soon," he said. "Go ahead first."
Ada stepped closer. "Be careful."
Jack smiled. "Relax."
Then, without hesitation, he pulled Alice into his arms and kissed her fiercely. Before she could react, he did the same to Ada.
When he turned to White Queen, she immediately covered her mouth. "Don't even think about it."
Jack grinned. "Then I'll settle for this."
His hand reached out and pinched her.
White Queen flushed slightly. "You pervert!"
Jack burst into laughter.
Golden Transformium particles began to spread from his body, wrapping around him. His form dissolved—and then—
A sleek, black Lamborghini materialized.
The engine roared.
And in the next moment, it shot forward at incredible speed.
Alice watched it disappear. "…He can even turn into a car now?"
White Queen's eyes lit up. "Next time, I'm driving him."
Ada laughed. "Same. I want to try that too."
Alice nodded. "Definitely."
White Queen crossed her arms. "Alright, enough. We have work to do. Let's head to the Helicarrier."
---
India, Kolkata.
A transport aircraft descended slowly from the sky.
The door opened.
Natasha stepped out, dressed in a sleek black suit, her movements calm and precise.
Agents were already waiting.
"Have you located him?" Natasha asked.
"Yes," one of them replied. "We've locked onto his position."
Natasha nodded. "Good. I'll handle the rest."
"Please follow me. The vehicle is ready."
Natasha walked forward—and stopped.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"…That's quite a car," she said.
Parked ahead—
A black Lamborghini.
Sleek. Sharp. Almost… alive.
"Lamborghini Ankonian," she murmured.
And somewhere deep inside—
Something felt… off.