In the dim corner, Viper One finally escaped Captain America's pursuit. She let out a long breath.But she didn't realize she was not alone.
Suddenly, a dark silhouette slowly emerged from the shadows.It was Zed. His gaze was cold, and in his hand he gripped a fist-blade, like a hunting shadow born of darkness.
Viper One cautiously scanned her surroundings, sensing something was wrong. She prepared to fight again—yet Zed's figure was nowhere in sight.
A chill ran down her spine. She instinctively turned around, only to find Zed standing right behind her, his fist-blade silently pressing against her neck.
"Your perception needs work," Zed said in a cold voice.
Viper One's expression changed slightly.She felt an unprecedented sense of danger—someone had ambushed her and appeared behind her as if it were nothing.
Zed did not attack immediately. Instead, he intentionally created an overwhelming sense of pressure to drive her into despair. He knew that at this critical moment, psychological pressure could seize the advantage.
Viper One clenched her teeth. She knew she had fallen into Zed's control—but she would never surrender.
Suddenly, Viper One kicked upward, striking toward Zed in an attempt to break his defense.Zed reacted instantly, dodging her strike and punching her sharply in the ribs.
Viper One instantly went on guard, dodging with agility while raising her sword to block Zed's next attack. Metal clashed sharply as the fist-blade struck her weapon.
Zed did not slow down. He continued attacking relentlessly, probing her defenses.Viper One shifted to offense, moving agilely and searching for openings to counterattack.
Their battle became a weaving of shadows—swift, fierce, and deadly.Zed's fists and blade flashed like razor-sharp wind in the darkness.Viper One's sword was equally lethal; she executed refined sword techniques, seeking Zed's weaknesses.
But Zed's shadow techniques gradually began dominating.
"Your skills still aren't enough," Zed said coldly.
Viper One didn't reply. Anxiety grew in her heart.She knew Zed was an extremely formidable opponent—if she couldn't find a way to defeat him soon, she might never escape.
In the darkness, Viper One calmed herself, searching for a method to counter Zed. Her eyes sharpened, and every muscle in her body tensed in preparation.
Zed sensed her anxiety.He knew she had finally understood the gap between their strength.So he started using his real power—preparing to finish her.
Fists and blades intertwined as Zed's assault intensified. His attacks were like venomous snakes striking from the night—swift, cruel, and precise.Viper One gave everything she had, but the pressure mounted. She was being overwhelmed, unable to withstand Zed's relentless blows.
Zed's shadow-ninja techniques enveloped the battlefield. He moved like a phantom—appearing, disappearing, reappearing again.Viper One desperately tried to track him, but every time she spotted his shadow, his real body had already moved.
"You're still far behind," Zed's voice echoed.
Viper One said nothing, her fury burning.She glared at Zed coldly.
"Tell me where Aldrich is," Zed demanded.
Viper One stayed silent.She knew revealing Aldrich's location would sign his death warrant. She refused to speak.
Zed sneered.He knew she wouldn't confess.If she wouldn't talk, he would force her into submission.
Zed's figure vanished into darkness—then reappeared in front of her.This time his attack was even more ferocious. Fist and blade came crashing down with terrifying force, pushing Viper One back step-by-step.
She tried desperately, but Zed's attack drove her into a corner.His blade sliced across her cheek, leaving a thin wound that dripped blood.
"You think I'll go easy on you?" Zed said icily.
Viper One sneered. She never expected mercy.In this brutal world, only the strong survived.
"Go on. Kill me," she said firmly.
Seeing she wasn't afraid, Zed calmed himself, withdrawing his killing intent.
Just as Viper One felt puzzled, Zed suddenly struck, knocking her to the ground.
At that moment, Captain America—who had noticed the fight—rushed over.He saw Zed carrying Viper One away and shouted, "Stop, my friend."
Zed turned around, looking at the righteous Captain America.
"I don't want to be your enemy," Zed said.
Captain America raised both hands and replied, "Friend, I don't want to fight you either. But the woman you're holding is our target. We need to take her back. If you give her to me, we can help each other."
Zed replied, "No."He recognized Captain America, but had no intention of explaining anything.
Captain America said, "If that's the case, why don't we work together? You're incredibly strong."
Zed said, "Captain, I won't hand her over. But after I extract the intel, I'll give you a copy."
Captain America was confused by Zed's answer.
…
Captain America and Zed stood in a dim corner, facing each other.The tension in the air felt like another battle ready to erupt.Zed's gaze was cold and determined, while Captain America's was calm and steady.
"Looks like there's nothing else to discuss. I'm sorry, my friend."
Captain America finished speaking—and charged forward.
Zed set Viper One down and dashed ahead as well.His movement was swift as a hunting beast.He unleashed a Shadow Technique—Thousand Blades—his fist-blade splitting into countless razor-sharp strikes raining toward Captain America.
Captain America did not flinch.He swung his shield, blocking the barrage of blades, retreating to create distance for a counterattack.
Zed immediately closed the gap, his silhouette flickering as multiple shadow clones appeared around Captain America.
Captain America stayed calm, dodging the clones' attacks and smashing several away with his shield.But Zed's real body suddenly appeared behind him, fist-blade thrusting at his back.
Captain America detected the danger, spun, and blocked with his shield—metal clashing against metal.
Zed's assault grew fiercer.He unleashed another Shadow Technique—Phantom Slash—his fist and blade swirling into a dark vortex surging toward Captain America.
Captain America braced himself and resisted with all his might.
Boom!
The explosive force sent him sliding backward, but he steadied himself.
Zed looked at him coldly.His probing had revealed some of the Captain's strength.Zed began weaving through the battlefield, seeking weaknesses.
Captain America used his experience and skills to read Zed's patterns, searching for a strategy.
Zed suddenly stepped forward, splitting into multiple clones again, each launching fierce attacks.
Captain America raised his shield to block, then lunged forward, grabbing Viper One's fallen blade and slashing at Zed.
For a brief moment, the shadow clones faltered.
Their fight was fast, precise, and brutal.Every movement was perfect—no wasted motion.
In an instant, the clones surrounded Captain America.
"Shadows inspire me."
"Shadow Technique—Razor Storm!"
"Shadow Technique—Ghost Cleave!"
A tornado of fists and blades erupted from the darkness.It closed in from all directions like a violent storm.
Captain America planted his feet and spun, forming a defensive vortex with his shield and blade—like a windmill blocking every strike.
Rip—
Clang!
The blade in Captain America's hand snapped. His uniform tore, and fresh blood flowed down his arm.
"I can do this all day," he said, staring at Zed with unshakable determination.
Zed didn't answer.He simply grabbed Viper One—and vanished into the shadows.
Captain America stared at the spot where Zed disappeared.
"Captain!"
"Captain!"
"Captain…!"
Hearing his teammates calling from afar, Captain America exhaled and began walking toward them.
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