What is HYDRA? Within its ranks, it's revered as a formidable organization with global reach, steeped in an ancient heritage spanning millennia. Its members hold its mysterious tenets sacred, many believing they serve a true deity.
To superheroes, particularly Captain America, who has clashed with HYDRA for decades, it's a terrorist organization through and through. HYDRA has played the saboteur throughout human history, fueling countless wars and upheavals. Their chilling motto, "Cut off one head, two more shall take its place," embodies their relentless menace.
For ordinary people, HYDRA exists mostly as a backdrop in Captain America's storied battles—a foil to his heroism. To Hong Fei, however, HYDRA is little more than a convenient source of experience points. He can harvest them at will or leave them be if he's not in the mood.
When he's ready to celebrate the "New Year," he can drag them out for a slaughter, even turning it into a feast for the neighbors to strengthen community bonds. The world is harsh, and Hong Fei knows how to navigate it with pragmatism.
"Ms. Stephanie," Hong Fei said, cutting straight to the point, "forget your negotiation tactics and psychological analyses. Just state your offer. If it works for me, I'll agree. If not, we'll part ways. I've got things to do this afternoon and no time for games."
Stephanie blinked, caught off guard by his bluntness. After a moment, she regained her composure and smiled.
"Mr. Hong, you're familiar with us?"
The question was crucial—not just for HYDRA, but for understanding how much Hong Fei truly knew.
She'd already deduced that Hong Fei was aware of HYDRA's existence. He knew Alexander Pierce, the former Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., and her father, Gideon Malick, were both HYDRA. He also knew her identity. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made that statement when they met.
Shock was inevitable. If this were the Malick estate or another HYDRA stronghold, violence might have erupted. But this was Hong Fei's territory. No matter how stunned she felt, she had to stay composed.
"Stop wasting time," Hong Fei said impatiently. "I've met Pierce and other HYDRA members. Pierce is back wielding power at S.H.I.E.L.D., and your father sits on the World Security Council. You've reached the top. What's left to make you come to me?"
Stephanie's expression remained calm.
"Mr. Hong, your personal strength is admirable. We greatly respect heroes like you."
Heroes? If I were truly a hero, you'd be dead by now, Hong Fei thought with a mental scoff.
"And?" he pressed.
"We'd like to invite you to join us," she said smoothly. "Not just you, but your subordinates as well. You could form a separate branch. We'd provide you with resources and manpower. In short, you'd become one of HYDRA's leaders, on equal footing with the others."
HYDRA's audacity was undeniable—greater even than Arnim Zola's. But their greed was equally apparent. They didn't just want Hong Fei; they wanted everyone around him too.
From Hong Fei's perspective, this was an opportunity too good to pass up. Master Hong alone could propel HYDRA, with its vast resources, to the pinnacle of global dominance. Forget ruling the world or even bringing Hive back from the depths of space—conquering the galaxy itself wasn't beyond imagination.
Yet HYDRA didn't know this. Despite operating with incomplete information, they were still willing to make such a bold move. It spoke volumes about their leadership. Unfortunately, none of it mattered. Master Hong had no interest in HYDRA's resources or ambitions. Well, except for Hive. He was very interested in Hive—specifically, in dragging it back from the void of space and beating it to a pulp.
Hong Fei narrowed his eyes, a sharp glint flashing in their depths. He looked deep in thought, which eased Stephanie's nerves. Seizing the moment, she pressed her advantage.
"Mr. Hong, I don't know how you uncovered our organization, but that's irrelevant now. We can become allies. You already know the sheer scale of HYDRA. Our resources and connections span every corner of the globe. Combine your strength with our assets, and you could rise as the supreme leader of HYDRA. The world would follow your every command."
Hong Fei snapped out of his reverie, a flicker of desire crossing his face. "You think that highly of me?" he asked, his tone laced with skepticism.
"Not 'we.' Me," Stephanie corrected, her voice suddenly fervent.
"I've studied your file. I wouldn't claim to know everything about you, but I know enough. You're fearless. Whether it's S.H.I.E.L.D., the U.S. military, or even extraterrestrials, nothing fazes you. I'm certain you can unite HYDRA's factions and lead us into a new era."
Hong Fei's eyebrow twitched. He looked intrigued, almost tempted. This woman was sharp—her acting wasn't half bad either.
"You've got skills," he admitted. "The more I dig, the more impressed I am. S.H.I.E.L.D., a global powerhouse, had two Directors who were your people. Even though Nick Fury stepped down, your man Pierce stepped back into the limelight. It won't be long before Fury returns as Director, right?"
Stephanie chuckled softly, shaking her head.
"Mr. Hong, you're mistaken. Nick Fury isn't one of ours."
"Really?"
Hong Fei's brow furrowed, and he let out a derisive snort.
"You're still hiding it? Fury was promoted by Pierce, and he had Pierce's full backing when he took over S.H.I.E.L.D. Everything he's done reeks of HYDRA's influence. You're telling me now he's not your man?"
Stephanie froze. If she didn't know better, she might have believed him. Hong Fei's reasoning was airtight. If what he said was true, did that mean…
Seeing the doubt in Stephanie's eyes, Hong Fei smiled inwardly. Fury might have left S.H.I.E.L.D., but Hong Fei doubted he'd fade into obscurity.
This scoundrel was surely hiding somewhere right now, continuing his shady dealings. Even if he didn't return to S.H.I.E.L.D., he'd undoubtedly take charge of another organization with similar reach. Hong Fei's plan was simple: pin Fury to HYDRA's pillar so tightly he'd never escape.
Who told Nick Fury to out-HYDRA HYDRA itself? Next time he took down HYDRA, he'd make sure to deal with Fury too.
Future history books would record it perfectly: Nick Fury, former S.H.I.E.L.D. Director, elite HYDRA operative, embezzled public funds during his infiltration, secretly backed the Insight Project, and was ultimately exposed and pummeled to death by the wise and mighty Dragon King. Perfect.
But right now, facing HYDRA's invitation, he couldn't seem too eager. Desperation never got you good deals. And given the personality Hong Fei had cultivated over the years, acting rashly would only raise suspicions.
"I need time," he said.
"Of course," Stephanie replied smoothly. "Take all the time you need."
"Considering is one thing, but your promises can't just be empty words. If I agree and don't see the resources you mentioned..."
"That won't happen, Mr. Hong," she assured him.
"We can prepare everything in advance. Join us, and those assets will be transferred to your name immediately."
Hong Fei gave a slight nod but kept his stance ambiguous.
Stephanie glanced at her watch and smiled. "Mr. Hong, I hope you'll seriously consider our proposal. We're very sincere."
"Hmm."
"Then I won't take up any more of your time."
"Goodbye."
Big Head returned after seeing her off and leaned in close.
"Boss, should we make preparations?"
"No need."
Big Head nodded, thoughtful.
"Boss, what she said... it kind of made sense."
Hong Fei snorted.
"It's just talking to humans in human language and ghosts in ghost language. You actually bought that?"
"Not entirely," Big Head admitted. "But since you already know most of HYDRA's clues, why not play along? Pretend to join, figure out their bottom line, then swallow them whole!"
Hong Fei laughed. "Wishful thinking, but unnecessary."
In two years at most—maybe even six months—he'd leave Earth to forge his own path. By then, whatever he controlled here wouldn't matter. Taking it with him would be pointless, just wasted effort and unnecessary enemies. Better to wipe HYDRA clean; a clean slate was far more satisfying.
Refusing HYDRA now was fine. At least until the Insight Project succeeded, they'd prioritize stability. Besides, Hong Fei's cooperation with the Avengers wasn't exactly a secret. With so many interconnections, they wouldn't act rashly.
"Organize the recording of our conversation and save it. I'll take it to show Steve later."
As the Avengers' point man against HYDRA, Steve would be thrilled to see new leads. Big Head accepted the order and left.
Hong Fei stood, stretching as he turned. Dr. Helen Cho approached with a smile, her tone casual.
"Who was that?"
"Stephanie Malick. Daughter of an international crime syndicate leader."
Helen's expression tightened immediately. Hong Fei gently patted her back.
"Don't worry. It's not collusion—it's acting for justice."
Helen frowned.
"The things you're doing are getting more dangerous."
"Because I'm getting stronger."
"Then be careful."
"I will."
"I'll keep making new armor for you. Don't refuse—it's probably the only thing I can do for you."
"The Regeneration Cradle too."
"That doesn't count. It's my ideal and pursuit."
Seeing her troubled expression, Hong Fei smiled and rubbed her cheeks. "Alright, cheer up. Be happier."
"Then you must be careful."
"I will."
"I will continue to make new armor for you. Don't refuse; this is probably the only thing I can do for you."
"The Regeneration Cradle too."
"That does not count; it is also my ideal and pursuit."
Seeing that her expression was not good, Hong Fei smiled and rubbed her cheeks, saying: "Alright, be happier."
"You're a scientist, right? I've got a question for you."
Dr. Helen Cho tilted her head.
"Hmm?"
"Listen carefully—it's a multiple-choice question."
Helen straightened, her expression instinctively growing serious.
"Which of the following is the saltiest? A, Salt; B; C, Seawater."
She raised an eyebrow.
"Wait, why are you suddenly speaking Chinese? And you didn't even give me the second option."
"I did."
"No, you didn't."
Halfway through, Dr. Helen Cho suddenly realized what he meant, and her cheeks flushed crimson. She threw a light punch at Hong Fei's chest in mock frustration.
That afternoon, Hong Fei left for Tokyo alone.