Chapter 243: Just a Mere Nuke

Ten minutes ago, at the World Security Council's virtual meeting:

“Nicholas Fury is dead. The situation is looking grim. If HYDRA’s Insight Project succeeds, our nations will be in great danger. This could lead to World War III—or worse.”

“I told you before, Fury wasn’t lying. We should have supported him earlier and dealt with Pierce.”

“What’s the point of saying that now? Fury has become increasingly uncontrollable over the years, operating in secret without our approval. We only intended to warn him, but who would have thought he’d be so useless and die at Pierce’s hands?”

“I’ve already sent General Ross with the military to handle it. Relying on a handful of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and mutants won’t accomplish much.

If necessary, we can level the entire area. There won’t be a problem.”

“But that area has many civilians living there. Isn’t this going too far?”

“Hmph, unlike your countries, we are willing to sacrifice a few for the safety of the entire world. Hopefully, in future decisions, you can be just as selfless as we are.”

“Is that so? Then, for the sake of global security, we should prepare nuclear warheads in advance.

Agent Coulson, right? He was telling the truth. If those three Helicarriers take off, our world leaders could be the first targets.

Not to mention their energy-based weaponry—our current arsenal is no match for it.”

“What did you just say? Prepare nuclear missiles? Are you planning to bomb our capital? Absolutely not!

The President and many high-ranking officials are there. If we launch a nuke, their lives will be in danger!”

“For the survival of the majority, a few sacrifices are necessary. You just said it yourself—it’s time for your country to make a sacrifice.”

“No! I won’t agree to this!”

“I also think we should prepare nuclear missiles as a precaution. Don't overreact—the President and your high-ranking officials still have time to evacuate.

At worst, we can discuss compensation afterward. This concerns the safety of the entire world.

If HYDRA completes their Insight Project, Washington will likely be the first target.”

“I agree.”

“Agreed.”

“Fine. But if we do launch a nuclear missile, you must acknowledge that Washington’s sacrifice was made for the world. In return, we demand priority in future global decisions.”

The Secretary of State pondered for a moment, then nodded before turning to his aides, ordering the immediate evacuation of all high-ranking officials from the White House in Washington.

As long as the leadership survived, the fate of Washington’s civilians was irrelevant.

On the contrary, after this ordeal, his already significant influence in the World Security Council could expand even further—gaining more power than the loss of a single city.

Meanwhile, due to the intense battle at S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Triskelion, all of Washington had already been thrown into chaos.

Countless reporters were desperately trying to get closer, hoping to capture a career-defining scoop.

Some even boarded civilian helicopters, broadcasting live from the air.

When the three Helicarriers ascended, their energy cannons destroyed all military helicopters but left the civilian ones untouched.

Not because Pierce was merciful—but because he wanted the world to witness HYDRA’s triumphant moment through live television.

From today onward, HYDRA would no longer hide in the shadows. They would step into the light, take center stage, and rule the world.

Thus, the battle at the Triskelion was being broadcast nationwide, aired on nearly every major channel. Millions were watching.

How could they not?

A large-scale armed conflict in the capital, the return of HYDRA—a villainous organization that existed only in comics and television—and the first superhero, Captain America, who had been lost for decades.

The story of Captain America and HYDRA was well-known across the nation, even included in school textbooks.

Washington even had a dedicated Captain America museum.

And if that wasn’t enough, even so-called “fictional” mutants had appeared—along with one of the most famous, Wolverine.

Iron Man, the most popular superhero in recent years, was also there.

It wasn’t just domestic audiences watching; international media outlets were covering the battle as well.

The government had tried to suppress the broadcasts, not wanting the situation to escalate. But HYDRA’s agents within the administration worked just as hard to ensure their grand reveal.

In the end, nothing was censored. Everything was aired.

“A nuke? You’ve got to be kidding.”

Logan stared at Tony, his usually fearless eyes betraying a hint of dread.

He had personally experienced a nuclear explosion before. His flesh had been almost entirely incinerated, and the agonizing regeneration that followed—it was second only to the torture of having Adamantium fused to his bones. The memory still haunted him.

“They’re insane!”

Steve Rogers’ face darkened with fury.

A nuclear strike might destroy the Helicarriers—but it would also kill most of Washington’s innocent civilians.

“The missile has already been launched. It’ll reach us in thirty seconds at most. I’ll redirect it elsewhere—you guys focus on stopping the Helicarriers!”

Tony, calculating the remaining time, looked grim.

His current armor could reach Mach 5, fast enough to intercept the supersonic missile and carry it away from the city for detonation.

“No need. You all stay here—it’s just a nuke. I’ll handle it.”

George waved his hand dismissively before vanishing into thin air.

Although he was surprised by the nuclear attack, he wasn’t shocked.

After all, when the Chitauri invaded Earth, the World Security Council had made the same decision. This wasn’t anything new.

He refused to let Tony handle it—he didn’t trust the outcome.

It was safer to deal with it himself. If Tony made a mistake, the missile had remote detonation capabilities and a timer. At this range, even Tony would be at risk.

Besides, this was also a chance to show the world leaders what real power looked like—to demonstrate that their so-called “ultimate weapon” was nothing more than a toy to him.

“It’s here.”

Hovering in midair, his pristine white wings spread wide, George spotted the incoming missile streaking through the sky.

Despite facing the most destructive weapon known to mankind, there wasn’t a hint of fear on his face.

With a simple gesture, the missile instantly froze in place. Then, with a flick of his wand—

“Vlapidus!”

A flash of blue light shot from his wand, striking the missile.

In an instant, the nuclear warhead transformed—into a wooden log of the same size.