Chapter 228: Hidden Spies

Otherwise, it would be like the Avengers, who were forced to sign the Sokovia Accords. If they refused, they'd be globally hunted down.

These people always arrogantly believe that without the Avengers, national militaries could handle any crisis.

In Avengers: Infinity War, even when Thanos's fleet reached Earth, Ross still wanted to arrest Captain America. He wants to completely shatter the government's confidence through Hydra, to solidify the Superpower Academy's reputation.

So, he's not in a hurry.

"Traitor, what do you mean?"

Garrett suddenly stood up, glaring at George.

"Are you saying that we, who have fought desperately for S.H.I.E.L.D. and the world, have been on the edge of death countless times, are traitors? This is an insult!"

"Hey, I suggest you watch how you speak to our principal, or I won't mind giving your eye a few new colors."

Wolverine Logan extended his claws.

He's always been indifferent to government organizations, especially those who persecute mutants—like the government agencies that hunted him and Professor X for a long time.

"I suggest you put your claws away!"

Garrett's ally, Ward, pulled out a gun and aimed it at Logan.

Logan immediately showed a mocking smile.

"Kid, your toy won't hurt me."

"Don't be impulsive. We didn't mean anything by it, Grant, put your gun away!"

Coulson immediately stood up to mediate when the atmosphere grew tense.

George smiled.

"Coulson, we trust you and Natasha, but for the others, sorry, we need to test them. How else can we be sure none of them are Hydra spies?"

"Don't you think it's strange? Why would there already be a group of Winter Soldiers ambushing us in the safe house?"

"George makes a good point. I think it's necessary."

Black Widow stood up in agreement, and her friend Hawkeye nodded as well.

With her sharp senses, she had suspected Hydra spies in their midst ever since the safe house was compromised.

But it wasn't the right time for her to bring it up.

George has telepathic abilities and can read minds. And with Professor X around, he's even better at it.

Either one of them could easily check.

That's one of the reasons she immediately came to find George after fleeing from Hydra's pursuit.

Without confirming whether there were Hydra spies among them, no further actions could proceed.

Nick Fury may have been killed, but he had left behind plenty of contingencies. They didn't have nothing, as long as there were no more traitors.

"Natasha, are you joking?"

Garrett looked at Natasha incredulously.

"You know how many classified files are in our minds. Who can guarantee he won't look at our memories during the test, or even alter them? I don't trust him!"

Garrett's words made some of the agents hesitate.

Even if they weren't Hydra spies, no one wanted to expose their memories for inspection.

It's worse than stripping naked in front of someone—your browser history, or your private chats—it's mortifying. Let alone someone delving into your mind and seeing everything.

"Coulson, what's your opinion?"

Garrett turned to Coulson, who hesitated and then nodded.

"John, things have come to this point. Fury is dead, and the secrets of S.H.I.E.L.D. don't matter anymore. I trust George, and I hope you'll trust him too.

It's just a simple test."

He wasn't doubting Garrett, his old comrade who had fought beside him many times. Garrett's concerns were valid.

But at this point, there was no choice. They needed to be sure there were no Hydra spies before they could proceed.

And they really needed George and the Superpower Academy's strength.

"Natasha and I will also undergo the test. That way, everyone can feel at ease."

"Then it's settled."

Agent Hill stood up as well.

The highest-ranking remaining agents in S.H.I.E.L.D. were Coulson, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Hill, and Garrett.

With four out of five agreeing, the matter was decided.

But then, Garrett sneered.

"I don't trust him. You all can undergo the test if you want, but I won't let some outsider read my memories. I'll leave here and defeat Hydra my way.

Anyone who's willing to join me, let's leave now. That way, you won't need to worry about any supposed traitors!"

"Teacher, I'll follow you. I don't want to leave my fate in the hands of outsiders."

Grant immediately agreed.

Soon after, another agent stood behind Garrett, clearly also agreeing with him.

"John, now is not the time for a tantrum. Please trust me."

Coulson stood in front of John, feeling uncomfortable.

But Garrett pulled out his gun and handed it to Coulson.

"Either you kill me now, or you let me go. I trust you, but not these outsiders."

He and Garrett both had special trackers on them. Hydra's Winter Soldiers were definitely already on their way. If they left the school and met up with them, they could take down everyone.

The incident at the safe house had also been a setup to let Black Widow and the others escape, hoping to trace them back to something valuable.

It looks like it was worth the effort.

Eliminating these mutants was also clearing a major threat.

"Nice try, but sorry, I'm not letting you go. None of you are leaving."

George clapped for Garrett's acting skills. This guy was really good—completely hiding his allegiance to Hydra.

"What do you mean?"

Garrett turned and glared at George, who looked at Banner.

"Let them see."

Banner manipulated the equipment, and a large screen appeared in the conference room. On the screen, the Winter Soldiers were clearly visible.

Outside, the Winter Soldiers thought the Superpower Academy was nonexistent, even though they were right outside the academy's walls.

But the academy's surveillance had caught every one of them on camera.

"It's them. How did they find this place?"

Black Widow and the others immediately recognized the Winter Soldiers, the ones who attacked them at the safe house.

"So, there must be a traitor among you who leaked the location. I bet it's these guys who want to leave."

Thor, who had been leaning against the door, had already figured out the problem.