*57

"Who's there?!"

Alexander Pierce was startled, immediately turning and drawing his pistol, only to find nothing behind him.

Was it an auditory hallucination? No, there had definitely been someone there just now. Pierce narrowed his eyes.

As an experienced agent from the Cold War era, even though he was now a senior government official and no longer worked in the field, his instincts had never failed him.

"Didn't you want to see me? Surprised now that I'm here?"

The voice sounded again, this time from the side.

Pierce quickly looked to his side and saw faint ripples in the air, revealing a girl in a dark robe slowly emerging.

Seeing this supernatural scene, Pierce's pupils contracted, as if he'd stumbled upon something significant.

"Are you... Miss Wizard?"

"Bingo!"

Hermione snapped her fingers.

Though she appeared just a little girl, Pierce dared not underestimate her and gripped his gun even tighter.

"Let it go, that won't work on me," Hermione said calmly.

"So, Miss Wizard has come for a visit. What brings you here at this late hour?" Pierce feigned ignorance.

Seeing Pierce's stubborn demeanor, Hermione shook her head.

"Disarm!"

A red light flashed, and Pierce felt his hands involuntarily loosen. The gun flew out in an unnatural trajectory.

Feeling the magic firsthand, his breath quickened, and he raised his hands.

"Alright, alright, Miss Wizard, I overreacted, but you must understand, as a professional agent, I..."

"Cut the act. I know you sent someone to capture me," Hermione interrupted impatiently. "Since you want a fight, I'll grant your wish."

As she spoke, she raised her wand, and a green light appeared at its tip, glowing ominously.

"Wait, Miss Wizard!"

Seeing Hermione was about to act, Pierce panicked.

Are kids so impatient nowadays?

I planned to share some vague information to stall, but she seems certain I orchestrated this.

How was it leaked?

Pierce was puzzled.

"Don't act yet. I admit I did it, but I'm only thinking of ordinary people and the magical world!"

His mind raced, and Pierce began to fabricate.

Hermione nearly laughed out loud.

What kind of reasoning is that?

However, she didn't expose him, instead tilting her head and asking, "Why?"

Pierce breathed a slight sigh of relief and continued, "Nick Fury is using you, Miss Wizard. He only wants information about the wizarding world. Your world has remained hidden for so long, and other wizards mustn't want exposure."

"If you reveal too much, it could spark conflict between wizards and S.H.I.E.L.D., even a war between ordinary people and wizards. You'd be punished by your own kind."

"I aimed to capture you to attract other wizards, clarify things, and prevent the worst-case scenario!"

After his rushed explanation, Pierce watched Hermione's reaction closely.

He deliberately painted a dire picture, thinking a child would fear adult reprimand and overlook the capture itself.

It could actually work... Hermione mused, but outwardly pretended to ponder deeply.

He might be buying it!

Pierce's eyes lit up.

"Fine, I'll let it pass this time!"

Hermione feigned being convinced. "I won't share anything with you again!"

Pfft!

Hearing this, Pierce felt like he'd shot himself in the foot.

He'd spouted nonsense to save his skin, and now that he'd succeeded, he'd lost all potential information. It seemed like S.H.I.E.L.D.'s loss, but it was really Hydra's!

Unexpectedly, the head of Hydra was outwitted by a little girl.

"Miss Wizard, how did you know I was involved?" Pierce tried changing the subject, addressing his main concern.

"Your people told me everything!"

Pierce frowned, thinking it impossible. "These are loyal, brainwashed Hydra members. Even if captured, they wouldn't leak mission details."

Hermione curled her lips.

"I'm a wizard. Didn't you research me before sending people?"

Seeing Pierce's confusion, Hermione decided to enlighten him.

"Imperius!"

As she spoke, Pierce felt his mind go blank, a sensation of bliss slowly rising.

"Dance for me!"

"Yes." Pierce's eyes glazed over, responding mechanically.

Then he danced with all his might, sweating profusely, unable to stop.

With a wave of Hermione's wand, Pierce's consciousness returned, and he looked at her in terror.

Clutching his chest, he panted heavily, unsure if it was from dancing or fear.

"What did you do?"

"I think you understand the Imperius Curse's effects now," Hermione said, spreading her hands.

Hearing this, Pierce was horrified.

Moments ago, he'd lost himself, with only one thought: obey Hermione's every command.

Mind control!

She possessed such power?!

No wonder she knew someone in the assault team had leaked everything.

After the initial shock, Pierce looked at Hermione with fervent eyes.

If Hydra had this ability, the world would fall into their grasp...

"By the way, one of the men mentioned something about a hydra. What's that?" Hermione tilted her head, looking at Pierce. "Is it a special S.H.I.E.L.D. division?"

Pierce's pupils contracted but quickly returned to normal.

"That's right," he said, maintaining a neutral expression. "It's an internal S.H.I.E.L.D. secret. Please don't spread it."

Fortunately, she doesn't seem to know much...

"Alright, but S.H.I.E.L.D. does have some capable people. Someone managed to evade me by constantly changing forms. Quite a challenge to catch!"

Ghost... Pierce thought, his eyes flickering.

Her abilities even challenged a wizard's. She must be groomed as Hydra's ace, like the Winter Soldier.

"But for sending people to ambush me, I must teach you a lesson!"

"Sectumsempra!"

Pierce felt a chill by his ear and looked down. His left ear lay on the ground, blood trickling.

"Think twice before crossing me again!"

Hermione smiled triumphantly, then vanished into thin air.