The next day, inside the small base, the teleportation array blinked to life, and a figure materialized.
Arthur strode out, exuding a refreshed and spirited demeanor.
He hummed an unfamiliar yet somehow catchy tune, don't ask why it was both famous and unknown; even Arthur didn't know.
Last night had clearly been a victorious one, and today Arthur seemed particularly enthusiastic. After sending Lily back to school and bidding a reluctant farewell, he quickly found a hidden spot near her campus, drew a teleportation array, and returned to the small base.
Tony had promised to meet him today, but before that, Arthur planned to check on some guests in the small base.
Mainly, he needed to deal with Mandarin.
That guy lingering around was a real problem, not only wasting resources but also utterly useless. Rather than letting him squander supplies, it was better to send him away, maybe even hand him over to SHIELD.
But with someone like Mandarin, even turning him over to SHIELD would come at a certain cost.
Besides Mandarin, there were two other guests in the small base.
One was Letis, and the other was Letis's boss, Drake.
These two were basically partners in crime, caught one after another and ending up in Arthur's custody, then locked up in the small prison beneath the base.
The current situation was decent for them at least, no more spying through walls, and when they spoke, no one next door could hear them.
As Arthur entered the underground prison, the first to see him was Mandarin.
He was sitting cross-legged, meditating, eyes half-open, watching Arthur with a calculating gaze.
His brows furrowed as he considered what kind of scornful expression or words would be most effective against Arthur.
But Arthur didn't even glance at him and went straight to the cell next door.
Letis's eyes were dark, the memories of past suffering vivid in his mind. Although his expression was grim, a trace of caution remained on his face.
Arthur smiled and nodded at him, then moved on to Drake's cell, standing there with a grin.
Drake leaned against the wall, staring intently at a rear-projection screen, seemingly unaware of Arthur's arrival.
Arthur also looked.
The content playing was no longer about Hydra's affairs; after all, Bucky no longer lived here.
Now it was current news.
Specifically, it was about San Francisco and the status of the Life Foundation.
At that moment, the broadcast reported that the Life Foundation's leader had gone missing, with some companies already submitting acquisition proposals.
"That's right, I did it," Arthur suddenly spoke, his words dripping with a provocative arrogance.
Drake's face immediately darkened, and he glared at Arthur through gritted teeth. "If they find out that my disappearance was the result of being kidnapped by a shameless man like you, you definitely won't get away with it."
"I like your confidence," Arthur replied, sitting cross-legged on the ground, looking across at Drake with a faint smile. "To be honest, I do admire you. Many people think I'm a genius, but in reality, I just cheat. But you're different. Although you took a wrong turn, everything you achieved was based on real talent. That's true genius, no explanation needed!"
"What are you trying to say?" Drake asked, his tone sharp.
"I want to say, why do geniuses always like to go to extremes?" Arthur shrugged. "When I said 'I did it' just now, I wasn't only talking about kidnapping you, well, that part is true. But that acquisition proposal you just saw? That was also my doing. I found people with solid financial resources and connections in various fields. I believe the acquisition will be approved soon, and then your Life Foundation will become my foundation. Hmm, let me think... the name 'Life Foundation' isn't bad, but if I keep using it, won't people still think it's yours? How about I rename it?"
Drake's expression shifted uncertainly as he shook his head. "No one can take it away!"
"That's too absolute," Arthur replied. "I found that comet."
As soon as Drake heard this, he quickly got up. "What did you do?"
"Some necessary things," Arthur said. "Actually, up until now, I don't think your ideas were wrong. Earth is too small, humans too many, resources wasted too fast, depletion is only a matter of time. But the difference is, there are many planets suitable for human habitation! At least, I know one Earthling who travels between planets across the universe."
Drake frowned. "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"Going down the wrong path isn't the worst thing. I hope you can realize your mistakes and turn back," Arthur stood up. "I will keep the Life Foundation. If you need anything, I will still contact you. Besides that, stay here well, you're different from them. I think you could live here a long time... maybe even have a different ending. Of course, that all depends on your choice."
After saying this, he smiled at Drake and turned to leave.
"You're coming back!" Drake shouted hurriedly.
But Arthur was already at Letis's door. He tapped the control panel twice. "As for you, I'm sorry, but for some necessary reasons, I will have to perform a small operation on you."
Before Letis could respond, the entire cell suddenly sealed shut. Arthur operated the panel a few more times, glanced at the time, and said, "In three hours, all memories stored here will be completely erased. Convenient as always."
This technology originally came from Hydra's inhumane experiments.
The experiments were indeed cruel, but the data were valuable. Because they were so bloody, using that technology in such a brutal context was fitting!
Drake was left stunned, while Arthur had already moved over to Mandarin.
Mandarin's eyes were open. "My biggest regret was underestimating you."
"And I dare not underestimate you at all," Arthur replied. "Not in the past, not now, not even in the future! So I won't give you the slightest chance, no matter how tiny a glimmer of hope, it's something you don't deserve."
A sinister smile played across Mandarin's lips.
Arthur smiled politely. After tapping the control panel a few times, the entire cell sealed up.
"As expected, I still can't hand you over to SHIELD, no matter what they're willing to pay..."
Muttering to himself, Arthur walked out of the small prison.
(End of chapter)
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