The convoy rolled smoothly through the city, tinted windows hiding the world outside. Alex sat quietly beside the suited man, his expression calm, unreadable. The man kept glancing at him occasionally, as though trying to measure his composure.
"You seem remarkably relaxed," the man finally said, voice even. "Most people would be… nervous."
Alex smirked faintly. "Nervous? You invited me, didn't you? I assume you're not planning to shoot your guest."
The man chuckled under his breath. "Of course not. Not unless you give us reason to."
Alex didn't respond. He simply looked out the window, watching the cityscape fade into the outskirts—industrial districts, old warehouses, and finally, a long stretch of empty road. The car entered a tunnel that sloped downward, and the moment they passed the midpoint, Alex could feel it—energy signatures, security grids, hidden tech. This wasn't just a base; it was a fortress.
When the vehicles finally stopped, one of the guards opened his door. "We're here, sir."
Alex stepped out, eyes scanning the underground compound. Steel walls lined with reinforced plating, uniformed personnel moving in ordered silence, the faint hum of advanced machinery—it was unmistakably militaristic. But beneath it all, there was something else… a darker undertone that confirmed his suspicion.
Hydra.
The man in the suit walked ahead confidently, gesturing for Alex to follow. "Welcome to one of our research facilities. You'll find that we have quite the reach… and interest in people like you."
"People like me?" Alex repeated, voice calm but edged.
"Gifted. Capable. Unique." The man glanced back with a faint smirk. "We've been monitoring certain anomalies—energy surges, unexplained events. Your name came up more than once."
They entered a central chamber where a massive digital map displayed various global hot zones. Dozens of scientists and agents worked at terminals, analyzing streams of data. Alex took it all in silently.
"So," he said finally, "this is where you make the world a better place?"
The man's smirk widened just a bit. "In our own way, yes. Order requires control. Power must be directed, not wasted."
Alex folded his arms. "And I'm guessing you'd like me to help… direct it."
"Exactly." The man stopped and turned to face him fully now. "We don't want to control you, Alex. We want to work with you. Your abilities—light and darkness, balance, adaptability—they're rare. We can provide resources, information, technology beyond anything SHIELD or Stark could offer."
Alex's gaze flickered slightly at the mention of SHIELD. So they do know more than they admit.
"What if I say no?" he asked, tone casual but eyes sharp.
The man didn't flinch. "Then we'll take you back. You'll forget this place. You'll continue your little life. But… something tells me that's not what you want."
Alex looked around once more, his eyes tracing the glowing map, the soldiers, the sense of order—and control—that filled the air. Then, slowly, a faint smile curved his lips.
"You're right," he said at last. "I'm curious. Let's see where this goes."
The man's expression softened, almost pleased. "Good. I'll have the director meet you soon. For now, we'll show you what Hydra's truly building."
As Alex followed, a shadow crossed his eyes—a quiet, dangerous amusement. Hydra thinks they're recruiting me, he thought. Let's see who ends up using who.
The suited man led Alex down a series of reinforced corridors, the hum of the facility growing louder with each step. Screens flashed with tactical data, experimental results, and security feeds. Soldiers moved with precision, their eyes following Alex for a fraction longer than usual, noting his presence without openly acknowledging it.
Finally, they arrived at a large observation chamber. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooked a massive subterranean lab. Dozens of operatives and scientists moved among banks of machinery, energy conduits, and experimental devices. At the center of it all sat a man behind a polished desk, his posture exuding absolute authority.
"This is the director," the suited man said, gesturing toward him. "He's the one who will explain the full scope of our operations."
The director looked up, meeting Alex's gaze directly. His sharp features, calculating eyes, and quiet confidence carried the kind of presence that demanded obedience and respect.
"Alex," the director began, voice smooth and controlled, "we've been observing you for some time. Your abilities are… exceptional. We believe you could be an asset to our organization, if you choose to join us."
Alex studied him carefully, sensing the weight behind the words. "And if I don't?"
The director leaned back slightly, steepling his fingers. "Then you'll return to your normal life. But consider this—opportunities like this rarely come twice. We don't seek obedience. We seek cooperation, mutual benefit. You'd have resources, information, and autonomy that few ever receive."
Alex nodded slowly, weighing his options. "And your organization… it has a name?"
The director's smile tightened. "That's a line you do not want to cross. Once you've heard the name, you cannot simply leave."
Alex gave a faint, amused chuckle. "Hah. So you want me to work with you without even knowing who I'm working for?"
Inside, he thought, They're being cautious. They must know what I'm capable of—and they're not ready to step out into the light yet.
"If that's your stance," the director said evenly, "then I'm afraid we can't have you then, It was an pleasure meeting you Mr. Alexander Morrow."
Alex tilted his head slightly, still calm. "I get it. After all, Hydra wouldn't want an unknown variable—especially not one that SHIELD might have eyes on—wandering through their base."
As the Director heard the name hydra, he instantly jumped back as if someone steepd on hsi tail " How do you know about us!?' he asked shouting as Alex shrugged" So now what you will kill me?" he asked jokingly.
As he spoke, one of the guards moved suddenly. In a smooth motion, the man drew a gun and aimed it directly at Alex's head.
There was a deafening crack. The bullet streaked forward—only to stop dead as it touched Alex's forehead, bursting into fragments and dropping harmlessly to the ground.
Everyone froze.
Alex blinked once, unbothered, then smirked faintly. "I'm curious — where did you get the idea that a gun like that could hurt me?"
"Kill him!" the director shouted.
"Well, I was bored," Alex said, his eyes glowing a menacing red.
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