Chapter 34: The Black Widows' Rescue
Night fell, and a full moon hung high in the sky.
A group of female agents, clad in black tactical bodysuits, moved swiftly through the fallen city.
Like phantoms of the night, they silently eliminated sentries and guards, inching closer to the prison where their targets were held.
One by one, the Skull Division soldiers fell without even realizing what was happening.
These women were secret agents from the Soviet Union, known collectively as the Black Widows.
Taken to the Red Room as children, they underwent grueling training to specialize in infiltration, rescue, and assassination missions.
Meanwhile, inside the prison, the captive scientists were fast asleep.
After all, sleep was the best way to forget hunger.
Clang!
A specially designed smoke grenade was tossed inside, releasing a faint mist.
The gas seeped into their nostrils, instantly rousing them from their slumber.
In the moonlight filtering through the ventilation window, they saw two Black Widows standing outside the iron bars, watching them.
"Don't say a word. We're Soviet agents, here to rescue you."
One of the Black Widows explained, "The gas you inhaled is a special stimulant designed to temporarily enhance your abilities. Just follow our instructions completely."
The scientists nodded in unison, excitement evident on their faces.
Escaping to the Soviet Union was undoubtedly the best option.
With ease, the Black Widows unlocked the cell and began counting heads.
Upon reaching Allen, one of them questioned, "Who are you?"
"He's just a fool—persecuted by the Axis powers. Don't bother asking," a scientist quickly interjected.
"I'm Agent Durex Dupont, codename 007."
Allen formed his right hand into the shape of a gun, exuding an air of unwarranted confidence.
"Fine, let's go."
To the Black Widows, saving one more or one less made little difference.
Identity verification could wait until they returned to the Soviet Union, where specialists would handle it.
Anyone imprisoned here was presumably a scientist, which made them valuable assets. Even if Allen seemed mentally unstable, who knew? Maybe he could contribute something extraordinary.
The Black Widows followed a meticulously planned escape route.
Along the way, more hidden operatives emerged from the shadows, joining them as they slipped into a civilian house under the cover of darkness.
Lifting the carpet and pulling open a wooden hatch, they revealed a carefully dug escape tunnel.
Allen turned to the Black Widow beside him. "What does it take to become a Black Widow?"
"You don't qualify."
The Black Widow barely spared him a glance.
"Why not?" Allen pouted stubbornly.
"Black Widows only recruit women."
"How dare you assume my gender? Are you discriminating against me?"
Allen asked earnestly, "If I undergo surgery now, will it still count?"
The Black Widow halted, giving him a once-over before resuming her pace.
But Allen wasn't about to give up his chance to chat. He adopted a mysterious tone. "Actually, I know one of you Black Widows personally."
"You may not believe me, but she's got some serious issues in her love life."
"She's dated so many people—Captain America, the Winter Soldier, the Hulk, Hawkeye, Iron Man… Honestly, I lost count. You shouldn't follow in her footsteps."
Allen grinned mischievously. "There's even a saying about her online: When the Hulk smiles, the Black Widow's fate is sealed."
"Her name is Natasha. You know her, right?"
At that moment, the Black Widow turned to face him, her voice icy. "I am Natasha."
"…"
The atmosphere froze.
Allen's expression stiffened for several seconds before he forced an awkward laugh. "Come on, don't joke. Natasha has red hair, and yours is blonde."
"I dyed it."
Natasha's response was irrefutable.
For the first time, Allen found himself at a loss for words. But he quickly regained his composure. "I was just talking nonsense because of my condition. Do you believe me?"
"I don't."
"You're so difficult! Fine, I won't talk to you anymore."
Allen felt utterly defeated.
Emerging from the tunnel, they found themselves outside the city. Hidden among the trees were off-road motorcycles, prepped in advance for their escape.
Each Black Widow paired up with a scientist.
Allen found himself awkwardly staring at Natasha—everyone else had already left.
Natasha coolly commanded, "Get on."
Allen climbed onto the back of the bike, hands resting on her hips, beaming. "I knew you wouldn't stay mad at me."
With a twist of the throttle, the motorcycle sped down the muddy road.
"Natasha, did you know the area I'm holding onto has a special name? It's called the Handles of Love."
"Natasha, you looked better with red hair. It had a certain… flair to it."
"Natasha, are you giving me the silent treatment to act cool?"
"Natasha, are you lost in thought?"
"Natasha, I used to be a fortune teller. Want me to read your future?"
"Natasha, your fate is strong, but you'll be plagued by romance in your later years."
"Natasha, did I get it right? Aren't you impressed?"
"Natasha, I have a secret to tell you—"
BANG!
The motorcycle crashed headfirst into a tree.
Both Allen and Natasha were thrown off, tumbling across the ground.
"You call this driving? Do you even have a license?"
Allen spat out a mouthful of dirt, about to resume his chatter when he felt the cold press of metal against his forehead.
Natasha aimed her pistol at him, her voice dangerously low. "Shut up, or I'll put a bullet in your head."
"I, Agent Durex Dupont, bet that your gun is empty." Allen remained unfazed.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Three deafening shots rang out.
Allen didn't even flinch.
"Get back on."
Natasha walked over to pick up the motorcycle, preparing to continue their escape.
"What? I can't hear you."
Allen's ears were still ringing. "But I knew you wouldn't actually kill me."
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Flare rounds shot into the sky, dyeing the dark wilderness in shades of crimson.
In the distance, the rumble of engines signaled their pursuers. The Skull Division had discovered the scientists' escape.
Natasha hurriedly pulled Allen onto the bike, speeding toward the rendezvous point.
"Natasha, were those three gunshots your way of declaring your claim over me?"
Allen leaned against her shoulder, smirking. "A domineering female agent falls for a free-spirited young man. Three shots to announce three lifetimes of unwavering love—how romantic!"
VROOOOM!
Natasha twisted the throttle harder, hoping the roaring engine would drown out Allen's nonsense.
Unfortunately, with his ears still ringing, Allen remained blissfully unaffected, continuing his relentless chatter.
Natasha's temple throbbed. If not for the mission, she would have shot him.
They reached the designated extraction point, where a speedboat awaited at the riverbank. The rest of the team had already departed.
As Natasha and Allen's boat sped away, Skull Division soldiers arrived at the shore, firing wildly in frustration.
Too bad—they were out of range.
"Don't see us off, we're leaving now!"
Allen waved at them cheerfully.
Dr. Zola, overseeing the pursuit, raised a hand, signaling his men to cease fire. He smiled in satisfaction. "Phase one has gone smoothly. Let's see if they pass the screening."
Among the rescued scientists were, of course, Hydra's own undercover agents.
They had spared no expense orchestrating this Black Widow-led extraction, even sacrificing soldiers to ensure its success.
After all, those who achieve greatness never sweat the small stuff.
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