The magnetic bomb exploded with a deafening roar, unleashing a shockwave that tore through the city street. The force of the blast sent debris flying, shattering glass and rattling the bones of anyone nearby. Most cars had already been diverted, and the majority of pedestrians had wisely scattered to safety, but a few hardened souls lingered, believing themselves hidden and safe, drawn by the thrill of witnessing chaos. Their courage was not born of bravery but of experience, honed by the dangers of city life.
Nick Fury's car sped away from the blast, weaving through the wreckage as he tried to escape. The Winter Soldier was relentless, his movements fluid and precise, honed by years of merciless training. He darted through the aftermath, eyes locked on Fury's fleeing vehicle. Su Zhan, feeling a surge of anticipation, summoned his Aether War Suit. The familiar weight of his twin fear blades settled into his hands as he prepared to intercept the assassin.
With a powerful leap, Su Zhan launched himself toward the Winter Soldier.
The Winter Soldier, sensing the approach, spun around and fired a burst from his rifle. Su Zhan's blades moved in a blur, sparks flying as he deflected the bullets. The metallic clang echoed through the street, each bullet ricocheting harmlessly away. Closing the distance, Su Zhan brought his silver blade down in a swift arc. The Winter Soldier reacted instantly, dodging to the side as his cybernetic arm swung to intercept.
Their weapons clashed with a force that sent a jolt up Su Zhan's arm. The Winter Soldier's mechanical limb was powerful, but Su Zhan held his ground, pushing back with equal strength. The assassin's eyes narrowed as he drew a submachine gun and unleashed a hail of bullets. Su Zhan's twin blades flashed, parrying each shot. Suddenly, the bullets froze midair, suspended by an unseen force. The Winter Soldier stared in disbelief as his weapon was yanked from his grasp, replaced by a dagger. He leapt high, aiming to drive the blade down.
Su Zhan raised his arm, blocking the attack. The two exchanged a flurry of blows, their movements a deadly dance of speed and precision. The Winter Soldier flipped over Su Zhan, landing a solid strike to his back, but Su Zhan barely staggered, his eyes burning with excitement.
It was a battle between two top contenders: Hydra's most dangerous weapon facing off against the king of the War League. At first, Su Zhan's only aim was to stall the Winter Soldier long enough for Fury to get away. But as the fight went on, he couldn't help but be drawn in, eager to measure his own strength against such a formidable adversary.
The two circled each other, tension crackling in the air. Suddenly, the Winter Soldier lunged, dagger flashing. Su Zhan parried, only for the Winter Soldier to draw a pistol and fire at point-blank range. Fist and bullet collided almost simultaneously, the black blade slamming into the cybernetic arm while the silver blade deflected the shot.
The Winter Soldier's shock was evident. He still gripped the gun, but Su Zhan's force sent his arm flying back. The Winter Soldier kicked the weapon toward Su Zhan's face, but Su Zhan dodged, countering with a swift roundhouse kick that sent the Winter Soldier crashing into a nearby car. The impact crumpled the metal, but the assassin was undeterred. He shook his head and started to rise, only to find Su Zhan's shadow looming over him.
A powerful fist crashed down, followed by another and another. The Winter Soldier tried to fight back, but Su Zhan's relentless assault overwhelmed him. After a few more blows, the Winter Soldier slumped, unconscious.
A gunshot rang out. Su Zhan frowned as a bullet bounced harmlessly off his Aether War Suit, falling to the ground. The police, having lost track of Fury, had arrived to find Su Zhan standing over the Winter Soldier. Mistaking him for an enemy, they opened fire.
Bullets peppered Su Zhan's armor, but he did not flinch. With a calm flick of his wrists, his twin blades shimmered, and he vanished from sight. Screams echoed through the street as, one by one, the officers fell, unable to react to the phantom moving among them.
Su Zhan moved like a ghost, harvesting lives with silent efficiency. Soon, only one terrified officer remained. The man's hands shook as he shouted, "Don't come any closer! I'll shoot!" His voice cracked with fear as he pulled the trigger, sending a barrage of bullets toward Su Zhan.
Strangely, the bullets stopped in midair, floating before Su Zhan like a deadly halo. Su Zhan smiled, a hint of pity in his eyes. With a wave, the bullets shot forward, striking the officer. The man collapsed, his life ending in a moment of terror.
Su Zhan sheathed his blades and turned back toward the Winter Soldier. Just as he took two steps, a sudden shockwave shattered the glass of a nearby house. Su Zhan stepped back, his senses alert. From the debris emerged a tall, androgynous figure with striking, non-mainstream features.
It was Arclight.
Her appearance was neither distinctly male nor female, her style unique and unmistakable. Su Zhan recognized her instantly. Her presence radiated a strange energy, a sense of danger and unpredictability that set her apart from anyone else he had faced today.
A sudden gust of wind swept through the street, and the Winter Soldier vanished. In the blink of an eye, a woman with a similar non-mainstream style appeared next to Arclight, supporting the unconscious assassin. The two stood together, a perfect mirror of defiance and unity.
Su Zhan had not expected anyone to intervene, let alone these two. Their timing was perfect, their arrival clearly planned. This was no coincidence. It was a rescue, executed with precision.
He watched them for a moment, curiosity and wariness mingling in his gaze. How had they known to come? How had they arrived so quickly? It was clear that the game had changed, and new players had entered the field.
But Su Zhan was not worried. He welcomed the challenge. With a faint smile, he turned away, ready for whatever came next. The city was quiet once more, but the echoes of battle lingered in the air, a promise that the story was far from over.