Marvel: Umbrella Corporation

As the projection became clearer, Ophelia could see the other five figures.

Baron Helmut Zemo, one of Hydra's leaders, was a man of genius intellect, skilled in science, an expert marksman, and a master of hand-to-hand combat.

Zemo wore a red hood that could manipulate and disrupt circuits.

On his hand was a Moonstone, granting him various superpowers: energy manipulation, control of light and gravity, enhanced strength and endurance, as well as the ability to grow three heads and six arms, warp space-time, and fly.

Next was Arnim Zola, another Hydra leader. He possessed superintelligence and was both a biochemical and robotics expert.

Zola's body was robotic, with a purple metallic exterior, golden mechanical arms, and a camera for a head. On his torso was a screen displaying his face.

Then came Dr. Faust, also a Hydra leader. A psychiatrist by trade, he had the power of hypnosis.

He wore a black suit with a tie, and his slick red hair glistened under the light.

Baron Strucker, another Hydra leader, had been infected by the Death Spore Virus, which made his body nearly indestructible and gave him extraordinary regenerative abilities.

However, the virus had disfigured him, leaving him bald with a monstrous and grotesque appearance. Strucker wore a black bodysuit, and his left eye had been replaced with a red mechanical implant.

Finally, there was a non-human figure.

This was Hive—a collection of parasitic organisms. The entity's host had been a Hydra agent, and after consuming the host's memory and strength, Hive developed a unified consciousness and began serving Hydra.

Hive's head was adorned with a mass of white tentacles. It had no hair, no nose, and eyes that were blood-red.

Despite not being a formal leader, Hive's formidable power earned it a seat at the Hydra meetings.

Since the death of Red Skull, Hydra had fractured into several factions. Yet, united by a shared dream and their Hydra origins, these leaders occasionally cooperated out of mutual interest.

After a brief silence, Baron Zemo spoke first.

"Dr. Zola, what's the situation with your Middle Eastern division? Why has the zombie virus gone out of control?"

Zola's face, displayed on his torso screen, shifted slightly at the question.

"Just a minor oversight," Zola replied with a mechanical voice. "But it did yield a pleasant surprise—an alpha-type mutated zombie with incredible power and the ability to shoot laser beams.

If we can collect its genetic material, we could clone and create an army of mutant zombies. The world would be mine… I mean, ours."

The room fell silent as Zola's words hung in the air. Despite his last-minute correction, everyone could sense his selfish intent.

But Hydra was no longer a unified organization, so no one openly challenged him.

At this moment, Dr. Faust loosened his tie and gave a sly smile.

"But right now, that area is surrounded by millions of troops. Plus, S.H.I.E.L.D. has reassembled the Avengers. I'm afraid your plan may be doomed to fail."

"That's why I called this meeting," Zola said. "If you can help me capture the mutated zombie, I'm willing to share all research results afterward."

Baron Strucker's grotesque face turned colder.

"Enough with the empty promises. Show us something tangible."

"I'll give you the research data on the Death Spore Virus."

"Not enough."

"And my latest robotic technology."

At these words, the room went silent.

After a moment, Ophelia was the first to break the silence.

"I'll give you three squads of Viper agents."

With Ophelia agreeing to assist, the others soon offered their support.

Zola smiled, satisfied with the outcome.

.......

The Middle East~

Due to the time difference, it was already midday when Tony Stark and the others arrived.

After disembarking from their transport, they were greeted by the sight of a towering wall under construction and soldiers stationed all around.

The area was heavy with tension. Armed troops were everywhere, accompanied by armored vehicles and tanks. Mortars and rocket launchers were also in place, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Maria Hill quickly led the team away from the military airfield to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s temporary camp nearby.

Due to significant losses of personnel and aircraft aboard the helicarrier, it had returned to the rear for resupply.

At the camp, Maria opened a map and began briefing the group.

"This is north of Rutbah City, located in the western region of Iraq. It's south of the mutant zombie outbreak zone.

The zombie crisis has already caused many areas to fall. We've also lost track of the mutated zombie.

Once we locate it, we'll move in to neutralize it immediately. Understood?"

With Nick Fury no longer in charge, Maria was now the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. No one questioned her orders.

"Good. If there are no further questions, everyone may rest."

At this moment, Tony raised a hand, gesturing to his half-finished suit.

"When am I getting the Adamantium and Vibranium I requested?"

"I'll have it delivered as soon as possible."

"It better be soon. Without a fully upgraded suit, I'm not stepping into battle with this half-finished armor."

"Understood."

As the group dispersed, Tony and Banner walked off together.

"This enemy may not be as powerful as Apocalypse last year, but the danger is just as great," Banner noted.

"Agreed. If this zombie crisis isn't contained, humanity could be wiped out."

"Have you noticed? The number of crises we've faced recently keeps increasing."

"Yeah. Let's hope once this zombie mess is over, we can finally catch a break."

Just then, Natasha appeared and walked up to Banner.

"Banner, you haven't picked a room yet, have you? I'll help you choose one."

Banner gave Tony an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, Tony. Gotta go."

Tony rolled his eyes and waved dismissively.

"Yeah, yeah, go ahead."

Picking a room? More like shacking up with Natasha. Typical.

As Tony picked a room himself, he was about to remove his incomplete armor when alarms blared throughout the camp.

"Woo-woo-woo!"

"What's going on?" Tony stepped outside, seeing others doing the same.

"Are the zombies attacking?"

"Could be. Let's gear up just in case."

"Yeah. Better suit up with those Hammer-tech armors."

Several people glanced at Tony, their eyes filled with disdain at his unfinished, exposed armor.

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