Chapter 36 Madame Hydra Takes Notice—A Duel Between Master Strategists

On an island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, deep inside a massive underground facility— Countless soldiers and transport vehicles moved back and forth.

The soldiers carried equipment remarkably similar to that used by the Foundation.

The main difference was their uniforms.

They wore black-and-green camouflage and octopus-like gas masks fitted with reflective red lenses.

This was a base belonging to the Chaos Insurgency.

Inside a luxurious office— Knock.

Knock.

After two knocks, a beautiful blonde female officer entered.

“Grand Duchess, we’ve finished compiling the information on Ethan.” She placed several files on the desk.

“These two reports cover the Foundation’s recent movements, as well as the reactions from S.H.I.E.L.D.

and HYDRA.” The person addressed as “Grand Duchess” wore an even more elaborate black-and-green military uniform.

And surprisingly— The Grand Duchess was a woman.

She had short hair, a strikingly heroic yet alluring appearance, and an elegant figure that radiated extraordinary charm.

Her military shirt was fitted tightly across her chest, while her skirt sharply outlined her figure.

If any member of HYDRA had been present and recognized the woman sitting behind that desk, they would’ve been rendered speechless.

Because she was none other than the infamous— Madame Hydra.

“Leave the files.” The woman stretched lazily.

“And make me a cup of black tea.” “Double milk.

One sugar.” The desk seemed to tremble slightly as Ophelia stretched.

She picked up the documents and began reading rapidly.

Some time later, her female adjutant returned carrying the tea.

Ophelia elegantly lifted the cup and took a small sip.

“Leah.” “Your tea-making skills have improved again.” “Thank you for the compliment, Grand Duchess.” “I’m very happy that it pleases you.” Ophelia set down the documents.

Her cool gaze drifted toward the window.

She sighed softly and brushed a strand of hair away from her ear.

At that moment, she looked almost like a solitary chess player who had spent far too long waiting for a worthy opponent.

“Sixty years…” “And neither HYDRA nor S.H.I.E.L.D.

has improved much.” “S.H.I.E.L.D.

was far more troublesome back in Rogers’s era.” “Now they can’t even perform basic strategic analysis properly.” “As for HYDRA…” Ophelia’s lips curved faintly.

“They went from an organization powerful enough to operate openly…” “To rats hiding in the sewers.” Leah chuckled.

“That’s because neither organization has a wise leader like you, Grand Duchess.” “Compared with those who possess extended lifespans, ordinary humans of this era are still far too immature.” “Sooner or later, the world will submit to the strong.” Ophelia calmly picked up her tea again.

“There’s no need to pay too much attention to either organization.” “It’s amusing.” “Nick Fury and Pierce actually believe the Foundation’s containment operation will fail.” “They simply don’t understand the Foundation.” “After all…” “The Foundation is the true successor to that ancient glory.” Her eyes narrowed.

“Nick Fury and Pierce are ordinary men whose thinking I can see through at a glance.” “Ethan is different.” “From the very beginning, he’s held the initiative.” “Everything has been unfolding according to his rhythm.” She tapped one finger lightly against the file.

“This world’s Foundation possesses at least several dozen anomalies.” “They also have access to intelligence that even we don’t possess.” “So how could their containment operation possibly fail?” Hearing this, Leah asked curiously, “Grand Duchess, if you’re certain they’ll succeed…” “Why did you still authorize this operation?” Ophelia smiled.

“S.H.I.E.L.D.

and HYDRA are attempting to use this disgusting little performance to probe the Foundation.” “They’re trying to gamble a small investment for an enormous return.” “But aren’t we doing exactly the same thing?” Her expression became more serious.

“At the end of the day, we’re merely seekers who inherited fragments of an old legacy.” “We gained longevity through the gifts of anomalies.” “But our foundation cannot compare with the true Foundation.” “Instead of attempting to contain SCP-096 ourselves…” “We wait until the Foundation succeeds.” “Then we send combat forces to seize the contained anomaly.” “The probability of success is far higher.” “Isn’t that also gambling small for something far greater?” Leah nodded thoughtfully.

Ophelia continued, “The difference is that our gamble is more sophisticated than theirs.” “Because once…” “We were part of the Foundation.” “We know something they don’t.” Her eyes sharpened.

“When a Mobile Task Force is deployed…” “Containment succeeds.” “Neither HYDRA nor S.H.I.E.L.D.

understands the nobility of those who willingly march toward death.” Leah immediately straightened.

“Grand Duchess, you can rest assured.” “Even as servants of Chaos, we still pursue the flame of truth.” “For that path, we’ll give everything.” “Even if we’re shattered into pieces…” “We’ll continue seeking that supreme truth.” “Even death will bring no regret.” The woman once known as Madame Hydra— Now the Grand Duchess of the Chaos Insurgency— slowly removed her gloves.

Determination flashed through Ophelia’s eyes.

“Prepare my combat equipment.” “And order all units to enter the highest level of combat readiness.” “The next operation will be a difficult battle.” Leah’s eyes widened in shock.

She hurriedly tried to dissuade her.

“Grand Duchess, your position is far too important.” “There’s no need for you to personally participate.” “Please trust the officers at the front.” Ophelia raised a hand.

“No.” Her tone allowed no argument.

“Even the Foundation’s highest-ranking commander personally goes to the front during containment operations.” “This time…” “Ethan will almost certainly be there.” “There’s no need to persuade me.” She slowly stood.

“If I’m facing an opponent worthy of respect, I won’t sit safely in the rear while he risks his life at the front.” “The Foundation’s true strength is almost certainly greater than even our most pessimistic estimates.” “We cannot take them too seriously.” “That is precisely why I must accompany the operation.” Her voice grew colder.

“If the battle reaches the level of supernatural forces…” “Ordinary soldiers will have absolutely no chance.” Hearing her decision, Leah’s expression filled with admiration.

She bowed and left to begin preparations.

Ophelia remained alone.

“Sixty years…” She murmured softly.

“An opportunity like this cannot be allowed to slip away.” “Those who march toward death…” “Do you know?” “I’ve waited…” “A full sixty years…” “To cross blades with you again.” The corners of Ophelia’s lips rose into an extraordinarily alluring smile.

Yet that smile was as cold as frost.

Nearly a thousand kilometers away from the Chaos Insurgency’s island base— On a highway outside New York— Twelve V-44X Blackfish transports hovered silently beside the road.

Their altitude was barely higher than the nearby utility poles.

One after another, soldiers from MTF Nu-7 “Hammer Down” rappelled to the ground.

“Commander.” “Advance elements of Mobile Task Force Nu-7, Hammer Down, are in position.” “The entire outer perimeter has been cleared.” “We can begin the operation at any time.” Inside a command-model V-44X, Ethan watched the Mobile Task Force deployment through several tactical screens.

“You may begin.” “Good luck, Nu-7.” “I’ll be watching.” For some inexplicable reason, Ethan suddenly felt something.

He turned his head and gazed into the distance.

Far away— On that hidden Chaos Insurgency island— Ophelia seemed to experience exactly the same sensation.

At almost the same moment…

The commanders of the Foundation and the Chaos Insurgency both instinctively looked in the direction of the other.

As though two players sitting on opposite sides of an enormous chessboard had finally become aware of each other’s presence.