----
Kaecilius chuckled coldly. "A superhuman trying to beco a god? Pathetic. He doesn't even understand how vast the world truly is."
Compared to places like Asgard, or the ancient magical traditions from Kamar-Taj and the lineage of Sorcerer Supres Hive was nothing but a provincial tyrant.
Malick, montarily embarrassed, cleared his throat. "Well, Hive is still the most powerful Inhuman. Surely, he can defeat Superman."
That may have held true in a bygone era. But in today's world, filled with advanced ta-humans and gods, Hive's legend had lost its luster.
Kaecilius tapped his fingers on the table.
"So, that's your big play? Bring Hive back from exile and hope he takes down Nolan? You really think that'll work?"
"We won't be relying on Hive alone," said Baron Strucker, stepping forward.
Kaecilius looked around the room again at Strucker, Viper, Zemo, and the Inner Circle of HYDRA.
He gave a nod. "With your support, maybe. Hive's greatest power is mind control over Inhumans. If you want to weaponize him... you'd better find so to control."
"We already have targets," Strucker replied, smiling thinly. "Once Hive returns, they'll all kneel."
"Then..." Kaecilius raised his wine glass.
"To the alliance."
"To the alliance."
A war was brewing. Nolan's enemies, both mystical and mortal, had united.
---
Back at Osborn Tower, Nolan stood before his inner circle, calmly analyzing the threat.
"After Hive was banished, not everyone turned against him," he explained.
"So thrived under his rule Inhumans gave power, status, and worship. They beca loyalists. Zealots. A secret sect known as the Purity Council."
Wanda furrowed her brows. "You're saying... they're still around?"
"They are," Nolan nodded. "And for generations, the Purity Council has carried out a dark ritual: every few decades, they send one of their best into the black monolith sacrificed or devoted to reaching Hive on his distant prison world. Hoping to serve him... and bring him back."
He paused. "Only now, their goal has changed. They want Hive back for one reason to destroy ."
The room fell silent.
Even Klaw, who had been absent while scouting Wakandan technologies, showed up after Nolan's urgent summons.
"The Purity Council... that's the Malick family, isn't it?" Klaw asked after scanning the intelligence feed.
Nolan nodded. "They go by another na too—HYDRA."
"HYDRA?" Wanda was taken aback. "Didn't they fall during the S.H.I.E.L.D. purge? I thought only a few remnants survived..."
"That's just the modern branch," Nolan explained. "The original, or true HYDRA, was never destroyed. The Red Skull's faction, the one we dealt with in World War II, was just a splinter group. A knockoff."
"Malick's HYDRA," he said firmly, "has been pulling strings in the shadows for centuries. They hold real power money, military ties, and black-budget projects. They run parts of the U.S. governnt."
He turned to his AI. "send everyone the data."
Dozens of files compiled by Daredevil and underground S.H.I.E.L.D. agents flickered to life across the holoscreens. Maps. Photos. Reports.
"Our enemies have joined forces," Nolan said grimly. "The remnants of modern HYDRA have struck a deal with their originators. And they're using the press, social dia, and political leverage to push Osborn Corp into a corner."
He clenched his fist. "When I escaped from HYDRA's base years ago, I swore I'd never let them rise again. And now... they've even aligned with sorcery."
The others froze.
"You an..." Max began.
Nolan turned to him. "Yes. The Malicks are working with soone who specializes in dinsional travel. Soone powerful. Soone I've fought before."
"Kaecilius. The traitor of Kamar-Taj."
Wanda's expression turned dark.
Kaecilius master of the Mirror Dinsion, a herald of Dormammu, a threat to reality itself.
Nolan continued, "I had ELL track Skye's movents yes, that Skye, a.k.a. Daisy Johnson, a.k.a. Quake. She's investigating Malick's estate. And guess what? The place has frequent visitors."
"Black robes?" Wanda asked.
"No. Smoky eyeshadow. Sa style Kaecilius uses to brand his disciples."
The room tensed. Nolan's enemies weren't just planning a coup they were orchestrating a dinsional invasion. And they weren't subtle anymore.
"They were never my concern until now," Nolan said. "I don't respond to dia gas or rumors like Superman does. But if Kaecilius is involved, this isn't about the image. It's about Earth itself."
He stepped forward. His voice was calm, but the fire burned beneath his words.
"They've crossed the line. They've chosen to ally with extradinsional threats. That makes them enemies of Earth. And as the one chosen to inherit the mantle of Sorcerer Supre, I will cleanse this infestation."
Wanda gave a fierce smile. "Tell what to do."
"You'll help trace their spatial anchors. They've never successfully summoned Hive before because they didn't know how. Now, with Kaecilius? They might."
Max stepped forward. "What are the orders?"
"Target every HYDRA installation linked to the Malick lineage," Nolan said. "Eliminate their logistics. Bait them. Force them to act early. We'll bring Hive into the light... then pin him to a damn operating table."
The others chuckled grimly.
This wasn't just containnt.
It was a declaration of war.
"Ten days," Nolan said. "That's all you get. I want their heads before they finish the ritual."
Everyone nodded.
HYDRA had called the ancient king back from exile.
Nolan was going to welco him personally.
----
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