Chapter 231: Heaven's Wrath on Hydra

"Sorry, I ran out during the last fight," Hawkeye shrugged, prompting Coulson to sigh regretfully.

Realizing he couldn't convince Coulson, Garrett shifted his focus to George, knowing full well that George held the most authority and strength in the group. If George could be persuaded, the opinions of Coulson and the others would no longer matter.

"Mr. George, Hydra holds no hostility toward mutants. If you join us, we will create an exclusive nation for mutants, where your kind can thrive safely without interference from ignorant governments. Surely you wouldn't want to risk unnecessary fighting that could endanger your school and its students, right?"

Coulson's expression immediately darkened at Garrett's words. He was worried George might be swayed, as the offer could appeal strongly to mutants. Just as Coulson was about to warn George, Black Widow tugged his arm, motioning toward Captain America and Professor X nearby.

Coulson then realized that with Captain America and Professor X present, there was no way George would fall for Hydra's deception.

As expected, George sneered after hearing Garrett's proposal.

"Hydra's credibility is laughable. Besides, there are no more mutants in this world—only superpowered individuals. My school is not a Mutant Academy but a Superpower Academy.

"So there's no need to establish a nation just for mutants.

"And let me assure you, my school and my students won't be harmed. The only ones getting hurt will be you, Hydra."

If mutants were to grow unchecked, they would indeed become an uncontrollable force. Given Hydra's nature, there was no way they would allow mutants to form a nation. George knew that if he and his students joined Hydra, they'd end up on Hydra's operating tables by the next day.

Moreover, Hydra posed little threat to George.

"You'll regret this!" Garrett snapped, but realizing he couldn't persuade George, he fell silent. He could only hope the school would fall, giving him a chance to escape.

"Can they find us here?"

From inside, Hill and the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents watched the armed helicopters flying outside, their faces filled with concern. The helicopters were equipped not only with Hydra soldiers but also energy cannons and mini missile launchers. If they discovered the school, the odds of survival were slim.

"Relax. Even if they searched this area for a year, they wouldn't find the school," George replied confidently, trusting the loyalty charm's effectiveness.

"But what if they launch indiscriminate attacks over the area?"

Coulson and Black Widow exchanged worried glances. Even if the school remained hidden, random attacks could still cause damage. Worse, innocent nearby residents might also be killed—something Hydra wouldn't hesitate to do.

"Good point. Let's deal with them first," George said nonchalantly.

The school was protected by enchantments that could shrug off most attacks, but George wasn't one to sit back and take hits.

"Should I use the Cerebro Amplifier to control them?" Professor X offered. His current level-three telepathic abilities, though not as potent as level four, could still manage to control all nearby Hydra soldiers with the amplifier.

"I'm afraid that's not an option," Coulson interjected awkwardly.

"To counter you and Professor X, S.H.I.E.L.D. developed devices that block brainwaves. Those Hydra soldiers are likely equipped with them."

After being mind-controlled by George and with Professor X's telepathic prowess widely known, Nick Fury had ordered the creation of special devices that, when worn on the temple, could block brainwave intrusion. Hydra, having infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D., had access to the same technology. They wouldn't dare confront the Superpower Academy without it.

Thanks to traitors like Garrett, Hydra knew nearly as much about the school as S.H.I.E.L.D. did.

To Hydra, the most dangerous individual at the academy wasn't George but the rejuvenated Professor X, whose record of achievements was daunting.

Hearing this, George smirked. "Nick Fury does love arming the enemy, doesn't he?"

"Then let's face them head-on, like we did in Asgard!" Logan growled, unsheathing his adamantium claws. If they could handle Asgard's warriors, Hydra's goons would be a cakewalk.

Even without Tony, they still had Banner as the Hulk, Steve with his upgraded shield, and George, whose capabilities spoke for themselves.

"Well said. Too bad I'm still a bit short of wielding Mjölnir. Otherwise, I could settle this alone," Thor lamented, punching a nearby wall in frustration. Without his godly powers, he felt useless after spending so much time at the academy reading.

"No need for that. Let me give them a taste of lightning first. If they survive, we'll deal with them afterward," George declared with a grin.

He waved his newly crafted wand and began chanting an ancient magic spell.

Last time in Asgard, his spell's range was limited, but with the new wand amplifying its power more than twentyfold, the range now encompassed all Hydra units near the school.

"Thunderstorm, descend!"

Minutes later, thick clouds enveloped the sky around the school. Lightning crackled violently within the storm, drawing bewildered stares from both Hydra soldiers and nearby residents.

The weather forecast hadn't mentioned rain.