The roaring cold wind and biting low temperatures of the Greenland ice sheet were completely cut off the moment she stepped out of the quinjet's hatch.
A layer of force field, barely visible to the naked eye and flowing with pale gold and pale blue halos, surrounded Artoria. Her aura was deep and heavy as an abyss, yet carried a strange sense of harmony that seemed to encompass everything.
Minerva followed closely behind, her silver figure as calm as a blade, with the faint glow of Asgard protective runes occasionally flashing across her body.
Fury greeted them personally, his single eye lingering on Artoria for a moment, capturing the difference between her current state and the slightly fatigued state she had been in before leaving.
"It seems you've gained quite a lot from this 'trip'."
"Just learned a few things that might come in handy." Artoria nodded slightly, her gaze already fixed on the depths, "Let's go straight to the target."
No pleasantries, no need for small talk. Inside the core operation room, outside the massive observation window, the figure frozen within thick black ice and a strange energy field slept quietly.
The S.H.I.E.L.D. technical director prepared to step forward to report the complex thawing plan and risk analysis, but Artoria gently raised her hand to stop him.
"I have already seen the data models, and I understand the situation." Her voice was clear and calm, carrying an unquestionable power, "Conventional methods are ineffective; forced thawing will destroy him. It is necessary to fundamentally 'understand' and 'reconstruct' this frozen system, guide it to 'melt' safely, and simultaneously repair the physiological damage caused by the prolonged freezing."
She walked to the observation window, her fingertips, separated by the special glass, pointing towards Steve Rogers in the ice.
Deep within her eyes, silhouettes of countless Worlds and streams of light representing rules seemed to swirl and merge rapidly—these were the supreme understandings and fragments of power she had 'played', experienced, and initially mastered, derived from various World systems regarding concepts like 'energy', 'matter', 'life', 'frost', 'time', 'healing', and 'definition'. Under the foundation of the 'Herrscher of Truth' and the embrace of the 'Traveler's' heart, they formed a unique 'Kaleidoscope' perspective.
At this moment, this 'Kaleidoscope' was aimed at the frozen system before her.
"From the perspective of 'Reason', analyze this 'existence' of the freezing." She whispered to herself, anchoring her thoughts.
In an instant, within Artoria's 'field of vision', all mysteries were laid bare: the molecular matrix and energy pathways of the ice layer, Steve's strengthened yet nearly stagnant life system, the 'life refrigeration' state formed by the Super Soldier Serum, the complex coupling nodes where ice, energy, and life were locked, and that trace of strange energy residue, suspected to be from the Space Stone, which had distorted the local space-time.
"Let's begin."
Artoria no longer needed any external equipment. She stood before the observation window, slowly raising her hands, her ten fingers tracing trajectories imbued with ultimate truth in front of her.
First layer: Definition and Harmonization. The power of the Herrscher of Truth spread, redefining the 'freezing' in this area as a 'protectively safe state that can be safely removed', harmonizing all conflicting energy frequencies to create a stable foundation.
Second layer: Resonance and Guidance. The noble magic and stellar affinity derived from'Saber' and Caster transformed into a warm stream of light, seeping into the system, synchronously 'calling' to the fire of life deep within the ice, resonating with the Super Soldier Serum.
Third layer: Analysis and Reconstruction. Her intent was like a combination of the most brilliant surgeon and engineer.
The frozen system safely disintegrated: her power delved into every coupling node, gently 'loosening' the energy pathways in a way that adhered to structural laws, guiding them to dissipate or transform gently. The solid 'energy ice shell' was redefined as a 'permeable membrane', disappearing evenly, slowly, and stress-free in the form of molecular evaporation. The entire process was eerily quiet; the thick ice layer, like morning dew under the sun, melted away silently, leaving no water stains and causing no sudden temperature changes or energy shocks.
Simultaneous repair and awakening of the life system: While removing external constraints, her power seeped deeper into Steve's nearly stagnant body. The power of the Herrscher of Truth transformed into the most meticulous 'Life Weaving Technique', proceeding simultaneously: repairing the cell membranes, sluggish neural synapses, and dormant organ tissues made fragile by the prolonged freezing; gradually 'igniting' metabolism, stabilizing the heartbeat, activating circulation, and organizing neural pathways at a safe rhythm consistent with the serum's characteristics; carefully nurturing and guiding that faint spark of consciousness.
That trace of residual Space Stone energy attempted to interfere, but under Artoria's perspective, which integrated the rules of multiple Worlds, it was merely a mischievous ripple. She diverted a wisp of her mind to easily smooth it out and incorporate it into the stable field constructed by her own power, where it instead became an auxiliary safeguard.
There were no earth-shattering explosions, no long-winded procedures. Under the breathless gaze of everyone—
Inside the isolation chamber, the thick black ice and strange energy field, as if erased by an invisible eraser, quickly, evenly, and quietly melted and faded away.
Beneath the ice, the tall figure wearing a retro combat suit was fully revealed. His pale skin regained a healthy complexion, his chest began to rise and fall steadily, and his cold, stiff limbs gradually softened. After all life monitoring indicators fluctuated wildly, they quickly stabilized in a range of health and strength far exceeding that of an ordinary person.
The freezing was lifted, and the repair was complete. Steve Rogers' body had recovered from seventy years of sleep to its optimal physiological state.
However, just as his eyelashes were about to flutter and his consciousness was about to break through the last thread of slumber's constraints to awaken—
"Ms. Artoria." Nick Fury's voice sounded directly in her ear through encrypted communication, calm, yet carrying an unquestionable tone of request, "Let him... not wake up yet."
Artoria's movements paused imperceptibly for a moment. She did not turn back, her gaze still fixed on the body in the isolation chamber that had already revived and only awaited the final 'ignition'. The Herrscher of Truth's perspective allowed her to clearly'see' Steve's consciousness as a bubble slowly rising in the deep sea, about to touch the surface.
"Reason." She responded in her consciousness, concise and direct.
"His body might be ready, but this World... is not ready to welcome him yet." Fury's voice was calm to the point of being cold, "Seventy years. Everything he was familiar with—wars, enemies, comrades, society, and even the entire World's landscape—has been turned upside down. We need time to prepare. We need to formulate guidance plans, prepare identities, assess psychological impact, control information... We need him to land'smoothly', not crash into this era that is completely foreign to him like a cannonball, triggering uncontrollable chain reactions. This is a protection for him, and for the World as well."
The reasoning was sufficient and consistent with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s, or rather, Fury's, consistent style of control. Artoria could understand this caution, and even agreed to a certain extent. Exposing a 'living fossil' who had just experienced a seventy-year gap in time to the information-exploding modern society without any buffer could indeed trigger catastrophic psychological and real-World problems.
But this meant she had to go against the instinct she had just fulfilled of guiding life to recovery, and artificially, deliberately... press this warrior who had just been pulled back from the brink of death back into the darkness of slumber. Even if only temporarily.
A faint trace of complex emotion, mixed with displeasure and understanding, flashed through her heart. But Artoria did not hesitate for too long. She was currently in a cooperative relationship with S.H.I.E.L.D., and Fury's request, from a big-picture and long-term perspective, had its merits. Moreover, this was not difficult for her.
"How long?" She asked.
"At least two weeks. We need time." Fury provided the deadline.
"Fine. But this is an extra favor, Director Fury." Artoria stated calmly.
"...Understood." Fury's reply was brief, meaning he accepted this favor.
The communication was completed in an instant. Artoria's gaze narrowed slightly, and the movements of her fingertips underwent an extremely subtle change.
Fourth layer: Deep adjustment and delay.
The warm stream of light that had been about to touch Steve's core of consciousness and complete the final awakening underwent a subtle change in nature. It no longer 'called out', but became like the softest 'lullaby', carrying intentions of stability, soothing, and delay, gently and firmly wrapping around the core of consciousness that was about to awaken.
At the same time, the power of the Herrscher of Truth meticulously adjusted Steve's newly revived bodily functions. Metabolism was adjusted from the 'revival active' state to a 'deep, high-quality sleep' level. Heartbeat, breathing, brain waves... all vital signs steadily fell back from the peak of 'about to wake up' to a 'medically induced sleep' state that was healthy, deep, stable, and would not cause any burden on the body. It was as if he had not been forcibly sedated, but had naturally fallen into an exceptionally peaceful deep sleep that was highly beneficial to his body.
This process was more intricate than a complete awakening, requiring an ultimate understanding and control of the life system. But Artoria still appeared composed as she did it. Within a few breaths, the operation was complete.
Inside the isolation chamber, Steve Rogers lay quietly on the medical platform. His complexion was rosy, his breathing was deep and steady, and his chest rose and fell rhythmically, as if he had just fallen into a peaceful afternoon nap. Completely different from the stiff, deathly silence of being frozen before, he was now full of vibrant life force, only... he had not yet opened those azure eyes.
On the screen, all vital sign data was as perfect as a textbook example, only the brainwave activity indicated he was in a deep stage of non-rapid eye movement sleep.
Inside the operation room, one could hear a pin drop. Everyone had witnessed the miracle of the ice disappearing and the body reviving, and had also seen how at the last moment, the revival process seemed to 'come to an abrupt halt', and the target fell into a deep sleep. They were confused, but no one dared to ask. Their gazes wandered between Artoria, Fury, and the sleeping Captain America.
Fury sighed with relief, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his single eye. He walked to the observation window, looked at the warrior sleeping inside, and nodded at Artoria: "Perfect. Thank you for your understanding and assistance, Ms. Consultant."
Artoria slowly lowered her hands, and the halo around her converged. Her complexion was slightly paler than before, and her breathing was slightly rapid, but her state was stable. She took out an Asgard berry and consumed it, looking at Fury: "His favor, plus mine. Remember your time, two weeks. After two weeks, whether you are ready or not, he will wake up naturally. By then, I hope to see a... relatively proper arrangement."
"We will do our best." Fury promised, then ordered, "Medical team, enter. Conduct a full physiological data record for Captain Rogers, maintain the life support system, and ensure the sleep state is stable. Information blockade is raised to the highest level, and relevant records are to be encrypted and archived. Everything that happened here today is classified as Level 10 secret."
The side door slid open, medical personnel quickly entered, beginning to work in an orderly manner.
Artoria did not stay any longer, signaled to Minerva, and turned to walk out. Minerva followed closely behind, her optical sensor calmly sweeping over the sleeping Steve and the busy crowd.
Walking out of the operation room and into a relatively quiet corridor, Artoria finally exhaled softly and rubbed her temples.
"How are you feeling?" Minerva asked, while handing over a small tube of special energy supplement.
"It's okay, the consumption was a bit larger than expected, mainly due to that last 'emergency brake' and 'fine adjustment'." Artoria took it and drank it, feeling the warm energy flow through her body, "However, it's worth it. At least, he doesn't have to face a completely out-of-control situation the moment he wakes up."
"Director Fury's considerations are in line with risk control logic. But artificially interfering with the awakening process may bring unknown psychological impacts." Minerva analyzed.
"I know," Artoria nodded, "But compared to letting him face the seventy-year time gap shock without any preparation, perhaps two weeks of psychological preparation and information assimilation might actually reduce the harm. I hope S.H.I.E.L.D.... can do this well."
They stopped discussing this topic. On the way back to the quinjet, in her heart, Artoria silently apologized to the person she had yet to meet, and also sent a blessing. Then, she turned her thoughts to the peaceful daily life after returning home, and the possible research progress on Asgard materials on Tony's side.
The quinjet's engines hummed low, sliding into the lead-grey sky. And in the secret Base under the Greenland ice sheet, a person who had slept for seventy years continued, under artificial protection, his short and peaceful rest, waiting for the bell to return to the World to be gently rung one day two weeks later.
------------------------------
I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! If the fanfiction has you hooked and you can't wait to see what happens next, you can unlock 30 or more chapters in advance over on my patreon: patreon.com/FTLGenBen
Also every bit of support means the world to me so if you're loving the ride, don't forget to drop a Power Stone, Thanks.