"These compounds are breaking down into simple organic matter at an extremely rapid rate!"
"We can't stop the degradation!"
A scientist slammed his palm against the lab console in frustration.
Moments later another researcher reported grimly:
"Analysis failed. The substance we were attempting to extract has completely dissipated."
Inside the laboratory of S.H.I.E.L.D., several senior scientists stared helplessly at their instruments.
Every trace of the unknown material had already vanished.
Watching the failed experiment from behind the observation window was Alexander Pierce, the current director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
The aging man turned toward the person standing beside him.
Nick Fury.
"Agent Fury," Pierce said calmly, "you've achieved remarkable results over the years."
"The World Security Council has noticed your work."
He paused slightly.
"I'm getting old. Retirement isn't far away."
"Soon it may be time for someone else to carry this responsibility."
His eyes rested meaningfully on Fury.
"Perhaps… you."
Fury smiled faintly.
"I think you could still run things for another twenty years."
He spoke half-jokingly.
At this moment, Fury had no idea his superior was secretly preparing to disappear into the shadows—
Or that Pierce was a high-ranking member of HYDRA.
Right now, Fury was simply feeling the anticipation of an upcoming promotion.
Still—
Something about Pierce's mood felt… off.
The old director seemed unusually pleased.
"No," Pierce replied gently.
"I'm tired."
"From here on out… it will be your era."
Just then a scientist walked out of the lab carrying a wrapped object.
Pierce accepted the white cloth bundle.
Inside was the dull iron blade known as the Sword of Olympus.
Holding the weapon, Pierce asked casually,
"Nick… where exactly did you find this?"
Fury didn't answer immediately.
"Did your analysis find anything interesting?"
Pierce gave him a long look.
"The full report will be ready soon."
Five minutes later an agent delivered the printed data.
Pierce began reading.
Before he could finish, Fury spoke first.
"This sword belonged to Hela."
Pierce looked up.
"Hela?"
"The Hela from Norse mythology?"
"Agent Fury… are you serious?"
Pierce slowly placed the report on the table and stared directly at Fury's single eye.
Fury simply smiled.
"If the Cosmic Cube can exist…"
"…why not Hela?"
That single sentence silenced Pierce.
For half a minute the director said nothing.
Then he lowered his head and continued flipping through the report.
The Cosmic Cube.
That artifact was extremely familiar to him—as a member of HYDRA.
Years ago, Red Skull had nearly reshaped the world with it.
Pierce resumed reading.
"According to the analysis…"
"The genetic structure of the blood residue found on the blade is completely different from human DNA."
He turned another page.
"If the owner of this blood exists, the subject would possess several unusual biological traits."
"Such as?" Fury asked calmly.
"Extended lifespan."
"Extremely resilient cellular structure."
"And musculature capable of storing significantly more bioelectric energy than a human body."
Pierce closed the file.
"That's all the data we have."
"There isn't enough remaining material for deeper study."
Fury nodded thoughtfully.
"As the Goddess of Death in Norse mythology…"
"It wouldn't be surprising if Hela's sword was stained with the blood of gods."
His voice remained perfectly calm.
In reality—
Every word he spoke was a carefully constructed lie.
Fury had already made his decision.
Just as he had hidden certain extraterrestrial discoveries from the public…
He would also conceal Adrian's existence.
Even from Captain Marvel.
The most effective lies were always built on truth.
Nine parts truth.
One part fabrication.
And Nick Fury was a master of that craft.
Pierce continued reading the technical report.
"One more thing."
"During testing, the equipment detected a sudden electrical surge."
"For approximately one millisecond."
He tapped the paper.
"The current measured over 800,000 volts."
"It damaged part of the machine."
Fury didn't react outwardly.
"Not surprising."
"Hela once fought Thor."
"Divine weapons carrying residual energy isn't unusual."
Outwardly calm.
Inside—
Fury was slightly shocked.
Even after Olympus fell…
A trace of Zeus's power still remains in that sword.
Of course, Fury didn't know something important.
Inside Adrian's system storage—
Time was essentially frozen.
Without that effect, the head of Helios and the Sword of Olympus would have decayed completely long ago.
They wouldn't have retained even a fragment of divine power.
Pierce sighed quietly.
"You're probably right."
"But it's still a pity."
He placed the documents down.
A genuine look of regret crossed his face.
According to the report, the sword had completely lost its divine energy.
It was now nothing more than ordinary iron.
If it had retained its original power…
HYDRA could have used it to reshape global power.
After all—
If Red Skull could rival Captain America with the Cosmic Cube…
Then a weapon capable of killing gods could elevate its owner to unimaginable heights.
Unfortunately—
There were no "what ifs."
Pierce suddenly asked another question.
"So."
"Did you make some kind of deal with this 'Goddess of Death'?"
His tone was casual.
But his eyes were sharp.
After all, several agents who helped install the internet cables earlier were secretly HYDRA operatives.
Their reports had already reached him.
So Pierce was curious.
Very curious.
Fury didn't hide anything.
"Yes."
"But I'm not sure what that place actually is."
"It might be the entrance to the underworld."
"Or something else entirely."
He shrugged.
"Either way… I can't get in right now."
In fact, Fury already knew something else.
Soon Captain Marvel would leave Earth again.
After that—
No one would be able to enter the sealed area Adrian occupied.
Even when Fury later brought teams of agents and scientists to the location…
They couldn't detect anything at all.
To the outside world—
It was simply empty space.