Kaecilius chuckled coldly. "A superhuman trying to become 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 Supremes Hive was nothing but a provincial tyrant.
Malick, momentarily 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 meta-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 some to control."
"We already have targets," Strucker replied, smiling thinly. "Once Hive returns, they'll all kneel."
"Then..." Kaecilius raised his wine glass.
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.
"Some thrived under his rule Inhumans gave power, status, and worship. They became 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 me."
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 name 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. government."
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 media, 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."
"You mean..." Max began.
Nolan turned to him. "Yes. The Malicks are working with someone who specializes in dimensional travel. Someone powerful. Someone I've fought before."
"Kaecilius. The traitor of Kamar-Taj."
Wanda's expression turned dark.
Kaecilius master of the Mirror Dimension, a herald of Dormammu, a threat to reality itself.
Nolan continued, "I had ELL track Skye's movements 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. Same style Kaecilius uses to brand his disciples."
The room tensed. Nolan's enemies weren't just planning a coup they were orchestrating a dimensional invasion. And they weren't subtle anymore.
"They were never my concern until now," Nolan said. "I don't respond to media games 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 extradimensional threats. That makes them enemies of Earth. And as the one chosen to inherit the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme, I will cleanse this infestation."
Wanda gave a fierce smile. "Tell me what to do."
"You'll help me 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 containment.
It was a declaration of war.
"Ten days," Nolan said. "That's all you get. I want their heads before they finish the ritual."
HYDRA had called the ancient king back from exile.
Nolan was going to welcome him personally.
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