Marvel : The great sage

Hydra Weapons Facility – Outskirts of Italy

The early morning air was crisp, carrying the distant rumble of tank engines as Alex, Steve, and the Howling Commandos moved through the forested terrain. They were positioned just outside a large Hydra weapons facility, one of the key supply hubs feeding Schmidt's war machine.

Alex crouched next to Steve behind a ridge, peering through binoculars at the facility below. Watchtowers, patrols, and heavy artillery. The place was fortified, but nothing they couldn't handle.

Steve glanced at him. "You ready?"

Alex smirked. "Always."

Dum Dum Dugan, leaning on his rifle behind them, exhaled a breath of smoke. "Alright, boys. What's the plan?"

Steve looked to Peggy and Phillips, who were monitoring from a safe distance. Their orders were simple: Get in. Destroy the weapons. Get out.

Steve turned to the group. "We split into two teams. I'll lead the frontal assault, draw their attention. Alex, you take the side entrance, disable their communications, and hit them from within."

Alex nodded. "Cut off their eyes and ears before they know what hit them."

Bucky grinned. "Just like old times."

Alex smirked. "Except this time, we're not sneaking past bullies—we're taking out Hydra."

Steve patted his shoulder. "Then let's get to work."

---

Alex's team—consisting of Bucky, Gabe Jones, and Jim Morita—moved through the trees toward the facility's side entrance.

A single guard stood near the fence, smoking a cigarette.

Alex signaled to Bucky, who nodded before slipping behind the man. With a swift movement, he wrapped an arm around his neck, muffling the strangled noise until the Hydra soldier collapsed.

Jim exhaled. "Remind me never to get on your bad side, Barnes."

Bucky smirked. "Too late."

Alex focused on the next step. "Great Sage, scan for security measures."

[Analyzing…]

A translucent overlay appeared in his vision, highlighting alarm systems and motion sensors.

"Three pressure-sensitive plates near the entrance. A patrol will pass in exactly twenty seconds. Move now."

Alex motioned to the others. "Follow me. Step where I step."

They moved quickly, avoiding the sensors as they slipped toward the side entrance. Alex picked the lock in seconds, pushing the door open without a sound.

Inside, the facility hummed with energy—machines assembling weapons, guards patrolling.

Bucky leaned in. "So what's the plan?"

Alex smirked. "We wreck the place."

Meanwhile, outside the facility, Steve and the rest of the Commandos launched their attack.

A loud explosion erupted near the front gates as Steve charged in, shield up, bullets ricocheting off its surface. The Hydra soldiers barely had time to react before he was on them, knocking them out with precise, powerful strikes.

Dugan and the others provided cover fire, keeping the enemy suppressed as they advanced.

Inside the facility, Alex's team reached the communication center.

A guard spotted them. "Eindringlinge! (Intruders!)"

Alex moved before the alarm could be raised, dashing forward in a blur. His fist slammed into the guard's chest, sending him crashing into the wall.

Bucky whistled. "Show-off."

Alex ignored him and approached the radio system. "Time to cut them off."

[Hacking communications… Disrupting all signals…]

A second later, the facility's radios went dead.

Alex turned to the team. "Now we make some noise."

Jim grinned. "Gladly."

They stormed the armory, setting charges along the weapons crates. Alex knocked out another soldier before flipping open a Hydra file.

He frowned. Blueprints for experimental weapons.

"Bucky, look at this."

Bucky leaned over, scowling. "Schmidt's working on something big."

"We'll deal with it later." Alex strapped on his last explosive. "For now, let's make sure none of this gets used."

---

Outside, the battle raged on.

Steve and the Commandos pushed through the facility, overwhelming the Hydra forces. The alarm had been cut, leaving the enemy in disarray.

Alex and his team rendezvoused with them near the loading docks.

"Charges set?" Steve asked.

Alex smirked. "Ready to blow."

As they ran for the exit, Hydra reinforcements arrived—more soldiers, armed with advanced energy rifles.

Steve raised his shield as a blast struck it, absorbing the impact. "Go! We'll cover you!"

Alex wasn't about to leave without a fight. He dashed forward, dodging gunfire with precise movements, fists striking with brutal efficiency.

Bucky fought beside him, covering his flank. "You really don't know how to take it easy, do you?"

Alex grinned. "Not in my vocabulary."

With a final punch, he sent the last soldier sprawling.

"Detonating in 10 seconds," Alex announced, pressing the trigger on the detonator.

The group sprinted for cover as the charges blew, fire and smoke erupting behind them.

The Hydra base was reduced to rubble.

---

As they caught their breath in the forest, watching the flames consume what remained of the base, Alex clapped Steve on the back.

"Nice work."

Steve smirked. "Told you I could keep up."

Bucky chuckled. "I think he's trying to show you up, Alex."

Alex just shook his head with a smile. "Then I'll just have to keep raising the bar."

Phillips' voice crackled over the radio. "Good job, boys. But don't celebrate yet—this war isn't over."

Alex exhaled. He knew Phillips was right.