Chapter 225 The light before dawn
In the secret base of the Avengers, everyone sat around a huge round conference table, the atmosphere was solemn and serious. Having just returned from R’lyeh, they were filled with endless gratitude towards the Holy Son Hong Xiuqing, but also with deep concern about the current world situation.

“We must take action. We cannot let the situation in Europa and Russia continue to deteriorate.” As the captain, Tony was the first to break the silence. His voice was firm and powerful.

“That’s right, what Banner did in Europa has seriously violated our original intention. We must stop him and rescue those people who are still in dire straits.” Captain America Steve clenched his fists, with a determined light flashing in his eyes.

“Moreover, the situation in Da Mao is not optimistic. That madman Moraton is causing endless disasters there. We must take action as soon as possible.” Natasha added with a hint of urgency in her voice.

Xia Ling nodded slightly to show his agreement: “Indeed, both Europa and Russia need our help. However, we also need to formulate a thorough plan to ensure the success of the operation.”

“I suggest that we focus on Banner first. His influence in Europa is already quite strong, but as long as we can find his weakness, we will have a chance to defeat him.” Thor, as the powerful god of thunder, said confidently.

“I agree with Thor. However, we cannot ignore the situation of Big Hair. Moraton’s atrocities must be stopped, otherwise more people will be harmed.” Hawkeye Clint offered his opinion.

“Then, can we consider dividing our forces into two groups, one to go to Europe to deal with Banner, and the other to go to Russia to solve the problem of Moraton?” Tony proposed a compromise plan.

Everyone nodded, thinking that this plan was feasible, but the specific personnel allocation and action plan still needed further discussion.

Coulson sat at a corner of the conference table, frowning, his eyes revealing deep worry. He spoke slowly, his voice steady but with a barely perceptible tremor: “I understand everyone’s determination and courage, but we must face a reality – our opponents are not weak. Banner and Moraton are no longer who they used to be. Their power and influence are no longer what they used to be.”

He paused, as if to organize his thoughts, and then continued: “Dividing the troops into two routes is indeed a flexible tactic, but it also means that we will face greater risks and uncertainties. With the forces dispersed, can we ensure victory on each route? This is what I am most worried about.”

Tony frowned slightly when he heard that, but then he showed a firm look: “Coulson, your concern is not unreasonable, but as you said, our opponents have become stronger, and we can’t sit idly by. Although dividing our forces is risky, it is also the most effective strategy we can adopt at the moment. We will make a detailed plan to ensure that each team has enough strength and wisdom to meet the challenge.”

Xia Ling also nodded and added: “Moreover, we are not fighting alone. The Holy Son Hong Xiuqing has given us valuable support and guidance. His strength and wisdom will be an important force for us to defeat evil. In addition, we can also seek help from other righteous forces to fight Banner and Moraton together.”

Natasha showed her usual calmness and decisiveness: “Coulson, your concern reminds us to be more cautious and prepare more carefully. But please remember that we, the Avengers, have never been afraid of challenges. No matter how difficult the road ahead is, we will stick to it until victory.”

Coulson looked at the determined eyes of the crowd. Although his worries were not completely dissipated, he also understood that they had no way out at this moment. He took a deep breath and nodded: “Okay, now that everyone has made a decision, I will support you with all my strength. I will help formulate a plan to ensure that every path is fully supported and prepared.”

In the meeting room, as Coulson nodded in agreement, the tense atmosphere seemed to be plucked by an invisible string and relaxed slightly. However, this relaxation was only temporary. The worry and urgency about the unknown challenges in everyone’s heart did not really dissipate. Instead, it was like an undercurrent, hidden deeper in everyone’s heart.

Tony looked at everyone. He understood that although the plan had been initially finalized, the real test was still to come. He took a deep breath and tried to make his voice sound more resolute: “Very good, now that we have reached an agreement, the next step is to make specific arrangements for the action. Time is running out, and we must race against time.”

He picked up the detailed map again, slid his finger across it, and planned the routes for the two teams: “Natasha, Thor, Hawkeye, you will form a group of three and head to Europa. Remember, your goal is to find Banner, find out his background, and then formulate a strategy to defeat him in one fell swoop. I will provide you with all the necessary intelligence support and equipment.”

Natasha nodded, with a determined light in her eyes: “Don’t worry, we won’t give Banner the opportunity to continue to wreak havoc on Europa.”

Then, Tony turned to Coulson, Matt and several other members: “Coulson, you and Matt lead the others to Da Mao. Moraton’s atrocities must be stopped. You need to stabilize the situation there as soon as possible and look for opportunities to eliminate him. Remember, safety comes first. We cannot have any unnecessary losses.”

Matt clenched his fists, his eyes burning with determination: “We understand, Tony. For those innocent people, we will do our best.”

But Coulson’s eyes widened: “But I’m the governor.”

“I’m still the commander-in-chief!”

Tony glared at Coulson, who nodded helplessly.
After determining their respective tasks, everyone began to get busy. Some checked equipment, some studied maps, and some were busy contacting other just forces to seek more support and help.

The entire conference room was filled with a tense yet orderly atmosphere, and everyone was making final preparations for the upcoming battle.

“Director Xia, there are only two of us left in mainland America now.”

After the others left the office, Tony sighed, seeming a little melancholy.

“Tony, I have some bad information. The Death Witch seems to have received help from a new ally, and Banner also has new helpers. One of them is said to be Captain America who has turned into a woman.”

Tony and Xia Ling stayed in the office, and the atmosphere suddenly became extremely heavy. After listening to the information brought by Xia Ling, Tony frowned, and a look of disbelief flashed in his eyes.

“Captain America turned into a woman? How is that possible?” Tony’s voice was filled with shock and confusion. Xia Ling sighed and explained, “Although it sounds unbelievable, the information source is reliable. The former Captain America, under the influence of some unknown force, has undergone a huge change in his body. Not only has his gender changed, but his strength also seems to have been enhanced in some way.

As for the Death Witch, she has always been an elusive opponent, and this time she has gained a new ally who is said to be a mysterious figure with powerful magical abilities.”

Tony’s shock was beyond words. He stood up suddenly and put his hands on the conference table, as if he wanted to use this strength to stabilize his shaky mind. His eyes were wide open, and there was a light of disbelief in his pupils, as if he wanted to completely imprint this sudden news in his mind.

“This… This is ridiculous!” Tony’s voice trembled. He tried to stay calm, but the shock in his heart made it difficult for him to control himself. “Captain America, the representative of the American spirit, how could he become a woman? How could this happen? Moreover, didn’t he die in order to stop the Red Skull? Is he still alive?”

Xia Ling understood Tony’s shock and confusion. He patted Tony’s shoulder gently, trying to calm his excitement: “Tony, I know this is hard to accept, but the facts are in front of us. We must face this reality and find a way to deal with it.”

Tony nodded slightly, but his eyes were still confused and empty. He tried to pull his attention back to reality from the shock, but this process was extremely difficult for him. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

“Okay, Xia Ling. You’re right. We can’t be thrown off balance by this sudden news.” Tony finally spoke, but his voice was still trembling. “We must formulate a thorough plan to deal with this new situation. After all, no matter what Captain America becomes, he is the representative of the American spirit. We can’t let him become our enemy.”

Xia Ling felt relieved as he watched Tony gradually regain his composure.

He knew that Tony was a strong man and that he would be able to recover from this shock and face new challenges.

So, he patted Tony on the shoulder and encouraged him, “That’s right, Tony, we can definitely overcome this difficulty. After all, we are the Avengers!”

In the next few minutes, Tony and Xia Ling fell into deep thought. Tony’s eyes wandered around the empty office, as if he was looking for some kind of answer, or trying to avoid this unacceptable fact. Xia Ling stood quietly by the side, waiting for Tony to recover from the shock.

Finally, Tony’s eyes refocused. He looked at Xia Ling with a determined light in his eyes: “Xia Ling, we can’t just sit there and wait for death. No matter what Captain America becomes, he is our comrade-in-arms, and we can’t let him become our enemy. We must find him, understand his situation, and then fight Banner and the Witch of Death together.”

Xia Ling nodded in agreement: “That’s right, Tony. We must act as soon as possible. However, we also need to be cautious. After all, we don’t know whether the current Captain America still retains his past memories and beliefs. If he has become Banner’s puppet, then we may need to take some special measures to deal with it.”

“But, if even Captain America has fallen into darkness, will light still come?”

Tony’s confusion was like a thick dark cloud, hanging over his heart and making it difficult for him to let go. Captain America was the symbol of the American spirit.

However, now all of this seems to have changed dramatically. Not only has Captain America’s gender changed, but he also seems to have become Banner’s assistant.

This news was undoubtedly a huge blow to Tony. He began to doubt whether the beliefs and values ​​he had always adhered to were really meaningful.

“If even Captain America has fallen into darkness, will light still come?” Tony muttered to himself, his voice full of confusion and bewilderment. He looked at Xia Ling, trying to find the answer from his eyes, but Xia Ling just shook his head silently, indicating that he couldn’t be sure either.

Tony took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. He began to think about how to find Captain America and understand his true situation. After all, only by knowing the truth can they formulate corresponding countermeasures.

“Xia Ling, what do you think we should do?” Tony looked at Xia Ling, his eyes full of expectation. He hoped that Xia Ling could give him some advice and help him get out of this confusing fog.

Xia Ling pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: “Tony, I think we should find Captain America first, and then try to communicate with him. If he has really lost his past memories and beliefs and has become Banner’s puppet, then we may need to take some special measures to wake him up. However, if he still retains his past memories and beliefs and is just controlled by some force, then we have a chance to save him.”

Tony nodded, thinking that Xia Ling’s suggestion made sense. He decided to find Captain America first, and then formulate corresponding countermeasures based on the situation.

However, this decision is not easy to achieve. They don’t know where Captain America is now, nor do they know if he is willing to meet them. What’s more, they have to face two powerful enemies, Banner and the Death Witch.

Tony took a deep breath and looked at Xia Ling again: “Xia Ling, where do you think we should start?”

Xia Ling thought for a moment, then pointed to a point on the map: “I think we can start from here. This is a secret base of Banner in Europa. It is said that Captain America has appeared here recently. We can go here first and see if we can find some clues.”

Tony nodded in agreement, and decided to take immediate action to lead a team to Europa to look for Captain America.

“Tony, this is not the moment when darkness falls completely. It is just the darkness before dawn. The dawn has already arrived.”

(End of this chapter)