Marvel Magic Case Files

Chapter 786 Constantine the Royal Guard (Second Update)

General Hale did not come to surrender, at least not with her expression.

"I thought I'd meet your daughter, Hale," Gideon Malik said, stepping forward to greet her through the swirling winds of the helicopter. She was a very neat and tidy woman, dressed in a simple black women's suit with a heavy velvet coat over it. Her long blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and even her makeup wasn't as elaborate as most women's. Her nails were short, and she wore no jewelry, exuding an air of competence. "I even prepared a gift for her!"

"I don't know where you heard this rumor, Gideon," General Hale said, his expression unchanged. "I am still unmarried."

"Oh, then I must be mistaken. I'm sorry, I'm too old," Gideon Malik called out with a laugh. "Come with me, it's so cold in the Alps. I've lit a fire, you can warm up. Tonight is a perfect time for mulled wine, you must try the wine that Stephanie personally selected."

"I'd be happy to, Gideon." General Hale followed Gideon Malik off the tarmac.

This is an ancient castle, built hundreds of years ago, once belonging to a fallen nobleman. The previous head of the Malik family bought it after World War I as a summer retreat. In summer, the air is cool, and one can see verdant pastures dotted with sheep. But now it is winter, and the cold mountain wind, carrying snowflakes, sweeps through the blackened stone passageways. Although General Hale is dressed heavily, she is still shivering, her face ashen. The warmth from the braziers in the passageways is negligible; the smell of burning firewood and fuel, along with the scorching metal, almost makes her feel like she's in some war workshop.

Even knowing her bodyguards were following her, she remained uneasy about the negotiations. The sound of the helicopter engines faded into the distance, finally disappearing completely into the winding corridors. Gideon Malik extended his hand, inviting General Hale to walk up the stairs.

"Maybe I need a companion." She took Gideon Malik's arm. "I think I might get lost."

“It’s an honor, Madam,” Gideon Malik replied with a smile, leading General Hale into the castle. Contrary to her expectations, this was not a dark and terrifying lair, but a magnificent and warm hall. For a moment, General Hale thought she had entered the king’s room—a crimson banner hung above the throne in the center, embroidered with a soaring eagle in gold thread, surrounded by a golden laurel wreath. Above a smaller seat beside the throne hung another banner. It was a Hydra from ancient legends, painted in white lines on a pure black background. In addition, several shields bearing heraldic emblems were neatly arranged on the walls on both sides of the hall. Although General Hale had not studied heraldry, she could still recognize what the emblems represented.

Snakes, scales, and fangs—these are all elements present in these badges.

These are the emblems of the Hydra family.

"The most important role of history is to help us understand where we come from," Gideon Malik said, patting General Hale's hand. He felt the woman's fingers were as cold as the snow-covered branches outside the castle. General Hale smiled, indicating her great interest in history.

"It's still too cold in here. Let's go to a warm room and enjoy a delicious meal." He led General Hale through a doorway. General Hale was surprised to find several women standing there in black armor. She keenly sensed the high technology embedded in the armor. Since the Department of Defense's plan to force Tony Stark to hand over the technology failed, America's powered armor research had been on par with other countries. She hadn't expected the Malik family to possess such technological capabilities.

Instead of introducing the women, Gideon Malik pointed to the portraits hanging in the corridor. "Every portrait here represents someone who has made significant contributions and achieved great things," he said, "including the Malik family."

General Hale forced a smile and said, "I'm glad you've opened up the history of the Malik family to me, but you know my time is running out."

"I'm sorry, I've fallen into my old habit again; I'm too old. Please follow me." He led General Hale forward. The further they went, the dimmer the light in the corridor became. The electric lights disappeared, leaving only lit candles and lanterns. General Hale saw something glittering ahead, which she initially mistook for lamplight.

It was a giant clad in magnificent golden armor, who dominated the entire field of vision from the moment he appeared; the height of the corridor seemed barely enough to accommodate his presence. He was like a golden statue draped in a deep red cloak, his thick golden shoulder armor adorned with sculptures of skulls and eagle wings. The sun, moon, flowers, trees, runes, and animals—various exquisite reliefs were meticulously engraved on the surface of his armor. Priceless jewels adorned his breastplate and arm guards, reflecting the candlelight in the corridor. His helmet, with its pointed top like outstretched eagle wings, was adorned with red tassels, and his enormous halberd, impossible for ordinary people to wield, was fitted with weapons of astonishing caliber.

General Hale felt her courage dwindling as she approached the giant. She had to use all her willpower to avoid screaming and throwing herself away, or ordering her bodyguards to fire. She regretted her lack of preparation; she had never imagined the Malik family possessed such power.

No, that's not right!

She suddenly understood Gideon Malik's purpose in leading her around to the hall. Gideon Malik had subtly conveyed to her that Hydra now had a master, and these were the powers possessed by the Malik family's patriarch. Super soldiers, power armor… General Hale had no doubt that this was merely the tip of the iceberg of the mysterious figure's power.

She was now the one who had come to surrender, and she had to prove her worth. When the giant spoke, General Hale felt as if all the air in her lungs had been sucked out.

"He's waiting for you," the giant said. He raised his arm in an inviting gesture. Only then did General Hale realize that this wasn't medieval armor, but a powered suit of armor beyond the current technological capabilities of humankind. He looked at General Hale's bodyguard. "Just you, and you. Except for you."

“We understand, Constantine.” Gideon nodded, opened the door, and pulled the still-dazed General Hale inside. Gideon didn't want to blame General Hale for her composure; her calmness was the result of years of military training. He had fared worse when he first met the Imperial Guard. General Hale's bodyguard hesitated, unsure if he should follow. He glanced at the thickness of the shoulder armor, concluding that his pistol couldn't penetrate such protection, let alone leave a mark.

"She'll be alright," the giant spoke again, "as long as she pleases my master."

"Your master?" The bodyguard felt every nerve in his body screaming alarms; he sensed the danger emanating from the giant before him. His fingers went numb, his legs went weak, but years of service allowed him to stand rather than collapse. "Did you use the Super Soldier Serum?"

The giant did not answer, but fell silent. He stood upright, like a robot whose power had been turned off.

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(End of this chapter)