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*****
"You could say that!"
Feini nodded. This man, Daniel Whitehall, was obsessed with researching the Obelisk and gifted individuals, even resorting to horrific human experimentation. He was deeply sinful.
Moreover, if Feini didn't intervene, Hydra would eventually use the Scepter to experiment on a pair of siblings, turning them into enhanced individuals. Thinking of the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver, Feini recalled a specific research base mentioned in Sitwell's files. He thought he might find time later to rescue them.
Now that the Mind Scepter was in his hands, those two would likely never be experimented on or gain powers. Giving them a chance at a normal life seemed like a better path.
Skye's face twisted with resentment. Clenching her fists, she turned to Feini. "When do we leave?"
"In the next day or so. I need to make some preparations."
Feini claimed he needed to prepare, but in reality, he just spent the time explaining the tactical plan to Skye and double-checking the base's layout. He wasn't particularly worried. After all, while Whitehall was a high-ranking Hydra leader who had stolen the life force of Skye's mother, his individual combat prowess was negligible.
To Feini, the combined high-end combat power of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra was underwhelming. Even the Winter Soldier wouldn't pose much of a challenge to him now.
Two days later, Feini and Skye made their move.
Before departing, Feini brought along the Mind Scepter. Since acquiring it, he hadn't had a proper chance to use it, and Hydra provided the perfect testing ground. Opening a portal, the duo arrived just outside the perimeter of the base.
"I'll go in first. Wait here for my signal," Feini instructed. He preferred to keep things simple: he would scout the path and secure the area before letting Skye follow.
"Feini, I'm actually pretty strong now," Skye said, a hint of excitement in her voice. During the six months he was away, she had practiced her abilities relentlessly without supervision, and her progress had been explosive. She was eager to prove herself.
"No. Do as you're told, or I'll send you back right now," Feini said sternly. He knew Skye was powerful—he had been genuinely shocked by her progress during their check-up—but her power was primarily destructive. Her defense was her weak point, especially against sneak attacks. Furthermore, he couldn't lend her 'Incursio' because the physical strain would be too much for her.
"Fine," Skye sighed, though she knew he was only looking out for her safety.
Not wanting to waste time, Feini concealed the Scepter under his cloak, activated Incursio's invisibility, and slipped into the base.
The Infinity Stones were truly among the most powerful objects in the universe. The Mind Scepter's capacity for control was terrifyingly efficient. Whenever Feini encountered a Hydra agent, a simple tap of the Scepter would twist their thoughts instantly without altering their personality or behavior.
With the Scepter's aid, Feini controlled over half the base in short order without a single alarm being raised.
If Loki hadn't been so arrogant, Earth might have actually been in trouble, Feini thought. If Loki had chosen a more subtle approach—staying hidden and focusing on controlling high-level world leaders—the outcome of the invasion might have been very different.
"You can come in now," Feini messaged Skye.
As she walked through the corridors, Skye was amazed to see the guards completely ignore her presence. When she reached Feini, she couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong with them?"
"Like I told you, this Scepter has the power of control and brainwashing," Feini explained, raising the blue-gemmed staff.
"But this is just..." Skye trailed off, looking at the Scepter with a mix of awe and fear. Hearing about it was one thing; seeing the reality of it was another entirely.
"Don't worry, I won't abuse its power," Feini reassured her, noticing her discomfort.
The Scepter's control wasn't necessarily permanent, but it was incredibly difficult to break. Ironically, the stronger a person's will, the harder it was for them to resist, as the Scepter used their own mental strength against them. Only by surpassing one's own limits could the control be broken.
Feini suspected that since Skye's mother had survived being dismantled and went on to lead a vengeful organization, her will must be exceptionally strong—which meant the brainwashing would likely be very effective.
The infiltration was easier than Feini had anticipated. There was almost no combat; it was just a cycle of invisibility, tapping people with the staff, and moving on. Led by their new "allies," Feini and Skye soon reached their primary target: Daniel Whitehall.
When Feini entered the room, Whitehall was sitting at a desk reading a book. With his old-fashioned round glasses, he looked more like a gentle, refined scholar than a monster.
"The Divine Punishment Knight?!"
Whitehall's eyes flashed with shock, but he didn't panic or scream. He stood up elegantly. "Welcome. I didn't expect a visit from the Divine Punishment Knight himself."
Despite Whitehall's gentlemanly facade, Feini knew he was a cold-blooded executioner who had caused untold suffering since World War II. Feini had no interest in small talk, but Skye was different. Seeing the murderer who had ruined her life living in such comfort ignited a furious spark in her.
"Does your conscience never bother you?" she demanded.
Whitehall blinked, squinting at her. "And you are?"
Feini had made Skye wear a simple mask as a precaution, so Whitehall didn't recognize her. Skye didn't answer. Her emotions were so volatile that her powers surged out of control; the objects in the room began to vibrate violently.
"Calm down," Feini said, taking her hand. The vibration subsided instantly.
Whitehall noticed the anomaly. Having spent his life chasing the power of the Obelisk, his first thought was whether this girl had a connection to it.
"May I ask what brings you both here?" Whitehall's hand drifted toward his waist as his eyes flicked toward the door. He could tell from Skye's attitude that this wasn't a friendly visit.
Feini wasn't one to waste time explaining things to enemies. Noticing Whitehall's hand moving, he lunged forward and delivered a swift punch directly to the man's face. Perhaps it was a lingering habit from his fight with Loki, but he found himself reflexively aiming for the face.
As Whitehall crumpled to the floor, Feini pressed the Mind Scepter against the man's chest. A wave of blue energy washed over Whitehall's eyes.
"Master," Whitehall said as he stood back up. His demeanor had shifted; the control Feini exerted over him was far deeper and more restrictive than that of the guards.
"I have a task for you," Feini commanded. "Find everything—every bit of data and information—regarding the woman who allowed you to survive."
(End of Chapter)