Charles, after purchasing the summoning beast Gamabunta, exited the system space and returned to the Konoha base. He intended to have Red Queen and Ginny catalog and organize the newly acquired resources.
…
Elsewhere-
Agent Coulson's team landed their Quinjet seven miles from their target location. The landscape was buried under thick snow, forcing everyone to bundle up in heavy clothing.
Coulson addressed the group, "We've got about a seven-mile trek to the coordinates. The terrain is treacherous, not to mention covered in snow."
Agent Triplett suggested, "Agent May and I can scout ahead to ensure it's not a trap."
Coulson shook his head, "No time. We have less than eight hours before a NATO satellite passes overhead. If the Quinjet is still here, it'll be detected."
He added, "In my experience, this won't be a wild goose chase."
"But ultimately, the choice to proceed is yours."
Triplett pressed, "Actually, if we could ask Killer Bee to make a quick run, his ninja speed would get the job done in no time."
Killer Bee shrugged, "I still believe Nick Fury is alive. Sure, I'll scout if needed—no problem."
Coulson surveyed his team before speaking, "A lot has happened in the last few days. I know some of you have doubts—about what we're doing, about me."
"But I have no doubts. I'm going after what Fury left for us, whether you come or not."
After finishing his speech, Coulson opened the ramp, glanced at his S.H.I.E.L.D. badge and compass, then stepped outside into the snow.
Killer Bee followed closely beside Coulson, walking with ease, while May sighed, zipped up her jacket, and stepped out as well.
Fitz turned to Simmons and Triplett, saying, "We don't have much time, and with Killer Bee here, we don't need to worry."
"Let's go."
The group fell into step behind Coulson, trudging into the snowy wilderness.
…
Frost Prison-
After sealing all the 084 items into scrolls, Mabui glanced around and remarked, "There are still many prisoners held here."
"What should we do with them?"
"All the guards are dead now."
"Should we leave them, or…?"
"I remember Killer Bee mentioning that some of these individuals possess minor abilities—small-time superhumans."
Hearing this, Xi shook his head, "We have no need for them. Besides, none of us specialize in scientific research or human experimentation."
"Let them be. If they're lucky, they might survive long enough for S.H.I.E.L.D. to arrive and take custody before they starve to death."
Mabui nodded, then added, "Killer Bee's intel mentioned something valuable hidden underground—stored separately."
Xi responded, "Since everything here is taken care of, let's retrieve it."
Walking to the corridor, Xi used his sensory abilities to confirm the existence of a hidden chamber below.
"Lightning Release: Thunder Strike!"
A powerful bolt of lightning split the floor beneath them, revealing a hidden compartment containing Gravitonium.
As they gazed at the silvery, flowing liquid metal within its transparent container, Karui exclaimed, "What kind of metal is that?"
"Liquid metal?"
Xi shook his head, "Not sure. We don't have any data on it."
"But we'll store it in a sealing scroll and send it to Lord Charles—he'll figure out what it is."
…
Elsewhere-
Coulson, following the coordinates, led his team through the snow, pressing onward.
Fitz, analyzing the device in his hand, frowned and muttered, "This doesn't look good."
Simmons glanced at him anxiously, "Is it a bear? Did you find a bear?"
Fitz gave her a look and replied, "No."
"We found nothing—no life signs or S.H.I.E.L.D. base," Fitz muttered.
"Nothing that's worth freezing our butts off for."
Simmons glanced at him, asking, "Were you sincere when you said you trusted Coulson's judgment?"
Fitz thought for a moment before replying, "I don't know, Jemma."
"I want to believe Coulson knows what he's doing, but Nick…"
He trailed off, shrugging helplessly, "At least with Killer Bee around, I think we'll be safe."
Simmons nodded, then added, "At least we have each other."
Fitz smiled at her words, "Yeah, that's true. Thank goodness."
"The last thing I want is for things to change."
Hearing this, Simmons' expression turned somber.
"Fitz…"
"Everything has changed."
With that, she quickened her pace, walking ahead.
Triplett sidled up beside May, asking, "Do you think he's doing okay?"
May glanced at him and responded, "These past few days haven't been easy."
Triplett clarified, "I don't mean that. I'm worried he's dragging us to this godforsaken place in search of a ghost because his entire worldview has collapsed."
May's face remained impassive as she replied, "He's not the only one whose worldview is falling apart."
With that, she strode forward without another word.
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