3rd POV
Several well-armed and equipped individuals entered a suspicious small cave, hidden among rocks and a large amount of ice.
Leading the group was a mysterious figure, shrouded in mist and emanating an unusual and strange aura. He moved using a high-tech hoverboard, seemingly powered by natural wind energy that enhanced his speed.
Behind him followed several black vehicles and armored trucks, all outfitted with an array of weapons and advanced equipment—at least five cars and two trucks in total.
Some of them carried large energy weapons that looked extremely dangerous and lethal. Others were filled with research instruments and investigative tools. Most notably, one of the trucks carried a young male scientist, a young female scientist, and a woman who seemed somewhat out of place in that environment.
In one of the lead vehicles, a stern-looking Asian woman dressed in a tight black outfit radiated an aura of vigilance and danger. Beside her sat a man in a plain suit, with an average appearance—but it was clear he was the leader of the group.
"So, do you trust this guy?"
The woman asked, referring to the individual managing to keep pace—and even outpace—their transport.
"I trust him the same way an agent of the organization trusts a fellow member they've never met," the man replied.
His words conveyed a trust rooted in his unwavering loyalty to the organization itself.
"Besides," he continued, "he was recommended by Fury. And while the Director always has his reasons, the fact that he left this mission in his hands makes me sure he'll be useful." Coulson added this to affirm his reasoning and remind them that this individual had been personally chosen by the powerful Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
May nodded silently, though she remained alert. She also had a secondary secret mission: to report to Nick if anything unusual or concerning occurred.
Meanwhile, in another vehicle, a tall and striking man was covertly using a communicator to send a discreet message.
In truth, at least two individuals in the convoy were sending similar covert messages to different contacts. Some of them were within the same organization, though not in the same unit.
The number of potential moles within the group was... suspicious. Yet it made sense—this kind of compartmentalization was typical of a military intelligence agency.
Suddenly, the signals began to fail, and the scenery shifted.
As if they had passed through some kind of barrier or portal, the temperature changed. Warm air brushed against their skin as they emerged into a new landscape—lush with trees, tall grasses, and long leaves.
The temperature was distinctly abnormal, accompanied by heavy humidity. Strange insects buzzed around, and bizarre plants—some thought to be extinct—seemed to thrive here, having adapted perfectly to the unusual environment.
Everyone inside the vehicles was mesmerized by the view. The research team was practically itching to start collecting data, while the combat team remained on high alert. After all, it was an unfamiliar and potentially dangerous environment.
"Fitz, look at all this! Extinct animals, a unique geography, rare plants—everything!" the young female scientist exclaimed.
"I still think this is too dangerous... We should proceed with caution," Fitz replied, concern evident in his voice. Still, curiosity gleamed in his eyes.
"We've jumped out of planes and dealt with alien tech—why be scared now? And what if there are new species of monkeys here? Aren't you the one who's obsessed with that idea?" she teased.
Her words lit a spark in him. Could his dream of having a monkey assistant finally come true...?
Nearby, Skye was filled with curiosity and a strong urge to photograph everything to share with the Rising Tide network. But Coulson sternly warned her not to collect or transmit data without authorization. For now, she suppressed her rebellious instincts and observed the strange new land with childlike wonder.
After a few more minutes of travel, they stopped and began setting up a small base in this so-called "primitive world."
To establish the base, the vehicles were parked in a circular, defensive formation. Equipment and advanced technology were quickly unloaded.
Metal bars and adaptable fabric panels were assembled, and makeshift laboratories and facilities began to take shape.
The mysterious figure sat slightly apart from the others in a meditative position. No one disturbed him—he seemed deeply focused.
....
Time passed slowly.
A soft breeze rustled the leaves—but not all of the movement was caused by wind.
Faint, rapid footsteps could be heard—barely noticeable—as they made imprints in the ground and disturbed the foliage.
The meditating figure seemed to notice, but didn't act immediately. He pulled out a small electronic device.
The signal was weak—but just enough.
"Agent Coulson. I recommend everyone stay inside enclosed areas. We may have uninvited guests."
"Understood," Coulson replied.
Then, the man stood up and stomped his foot on the ground. A glowing blue magical circle appeared beneath him, radiating a chilling aura.
Magical energy surged, and in seconds, a massive wall of ice formed—surrounding the base in a wide, protective ring.
He then picked up a wooden branch from the ground and infused it with energy, reinforcing it. As he walked a few steps forward, his posture shifted.
Placing one foot ahead, he released a wave of psychic energy—and spoke, his voice oddly captivating and charming.
"Please, my friends... come play with me."
The tone was provocative, dangerously inviting—and it seemed to stir the hidden creatures within the forest.
Inside the base, people were on edge after the cryptic warning.
Radar and visual systems were activated, but many devices glitched due to the strange magnetic interference coming from the area. Fitz was already working on ways to filter the interference or design equipment that could work independently of it.
Still, at their current distance, some equipment functioned.
"BEEP! BEEP!"
An alarm suddenly blared.
"What is that, Fitz?" Simmons asked, startled.
"A massive energy reading—" he began, but was cut off as a gigantic ice wall materialized around the base.
Everyone was stunned by the sudden formation—but just then, vitals began to appear on the monitors.
"We've got life signs. Looks like four. The energy is extremely cold—likely reptilian. That's why they were hard to detect," Fitz explained.
Everyone listened, but their eyes were drawn to the figure beyond the ice wall.
He stood within a glowing circle, holding a branch—calmly waiting for the enemy to strike.