A certain American comic book's secondary profession master

Chapter 33 The Winter Soldier Regains His Mind

Under Pepper's guidance, Levi had a good tour of the Alliance's temporary headquarters.

And once again, he marveled at Stark Industries' generosity and efficiency.

While they were touring the building, Stark Group staff were also completing the initial renovations to the annex.

Although the overall structure remains unchanged and does not need to be changed—after all, it is just a temporary outpost, and its main function now is only to house a few Winter Soldiers, so no special modifications are required.

However, all the equipment and supplies inside have been replaced with new ones.

And they are all the best available on the market.

It made Li Wei want to move in.

After the tour, Pepper handed the key to Levi and left.

After Pepper left.

Li Wei also immediately opened the portal to Saint-Pierre again.

He had originally said he needed Tony's help to smuggle Frank and a few Winter Soldier soldiers back.

But now that there's a scepter, he can do it himself.

Meanwhile, after the submarine was taken away by Levi, Frank and the five Winter Soldiers did not stay in the fjord, but moved into an abandoned hunter's cabin.

When the portal sparked, the Winter Soldiers who were resting in the hut immediately became alert.

Only after seeing Li Wei come out did she relax again.

However, the look in their eyes towards Li Wei held a hint of curiosity.

After all, the Winter Soldier was only brainwashed and controlled, but he still had his own thoughts, so he was naturally curious about Levi's unusual way of making an appearance.

"Is this magic too?" Frank, who was also inside the room, couldn't help but ask when he saw Levi emerge from the portal.

"Yes, they haven't caused any trouble these past few days, have they?" Li Wei nodded, then glanced at the Winter Soldier and asked Frank.

“Perhaps they’ve vented their anger; they’ve all been very quiet these past few days,” Frank replied.

"That's good. Now pack your things and come with me. New York is just over there!" Levi nodded with a smile. "I've already found you a place to stay."

Frank didn't hesitate and immediately ordered the Winter Soldiers to pack their things before stepping through the portal first.

After passing through the portal, you'll find yourself in the rooftop lobby of the Alliance's temporary headquarters, next to which are the dormitories prepared for the Winter Soldiers.

Frank ignored the somewhat ornate furnishings in the hall and went straight to the window, looking at the familiar scene outside.

It's definitely New York.

“This magic is really convenient. Why didn’t you use it before? You even said you wanted that richest man to pick us up.” Frank turned to Levi and asked.

“Um…can I say that I only learned this spell yesterday?” Li Wei shrugged.

"...Alright!" Frank had nothing to say, and then looked around at his surroundings. "But where is this?"

“The alliance’s temporary headquarters!” Li Wei replied.

"An alliance?" Frank asked, puzzled. What kind of organization was that?
So Li Wei explained how he and Tony had formed an alliance.

"So, how about it? Want to join?" Li Wei asked with a smile after saying that.

"...If you need it, I'd be more than happy to!" Frank said without the slightest hesitation.

Although in his heart he felt that the organization that Levi and Tony decided to establish on a whim was not very reliable.

But since Li Wei invited him, he'll join.

In any case, apart from seeking revenge, he now follows Li Wei's lead without question.

"The dorms are right next door. Can you take them there to settle in? Also, you'll need to take over the building's security later—anything alright?" Levi asked Frank, glancing at the Winter Soldier as he spoke.

They were clearly asking if the Winter Soldier soldiers were capable of taking over the building's defenses. After all, they had a criminal record.

“Boss, you don’t need to be so wary of us. We’re not as unreliable as you think!” Before Frank could answer, Kaminsky, the only woman among the Winter Soldiers, spoke up, her tone tinged with resentment.

They are Hydra's most elite warriors, so why are they being treated like unruly children?

"...Huh? You have your own thoughts?" Li Wei asked in surprise.

“Boss, we’ve just been brainwashed and implanted with mental commands, we haven’t become idiots!” Kaminsky said, somewhat annoyed.

The other Winter Soldiers, including Bucky, showed a hint of displeasure on their faces.

As Kaminsky said, the Winter Soldiers were simply brainwashed, not turned into idiots.

There is nothing wrong with his thinking ability.

More than half a month has passed since they were unfrozen and left the Hydra base.

During this time, they had already figured out their current situation—they had broken free from Hydra's control and become the subordinates of Frank and Levi, two people of unknown origin.

However, they did not consider escaping or turning against Frank.

Because the mental commands are still in effect—Frank's orders are to obey all of his and Levi's commands.

However, this does not prevent them from reflecting on their own situation.

He even felt that leaving Hydra wasn't a bad thing.

After all, even if they've been brainwashed, they don't like the feeling of being frozen and then woken up each time, simply being used as a tool.

"Hiss, now that you mention it, I'm even more worried!" Li Wei said, squinting as he looked at the Winter Soldiers.

As a tool-like character, the Winter Soldier shouldn't overthink things.

These people, in particular, were all once staunch loyalists of Hydra.

Frank also became alert and stood in front of Levi to prevent the Winter Soldiers from suddenly attacking.

Seeing this, the Winter Soldiers were also a bit flustered, and looked at Kaminsky with some reproach.

I told you not to talk too much.

Why not just be a tool and be a tool?

“Boss, you don’t need to be so wary of us. Ever since that incident, we’ve no longer been Hydra’s people, but just a tool in the truest sense. We’ve had enough!” Kaminsky said, frowning.

She was referring to the riot they caused at the Hydra base, which appeared in the movie.

That time it really wasn't their fault. It was because they had only recently completed their transformation and couldn't control their emotions well, which is why they went berserk.

In fact, after so many years, they are no longer as out of control as they were at the beginning.

However, Hydra clearly didn't care about that. Instead, they brainwashed and froze them, just like Bucky, treating them as mere tools.

This greatly displeased the Winter Soldier, who had always considered themselves heroes of Hydra.

"Who knows if what you're saying is true or false? Your forces are so powerful, not to mention the potential impact on me, even just escaping could have a huge impact. You think you can make me believe you with just one sentence?" Li Wei shook his head and said.

No wonder even Hydra would freeze these Winter Soldiers and subject them to repeated brainwashing when they had no mission.

It turns out that after a long time, one can actually regain their ability to think.

In the original storyline, Bucky regained his memories, which Levi believed was the result of Wakanda's treatment.

It now seems that even without the help of the Wakandas, it was only a matter of time before he regained his self.

So, what should we do with these Winter Soldiers now?

(End of this chapter)