MARVEL : Starts From Zombie universe

In the cedar forest, a stray deer silently grazed, nibbling on frozen grass poking through the snow.

Suddenly, its ears twitched. It froze, alert to the faint rustle in the bushes.

Before it could react, a sharp arrow sliced through the air, striking its head with brutal precision. The deer collapsed instantly, its body hitting the snow with a dull thud.

Adrian emerged from the cover of trees, brushing off the snow that had settled on his shoulders. He raised an eyebrow at the figure behind him.

"I didn't peg you for a hunter, Clint," he said, crossing his arms.

Clint, bow in hand, shrugged. "Just getting the feel of it. Don't want to miss my shot when I take down Zemo."

Wanda followed behind him, her expression unreadable. Frank trailed silently, his hulking frame carrying a large bag filled with their equipment.

Clint yanked the arrow out of the deer's skull, returning it to his quiver. After glancing at the touchscreen device he held, he pointed ahead.

"Weapon X Facility is just a few miles from here," he muttered, his voice tight with anticipation.

Adrian tightened the strap on the gun slung across his shoulder. "Wanda, Clint—you're with me. Frank, stay back and set up the jammer. Keep an eye out for any escapees. We can't let Zemo alert Red Skull."

Frank gave a curt nod and trudged off, his footsteps crunching through the snow.

The Factory's Entrance

The group reached the crest of a low snow-covered slope. Below, nestled in the valley, was the facility—a stark industrial structure, its metal walls scarred by time and weather. Radar dishes rotated lazily on the roof, scanning the desolate horizon.

"Doesn't look too fortified," Adrian observed, his tone skeptical.

By the factory gates, two Hydra soldiers stood guard, their breath misting in the cold air.

"I swear, Jenkins, if you keep whining, I'm putting in for a transfer," grumbled one soldier, a grizzled veteran with a neatly trimmed beard.

"Relax, old man," Jenkins retorted, rolling his eyes. "We've been stationed here for six years. Nobody's coming. There's nothing out here but snow and boredom."

Before the veteran could reply, his earpiece crackled to life. He stiffened, pressing a hand to his ear.

"Signal's down again? Got it. I'll open the gate for maintenance."

Jenkins groaned, muttering under his breath as he turned the key to raise the heavy metal door.

The faint hum of machinery was abruptly shattered by a gunshot. Jenkins collapsed, a clean bullet wound through his forehead.

The older soldier barely had time to react before another shot rang out, dropping him in a pool of blood.

Adrian stepped out of the shadows, his pistol still smoking. "Well, so much for a warm welcome," he quipped, nudging one of the bodies with his boot.

Clint followed, already nocking an arrow. A sharp twang filled the air as he loosed several explosive-tipped arrows toward the radar towers. A series of fiery detonations rocked the facility.

"Those were my last smart arrows," Clint grumbled, watching the wreckage smolder. "Gotta make 'em count."

Adrian smirked. "You've got plenty of regular ones. Let's move."

Wanda lingered for a moment, pressing her palm against the factory's cold metal wall. A faint red glow emanated from her hand as she tested its resilience.

"Strong," she muttered, frowning.

The Ambush

The trio entered the facility, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridor. A faint rustling noise caught Adrian's attention.

"Wanda," he whispered, "telekinetic barrier. Now."

Wanda's hands glowed with crimson energy as she erected an invisible shield around them.

As they rounded a corner, a blinding spotlight flared to life, momentarily disorienting them.

"Long live Hydra!" a voice bellowed, followed by a hail of gunfire.

Bullets ricocheted harmlessly off Wanda's barrier, clattering to the floor. The Hydra soldiers exchanged panicked glances, their bravado quickly crumbling.

Adrian stepped forward, his smile cold and predatory. "You having fun yet?" he taunted.

One of the soldiers blinked, confused, and muttered, "Uh... yeah?"

"Good." Adrian's grin widened as he raised his pistol, firing with ruthless precision. The soldiers fell one by one, their bodies crumpling in the dim light.

As the last echoes of gunfire faded, the corridor fell silent. Wanda lowered her barrier, her gaze sweeping over the carnage.

Clint retrieved one of his arrows, muttering, "Hydra never learns."

Adrian was about to reply when a deep, guttural roar echoed through the factory. The walls seemed to tremble as the sound reverberated around them.

From the shadows ahead, a voice snarled, dripping with disdain: "I thought all the Avengers died decades ago."

Adrian's hand tightened around his weapon, his eyes narrowing. "Guess you thought wrong."

The battle for Zemo had begun.

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