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Chapter 81: Anomalies
🕑 Added 2024-12-10 12:05:54 +0000 UTC“Bavaria or Austria?” This question from Josh was deliberate rather than casually referring to Germany and Austria.
To modern observers, Bavaria might seem firmly integrated into Germany, with little connection to Austria. However, historically, since the time of the Holy Roman Empire, Bavaria had been a staunch supporter of Austria's Habsburg family. Only with the fall of the Holy Roman Empire, the Habsburgs' decline, and the rise of France and Prussia did Bavaria gradually distance itself from Austria.
Even after being divided between two nations, Bavaria and Austria remained deeply connected through religion, cultural ties, and shared ethnic sentiments.
So much so that even in the 21st century, calls for Bavarian independence or unification with Austria persist.
In short, their ties are intricate and enduring.
Josh’s family hailed from Austria, and Lynden was from Bavaria. When they referred to their “homeland,” it could only mean these two places. Northern Germany, however, did not fall within their definition of “homeland.”
“Of course, Austria. Most of Bavaria is currently under Hydra's control,” Lynden Schneider replied.
In Josh's original timeline, Bavaria was part of Germany's rear line during World War II, even hosting sites like the "Wolf’s Lair."
In this Marvel-centric world, however, Red Skull’s first move after gaining power was to seize this strategically vital region, establishing his Hydra Empire centered on Austria.
The reason they were reaching out to Josh now was quite clear.
Previously, the Austrian faction might not have been in a hurry to act, as Red Skull seemed even more formidable than Hitler.
But just last month, Hydra suffered a significant defeat on the Eastern Front against the Soviets.
The cause? Captain America and his Howling Commandos had conducted a daring air raid deep into Hydra's rear, severing critical supply lines and destroying frontline factories. This victory was the talk of Allied forces, elevating Captain America's reputation even further.
Encouraged by this success, the Soviets launched a full-scale counteroffensive, advancing rapidly toward the Balkans.
Clearly, the Austrians had realized Red Skull was no more reliable than Hitler and were now looking for an escape plan.
For them, the best option was the Allies—not the Soviets.
“So, where is this person now?” Josh asked.
“She’s at the Ritz Hotel,” Linden responded.
“She?” Josh was surprised.
“Yes, her name is Ophelia Sarkissian, a very young and beautiful woman,” Linden added with a shrug.
“Don’t tell me you’re already fallen for her?” Josh frowned. He was well aware of Lynden’s tendencies and wondered if the man had been charmed by her charms.
“No, no, boss! I assure you, I know which women I can approach and which I can’t!” Lynden quickly clarified.
“You’d better. Bring her to see me tomorrow afternoon,” Josh said, scanning Lynden suspiciously.
“Yes, boss!” Lynden promised with a nod before taking his leave, with money suitcase in hand.
As Josh watched him leave, he grew contemplative.
Closing his study door, Josh initiated a communication request to Yuri.
“What’s the matter, Josh? This isn’t our scheduled time, and I’m quite busy,” Yuri answered after a moment, appearing on the screen in a protective suit, clearly involved in a hazardous experiment.
“Apologies, Yuri, but I need your help with something urgent,” Josh said earnestly. “Do you have any equipment that can detect and prevent mind control?”
“Hmm? Have you encountered a telepath?” Yuri asked, intrigued.
“I’m not sure yet, but I suspect so,” Josh explained. Previously, he had not taken precautions against psychic manipulation. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, telepathic abilities were not overly common, with figures like Wanda Maximoff and Vision appearing decades later.
However, Josh now recognized the need for caution, especially after Lynden’s unusual behavior.
“Of course, I have such equipment. I just didn’t think you needed it before,” Yuri said with a shrug. “Give me a moment to sterilize and change.”
“Take your time. By the way, can I ask what you’re working on?” Josh inquired curiously.
“Oh, nothing special. Just some prehistoric viruses I recently discovered. I’m trying to enhance their lethality,” Yuri said casually.
Josh swallowed hard. He had nearly forgotten that Yuri was an expert in bioweapons, a man whose arsenal included tools like virus snipers and neural assault vehicles.
Thankfully, the trading system ensured that transactions could not carry any unapproved pathogens or contaminants.
Yuri returned shortly, holding three items: a pen-like metallic device, a helmet, and a vial of liquid.
“This is the Revelation scanner. Press the button to scan someone. If the indicator turns red, they’ve been subjected to psychic control; green means they’re clean. This helmet blocks most forms of mind control unless the manipulator’s power exceeds mine by orders of magnitude. Finally, this serum grants temporary immunity to psychic influence, lasting about 12 hours. However, it may cause nausea and vomiting, so I recommend sticking with the helmet,” Yuri explained.
“I’ll take all three,” Josh decided after brief consideration.
“Fair enough!” Yuri agreed with a nod.
