Chapter 112: Chapter 112 General Ross Clear Target!

The armed forces from Hammer Industries retreated in disarray to their countryside factory base, which served as their headquarters.

Even after confirming their safety, the fear lingered on their faces, their expressions still haunted by the events that had just transpired.

When Justin Hammer arrived to interrogate them, they recounted the night events with visible trepidation, their nerves still frayed.

"Green Arrow?"

Hammer furrowed his brows deeply, his face clouded with irritation and frustration.

Where had this unexpected obstacle come from?

Turning to his assistant, Hammer issued a cold command.

"Find out who this 'Green Arrow' is."

Before long, the assistant returned, looking unusually hesitant.

"Based on their description, I found something that might match. However, it a bit… peculiar. Green Arrow is a character from DC Company—a fictional protagonist from their novels and comics, both titled Green Arrow."

Hearing this, Hammer froze, his expression a mix of disbelief and anger.

The armed operatives standing nearby exchanged bewildered glances.

A fictional character? A comic book hero?

Their silence was palpable.

Was this suggesting they had been defeated by someone out of a novel or a comic?

"Wait. DC Company… that Anton Jameson company, isn't it? The one with ties to Batman?"

Hammer eyes narrowed as his mind connected the dots, his face darkening further.

"Yes," the assistant confirmed. "That the very same DC Company."

"So, this means the person who humiliated us wasn't just some costumed figure. The real player here is Batman."

Hammer expression twisted into a grimace of frustration.

Though it was Green Arrow who had dealt the blow, Hammer was certain that Green Arrow was acting on Batman orders, appearing at the Osborn estate as part of Batman strategy.

Recalling a seemingly trivial piece of intel about Harry Osborn, Hammer remembered that Harry had invested in three DC films.

Clearly, that when Harry had forged a connection with Batman.

"Ha!"

"Another cosplayer! This Batman is going to regret crossing me."

Hammer anger festered as he stared at his defeated operatives with disdain, his voice dripping with contempt.

"Useless, the lot of you!"

With that, he turned on his heel and stormed out.

The operatives left behind in the factory looked at each other, their spirits crushed.

They had walked straight into a trap.

What they thought was a simple mission to overpower Osborn turned into a catastrophe when Batman ally unexpectedly intervened.

"Batman. Green Arrow."

The operatives muttered the names bitterly, their expressions a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Meanwhile, General Thaddeus Ross received word about Hammer Industries' failed operation through his intelligence channels.

"Green Arrow?"

Ross studied the report in his hands, his expression tinged with disbelief.

Another fictional character.

Another costumed vigilante.

Just like Batman.

A trace of disdain flickered across Ross face.

Of all the possible names, this one had to include "Green." Ross despised anything associated with the color green.

"General, should we conduct a deeper investigation into this Green Arrow?" one of his subordinates asked.

"No need," Ross replied curtly.

"Naturally, there will be others to handle such matters. Our task is singular, and we must not waste resources duplicating others' efforts, lest it backfire."

Ross waved a dismissive hand and cast aside the intelligence report, focusing on the world map before him. A specific slum in Brazil had been marked in red.

"I will emphasize this once more—our target is not Green Arrow. Hammer Industries' failure is irrelevant. What matters is that our next mission must not end like theirs!"

His tone was firm, resolute.

"Gather the team and head to Brazil immediately. Capture that creature at all costs."

"Understood!"

One of his subordinates nodded with confidence, assuring, "We've assembled an elite unit under the command of Colonel Emil Blonsky. General, this time, success is inevitable!"

"Emil Blonsky?"

Ross raised an eyebrow. He was clearly familiar with the name of this decorated yet fiery-tempered veteran.

Blonsky had made a name for himself early on with espionage operations and distinguished service in battle. However, his volatile temperament had kept him from attaining real power.

Ross couldn't help but compare Blonsky to Colonel James "Rhodey" Rhodes. Rhodey close friendship with Tony Stark had elevated his status within the military, earning him command of an entire airbase and the respect of even higher-ranking generals. By comparison, Blonsky career trajectory seemed stalled.

"Have him prepare. If he manages to capture Bruce Banner, I'll push for his promotion."

Ross spoke with measured calm.

"Rest assured, General. He'll give it his all."

The subordinate grinned, adding a touch of flattery, "Hearing those words from you will only drive him to ensure Banner doesn't slip through our grasp."

The Next Day

Eddie showed up at DC Company, seeking out Anton with an unusual expression.

He appeared hesitant, as if unsure how to broach the topic.

"What wrong?"

Anton raised an eyebrow, curious.

Eddie uncharacteristic demeanor was a rare sight.

"Anton, you know I have a wide network of information."

Eddie began, mulling over his words before finally continuing, "This morning, I came across some interesting news. Last night, Osborn Manor was attacked. However, the attackers were all eliminated. Rumor has it that a man called 'Green Arrow' helped the Osborns fend them off."

"Green Arrow?"

Anton expression shifted to an enigmatic smirk.

"What exactly are you trying to ask?"

"This has something to do with you, doesn't it?"

Eddie got straight to the point.

"You're not wrong. I sent Green Arrow."

Anton admitted without hesitation.

"You know that Harry is a friend of DC Company. Keeping Osborn Enterprises in friendly hands benefits us too."

"So, who is Green Arrow?"

Eddie disbelief was evident as he stared at Anton suspiciously.

"Don't tell me you're moonlighting as Green Arrow now?"

"You'll meet him soon enough."

Anton replied cryptically, sidestepping the question and leaving Eddie more intrigued.

Changing the subject, Anton asked, "How Phil doing lately?"

"Dr. Stockman is truly a genius. He built a locator device that uses unique wavelengths to track down the remaining pieces of the mind transfer apparatus. They've already secured one piece from the New York Museum, and their next target is in Brazil."

Eddie chuckled, adding, "Phil seems to be enjoying himself immensely. He got Stockman eating out of his hand."

"And they haven't tried using the device fragment to free Shredder?" Anton queried.

"Stockman is afraid of the unstable Teleportation Beacon accidentally sending Shredder to some random, uninhabitable location—possibly even outer space. That would spell certain death for him."

Eddie explained with a grin, "Now that there a safer approach, Shredder seems surprisingly patient about staying put in prison."