The Hulk didn't have time to react to the psionic attack, which hit him with unexpected force, bringing the green giant to his knees. With each heavy breath, his massive muscles deflated like a balloon losing air, until only Bruce Banner remained, weakly sitting on the ground in a puddle of his torn clothes, trying to gather his scattered thoughts and emotions, which raged in his mind like a storm.
As the Hulk disappeared, leaving only Bruce Banner, the tension among the team eased slightly.
"Never thought someone could go from a mountain of muscle to so scrawny in such a short time," Johnny said, not hiding his surprise and a touch of humor in his voice.
"Wh-Who are you?" Bruce stammered, his voice trembling with weakness and confusion.
"Long time no see, Dr. Banner," I said, stepping forward to introduce myself and reassure him that he wasn't alone.
Recognition flashed in Bruce's eyes when he heard my voice. We had met at a scientific conference on energy issues, where his ideas and research had genuinely impressed me.
"Dr. Richards?" Bruce said in an astonished tone, his gaze becoming more focused as the confusion slowly gave way to understanding.
I nodded in response and asked a question I thought was crucial for understanding his current state: "Yes. Do you remember how you got here?"
Bruce rubbed his hand over his face, trying to recall the sequence of events that led him to this moment. His eyes darted around, attempting to focus on the faces surrounding him, which seemed both familiar and strange. Silence hung for a few minutes until his pupils dilated, and he said:
"I... I... I should have died in that explosion..."
He began to remember the events that turned him into the Hulk.
As Bruce Banner started to piece together the memories of the catastrophic incident that had forever changed his life, the air around us filled with tension.
"It was an experiment," Bruce continued, his voice trembling with emotion. "A gamma bomb... A civilian..."
"Yes," I nodded. "There was an explosion that was far more powerful than you expected."
"How did I survive?" Bruce whispered.
I looked at him and said, "That's what interests me as well. At the moment of the explosion, your body was bombarded with an enormous amount of gamma radiation, which altered your body... and seems to have created a new personality."
"Hulk..." Bruce whispered. "I... I remember what I did as the Hulk. It was like being in a dream... like being pushed to the back seat while the Hulk took the wheel. My God... What have I done?"
This was undoubtedly fascinating. However, we needed to address another issue.
"I think you understand what will happen to you next?" I asked him.
Bruce Banner swallowed hard. "Yes... Prison..."
"Bruce, may I call you Bruce?" I tried to establish a more friendly rapport.
Bruce Banner began to panic at the thought of his prospects.
"Y-yes..."
I pressed a few buttons on my portable computer, calling up a holographic monitor that began displaying the Hulk's actions.
"Look at this data," I said, pointing to the video footage. "Every confrontation was initiated by the military."
At that moment, the screen showed a series of videos depicting the Hulk's battles with the military.
"And here is what happened when the Hulk was in areas with civilians."
"W-Why are you showing me this?" Bruce asked.
"Yeah, Stretch, why?" Ben asked, having also reverted to his human form.
"To show Bruce a pattern," I said, hoping he would see what I saw.
Susan, who was also watching the footage, seemed to have already noticed the pattern, judging by her eyes.
"He didn't harm civilians..." Banner whispered.
Indeed, in the footage we reviewed, the Hulk somehow managed not to harm civilians. Every fight he engaged in resulted in destruction, but no civilian deaths.
"Exactly," I nodded.
"W-Why are you telling me this?" Bruce asked me.
"To show you that you're not the monster you think you are," I said, looking Bruce in the eye. "But what the government might create based on you... that's unlikely to be as 'kind-hearted' as the Hulk."
In Bruce's eyes, I could see the realization of what General Ross might do to him.
My team was also aware of what I meant. Because I didn't limit my access to military information, extracting classified information wasn't too difficult.
Everyone could see Ross's interest in the Hulk, or more specifically, his obsession with creating an army of similar beings. An army of Hulks that could become an unstoppable force on the battlefield, potentially causing an apocalypse.
"W-What do you plan to do?" Bruce's voice trembled with anxiety and fear of the unknown.
I smiled, trying to hide my interest and the potential plans swirling in my head.
"That's a good question," I replied, my eyes gleaming with ideas and possibilities opening up before me.
—= S.H.I.E.L.D. Prison =—
"Who would have thought that a man like him could turn into a green monster?" one of the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents said thoughtfully as they carefully escorted Bruce Banner through the corridors of a specially designed prison, built to contain the Hulk's power.
As they passed by reinforced walls and security barriers, tension hung in the air, each step echoing through the long corridors. The lighting was dim, creating an atmosphere of mystery and danger lurking in every corner.
"I'm telling you, it's both a miracle of science and its curse," another agent continued, his eyes reflecting a mix of respect and fear towards the power the Hulk represented. "The fact that we managed to capture him speaks volumes about our resources and the risks we're willing to take to protect the world from such threats."
Around them, the sounds of high-tech equipment buzzed, and the air was thick with anticipation of what would come next. In this place, where Bruce Banner was brought for containment, every element was designed with the possibility of his sudden transformation into the Hulk in mind, from special energy fields to reinforced cells capable of withstanding his incredible strength.
ZZZT
For just a moment, the entire building was plunged into darkness. However, that moment was enough for the device Reed Richards had left for Bruce Banner to activate. Bruce Banner's body disappeared from the prison.
—//—
I looked at the point on the globe, which sparkled with a tiny but bright light. This point indicated the place where Bruce Banner's body had been teleported—a secluded corner of the world where he could be safe from both himself and external threats. Data, meteorological conditions, and geographic coordinates floated around the globe, creating the impression of a bustling technological mirage.
"Are you sure this was a good idea?" Johnny Storm asked, his voice reflecting a mix of doubt and concern.
At that moment, we were already in the Fantastic Four's headquarters, where thick walls and modern security systems allowed us to express our honest opinions without fear of being overheard by Nick Fury or anyone else from the outside world.
"Given everything we know, I think it was the best solution," I said, trying to infuse confidence into my words. "We can't allow an army of people who resemble the Hulk but lack his goodwill... And we also couldn't let a man rot in prison who was guilty only of helping a civilian."
"What if he turns into the Hulk among civilians?" Benjamin Grimm asked, his brows furrowing in deep concern.
I pondered this question for a moment, knowing the answer was important not only for Ben but for everyone else as well.
"In that case, Banner has a norepinephrine detector in his body, which will alert him to critical levels, and he can manage himself from there. In an emergency, we have a device on his wrist that can incapacitate the Hulk," I explained, hoping my confidence would reassure them.
"Are you monitoring him?" Sue asked, her brow raised in skepticism and curiosity.
"Not me, but Oracle," I shook my head, smiling at the thought of my latest creation. For this task, I created an AI to ensure Bruce Banner wouldn't do anything reckless, using the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and surveillance technology.
At that moment, my mobile phone rang. The number displayed made me realize that events were unfolding exactly as I had anticipated.
"Good evening, Director Fury," I said, looking at Fury's face, preparing for a conversation that promised to be tense.
—= Some Time Ago =—
Nicholas Joseph Fury felt as if he had been deceived. His usual imperturbable calm was disrupted; his gaze, typically steely and contemplative, now wandered the room, sparkling with anger and irritation.
"Bruce Banner has disappeared..." his voice was quiet, but each word sounded like a sentence. It didn't take a genius to understand what had happened. There were very few people on Earth with the resources, knowledge, and audacity to organize such a liberation.
"Do you think Dr. Richards is responsible?" Maria Hill asked, standing next to Fury. Her voice was calm but carried a note of concern. She knew that every decision Fury made carried the weight of global security.
Fury didn't even glance at her and simply said, "Agent Hill, don't ask questions to which you already know the answers." His tone was restrained, but each word in his sentence sounded like an accusation.
They both stood in the operations control room, surrounded by numerous monitors and screens displaying data from all corners of the world. The light from the screens cast shadows on their faces, making their features even sharper and more tense. The air in the room was charged with anticipation of the next move, and everyone present felt the weight of responsibility on their shoulders.
Fury's one eye was still focused on the video footage showing Banner's capture and transportation to the prison designed for him... and the subsequent disappearance of the dangerous scientist.
"Get me a line to Dr. Richards," he ordered the operator. "It's time to have a serious talk with the Fantastic Four."
At that moment, Fury realized that his task was not just to restore order but to rethink his methods and strategies. In a world with forces like the Hulk, old security approaches no longer worked. And he was ready to accept this new challenge.
—= Present Time =—
As Reed Richards and Nicholas Fury exchanged greetings, the atmosphere in the room grew even more tense. Fury, a man with extensive experience in military and espionage affairs, allowed himself a moment to analyze the situation before continuing the conversation. His lone eye narrowed with undisguised displeasure, peering through the screen at Richards' face, trying to discern his true intentions behind the calm and confident exterior.
"Dr. Richards, I thought you were a reasonable man," Fury repeated, his voice even but each word laden with reproach and disappointment.
There was a moment of silence during which Richards, sitting in his office surrounded by countless scientific instruments, weighed each of his next words. He understood the gravity of the moment and knew that every statement he made could have far-reaching consequences.
"Has something happened?" Richards finally asked, pretending not to know the reasons for Fury's dissatisfaction.
Although Richards tried to play the role of an ignorant man, he couldn't match the daily intrigues and complexities in which Fury participated. Therefore, Nick Fury understood everything perfectly, despite Richards' attempts to mask his true intentions.
"Dr. Richards, let's not play games," Fury said firmly, his patience clearly wearing thin. "You know very well what happened."
Fury sat in his office at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, surrounded by screens and monitors continuously displaying information from all corners of the world. The dim lighting emphasized the seriousness of the moment and added weight to each of his words. He observed Reed through the video link, trying to understand his thought process.
"And what exactly happened?" Reed Richards replied.
Fury sighed, indicating that he realized Richards intended to keep playing the game.
"Bruce Banner has disappeared, and I suppose you're going to claim you have no idea how he vanished?" Fury said.
At this time, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. fixed his gaze on Richards. His single eye tried to capture every detail of the mosaic to construct the necessary picture.
"You'd be surprised, Director Fury, but that's exactly what I was going to say," Richards responded.
As Reed spoke, Fury's mind began sorting through all the known facts about Reed Richards that he possessed. He had a psychological profile of the scientist...
"Understood. In that case, I wanted to inform you that the Hulk is missing," Fury said.
Nicholas Joseph Fury had already figured out what had happened and why Richards had helped Banner escape.
Stones for the God of Stones! Souls for the Throne of Souls!
—= Some Time Ago =—
The room was filled with an atmosphere of tense anticipation and uncertainty. The light from the ceiling lamps cast soft shadows on the walls, creating a calm but uneasy glow.
Bruce stared at the device on his wrist, shock clearly etched on his face. His wide eyes shifted between the device and my face, searching for answers to the many questions swirling in his mind.
"Yes," he finally nodded, his voice trembling, reflecting the anxiety that gripped him.
He was prepared to be taken to the SHIELD prison, only to be quickly extracted via teleportation. This plan sounded insane even to us, but under the current circumstances, it seemed like the only viable option.
"Do you really want to fall into the hands of the government?" My question was almost rhetorical. I raised an eyebrow, highlighting the absurdity of the alternative, which would be far worse for him.
Bruce Banner shook his head sharply, his gaze becoming more resolute, his voice gaining firmness.
"No, of course not," he replied, finally accepting the reality of the situation. His face, though filled with apprehension, now showed readiness to follow the plan, which, despite its risks, offered him a chance at salvation.
After that, Bruce stopped asking strange questions, seemingly fully focused on the upcoming actions, preparing himself for the inevitable. Determination was reflected in his eyes, and he gripped the teleportation device tightly, as if it were his last anchor in this stormy sea of uncertainty.
—= Present Time =—
The conversation with Fury didn't go as I had planned... And judging by his look, he understood perfectly well that it was my doing. However, my attempt to play dumb had already begun, which meant I had to continue, even though we both knew the truth.
About five minutes after the call, I was finally able to get back to work.
The lab was filled with an atmosphere of concentration and scientific inquiry. The bright light from the LED lamps illuminated the spacious room, packed with high-tech equipment, glass beakers, and numerous screens displaying various data and analytical graphs.
"Haaaah..." my sigh broke the silence as I prepared to delve into Bruce Banner's genetic code.
Sue and Johnny were with their father. Ben and Alicia had gone on a date. Having warned everyone in advance, I headed to the lab to work with Bruce Banner's samples.
"Chronos, perform a full DNA analysis of Bruce Banner," I said.
I had enough of his DNA samples to trust the AI with the task.
"Commencing analysis..." Chronos responded, its digital voice calm and emotionless, yet exuding reliability.
Thanks to its enhancements, Chronos operated at impressive speeds. Soon, an incredibly detailed breakdown of Bruce Banner's DNA was before my eyes.
My gaze swept over the data, and I once again confirmed what I had seen before.
———
Introduction: Conducting a comprehensive genetic analysis of Dr. Bruce Banner's DNA was driven by the necessity to understand the unique genetic mechanism underlying his transformations into the Hulk. This study aims to identify specific genetic markers and mutations activated by gamma radiation, leading to the transformation.
Methodology: Advanced DNA sequencing technologies and CRISPR-Cas9 were used for a detailed analysis of Banner's genome. Parallel comparisons were conducted with DNA samples from other subjects exposed to gamma radiation to identify unique patterns.
Main Results: The analysis revealed the presence of a unique mutation in Banner's genome not observed in other individuals. This mutation, localized in a specific DNA locus, regulates the cellular response to stress and damage. Interestingly, the activation of this mutation by gamma radiation leads to a radical restructuring of cellular structure, increased body mass and tissue density, and a significant boost in physical strength and regenerative capacity.
———
The lab flickered softly from the myriad screens and indicators, each displaying complex processes within the modern analytical devices. The sounds of the equipment created a familiar background for anyone who spent most of their time here. In the center of this technological arena, I stood, watching the main monitor, which was about to display the results of the next crucial step in my research.
"Chronos, run the norepinephrine simulation," I instructed, focusing on the details of the procedure.
Thanks to the data from Hulk's battles with Ben and us, we had a fairly complete picture of what happens to Hulk's body.
Chronos, the core of the lab, responded instantly:
"Commencing simulation..." Its voice, an emblem of modern science's wonders, sounded confident and impeccably clear.
Data began streaming across the screens, creating a detailed picture of how norepinephrine might interact with Bruce Banner's unique genetic structure. This hormone, playing a key role in the fight-or-flight response, could provide new insights into the mechanisms of Banner's transformations into the Hulk.
The experiment's parameters were meticulously set to recreate situations where Banner's norepinephrine levels would reach critical levels. The simulation was to show if this peak would activate the specific genetic markers responsible for the transformation.
The air in the lab seemed to still in anticipation. The monitors around me came to life, displaying flashing graphs and numbers that danced in the swift rhythm of data collection. Each second of the simulation brought me closer to understanding how Bruce Banner's body functioned.
"The results are ready, Dr. Richards," Chronos announced.
The displayed data confirmed my thoughts.
"Just as expected," I whispered.
The nature of gamma mutants horrified me.
Norepinephrine, working in Bruce Banner's body, caused cells to open a gateway to another realm, from where he drew a massive amount of gamma energy. I wouldn't have noticed this if I didn't know about this fact. I would have thought that Hulk's body absorbed an incredible amount of energy from the surrounding space... However, the absorption accounted for only 10% of what he drew from the underworld.
The One Below All indeed had a connection to the Hulk, and that was very bad news... I could easily introduce a similar mutation into my body so that gamma rays would affect me just like Bruce, but now that path was only for extreme cases.
Having a direct link with The One Below All wasn't something I desired. According to my memories, those who borrow power from this entity tend to end up in a very grim place and often become avatars of The One Below All.
"Chronos, shut down for the next five days," I commanded before starting work on a project unknown to the AI.
—//—
I didn't entertain any illusions that everything in this world would go according to my plan. I was well aware that, no matter how incredible it was, Chronos could be hacked. That's why the Dome had a manual override option, and why Chronos had no knowledge of the Dome's structure or the internal workings of the portal to the Negative Zone.
Now, another item was added to the list of inaccessible knowledge. My gaze fell on the vial in my hands, glowing with a toxic green light from within. This serum would turn me into a Hulk if activated.
Identifying the necessary markers in Bruce Banner's genes wasn't too difficult, and importing this feature to suit my own genetic makeup was even easier.
The vial in my hands radiated not only a toxic green light but also the promise of power equal to that of the Hulk. This small container held the results of extensive research, theories, and experiments. The light reflecting off the vial played across the glass surfaces, creating an enigmatic atmosphere.
I understood the risks associated with such power. The thought that the serum might activate filled me not only with excitement but also deep concern. What consequences could follow such a transformation? Would I be able to control power equal to the Hulk's, or would it consume my essence, leaving only destruction in its wake?
Could I resist what The One Below All might impose on me? I didn't know, but I knew the future could present numerous challenges, and this serum would be my answer to a threat I couldn't otherwise handle.
I opened the compartment where all my secret projects were stored and placed the serum inside. Then I reactivated the AI.
"Chronos, resume normal time flow," I commanded.
The AI executed my order immediately.
"Time flow normalized," Chronos responded.
"Thank you," I muttered.
—= Esteban de Ablo =—
Esteban de Ablo, an alchemist from ancient times, stood on the edge of modernity, looking at the sparkling lights of the metropolis, so far removed from the dark, narrow streets of his native era. He was dressed in his traditional robes, which marked him as a man from another time, but his gaze burned with not only curiosity but also a thirst for power, promised to him by Victor von Doom.
Victor, with his characteristic cold calculation and insight, had explained the task to Esteban simply and clearly, emphasizing that Esteban could gain incredible power. This conversation awakened in the alchemist an old excitement, forgotten through centuries of pursuing knowledge and magic.
The old alchemist, inspired by the prospect, directed his gaze at the building of the Fantastic Four, a majestic structure symbolizing all of humanity's progress. The building stood out against the night cityscape with its unique architectural solutions and advanced technologies, which seemed like wonders to Esteban, rivaling even the most powerful spells of his time.
However, deep down, Esteban harbored doubts. Should he trust Doom, a man filled with betrayals and machinations? His thoughts swirled in a vortex, torn between the possibility of gaining immense power and the risk of becoming just a pawn in someone else's game.
At the same time, the realization that he stood on the threshold of something great gave Esteban no peace. He knew that before him lay a rare opportunity to redefine the forces he could wield, perhaps even rewriting the laws of reality to which he had been bound for centuries.
Thus, weighing all the pros and cons, Esteban de Ablo, an alchemist from the past, stood on the brink of a new world, ready to take a step that could change not only his fate but the fate of the entire world he was just beginning to understand.
"What foolish thoughts," Esteban whispered with a greedy smile.
At that moment, he made his decision. The magic in Esteban's body stirred.
Freeing himself from hesitation, Esteban de Ablo allowed the ancient magic within his veins to come alive and pulse with renewed vigor. Sparks of energy began to gather in the air around him, shimmering with green and gold light, symbolizing the collision of the worlds of science and alchemy. Spells, forgotten by most but preserved deep within his memory, once again found their way into reality, awakening under the influence of his indomitable will.
Esteban watched as his hands filled with ancient energy, crowned with a halo of magical light. Each movement of his fingers caused vibrations in the air, as if the very fabric of reality bent around him, responding to the long-forgotten incantations.
After all, he was not called the Devil's pawn, but the Devil's alchemist.
—= Reed Richards =—
As I stepped out of the Dome, the cold evening air hit my face, reminding me of the reality outside my scientific sanctuary. At that moment, my personal communicator vibrated insistently, breaking the silence. The screen lit up red, signaling the urgency of the notification.
"What the hell?" I muttered into the void, addressing both the AI and myself. My fingers instinctively glided over the smooth screen, pulling up detailed information on the situation.
Before my eyes, an image from one of the security cameras appeared, capturing the figure responsible for breaching the first three levels of the Fantastic Four's building. The image was surprisingly clear, allowing me to discern the details.
Esteban de Ablo, or Diablo. Magical energies swirled around him, creating a blur effect around his figure. His face displayed concentration and unwavering confidence in his actions, and a predatory smile, burning with greed, clearly conveyed his intentions.
My gaze fell on the map showing the locations of my friends.
"Haaaah..." I sighed, realizing I would have to deal with this alchemist myself.
Focusing, I turned my attention to the data from my scanners. These devices, usually so reliable in scientific analysis, encountered unexpected difficulties when dealing with Esteban de Ablo's magical energies. The screen was filled with a variety of graphs and algorithms, but every analysis attempt ended in failure, leaving only unanswered questions.
The energy attacks from Esteban, as preliminary results showed, were something entirely different from anything encountered before. The scanners detected anomalies that changed so quickly and unpredictably that even the most advanced analysis algorithms couldn't keep up. The magical energy permeating these attacks was beyond the boundaries of modern scientific understanding, adding an extra layer of complexity to my research.
However, what the scanners couldn't see... I could see myself.
Deep in thought, I began sketching the initial designs of a new device that might become the key to understanding and possibly neutralizing the threat posed by the alchemist.
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