Chapter 32: Persuasion

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"This journey, combined with your university education and your girlfriend, temporarily made you forget your own fears," Link continued. "But when the experiment faced a significant crisis, even a life-threatening one, everything changed. That's when the Hulk was born."

"After all, it was your experiment. There was no way you could have inserted something foreign into your body. Scientifically, it can only be explained as your other personality emerging."

Link leaned forward, emphasizing his point. "Think about it—doesn't the Hulk's behavior seem related to the emotions you buried during your childhood?"

Bruce Banner fell silent, lost in memories. His father had been a military researcher too, but his temper had grown increasingly violent until his death. Young Bruce had been constantly terrified, often hiding under tables. Yet, deep inside...

He didn't want to believe it. Trembling, he whispered, "I'm... the Hulk?"

"You're dealing with another side of your own personality," Link said softly. "Tell me—what's the primary emotion driving this other side?"

"Anger…" Bruce dropped the pizza and buried his face in his hands. "It's all me."

"You should be relieved, Bruce," Link said, trying to console him. "If this is the case, then the problem is solvable. Don't see the Hulk as a monster—see him as your brother, or even as yourself. Face him. That's how psychological treatment works."

"Don't reject him. Engage with him. Do you know what's happening around you when the Hulk takes over?"

"No." Bruce shook his head. "I don't. Every time he appears, I fall into darkness."

"That's the core issue. You don't like him, and so he doesn't like you. You two need communication, mutual trust. If you reach that point, if you merge into one, you'll have both power and intellect."

"Why do you want this to happen?" Bruce asked, suddenly suspicious. "Why are you so invested?"

"Earth needs you. Maybe sooner than you think." Link took a sip of his soda. "We can set you up in a remote location, a safe house where you can confront the Hulk in peace. Supplies will be sent regularly. What do you think?"

Bruce considered this carefully. "But you must destroy my blood samples."

"Don't worry, someone will take care of that," Link reassured him. "Now, let's focus on you."

"Facing him won't make him disappear. The conditions that created the Hulk are unique, just like the Super Soldier Serum. Decades have passed, and the military still hasn't managed to recreate it."

"Why do you think that is?"

Bruce stayed quiet, thinking back on everything. He had spent so much time running, blaming the Hulk, even trying to end his own life. But now, with this new psychological perspective, it almost made sense.

Link remained relaxed, giving Bruce a sense of ease, though he couldn't understand why. Wasn't Link aware of the Hulk's dangers?

"Can this really work?" Bruce asked tentatively.

"It can. We'll set up a perimeter around the safe house, keeping anyone from getting close until you've completed your therapy." Link smiled. "But remember, you and the Hulk must learn to trust each other."

Bruce nodded, finally feeling a sliver of hope. "Let's try it."

Link pulled out his phone, dialing Nick Fury. "Director, I've met with Dr. Bruce Banner and conducted a psychological evaluation."

Fury was momentarily surprised. He hadn't expected Link to meet with Banner so quickly, but things seemed to be going well.

"What's the situation?" Fury asked.

"The military was indeed working on the Super Soldier Serum, but the experiment went wrong, and Dr. Banner mutated into something incredibly powerful—so powerful that the military can't handle him," Link explained. "He can't control it yet, but I believe the Hulk is a second personality. There's a lack of communication between Banner and the Hulk. When the Hulk takes over, Banner's consciousness fades."

"And you think this has something to do with his childhood?"

"Yes. My suggestion is to relocate him to a remote area, somewhere like the Canadian wilderness, and set up a perimeter. Allow Banner to communicate with his second personality. If they reach an understanding, he could control his powers."

Fury's eyes lit up. He didn't fully grasp Banner's strength, but from Link's description, it was clear Banner's power far exceeded that of Captain America.

"I like your plan. I'll make the arrangements," Fury agreed.

"Director, the fewer people who know about this, the better," Link added. "By the way, someone has been experimenting with Dr. Banner's blood. This is extremely dangerous—an elderly man became unnaturally strong after ingesting just a drop. I believe you should personally oversee the destruction of these samples."

Fury's pupils dilated in shock. He had no idea this was happening. "Send me the details. I'll handle it personally. And Link, I want you to personally escort Dr. Banner to the safe house. I'll have Coulson make the preparations. I don't want anything going wrong."

"Understood, I'll take care of it." Link ended the call and sent a text with the address and name of the person hoarding Banner's blood—his memory was sharp, after all.

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