Chapter 128 First Meeting with Banner!

Betty Ross had been estranged from her father, General Ross, ever since the fallout over Bruce Banner. For nearly two years, she hadn't had any contact with him.

This also meant that for the past two years, Bruce Banner had been on the run, relentlessly pursued by General Ross.

Culver University, Virginia.

Betty Ross, a Ph.D. in cellular biology and a professor at this university, was well-known not only for her expertise but also for her beauty.

On this particular day, after finishing her class, she had plans to go to Stan Pizza Parlor with her boyfriend, a renowned psychiatrist.

Stan Pizza held sentimental value for her—it was a place filled with memories of her time with Bruce Banner.

Even though Banner had been out of her life for two years, some of their shared habits lingered in her daily routine.

Her current boyfriend, however, seemed oblivious to the history between Betty and Banner.

The couple got into their car and headed for Stan Pizza, completely unaware of a low-profile black car quietly following them.

Inside the Pizza Parlor.

"Stan, why are you closing up so early?"

Betty knocked on the glass door of the pizza shop, noticing the elderly owner cleaning up inside. She raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"Sorry, everything sold out for today—there nothing left!"

Stan opened the door slightly, offering an apologetic smile to the pair standing outside.

"Really?"

Betty glanced at her boyfriend, who chuckled and said, "I know a place with great steaks. How about we try something different tonight?"

"Alright then. See you tomorrow, Stan. Don't forget to save me one of your special pizzas," Betty replied with a smile.

As they turned to leave, the black car parked discreetly across the street remained unnoticed, its driver observing everything with calm precision.

The two waved goodbye.

"Of course," Stan replied, watching them leave before exhaling a long breath of relief.

Once the pair was far enough away, he dropped the cleaning tools in his hands and turned to lock the door. But just as he was about to close up, he noticed a stranger standing at the entrance, smiling at him.

"We're closed!" Stan said helplessly.

"Sorry, boss, I'm not here for pizza," the man replied. "I'm looking for someone—Bruce Banner. He should be here, right?"

Stan face froze, his expression instantly betraying his unease.

The man standing before him was, of course, Anton.

After receiving Betty Ross information, Anton had wasted no time heading to Culver University in Virginia.

By connecting the dots from the original story, he had followed Betty Ross to this very pizza shop.

Stan, the pizza shop owner, was a trusted friend of Banner.

If Banner wasn't with Betty, Anton reasoned, then he would likely be hiding at Stan Pizza.

And he was right.

Gulp.

Beads of sweat formed on Stan forehead as he stared at Anton, unsure of what to say.

"Let him come out," Anton said calmly, his smile still in place. "I'm not here to hurt him. In fact, I'm the only one in the world right now who can help Bruce Banner."

Stan hesitated.

"Stan, let him in," came a familiar voice from behind him.

Turning, Stan saw Bruce Banner pushing open the kitchen door and stepping into the dining area.

He looked at Stan, then at the man standing just outside.

Click.

Anton stepped into the restaurant, his gaze meeting Banner.

He took a moment to study the scientist. Banner fatigue was evident—not just physical, but deeply etched into his spirit.

With a slight nod, Anton introduced himself, "My name is Anton Jameson."

"What do you want?" Banner asked flatly.

His wariness was palpable. He had been on the run from the military, evading General Ross, who sought to turn him into a weapon.

Banner knew that if Ross team ever acquired his blood for cellular analysis, they would undoubtedly create another version of him—a nightmare scenario he was determined to prevent.

Over time, the constant chase had worn him down. The fear he had once felt was now a stagnant pool in his heart.

Because anyone aware of who he truly was understood one undeniable fact:

The one who should be afraid was never him.

"Banner, I imagine you're tired of running," Anton said, his tone serious.

"So what if I am?" Banner replied, his expression guarded.

Banner stared at Anton, his gaze filled with suspicion.

"I can get the military to drop their hunt for you," Anton said evenly. "There aren't many people who can help you right now, and I happen to be one of them."

"Why should I trust you?" Banner asked, his voice cautious.

"You don't have to trust me, but you do trust your friend, don't you?" Anton turned his attention to Stan.

"Huh?"

Stan looked utterly baffled. "And why should I trust you?"

"Because of someone else."

Anton lips curved into a subtle smile.

Creak!

Both men turned their heads abruptly.

The door connecting the kitchen to the dining area slowly swung open.

A man in a black armored suit, his cape fluttering behind him, stepped into the room.

Evening had fallen, and the dim light cast long shadows across the floor.

"Do I need to introduce myself?"

The man stood at the edge of the shadows, the faint light illuminating his boots. His cold, stern expression swept over Banner and Stan, his deep voice resonating in the small room.

"B-Batman!"

Stan eyes widened in shock, his jaw practically hitting the floor.

If anyone doubted that Batman was the most famous superhero in America right now, they were sorely mistaken.

Thanks to DC careful promotion and Batman impressive record of high-profile deeds, his name was on everyone lips.

Even with the recent rise of Green Arrow, Cyborg, and Tony Stark Iron Man, none of them had reached Batman level of popularity.

In fact, a recent online poll organized by Eddie at the Daily Bugle had allowed fans to vote for their favorite superheroes.

Batman had taken a commanding lead with 46% of the votes, nearly half the total.

Iron Man came in second with 20%, followed by Cyborg at 11%, bolstered by strong support from the Black community. Spider-Man led the second-tier heroes with less than 10%, while Venom languished at the bottom, firmly entrenched in the third tier.

Eddie, upon discovering that Venom had landed dead last, was furious, ranting and raving. But seeing the Daily Bugle sell out yet again, his mood improved significantly. The added bonus to his paycheck also softened the blow, making him grudgingly accept his spot at the bottom.

Batman, meanwhile, was undeniably the star among superheroes.

Stan reaction was immediate—he recognized Batman instantly.

Even Bruce Banner, who had been hiding in Brazil for two years, looked visibly stunned.

While Banner had been off the grid, he had still kept up with the news. He was no stranger to the name and reputation of Batman, a superhero known across the nation.

"Batman… it really you!"

Banner heart raced, pounding furiously in his chest. His excitement was palpable.

Honestly, if not for the years of mental training he'd endured, he might have already transformed into the Hulk in response to his heightened emotions.

"So, can we have a proper conversation now?"

Anton glanced around the room, noting its open layout. With a slight shrug, he said, "Of course, preferably inside. This isn't the best place for a chat."