C128

Betty Ross had not contacted General Ross for almost two years because of the fallout between Banner and the General. This also meant that Banner had been in hiding and hunted by General Ross for the same period.

Culver University, Virginia.

Betty Ross, a Ph.D. in cell biology, worked as a professor at this university and was a renowned scientist.

One day, after finishing her class, she made plans with her boyfriend, a top psychiatrist, to go to a pizzeria.

This was the same place where she and Bruce Banner used to spend time together.

Even though Banner had been absent from her life for two years, traces of their old habits still lingered. Her boyfriend, however, didn't seem to know about Betty Ross's past relationship with Banner.

The two drove to the pizzeria, unaware that a low-profile black car was quietly following them.

At the pizzeria:

"Stan, why did you close up so early?"

Betty Ross knocked on the glass door and spotted Stan, the elderly owner, cleaning inside. She looked surprised.

"Sorry, the pizza's sold out today. There's nothing left!"

Stan opened the door slightly, wearing a regretful expression as he spoke to the two at the entrance.

"Is that so?"

Betty glanced at her boyfriend, who smiled and said, "I know a place that serves great steaks. How about switching it up tonight?"

"Alright, see you tomorrow, Stan. Don't forget to save me a slice of your homemade pizza."

The two waved goodbye.

"Of course," Stan replied, relieved as he watched them leave.

As the couple walked away, Stan tossed his cleaning tools aside and prepared to lock the door. Just as he was about to close it tightly, a strange man appeared in front of the shop, smiling at him.

"We're closed!" Stan said helplessly.

"Sorry, boss, I'm not here for pizza," the man said. "I'm here to find someone. Bruce Banner. He should be here, right?"

Hearing this, Stan's face froze. His expression changed immediately. The man standing before him was Anton.

After obtaining Betty Ross's information, Anton had set off immediately, arriving at Culver University in Virginia.

Following the events of the original story, he logically traced Betty Ross to this pizzeria. Stan, the owner, was known as a trusted friend of Banner.

If Banner wasn't with Betty Ross, he had to be staying at Stan's pizzeria. Anton's guess had been right.

"Gulp!"

Cold sweat dripped from Stan's forehead as his wide eyes locked on Anton. He couldn't find the words to respond.

"Let him come out," Anton said with a slight smile. "I mean him no harm. On the contrary, I'm probably the only person in this world who can help Bruce Banner."

Stan hesitated for a moment.

"Stan, open the door."

A familiar voice came from behind.

Stan turned and saw Banner stepping out from the kitchen into the restaurant. His eyes shifted between Stan and the man outside.

Crunch.

Anton stepped into the restaurant, his gaze fixed on Bruce Banner. The man standing before him looked utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally. Anton broke the silence with a calm greeting:

"My name is Anton Jameson."

"What do you need?" Banner asked lightly, his voice edged with weariness.

For two years, he had been on the run, avoiding capture by General Ross and his forces. Ross wanted to weaponize him, to extract his blood and conduct cellular research to create another Hulk. 

This was Banner's worst nightmare—a possibility he was determined to prevent.

Over time, as Banner evaded the army, he came to a realization: the fear he once held had become stagnant. Anyone who knew of his existence understood one unshakable truth—the person who should be feared wasn't him.

"Banner," Anton began, his tone turning serious, "I think you must be tired of running endlessly."

"So what?" Banner said, his gaze hardening as he stared at Anton.

"I can help," Anton replied firmly. "I can get the military to revoke your wanted status. There aren't many people who can help you now, and I happen to be one of them."

"Why should I trust you?" Banner asked, his skepticism evident.

"You don't have to trust me," Anton said evenly, "but you can trust your friend."

Anton turned his gaze to Stan, who looked bewildered.

"What?" Stan asked, clearly caught off guard. "And why should I trust you?"

Anton's lips curved into a slight smile. "Because of someone else."

Crunch.

The faint creak of the kitchen door broke the silence. Banner and Stan turned their heads in surprise. The door swung open, revealing a figure standing in the dim light.

A man clad in black armor and a flowing cape stepped into the room, his presence dominating the space.

"Do I need to introduce myself?" The man's voice was low and cold, his eyes locking onto Banner and Stan.

"Bat... Batman!" Stan exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Batman's reputation preceded him. Widely regarded as the most famous superhero in the United States, he was a household name. Part of his fame came from DC's promotional efforts, but his legendary feats also spoke for themselves.

Despite the recent rise of other heroes like Iron Man, Cyborg, Green Arrow, and Spider-Man, none could match Batman's iconic status.

A recent online poll conducted by The Daily bugle ranked superheroes by popularity:

Batman dominated with 46% of the votes. Iron Man came in second with 20%. Cyborg claimed 11%, largely due to support from the Black community. Spider-Man and others struggled to break 10%.

Meanwhile, Eddie Brock, better known as Venom, lamented his last-place finish. But seeing Daily bugle sell out, he consoled himself with his growing wallet and a hefty bonus.

In short, Batman was in a league of his own, a superstar among superheroes. Iron Man and Cyborg were first-tier heroes, while Spider-Man and Daredevil occupied the second tier. Venom, unsurprisingly, was relegated to the third tier.

It was impossible for Stan not to recognize Batman. Even Banner, who had been hiding in Brazil for two years, was stunned. Although cut off from much of the world, Banner kept tabs on global events, and Batman's exploits were impossible to miss.

"Batman… it's really you!" Banner's voice wavered, his heart racing.

His excitement was palpable. Had it not been for the years of mental training to control his emotions, he might have already transformed into the Hulk.

"Now we can have a proper conversation, right?" Anton said, glancing at Banner with a knowing smile.

Banner nodded, still processing the moment.

Anton looked around, gesturing toward the back. "Of course, it's better to talk inside. This isn't exactly the ideal place for a discussion."

…

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