Chapter 174: Capturing Claw, Hammer Expo

Despite Hank Pym and Eris's efforts, they had no better way to deal with the hacker who had invaded Clark's computer than to wait for the rabbit. However, Hank Pym confidently claimed that the final program they co-developed was a unique killer app, capable of catching any hacker off guard the first time they encountered it.

No one could intercept its pursuit unprepared, absolutely no one!

Clark was quite convinced by Hank Pym's authoritative assessment.

If he dared to say so, then the program's tracking capability must be able to withstand even the Marvel universe's smartest deceiver.

Since that's the case, as Hank Pym said, all they had to do now was wait for the rabbit.

However, since Hank Pym and Eris were helping him with his troubles, Clark felt it wouldn't be right to do nothing.

So, he astrally projected in the afternoon, added three hundred thousand words to his manuscript on his computer hard drive, and used it as bait for waiting for the rabbit. This was to prove that he could still play a role in this matter.

Three days later, Hank Pym's equipment was all set, and they headed straight for Claw's hideout.

In the original timeline where Clark didn't appear, Claw first appeared during the Age of Ultron, merely a man with some military training, easily subdued by Ultron and losing an arm.

For Clark, dealing with such a character was naturally effortless. He quickly cleared all the minions with thunderous methods, then, with a tranquilizer, knocked Claw out before he could realize what was happening.

After sealing the unconscious Claw in a cryogenic device and throwing all the vibranium into a large box prepared by Hank Pym, he made the cryogenic device and the box miniaturized and pocketed them.

It's worth mentioning that, due to vibranium's properties, the large box Hank Pym created for Clark not only had the ability to change size as he said but also had an advanced shock-absorption feature to prevent the vibranium from damaging the box and spilling out during transport.

Sending a message to T'Challa, he immediately made a gesture similar to Wonder Woman's power move and bowed deeply to Clark: "Thank you so much, Mr. Clark, I'm truly grateful!"

Clark smiled slightly: "No need to be polite; you also played a part in this."

T'Challa was puzzled but heard Clark say: "Thanks to your arrangement for Bucky Barnes last time, it allowed me to focus on winning the final battle without worries. Claw's information is one of the fruits of that victory."

"That's really coincidental." T'Challa smiled but still said: "I didn't really help much. Even without me, Mr. Clark would still have won the final victory."

T'Challa was stating the truth, and Clark didn't argue, only adding: "But the process would definitely have been much more complicated, and the outcome might not have been as perfect as it is now."

Not wanting to continue the mutual praise with T'Challa, Clark shifted the topic: "Now that Claw is frozen by me, remember to pick him up when you have time."

After closing the communicator, Clark summoned the Cosmic Cube, opened a portal, and returned to the Pym lab.

This storage ability was also an application of space magic. Just as Doctor Strange could hide the Time Stone, Clark could store the Cosmic Cube, making it easily accessible and convenient.

Seeing a large box full of vibranium, Hank Pym couldn't hide his excitement.

"According to what I saw in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s records, this miraculous metal can help us bypass many technological hurdles. To use the young people's words, it's like a cheat code," Hank Pym said excitedly: "With it, I have absolute confidence that I can complete the construction of the quantum tunnel in a short time!"

"I'm glad it can help," Clark said with a relieved smile: "Over the years, I haven't been able to provide any substantial help to your experiments. If this vibranium can be of help, then please feel free to use it. Don't be polite with me."

"The key to the quantum tunnel is still technology, not so much the materials. Ten or eight pounds of it would be enough for my use," Hank Pym said in a good mood after seeing the vibranium: "What do you plan to do with the rest? Make equipment?"

Clark nodded slightly: "I plan to make a suit of armor for myself, covering the whole body. But I'll skip the head part; I don't want it to affect my observation. But this is not urgent. You should focus on completing the construction of the quantum tunnel and bringing Auntie back, which is more important."

"I'm a hundred times more anxious than you."

As they spoke, Hank Pym suddenly threw an invitation: "This is an invitation from Hammer Industries for you. They plan to hold a weapon expo in three days, supposedly with a big surprise. Do you have any idea what might happen at this expo?"

Clark smirked: "Isn't it just the Iron Man suits?"

Hank Pym was surprised: "What did you say?"

"There's no need to be so shocked." Clark lightly shook his head: "Actually, right after Tony and I had our fallout, a guy named Ivan Vanko approached me. His father had developed the arc reactor with Howard Stark, so he has the core technology too."

"In fact, I was the one who suggested he go to Hammer Industries."

Hank Pym frowned: "That's reckless!"

"Relax, relax!" Clark gave Hank Pym a calming look and explained: "At that time, my relationship with Tony was at its most tense. I needed someone to share the pressure, and Ivan Vanko and Hammer Industries were perfect scapegoats."

Confidently playing with a jar of precisely wrapped vibranium, Clark continued: "What Ivan Vanko has is just the initial version of the arc reactor. Do you think he could be a match for Tony?"

"Besides, he's solely focused on revenge against Tony, and his cooperation with Hammer is merely a marriage of convenience, full of flaws. It's too easy to deal with if you're just a bit serious."

"As long as you know what you're doing," Hank Pym still seemed worried: "If you can, it's best if you attend the expo in three days."

Clark nodded, agreeing.

After all, from a certain perspective, he was the one who facilitated the cooperation between Justin Hammer and Ivan Vanko. He had a responsibility to monitor the aftermath. If something unexpected happened, he could use his absolute force to suppress it, and incidentally show off a bit.

Not that Clark particularly enjoyed showing off.

His visit wasn't solely for the sake of showing off, but with the superhero council drawing near, he needed to occasionally find opportunities to maintain a presence, letting other superheroes know there's an incredibly powerful person here.

It's like the pre-election campaign process.

Those without advantages can create them during this process, while those with advantages must maintain them.

After being cleared of charges, Captain America needs to make public appearances to maintain his presence.

And Yi Long, who has been low-key for too long, at least needs to prove he's a superhero and has the right to vote in the hero representative election.

Thinking this way, Clark suddenly worried that Ivan Vanko wouldn't cause trouble at the expo.

I'm all set here; you better make it worth the effort. If you suddenly become a good kid, that would be a waste of expression.

After saying goodbye to Hank Pym, Clark visited Dr. Banner's lab for a round.

After the airport battle, this scientist with both a brilliant mind and super strength finally agreed to stay in the Pym lab to continue his scientific research, thanks to Clark's persuasion.

Compared to a life on the run, engaging in scientific research was more attractive to him, especially after learning that Clark could soothe the Hulk. He now plays "The Heart Sutra" 24/7 in the lab, seemingly intending to completely purify the Hulk with this BGM.

Clark also advised him to try communicating with the Hulk for peaceful coexistence and eventually integrating the two personalities.

However, Dr. Banner seemed skeptical of this suggestion, giving Clark a look that seemed to say, "You can easily handle such problems, but you don't consider the pain of those who can't," leaving Clark somewhat helpless.

After offering some consolation and encouragement to Dr. Banner, Clark opened a portal and returned home to continue his daily gravity room training.

Three days passed, and the Hammer Industries technology expo officially began at 8 p.m. prime time.

Driving a Maserati to the venue, Clark arrived with Captain America and Yi Long. Sharon Carter, the driver, rolled down the window and asked, "Will there be an incident at today's venue?"

It's no wonder Sharon would ask; after all, others came to the expo with a secretary or assistant, but Clark brought two super-soldiers of non-human levels, making people wonder if he was here to observe or to fight.

Clark didn't deny it but simply said, "This is a conspiracy against Tony. It's not something you can get involved in. Your task is to drive the car safely home, OK?"

"Alright, you're the boss," Sharon reluctantly rolled up the window, just in time to see Pepper Potts, representing Stark Industries, along with Happy Hogan and Natasha Romanoff, getting out of their car.

Receiving +777 impression points from Sharon Carter!

The gap between agents from S.H.I.E.L.D. is so big, huh?

Why can she go, and I can't? That's not fair! ￣へ￣

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