Chapter 8: Suit up!

In a spacious chamber teeming with individuals diligently operating computer systems reminiscent of the ones in Alex's basement, a figure occupied the central position.

He was a man of African descent, sporting a distinctive eye patch and donning a classic dark trench coat.

None other than Nick Fury.

Lost in contemplation, Fury fixed his gaze upon the expansive monitors adorning the room. Engrossed in their tasks, the computer operators diligently carried out their duties.

Approaching from behind, a woman in her late twenties, Maria Hill, stepped forward and addressed Fury.

"Sir."

Fury shifted his attention to Maria, acknowledging her presence. "Agent Hill."

Maria proceeded to provide an update on the subject known as Green, opening relevant tabs on her workstation.

As she divulged the latest information, a crease formed between Fury's brows, indicating a deep contemplation of his own thoughts.

"...Keep a close watch on Ross," Fury commanded, his mind weighing the possibilities.

General Ross, also known as Thaddeus Ross, had emerged as the most persistent adversary of the extraordinary behemoth known as the Hulk.

Having conveyed his instructions, Fury maintained his pensive expression, delving deep into his ruminations. Unperturbed by the silence that enveloped them, Maria stood dutifully behind him, anticipating her following directive.

"In the event of complications, we'll handle it on our terms," Fury declared, his gaze fixed upon the expansive displays adorning the room. "I will personally address the higher authorities on this matter. Subject Green poses an immense threat."

With a swift nod, Maria saluted, her commitment unwavering, before returning to her station at the computer.

"Any word from Coulson?" Fury interjected before Maria could depart, a fresh concern seizing his attention.

Pausing in her tracks, Maria returned to face him, awaiting his inquiry.

"Sir, Agent Coulson is still actively tracking the rumored subject H," she responded, her fingers deftly navigating her handheld device. "Initial reports indicate a significant gathering in the area, suggesting containment may be imminent."

Fury absorbed the information, his thoughts churning amidst the growing chaos.

Memories of encounters with a particular blond individual, bearing an uncanny resemblance to a Saiyan, flickered through his mind. Shaking off the distractions, he refocused on Maria, his tone resolute.

"I see. Matters are spiraling out of control as of late," Fury mused, his voice laden with concern. "Agent Hill, you are dismissed."

With a final nod of acknowledgment, Maria executed a crisp salute before returning to resume her duties, leaving Fury grappling with the impending challenges ahead.

---

Alex stood there.

His brows furrowed in disappointment and confusion. He had expected something more... superhero-esque. Instead, what lay before him was a collection of everyday clothing items. It was nothing like the iconic suits he had seen in movies or comics.

"That's it?" Alex asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "This is my superhero suit?"

Still engrossed in his lollipop, Peter shrugged his shoulders and replied, "Well, yeah. It's what we could find quickly."

Alex let out a sigh, feeling a mixture of disappointment and amusement. He had imagined a great, technologically advanced suit with impressive capabilities but got a mundane ensemble.

He glanced at the table and saw the black skinny jeans, a plain black hoodie, generic black shoes, and a simple black mask. It was far from the extraordinary attire he had envisioned for his superhero persona.

"...How much did I give you again?"

"...Around $10,000," Peter said after recalling the amount Alex gave him yesterday to make him a suit.

Peter licked his lollipop once again as he complained, "That's too much money, and I don't even know how to make a superhero suit, so that's all I can get."

"How much did you spend on those...um...clothing?" Alex asked while pointing at 'his suit.'

Putting his hand on his chin, Peter recalled how much the suit was.

"...$23 for the hoodie, the same goes for the jeans," Peter then looked toward the shoes and the mask and said, "I think it was around $27 for the shoes while the mask only cost you $4."

"Wait, so you managed to buy all of this for under $100?" Alex asked incredulously.

Peter nodded enthusiastically, a proud grin forming on his face. "Yep! I scoured the city, found some good deals, and haggled through. Saving money is my superpower!"

Alex just rolled his eyes at Peter.

Well, it wasn't entirely Peter's fault as he didn't consider how much time was left before he went into his first mission.

He could only hope that Peter could use his big brain to make something for him in the future.

"...Any updates on those machines? What kind of help can you get me? Can you even hack surveillance cameras around the city? How about communication like the guy on the chair is supposed to do?"

Alex started to rapidly ask Peter everything about what Peter could do to make sure his choice in making Peter his guy on the chair was a good question.

But unfortunately, "...I'll learn it later."

Peter looked away while whistling nervously.

"...So basically, I'm on my own," Alex said exhaustedly as Peter chimed in, "for now, at least..."

"...Alright then, I guess that could work...somehow..."

Alex said while picking up the hoodie as he tried to put it on. But as he wanted to put it on, it just couldn't fit into his body.

"...Oh, crap!"

Peter exclaimed as he looked at Alex, who was still struggling to wear the hoodie. Alex turned his head toward Peter, raising an eyebrow inquisitively.

Seeing Peter's panicked expression, Alex suddenly had a realization, and his expression turned dark. Meanwhile, Peter gulped nervously, sensing the change in Alex's demeanor.

"...Pete, how many candies have you eaten since yesterday?"

"...Around 17 or so, I guess?" Peter answered, tilting his head in confusion. He couldn't understand why Alex would ask him about the candies.

With a deadpan expression, Alex then said, "Do you want me to tell Aunt May about it?"

Hearing those words, Peter's face turned as pale as paper.

"Hell no, Alex!" Peter shouted but quickly composed himself, realizing his mistake. "No, Alex, my beloved brother. Please don't tell Aunt May about this. She's... She's going to kill me."

"Then buy me those clothes again in my size, not yours!!!"

Alex shouted, pointing his finger at the door, making his intentions clear.

"...Y-Y-Yes, Sir!"

Peter answered stutteringly as he hurriedly left to get the job done. But before Peter could walk out the door, Alex stopped him with a command.

"...Wait!!"

Alex said, halting Peter in front of the doorway.

"...Yes, sir?" Peter asked nervously.

"...Where did you put those candies? I want some..."

Alex shamelessly made his request with an expressionless face, leaving Peter dumbfounded but relieved that his secret stash of candies could bring him some favor in this situation.

---

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