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Nolan wasn't going to walk away without getting Luke's steel physiology for himself.
Sure, with the Dragonforce boosting his output, Nolan could reach strength levels well above 100 tons. But that was only when he actively engaged the power.
His base strength, without augmentation, capped around 20 tons.
That was why Luke's invulnerable body was so important.
If Nolan could acquire that steel-like physical foundation, his base stats would rise and any multiplier stacked on top of that would push him into god-tier territory.
Plus, that bulletproof durability was exactly what he needed to cover one of his few remaining weaknesses.
Unfortunately, while Nolan had been preoccupied dismantling the Hand's remnants, General Ross had already moved. Now, if Nolan wanted access to Luke's physiology, he'd have to play along with Ross's terms.
"Ross agreed," Klaue said. "But you'll have to sign a full NDA. No experimental data is allowed on any external storage. Also, the Hulk data? They'll only provide the successful phase results. All failed experiments remain sealed."
"That's fine," Nolan replied. He was never planning to clone the Hulk anyway just to understand the mechanism.
And the Hulk's power had always been… unpredictable, perhaps even metaphysical.
If anything, the more realistic goal had always been creating a controlled version—like Abomination.
"Oh, and add one more thing," Nolan added. "I want access to Abomination's project files too."
Classic negotiation. Ask for the moon—settle for Earth.
Klaue relayed the message. After a moment, he gave Nolan a thumbs-up.
"Bring Connors," Nolan said. "I'll need his support on this one."
…
Before long, a military vehicle arrived at a restricted installation. Nolan stepped out and was immediately greeted by a smiling General Ross.
"Dr. Nolan, it's been too long. I really appreciate you coming."
"No need for the formality, General. We're allies, after all. Of course, I'll help."
Nolan's gaze drifted to the massive figure nearby a towering reptilian humanoid covered in thick, scaled hide.
Abomination.
So Ross had released him after all.
According to Nolan's memory, Abomination was supposed to still be locked up around this time. After all, following the destructive showdown with the Hulk, someone had to take the fall. The Hulk had joined the Avengers; after all, he was a public hero now.
So the scapegoat? Naturally, Abomination.
Nolan sensed the contempt radiating from him. Ross clearly hadn't fully tamed the creature yet. The arrogance was still there.
That actually worked in Nolan's favor.
Ross led the way, guiding them deeper into the facility. This was the first time Nolan had been granted access beyond the outer levels.
Soon, they arrived at the core of the base—an armored elevator requiring both retina and fingerprint scans from Ross himself.
"After you, Doctor."
Nolan and Connors stepped inside. Abomination would have to wait for the next lift; he was far too massive to fit.
The elevator dropped fast, and the lights above were quickly swallowed by darkness. The interior lights came on, bathing the space in a sterile glow.
"Dr. Nolan, I'm counting on you," Ross said earnestly. "This is for the nation—for the American people. Please do your best."
Nolan smiled politely. If I didn't already know what kind of man you are, that speech might've convinced me.
Politicians… the greatest actors in the world. But when do they become politicians? They turn into clowns.
The elevator slowed to a halt. The doors opened to reveal a sprawling underground research lab, easily the size of a city plaza. The layout reminded Nolan of Hydra's old facilities—cold, brutalist, efficient.
Some legacies never die.
Scientists moved busily between workstations. This place wasn't just about the Luke Project. Other operations were running Hulk-related, for sure.
After all, Banner had shown time and again just how terrifying his potential was in real-world battles.
Ross wouldn't abandon that pursuit. Luke was just a fallback.
A tall, thin, middle-aged man in glasses approached textbook white-lab-coat type.
"General," he greeted.
"Jason, give Dr. Nolan full access to the Luke Physiology Project data."
"Understood!"
By now, Nolan's name carried real weight in the scientific community. After all, Oscrop's Regeneration Spray had taken the nation by storm.
Not only had it earned billions, it had saved lives. At this point, if your American household didn't have a can of it, you were basically uninsured.
Norman Osborn was even petitioning to have it designated an emergency essential by FEMA.
And Nolan? He was its inventor.
"Dr. Nolan," Jason said, handing him the files, "Here's all current experiment data, plus footage and step-by-step records. Some of it requires secure lab viewing."
Nolan skimmed the file as he walked his eyes flicked across pages faster than a scanner.
After less than two seconds, he closed it and handed it back.
"Done. The problem is with ATP burst output, right? The human body can't generate enough energy in an instant."
Jason was stunned. "You… already figured that out?"
He hadn't even explained the issue yet. Most of the files were raw test logs—not conclusions.
"Just let me see your procedures. I can fix it."
Nolan already had a rough solution in mind: shift the energy delivery model from instant spike to gradual ramp-up.
Of course, that meant the final result wouldn't be exactly like Luke's.
Probably about 30% less effective.
After reviewing the lab's recorded procedures and experimental setups, Nolan nodded.
"There's a solution."
"Already?" Jason blinked in disbelief. He had only just taken over as lead researcher, and after the last guy was disappeared, he was desperate not to screw up.
"What does your General say about a 30% reduction in final effect?"
"30% less?"
"Right. My plan slows the process and slightly lowers peak output, but it boosts success rate up to 90%."
"Ninety percent?!" Ross's voice echoed behind them, full of shock and excitement.
Nolan simply nodded. "Yes."
"Then we go with it. I already said—this entire project runs under your lead, Doctor Nolan."
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