This was Richard's first in-person encounter with "Black Widow" Natasha and "Hulk" Banner. Previously, he had only read about them online.
Although this universe wasn't the Marvel Cinematic Universe—there had never been a "Battle of New York" where Loki led the Chitauri invasion—Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Black Widow, Hulk, and Hawkeye had still formed the Avengers under the influence of "fate." Their connection with S.H.I.E.L.D. remained close, functioning essentially as a team under the organization's umbrella.
While Richard observed Natasha and Banner, they likewise studied him.
Both Avengers wore civilian attire, blending with the crowd of onlookers. Nothing about them particularly stood out—except that Natasha's appearance far exceeded that of the women surrounding her. Even in loose everyday clothing rather than her form-fitting combat suit that accentuated her graceful curves, she commanded attention.
Banner, on the other hand, integrated seamlessly with the crowd. Apart from an unmistakable scholarly demeanor, he resembled any ordinary bystander. Of course, his Hulk transformation would be another matter entirely.
After a brief examination of the pair, Richard used his Telepathy to scan them quickly. Though he could easily read their memories, he refrained, merely checking for hostile intent. He would take further action only if they proved antagonistic; otherwise, he wouldn't invade their minds like some voyeuristic intruder.
After concluding his assessment, Richard wasted no time and initiated Plunder on the fallen agents.
[Gain new abilities: Super Strength, Enhanced Durability, Force Field Creation, Flame Release, Energy Materialization!]
[Get the same type of abilities, ability fusion!]
[Super Strength and Enhanced Durability are enhanced!]
[Convert Flame Release to enhance the skill 'Firaga', do you want to enhance it?]
Without hesitation, Richard selected "yes."
[Skill Great Fire is enhanced!]
[X-Gene Mutant power Content Update]
[Beta level: Repulsion, Energy Emission, Energy Absorption, Invisibility, Enhanced Senses, Telepathy, Giant Body, Gravity Binding, Thermal Vision, Pressure Burst, Momentum Shift, Mind Movement, Force Field Creation, Energy Materialization]
Three months ago, the Flame Release mutant power would likely have strengthened Firaga by an entire level, as the skill had been merely level 1. Now, however, the X-gene mutant power could only enhance Firaga to a certain extent, not enough to upgrade it directly.
Upgrading a level 1 skill to level 2 required only 100 proficiency points. Advancing from level 3 to level 4 demanded 3,000 points. To rapidly upgrade his skills using plundered X-gene mutant powers, he would need to acquire Alpha-level abilities.
Evidently, the four mutant agents struck down by his lightning weren't Alpha-level mutants. Among the mutant population, Alpha-level individuals comprised just a small percentage. Beta-level mutants were more common, accounting for roughly one-tenth of the total. More than half of all mutants ranked only at Delta level.
According to the official U.S. evaluation system, Level 2 mutants represented over half the entire mutant population.
After dismissing the information panel visible only to him, Richard prepared to teleport away when he noticed Banner regarding him with unmistakable "hostility."
Upon this discovery, Richard immediately employed Telepathy again, this time reading Banner's current thoughts.
He wants to help the Department of Mutant Affairs capture me?
Though Banner could transform into the Hulk—a being of immense strength and formidable defense—his "mental resistance" remained surprisingly low. Whether from psychic abilities or mental illusions, he could easily be provoked into becoming the rampaging Hulk.
In the cinematic universe, Scarlet Witch Wanda had already demonstrated this vulnerability conclusively.
After reading Banner's thoughts about assisting the Department of Mutant Affairs in his capture, Richard delved deeper into his memories.
The reason quickly became apparent: Black Widow's words had triggered Banner's masculine competitive instinct.
While Richard had been reviewing his information panel, Banner had asked Natasha if she wanted to do the Department of Mutant Affairs a favor. Though both agencies operated in different spheres, the Department and S.H.I.E.L.D. were both official government bodies—allies on the same front.
Despite his seven doctoral degrees, Banner evidently lacked understanding of interagency protocol. Capturing another agency's wanted target without formal request for assistance wouldn't earn gratitude—it would breed resentment for the perceived disrespect.
Natasha and Banner hadn't appeared in San Francisco at the Department's request, but to apprehend their own S.H.I.E.L.D. target. Though Richard had dispatched Mutant Affairs agents and special forces before their eyes, Natasha saw no reason to intervene.
She therefore rejected Banner's suggestion. This alone wouldn't have created problems, but perhaps too relaxed in Banner's company, she added words that would easily provoke Banner—or rather, the Hulk—into a competitive state.
"I don't want to see you get hurt."
For Banner, this statement seemed normal. For Hulk, it meant something entirely different.
Though Banner could now control his transformation to some extent, if Hulk insisted on emerging, Banner could do little to prevent it. Similarly, if Hulk refused to appear, Banner would struggle to summon him.
Natasha's casual remark had deeply offended the childlike Hulk.
I get hurt? How could I be hurt? I am Hulk!
Though Richard was reading Banner's memories, he simultaneously accessed Hulk's thoughts, clearly sensing the green goliath's indignation.
When Richard looked at him again, Banner had already begun to change. Before he could fully process what was happening, his skin took on an eerie green hue, veins bulging prominently across his forehead and neck.
Natasha was first to notice Banner's transformation. Just as she moved to calm him, Banner released a bestial roar that scattered nearby onlookers and young mutants.
ROAR!
Under everyone's stunned gaze, Banner's body visibly expanded. His coat and shirt, unable to accommodate his growing frame, tore apart into rags that fell to the ground. His jeans, straining against rapidly enlarging legs, transformed from long pants into makeshift shorts.
Hulk!
Witnessing Banner's metamorphosis, the onlookers and young mutants realized this unassuming man was actually the Avengers' Hulk.
If before the transformation Natasha had been the one drawing attention, now she became merely a supporting character to the Hulk's overwhelming presence.
As Banner completed his transformation, Richard summoned the Masamune from his system space. Then, channeling his spiritual power, he addressed the surrounding crowd:
"Anyone who doesn't want to die, get out of here!"
Though not shouted, his voice—enhanced by mana—resonated clearly to everyone present, carrying an oppressive force ordinary people couldn't resist.
Hearing his words, both civilians and young mutants scattered immediately, fleeing as quickly as possible.
Within moments, the bustling street that had attracted so many people emptied, leaving only Richard, Natasha, and the Hulk.
Natasha remained, staring at Hulk with surprise. She hadn't yet realized how her casual remark had triggered Hulk's competitive nature.
Though Richard understood that Hulk merely wanted to prove his strength to Natasha rather than genuinely opposing him, he still regarded the situation with anticipation.
In the current Avengers roster, only two opponents truly interested him—Thor, the God of Thunder, and the Hulk now standing before him. Iron Man and Captain America, despite their fame, held little appeal.
As Banner completed his transformation into the Hulk, Richard turned to Natasha, who had yet to depart.
"If only half of San Francisco remains standing, will S.H.I.E.L.D. compensate for the damages?"
...
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