Seeing Johnny Storm excitedly sharing various tips on extraordinary events with Otto, Peter Parker and the others were left speechless. They hadn't expected Johnny to put on such a performance even after hiding his identity. Otto wasn't too familiar with Johnny, so he might not recognize him despite his animated gestures.
Johnny Storm, though enthusiastic, was imparting useful experience to Otto. However, Otto couldn't absorb much due to Johnny's verbose explanations. This gave Johnny the chance to mock Otto's intelligence, which was exactly the outcome Johnny desired.
Meanwhile, in an old city's sewer, Dr. Lizard was conducting new experiments. His appearance had changed significantly, resembling more of a dinosaur man than a lizard man. His body had become bulkier, with stronger limbs, exuding an aura of power. Visually, Dr. Lizard appeared even stronger than the normal Hulk.
Despite his enhanced physique, Dr. Lizard didn't let it go to his head. He knew his strength wasn't enough to cause earthquakes. He could dismantle the underground space but still had a long way to go to match the unknown terrifying force he encountered.
Dr. Lizard planned to first cultivate a group of followers to help him acquire more funds and continue his research, aiming to enhance his abilities further.
"I'm almost there! I'm close to perfecting the process of turning ordinary people into lizard men. However, these lizard men can't directly reach my current level. Otherwise, even with absolute control, accidents could happen..." Dr. Lizard muttered to himself excitedly while looking at his experimental equipment.
"Moreover, reaching my level in one go could easily lead to loss of control, causing unnecessary commotion. I still don't know if the terrifying entity that almost caught me last time is with the Avengers or another official agency."
"It's possible, given that official agencies are always eager to grasp extraordinary powers. But no matter, once I perfect my experiment, even these agencies will bow to me..."
"Here it is!" Just as Dr. Lizard was lost in his excitement, the Avengers arrived overhead, their aircraft hovering above the area.
However, the Avengers weren't the only ones arriving. Without extraordinary means, the various official agencies' aircrafts were not much different from those of the Avengers. Tony Stark hadn't had time to develop more advanced aircraft as it wasn't necessary.
Thus, they all arrived at roughly the same time. The number of official agencies involved this time was less than before, as many had given up after the previous encounter, focusing instead on recruiting scientific talents, especially in biology.
Those few agencies that still acted did so based on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s information. Knowing that Hulk was on another mission reignited their hope of capturing Dr. Lizard.
"Looks like a lot of people..." Otto muttered, looking at the radar displaying the number of aircraft.
"Don't worry. No one can compete with the Avengers. Even though our strongest members aren't here, these agencies can't handle us..." Johnny Storm reassured Otto, patting his shoulder.
"And remember, don't fear official agencies or trust them. The only people you can trust are us."
After previous conflicts with official agencies, the Avengers no longer feared them. They believed that if a conflict arose, they could handle it, as long as they kept their identities secret.
"With so many of them, you expect me to handle this alone?" Otto asked, frowning as he looked at the radar.
"Relax, you just need to deal with Dr. Lizard. We'll handle the agencies..." Peter Parker reassured Otto, patting his shoulder.
"Attention! The Avengers are here. We've taken over the mission to capture Dr. Lizard. Whether you agree or not, it's time for you to leave..." Pietro announced over the aircraft's speakers.
"What? The Avengers are here?" Several official agency members paled upon hearing Pietro. Their previous encounters with the Avengers had instilled fear, especially after witnessing Robert's terrifying power. Despite multiple agencies being present, they hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
"The Avengers? So what? They can't be unreasonable. Dr. Lizard has killed so many people; why should only the Avengers capture him? We have the authority to take him. It's perfectly justified!" Although some agency members were hesitant, the higher-ups refused to back down, broadcasting their defiance.
"Extraordinary events are handled by the Avengers. Captain America should have discussed this with you. Or do you want all extraordinary events handled by you from now on?" Peter Parker countered through the microphone.
"Before the Avengers existed, we handled extraordinary events. We didn't see any so-called official agencies in action back then. Or are you just interested in the benefits without dealing with the troubles?"
"Don't talk nonsense! As official agencies, we've always been involved in extraordinary events. Just because you didn't see it doesn't mean we didn't act!" Despite some truth in Peter's words, the agencies refused to admit it, fearing it might be recorded and used against them.
"Fine, then. If you don't want to leave, let's see what happens. Do you want to fight in your aircraft or face us on the ground?" Johnny Storm sneered, openly challenging them.
Johnny's words left the agencies silent. No one dared to respond, as it would mean openly declaring war on the Avengers. Without knowing the full strength of the Avengers present, no agency was willing to take that risk.
"See? That's how it's done. Go ahead, Otto. I've sent you Dr. Lizard's location..." Peter Parker shrugged, smiling at the stunned Otto. This time, the Avengers had used infrared monitoring to lock onto Dr. Lizard, ensuring they wouldn't miss him again.
"Oh, okay!" Otto snapped out of his daze, looking at his mechanical arms, which had received the coordinates. He entered the sewer through an access point, while Dr. Lizard, underground, realized he had been discovered again.
"Damn it! I'm so close! Once I succeed, my plan will be complete..." Dr. Lizard muttered, surrounded by reacting chemicals. He needed more time.
"Found you! You're the one causing all this trouble! Now, you're captured!" Otto entered the lab, glaring at the now bulkier Dr. Lizard, who was engrossed in his experiment. He didn't choose to ambush but confronted him directly.
"You?!" Dr. Lizard turned, his eyes lighting up before disappearing from Otto's sight.
With a bang, Otto's mechanical arms blocked his body, but the force of Dr. Lizard's attack sent him flying!
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!]
[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]
[+50 PowerStones = +1 Chapter]