In the evening, General Ross held the phone in his hand and answered in a frustrated voice:
"Yes, Mr. Secretary… I will withdraw the troops immediately. I understand. There will be no further complications."
After hanging up, he slammed his fist down on the table in anger.
"These corrupt people only care about their own benefits. They don't realize how much it would matter for our country if I could capture Banner and study the genes in his body!"
He was deeply struck by how powerful Banner was after his transformation — far more formidable than Captain America during World War II. If a force composed entirely of soldiers with Banner's genes could be created, no country on earth would be able to match it.
This would be much more useful than any advanced missile produced by Stark Industries.
But because their blockade was affecting Virginia's stability, and the Secretary of Defense was under pressure from growing public criticism, orders were given to lift all blockades and withdraw immediately.
"It's really strange!"
"General, we still haven't gotten any clues. We searched the area where Bruce Banner disappeared a total of five times — we turned it upside-down."
Bronsky, in charge of the operation, walked in and made his report.
He felt this mission was bizarre from start to finish. First, a large number of elite soldiers were called in from far away just to capture a weak scientist. Just when they were about to grab him, a massive wave washed him away.
After relocating their target, it suddenly seemed to vanish into thin air.
"Cancel the blockade. Tell everyone to withdraw!"
General Ross forced himself to calm down. There was no point in staying; under orders from the Secretary of Defense, ignoring the command would only bring trouble upon himself.
"Who are you?" Ross whispered to himself as he looked at a photo — a masked man wearing a golden mask, holding Banner in one arm and Betty in the other, leaping across rooftop after rooftop.
He felt that today's failure was largely due to this mysterious person who appeared without warning.
"If I were ten years younger, the outcome today would be different." Bronsky sighed quietly as he walked away, the failure gnawing at him.
This mission seemed to underscore the limits of his ability in the face of something — or someone — extraordinary. His age and declining physical prowess meant he hadn't kept up, and it was hard not to feel powerless.
General Ross turned back and called after him, "Maybe… I can help you, as long as you're willing to suffer for it."
Meanwhile, on a private plane headed for New York…
"Mr. Carl, thank you again for helping us this time." Banner addressed Carl with deep gratitude.
Carl smiled casually. "Don't mention it. Dr. Stern asked me to handle it personally, and I happened to be in Virginia checking on the company's operations. It wasn't much trouble."
"Dr. Stern — that's Mr. Blue?" Banner asked.
Carl nodded. "Yes. Dr. Samuel Stern is the lead scientist at Hudson Group. He's developing drugs that may help treat terminal illnesses."
"The Hudson Group?" Betty said in surprise. "The Hudson Group that produces the tricolor pills?"
As a biologist, she naturally knew about the green pills that had recently appeared on the market. She'd even gotten her hands on a few samples to study their components and effects.
"Yes." Carl nodded. "The pills were originally meant to improve human health in general. But poor sales forced us to promote them as health products instead — a bit embarrassing for the two doctors."
Betty raised her hands quickly in protest. "I've researched their effects myself. If taken long term, the pills can profoundly improve health. It's a great accomplishment for mankind."
"I lived in Rocinha's slums for two years." Banner sighed quietly. "The people there were poor; many couldn't afford food or proper health care. But when the green pills arrived, their health improved. Mr. Carl, you're really making a difference."
Considering their effects, the price was unbelievably low. The Hudson Group seemed more concerned with helping people than making profits. Banner felt genuine admiration for their mission.
Carl nodded without adding much. His actions spoke for themselves — it was through these that the people around him grew to trust him.
For people like Banner and Betty, promises or force meant little; only actions made a real impact.
---
Afterwards, at Hudson Group Laboratories in New York…
"Mr. Blue!"
"Mr. Green!"
Banner and Stern — two colleagues who had previously only exchanged messages online — were meeting in person for the first time.
After a brief conversation, Banner raised the idea of trying the antidote. Stern explained that while it might suppress the green genes temporarily, there were no guarantees it would be a permanent solution.
"Then we should move this somewhere more secluded." Carl suggested. "It's better we do it at a factory in the suburbs. That way we avoid unwanted attention."
If something went awry — if Banner were to lose control and transform into the Hulk — the Hudson Group would suffer a huge scandal if it happened in their main laboratory. The media would have a field day, and the reputation of their products could collapse overnight.
"That's a good idea." Banner nodded. "I appreciate everything you're doing for me, Mr. Carl."
Carl nodded in return. "To be frank, I have my own motives. Helping you with your treatment might help Dr. Stern develop drugs that can treat terminal illnesses faster."
Banner fell silent for a moment, unsure how to respond. He felt it was dangerous to use his own blood to develop a drug — yet the Hudson Group seemed to have pure motives. So in the end, although doubts remained in his mind, he kept them to himself.
And Mr. Carl has helped him so much and unlike the general the hudson group seems focus on using his blood for researching terminal diseases cure so he can't really object to it.