Chapter 64: Banner in His Youth

The result of the battle was clear from the start.

Though Abomination had gained immense power, he was still a knock-off compared to Hulk. As Banner’s anger fueled his strength, the tide of the battle shifted rapidly. Abomination’s early advantage crumbled under Hulk’s growing ferocity.

Hulk roared, using his massive hands to clap, creating an air shockwave that sent Abomination stumbling. Without missing a beat, Hulk charged forward, delivering a devastating punch that left Abomination reeling.

Adam Wayne observed the fight through his monitors, wincing slightly. “That’s gotta hurt,” he muttered, marveling at the sheer destructive power.

Despite his superhuman resilience, Abomination’s body could no longer keep up. Hulk was unrelenting. Grabbing one of Abomination’s bone spurs, Hulk ripped it off with a feral growl, wielding it as a makeshift weapon. Adam couldn’t help but flinch.

“That’s… terrifying,” Adam muttered to himself.

By the time Hulk was finished, Abomination was a battered mess. Blood trickled from his pale green lips, and his once-arrogant sneer was replaced by unconscious groans.

Standing triumphant, Hulk let out a victorious roar that echoed through the wreckage of Fifth Avenue. His wild gaze locked onto General Ross, who was observing the scene from a helicopter.

For the first time, Ross felt genuine fear. His imposing military persona faltered, and he instinctively stepped back, clutching his daughter Betty for support.

Fortunately for Ross, Betty’s presence seemed to calm the rampaging Hulk. The green giant’s furious expression softened, and he took a few steps back. With a final roar, Hulk turned and leapt into the night, disappearing from view.

As the dust settled, Ross barked orders at his troops. “Find him! I don’t care what it takes—don’t let him escape!”

The soldiers hesitated, clearly reluctant to pursue the monster that had just destroyed their tanks like toys. Their hesitation only fueled Ross’s frustration, his face turning red with rage.

In Gotham, Adam Wayne smirked as he watched the scene unfold. “Classic Ross,” he muttered.

But he wasn’t just watching for entertainment. The moment Hulk disappeared, Adam knew his opportunity had arrived.

“Skynet, lock onto Hulk’s location. Deploy the ‘Shadow’ armor to New York immediately,” Adam commanded.

“Target locked. Armor en route. Estimated arrival: two minutes,” Skynet replied.

Using satellite feeds and hijacked military surveillance, Adam tracked Hulk’s movements. He watched as the green giant disappeared into a park, blending into the dense forest.

“Found you,” Adam said with a grin.

As expected, the military’s pursuit was clumsy and ineffective. Civilians blocked the roads, and “accidental” delays hindered the chase. Adam suspected external interference—possibly Nick Fury or HYDRA.

“Doesn’t matter,” Adam said to himself. “I’ll get to Banner before they do.”

Hulk’s trail ended in a secluded clearing. By the time Adam’s “Shadow” armor arrived, the green behemoth had reverted to Bruce Banner. The exhausted scientist was slumped against a tree, his breathing heavy.

“Skynet, activate the life detection system,” Adam ordered.

On his HUD, Bruce’s presence lit up brightly. But he wasn’t alone. Several other red dots indicated nearby individuals—potential spies or curious onlookers.

“Take care of them,” Adam said coldly.

The “Shadow” armor moved swiftly, incapacitating each figure with tranquilizer darts. Within moments, the area was secure.

Adam approached cautiously, his armor’s optical camouflage blending into the shadows. But before he could get too close, Bruce’s voice broke the silence.

“Who’s there?”

Even in his weakened state, Bruce’s tone was sharp and defensive.

“Dr. Banner, I mean no harm,” Adam said, his voice calm and measured.

Bruce squinted at the sleek, black armor stepping into the moonlight. “A wireless-controlled robot? Really? The military’s getting creative,” he scoffed.

Adam chuckled. “Not quite. I’m not with the military.”

“Yeah, sure,” Bruce said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “How else would you have found me?”

Adam studied the younger Bruce Banner. This wasn’t the calm, introspective scientist he knew from the future. This Banner was angry, distrustful, and volatile—shaped by years of trauma and betrayal.

“Dr. Banner, I know you have no reason to trust me,” Adam began. “But I’m here to help. You’re not safe out here, and Ross isn’t going to stop hunting you.”

Bruce crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. “And why should I believe you?”

Adam sighed. “Because I know what’s at stake. I know what they did to you. And I have the resources to keep you safe.”

Bruce stared at him for a long moment, weighing his options. Finally, he let out a bitter laugh.

“Fine. I’ll bite. But if this is a trick, you won’t like what happens next.”

Adam smiled behind his visor. “Fair enough, Dr. Banner. Let’s get you out of here.”