Become Kingpin and build a hero mercenary company.

Page 36

"Delicious..." The green thought seemed to brighten a bit, the intensity of the storm noticeably weakened, and it began to take on a contemplative vortex shape.

“We can be together,” Banner’s consciousness grew clearer and stronger. “With your strength and my mind. We don’t have to be apart anymore, we don’t have to hate each other anymore. We can become a… better ‘us’. A ‘us’ that can protect others and be accepted.”

He was outlining the blueprint for "Doctor Green" proposed by Dr. Shaw—a perfect being who possessed the Hulk's invincible power, yet also had Banner's calm wisdom.

"Green... Doctor?" Hulk's mind repeated the unfamiliar word with curiosity.

“Yes, Dr. Green,” Banner affirmed. “That will be us. No longer the monsters being hunted, but… heroes.”

"Hero?" This word seemed to touch something deep within Hulk's consciousness. He craved recognition, craved strength to be revered rather than feared. Hero, it seemed like a decent... title?

The green energy orb no longer violently attacked the blue orb, but instead began to slowly and tentatively approach. The blue orb also actively met it, no longer guarding itself.

Under the precise guidance of the system and the continuous spiritual comfort of the meditation master, two completely different sources of consciousness began an unprecedented deep fusion.

On the holographic screen, the pointer representing the energy level swung violently, breaking through several safety thresholds, causing Dr. Xiao and all the technicians in the monitoring room to break out in a cold sweat. The Sandman instantly condensed the crystallized sand into a shield. But in the end, after reaching an unprecedented peak, the pointer did not cause an explosion. Instead, it slowly and steadily fell back to a range that was still extremely high, but no longer dangerous.

On the hover chair, Banner's body underwent a visible change. His physique found a balance between slight expansion and contraction, and a healthy green glow shone faintly beneath his skin, but it wasn't as glaringly ferocious as Hulk's. The painful struggle on his face gradually subsided, his brow relaxed, and his breathing became long and steady.

After an unknown amount of time, he slowly opened his eyes.

Those eyes were no longer Banner's usual gentleness and worry, nor Hulk's pure anger and chaos. Instead, they were a deep, wise emerald green. The gaze was calm, yet contained a reassuring power.

He raised a hand, looking at the fingers that still bore the silhouette of Bruce Banner, yet subtly exuded a powerful aura, and clenched his fist slightly. A controllable, gentle green energy flowed through his palm.

He spoke, his voice deep and magnetic, somewhere between Banner's gentleness and Hulk's gravitas, carrying an unprecedented clarity and calmness:

"We...are fine."

There was no roaring, no shouting. Just a simple statement.

In the stillness, all the taut nerves instantly relaxed. Flint the Sandman removed the crystallized sand shield, a rare, almost smiling expression appearing on his face. The meditation master Lin slowly finished his practice, fine beads of sweat on his forehead, but his eyes were filled with satisfaction.

In the monitoring room, Dr. Xiao let out a long sigh of relief and reported in a deep voice into the communicator:

“Mr. Fisk, the ‘Green Doctor’ project… has been a success.”

Dr. Green was born.

He sat in the hover chair, feeling an unprecedented balance and power within him. Hulk's rage transformed into controlled passion, and Banner's wisdom found a vessel for his power. The tearing sensation that had plagued him for years vanished, replaced by a complete, powerful, and potentially limitless unity.

He is no longer a threat to the world, but an S-class hero of the Hero Association—Professor Green.

A brand new legend is about to begin.

Chapter 89: S-Class Registration and Public Declaration

The successful integration "between stillness and stagnation" was just the beginning. The following seventy-two hours were an intense and entirely new experience for the newly minted "Green Doctor," Bruce Banner. Under the joint supervision of the association's technical department and mental health center, he underwent a series of rigorous ability tests and psychological assessments.

Inside the testing range, with a slight thought, Dr. Hulk could instantly transform from Banner, dressed in a loose lab coat, into a nearly three-meter-tall, muscular, yet clear-eyed standard Hulk form. He could precisely control his strength, effortlessly lifting a massive alloy block of simulated ruins and placing it steadily in its designated spot, instead of roughly throwing or smashing it as he had done in the past. He even experimented with an intermediate form—slightly larger than Banner, with a healthy pale green skin, a delicate balance between intelligence and strength, and wearing his signature glasses, a veritable "Professor Hulk."

The psychological assessment went even further. With the help of a systematic approach, therapist Lin and the association's top psychological experts repeatedly confirmed the stability of his personality and the completeness of his integration. Hulk's anger was channeled into a determination to protect, and Banner's anxiety was soothed by a powerful sense of strength. They were no longer two souls tearing each other apart, but a harmonious and symbiotic whole.

The final assessment report was presented to Kingpin:

[Evaluation Subject: Bruce Banner/Hulk (Amalgamation)]

Codename: Dr. Green

[Ability Rating: S]

[Abilities Overview: Controllable form transformation (Banner form/Standard Hulk form/Intermediate Intelligent form), superhuman strength, endurance, and resilience; power can be amplified in a targeted manner by anger (preliminary controllability achieved); gamma energy radiation (controlled internal/external emission achieved).]

[Psychological state: Stable. Integration assessment: Excellent. Loyalty tendency: High (based on recognition of the solutions provided by the association and a desire for a stable life).]

[Recommendation: Complete hero registration immediately to serve as the association's strategic deterrent force and top-tier research advisor.]

Kingpin looked at the report, his face showing no surprise, as if everything was under control. "Execute the public procedure," he ordered.

So, on a bright and sunny morning, the largest press conference hall at the Hero Association headquarters was packed. Major media outlets from around the world had already aimed their cameras at the stage, and the number of viewers watching the live stream online was skyrocketing—the association's pre-released announcement of a "major breakthrough and a new S-class hero" had whetted the world's appetite.

On the podium, the association's spokesperson, with a smile, delivered a brief but powerful opening statement, emphasizing the association's unremitting efforts and significant responsibilities in the research and guidance of extraordinary abilities. His tone then shifted, becoming solemn and inspiring:

"Ladies and gentlemen, today we are honored to introduce a new member to the world, a hero who has officially joined the Hero Association and been designated an S-Class Hero—Dr. Green!"

The spotlight instantly focused on the entrance.

Amidst suppressed gasps and the flashing of countless camera shutters, Bruce Banner—in his usual scholarly manner, dressed in a well-tailored dark uniform bearing the association's emblem—steadily walked onto the stage. His expression was calm, his eyes carrying a sense of serenity and determination, as if he had finally found his place after enduring hardship.

He stood in front of the microphone, his gaze sweeping over the shocked media below the stage, and looking at the world behind the camera.

“I am Bruce Banner,” his voice carried clearly and steadily through the loudspeaker, “and also Hulk.”

Just one sentence caused a huge uproar both on-site and online! The gasps and discussions almost lifted the roof off.

Banner raised his hand and gestured for a moment, and miraculously, the room fell silent. Everyone held their breath, waiting for him to continue.

“In the past, I and the power within me were called a curse, a monster. We caused destruction, brought fear, and struggled in loneliness and on the run.” His tone was calm, as if he were recounting a past event unrelated to himself. “I have sought countless ways to try to ‘heal’ myself, but all have failed. Because I mistakenly regarded my other half as an enemy that needed to be eliminated.”

He then changed the subject, his eyes revealing his approval of the association: "Until I came into contact with the Hero Association. They didn't try to imprison me, didn't try to use me, and certainly didn't try to eliminate a part of me. They offered a completely new approach—understanding, guiding, and integrating."

As he spoke, the holographic projection beside him lit up, playing processed images that did not involve core technologies—a simulation of the process of Banner and Hulk's energy models from conflict to fusion.

“With the association’s advanced technical support and professional psychological guidance,” Banner continued, his body began to change. His skin turned a healthy green, his body swelled slightly, and he entered the “Professor Hulk” form with glasses. His voice became deeper, yet remained logically clear. “For the first time, Hulk and I truly understood and accepted each other. We are no longer opposing sides, but a complete and completely new individual—Professor Hulk.”

He raised his hand, palm up, and a gentle yet powerful green energy flowed slowly like a tamed pet, demonstrating absolute control.

"I am no longer a walking disaster. Hulk is no longer an out-of-control beast." Dr. Green's (Professor Form) voice was full of power and confidence. "We are S-class heroes of the Hero Association, Dr. Bruce Banner. We will use our wisdom and strength to deal with the highest level of supernatural threats and devote ourselves to cutting-edge scientific research, contributing everything we have to the safety and progress of this world."

He paused slightly before making his final promise: "I, Dr. Green, hereby solemnly declare that I will abide by the association's charter, protect innocent lives, and uphold world order."

As soon as he finished speaking, he reverted to Banner's form and bowed slightly to the audience.

After a brief silence, applause and gasps erupted like a volcanic eruption! Reporters nearly broke through the security cordon, and questions flooded in like a tidal wave.

Almost simultaneously, the Hero Association's official website and official accounts on major social media platforms updated the hero profiles:

[Name: Dr. Green (Bruce Banner)]

[Level: S]

[Abilities: Controllable form transformation, superhuman strength and regeneration, control over gamma energy...]

[Brief Introduction: A former physicist who, with the help of the Hero Association, successfully resolved his personal energy control issues and achieved personality fusion. Currently serving as an S-class hero and chief scientific advisor for the association, he is dedicated to responding to high-level threats and developing cutting-edge technologies.]

This announcement, like a hydrogen bomb dropped into a calm lake, instantly ignited global public opinion!

Hashtags like #HulkJoinsTheHeroAssociation!#, #S-Class Hero Dr. Green!#, and #TheAssociationCanEvenTakeHulkOff!# dominated all social media platforms.

After the initial shock, the public quickly transformed into amazement at the association's capabilities and a strong curiosity and support for Dr. Hulk. The fact that even the Hulk could be "co-opted" and become so "reasonable" instantly elevated the Hero Association's image in the eyes of ordinary people, making it seem incredibly noble and reliable.

And within S.H.I.E.L.D., at Avengers Tower, and in intelligence agencies around the world… the shockwaves from this public announcement were only just beginning to spread. A controllable, intelligent Hulk, who had joined that mysterious association, had completely altered the global landscape of supernatural powers.

Dr. Green's public appearance is not only a change in his personal destiny, but also the Hero Association's most powerful declaration to the world of its technological prowess and grand ambitions.

Chapter 90: Aftermath and a New Balance

Dr. Green's earth-shattering public declaration was like a spiritual atomic bomb dropped on a lake of global public opinion. Its shockwaves, centered on New York, swept across every corner of the world with unprecedented speed and intensity.

Public reaction: From fear to amazement

After the initial shock, mainstream public opinion showed an almost unanimous trend of amazement and support.

"My God! They actually did it! They can even turn Hulk into a reasonable superhero!"

"Look at how Dr. Green speaks! His logic is clear, and his attitude is gentle. Is this still the same big green guy who only knows how to smash things?"

"The Hero Association's technical capabilities are terrifying! They can even handle split personalities (fusion)? Is there anything they can't do?"

"Can we rest easy when we encounter Dragon-level monsters in the future? We have Sandman to hold the line, Dr. Green to deal damage, and the Mind Master to protect our brains... This setup is too luxurious!"

On the streets and in online forums, people were excitedly discussing it. The association's public trust and support rates soared again, and many ordinary people who had previously harbored doubts about superpowered individuals now regarded the association as a "stabilizing force" in a chaotic world. The image of Professor Green quickly transformed from a terrifying monster into a symbol of a guardian deity embodying both power and wisdom. Some merchants even quickly launched T-shirts and merchandise featuring a chibi version of Professor Green (a professor in bespectacled form), which sold like hotcakes.

S.H.I.E.L.D.: Suppressed Rage and Accelerated Action

Inside Nick Fury's office at Trident headquarters, the air pressure was so low it was almost enough to condense water. On the screen in front of him, the image of Dr. Green (in Banner form) calmly announcing his joining the Association was frozen in time.

“They bypassed all of us, Fury.” Maria Hill’s voice was tinged with disbelief. “Not only did they make contact with him, but they also accomplished… that level of modification in such a short time. This is beyond our understanding of technology.”

“Transformation?” Fury scoffed, a cold glint flashing in his single eye. “They call it ‘fusion’! They’ve turned a walking calamity into an S-class henchman and top scientist who obeys their orders! What Kingpin holds is more dangerous and more tempting than we imagine.”

He turned abruptly to Hill: "What's the reaction of those old men at the World Security Council right now?"

“Shock, concern, and… a hint of barely perceptible interest,” Hill reported truthfully. “Some board members believe that a controllable Hulk is better than a bomb, but many more are extremely uneasy about the Association’s unregulated 'collection' of strategic forces. They are demanding that we provide an assessment and response plan as soon as possible.”

“A solution?” Fury’s voice was icy. “Tell the council that ‘Project Lighthouse’ must immediately enter the substantive infiltration phase! I need to know the core secrets of Kingpin’s ‘system’! At all costs! At the same time, increase the level of surveillance over all of the association’s external activities, especially their technology output and personnel recruitment. We cannot allow a second or third ‘Green Doctor’ to quietly infiltrate his ranks!”

The Avengers: Complex Mindsets and Internal Ripples

A subtly tense atmosphere hung in the air in the public area on the top floor of Stark Tower. The Avengers, unusually gathered together, watched a rerun of the news about Doctor Hulk.

“Wow…” Tony Stark drawled, his expression complex, a mix of tech geek curiosity, frustration at being surpassed, and a hint of genuine relief. “Dr. Banner… no, now Dr. Green. Looks like he’s found a decent 'psychologist,' and even had a full-body energy spa treatment. Seriously, how did they manage to break down the resonance inhibition between gamma energy and neural synapses? Jarvis, don’t you have a clue?”

"I regret to inform you, sir, that the information released by the association has been highly processed, and the core energy manipulation model cannot be reverse-engineered. Its technical approach differs significantly from any known system."

Steve Rogers looked at Banner's calm expression on the screen and said steadily, "Bruce has found the peace and belonging he's been searching for, which is a good thing. He no longer has to be on the run alone." But he frowned slightly, "But... what is the ultimate goal of this association, this Kingpin? Is the systematization and instrumentalization of such a powerful force really just for 'maintaining order'?"

Natasha Romanoff took a graceful sip of her coffee, her tone calm: "A Hulk who can think clearly is more controllable and more threatening than a Hulk that could explode at any moment. The key is who holds the control. Currently, it seems Kingpin holds the key." She looked at Clint Barton, "What do you think, Hawkeye?"

Clint wiped his bow without looking up: "As long as he doesn't replace the target with our butts, I have no problem with it. But next time we meet, he should treat us to a meal to celebrate his 'induction'."

Despite differing mindsets, a consensus quietly formed within the Avengers: the Association was no longer an opponent (or ally) to be ignored or simply mocked. It was a behemoth capable of altering the balance of power.

Within the Association: The Integration of New Pillars and the Boost of Confidence

At the Hero Association headquarters, Dr. Green's arrival acted like a powerful stimulant, greatly boosting morale and bringing about substantial changes.

Bruce Banner, or rather Dr. Hulk, did not act superior because of his S-class status. He quickly integrated into the Association's rhythm, appearing in the Equipment Development Department in his lab coat, engaging in heated and enjoyable discussions with Leo Fitz about the molecular structure of new cushioning materials; he would also appear in the Tactical Analysis Room as Professor Hulk, offering advice on dealing with various supernatural threats from his unique perspective; he would even occasionally mentor some lower-level heroes with energy manipulation potential, sharing his "insights" on controlling power.

His very existence is the most powerful proof of the association's philosophy of "inclusion and transformation." Many heroes who felt inferior because of their unusual or uncontrollable abilities regained their confidence and hope after seeing Dr. Green's example.

Peter Parker posted anonymously on the internal forum: "The new S-class expert is actually helping me verify the formulas for spider silk fluid dynamics! He even praised my unique thinking! Mom, I'm so proud of myself!" Below were a row of envious replies and "riding on the expert's good luck".

During an informal exchange, Flint Sandman simply nodded to Dr. Green and said, "Welcome." There was an unspoken understanding between the two men who both possessed destructive powers yet chose to protect each other.

In Kingpin's top-floor office, he looked at the system's data on Dr. Green's perfectly stable physiological condition and his valuable advice on multiple projects, and nodded slightly.

Dr. Green's arrival not only completes the final piece of the Association's top-tier combat power puzzle, but also brings cutting-edge scientific wisdom. His presence greatly enhances the Association's confidence in dealing with future "Dragon-level" or even higher-level threats, and also accelerates the Association's technological advancement.

More importantly, he conveyed a clear message to all potential recruits, especially those powerful individuals on the verge of extinction: here, there are those with both the ability and the will to solve your most fundamental predicament.

The world's balance has been subtly tipped because of the choice made by a green giant. A new equilibrium is forming, but everyone knows that beneath this balance lie turbulent undercurrents and an even greater storm to come. The Hero Association has become the most indispensable core force in this global transformation.

Chapter 91: The Inauguration Ceremony of the Association Headquarters

The New York skyline has been redefined by a new megastructure.

The former open space and scaffolding have vanished, replaced by a towering skyscraper, minimalist yet futuristic in style. It's not a traditional square structure, but rather features smooth, sharp angles, like naturally grown crystals. Covered entirely in adaptive light-sensitive alloy panels, it gleams with a cool metallic sheen in the sunlight, and at night, it may transform into a dark, colossal tower blending into the starry sky. At the top of the building, instead of a sharp lightning rod, stands a massive, three-dimensional "HA" emblem emitting a soft blue light, overlooking the city like a lighthouse, clearly announcing its affiliation to the world—the Hero Association Global Headquarters.

Today is its inauguration ceremony.

The highest level of traffic control was implemented in several blocks surrounding the headquarters, but this could not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd. Outside the police cordon, a sea of ​​people mingled, cheers, exclamations, and countless flashing cell phone cameras, creating an atmosphere comparable to a grand festival. In the air, the association's iconic drone swarm performed a sophisticated aerial display, forming dynamic logos and welcoming patterns.

The red carpet stretched from the building's main entrance all the way to the street corner, flanked by association staff in brand-new uniforms, their expressions solemn and proud. Broadcast vans from major global media outlets were already in place, their cameras and microphones aimed at the end of the red carpet.

This is a meticulously choreographed show, a grand event showcasing power and order to the world.

The first to arrive were political and business elites. The mayor of New York City, beaming with smiles, warmly shook hands with James Wesley, who was greeting the guests, as if they were longtime friends of the association. Several influential senators and representatives from friendly countries in Europe and Asia followed suit; their presence itself was a silent political statement.

Next up are the association's heroes.

When Flint Marko, the Sandman, appeared with his imposing and composed figure, it sparked the first wave of enthusiastic cheers. He wore a well-tailored dark gray tuxedo bearing the S-rank insignia, not his combat suit. He nodded slightly to the crowd before striding into the arena, symbolizing the Association's most solid defense.

The appearance of Spider-Man, Peter Parker, brought a lighthearted atmosphere. He was still wearing his red and blue suit, but it was clearly a brand-new, upgraded version with a more technologically advanced material. He waved lively at the cameras and the crowd, and even spontaneously did a backflip, eliciting good-natured laughter and even louder cheers.

The meditation teacher, Lin, dressed in an elegant long dress in the association's uniform, had a peaceful expression. Her appearance made the noisy crowd unconsciously quiet down, and many people cast respectful glances at her.

Subsequently, heroes from all walks of life—power type, speed type, elemental manipulation type, and support type—wearing uniform ceremonial attire, walked the red carpet in turn, showcasing the diversity and professionalism of the association's talent pool to the world.

However, everyone knew that the real highlight was yet to come.

Finally, after a deliberately arranged and anticipated short pause, Wilson Kingpin's mountain-like figure appeared at the end of the red carpet.

He wasn't wearing an extravagant tuxedo; he was still in a tailor-made dark suit. But his imposing, commanding presence instantly silenced the entire room, and all cameras greedily focused on him. He didn't smile and wave like a politician; instead, his gaze calmly swept across the crowd as he walked steadily towards the headquarters entrance, each step seemingly tapping into the rhythm of power. His very presence was the most powerful declaration.

And following half a step behind him was the real focus of today's attention—

Bruce Banner, or rather, he appeared at this moment in his perfect "Professor Hulk" form. Nearly three meters tall, with powerful green skin, his bulging muscles were encased in a specially made silver-gray suit bearing the S-Class logo, and his signature glasses still perched on his nose, his eyes wise and calm.

His appearance did not cause panic; instead, after a brief, suffocating silence, a deafening wave of cheers erupted, a mixture of amazement and fervor!

"It's Dr. Green!"