The Aftermath of the Hulk Incident (Seeking Collections, Seeking Follow-ups)

"A genius idea, an incredible masterpiece, a perfect work of art..."

In that moment, as they watched the Arc Reactor shining like the sun in Peter's palm, every word of praise that came to mind for those present fell short of describing what they saw.

"Too bad... it's still not a real sun."

Yet, feeling the endless torrent of energy contained within the Arc Reactor in his hand, Peter couldn't help but sigh inwardly with regret.

"Mr. Stark... sir, have you tested its capabilities?"

After a long pause, someone finally snapped out of it, looking at Tony with reverence as they asked.

"If my calculations are correct—and they usually are—it should be able to release about 5 billion joules of energy per second."

"My God, 5 billion joules per second. That's more than enough to power a Nano-Suit."

In that moment, everyone's gaze toward Tony was filled with awe.

"Ahem, Mr. Superman, since I've solved your energy problem, how about bringing me a few bottles of fine wine next time?"

Tony grinned, clearly angling for a reward.

"I'll think about it."

"Mr. Superman, now that the energy issue is resolved, I estimate we can build the Nano-Suit you want within a month."

The challenges of creating a Nano-Suit were many—how to manipulate nanoparticles, how to stabilize their molecular structure, how to embed fixed molecular algorithms into them, and how to control them with thought to form desired structures.

But compared to the energy problem, these were minor hurdles.

Especially since they had some of the brightest minds on Earth right here.

Their team surpassed almost any research group on the planet.

A month to build a Nano-Suit was actually Reed's conservative estimate.

"Good. One month. If you make the Nano-Suit, I'll keep my promise and send you all back safely."

Peter gave them his word.

"Though... by then, some of you might not want to go back."

The monster attack on New York had been dealt with by Superman.

But the city had taken considerable damage, and the cleanup was just beginning.

Oscorp Industries' building was now heavily cordoned off by New York police and intelligence agents.

Not that they were shutting Oscorp down for good.

It was just that, in some people's eyes, yesterday's incident was triggered by a special genetic drug Oscorp was researching.

They were there to confiscate all remaining Regeneration Serum and every scrap of research data.

In Professor Connors' lab, countless agents were packing up all the experimental materials.

And Connors himself, the man behind it all, could only watch helplessly, his face a mix of reluctance and resignation.

"Sorry, Professor Connors. Orders from above."

Captain George walked into the lab, his voice filled with sympathy and apology.

"It's fine, Captain George. If I hadn't been greedy for that man's perfect genes, trying to perfect the Regeneration Serum, none of this would have happened."

"All the serums I've developed are here. I just hope you'll take good care of them."

Handing an ordinary shoulder bag to Captain George, Connors paused before continuing.

"Or, take my advice: if you can, destroy them along with all the research data. I'm afraid someone else might fall for the temptation of eternal life, just like I did."

A flicker of regret crossed Connors' face. Back then, blinded by the lure of immense gain, he hadn't been wary of Banner's true intentions in seeking him out.

"Looks like this hand of mine will never grow back."

Glancing at his empty right sleeve, Connors felt an odd sense of relief.

"Sorry, Professor. You'll lose your freedom for a while. It's a necessary precaution. Please understand."

Naturally, strict restrictions were also placed on Connors himself.

"I understand. I don't have much left to lose anyway."

Connors had devoted his entire life to the Regeneration Serum. Now, there was little else he cared about.

Two officers approached Connors, ready to escort him out.

"Oh, and Captain George, please apologize to your daughter for me. Gwen is the best student I've ever had. It's a shame I can't continue as her internship advisor."

Just as Connors was about to leave the lab, he turned back to George.

"But I know a professor named Otto Octavius. If Gwen's interested, she can visit him. Tell him I recommended her."

With that, Connors didn't hesitate any longer. He followed the officers out of the lab, leaving behind the place he had given his life to.

"Professor Otto?"

George muttered the somewhat unfamiliar name as he reached into his bag and pulled out a vial of Regeneration Serum glowing with a rich green light, examining it closely.

Meanwhile, on the African continent, in Wakanda.

The Dora Milaje had surrounded a figure clad in a black suit and a mask shaped like a panther's head.

The guards, gripping their Vibranium-tipped spears, exuded an aura even fiercer than that of any man.

"Charge!"

At the command of their leader, Okoye, the others tightened their grips on their spears without hesitation and rushed toward the panther-like figure.

But the next moment, the surrounded figure displayed speed as swift as a true panther, weaving through the Dora Milaje's encirclement and deftly evading every attack.

In the process, he used his sharp claws to find openings and took down several guards.

Yet the Dora Milaje were no pushovers. After "sacrificing" a few of their number, they finally formed a tight blockade.

Their spears crisscrossed and shifted, locking the figure in place with a formation that seemed nearly impossible to break free from.

"Hah!"

But the figure in the Black Panther suit let out a sudden shout, and a halo of light rapidly surged across the surface of his black suit.

The next instant, a powerful wave of energy visibly burst from the suit.

The sheer force shattered the Dora Milaje's blockade, even sending their Vibranium spears flying.

In a flash, the Black Panther caught a spear falling from the air and, in the blink of an eye, stood before the fallen Okoye, the spear's tip aimed at her throat.

But then, he lowered the spear and extended his right hand to Okoye.

"My apologies, Captain Okoye..."

"Prince T'Challa, your skills have improved again."

Taking T'Challa's offered hand to stand up, Okoye felt genuine pride for him.

Clap, clap, clap...

"Well done, my son. You make me immensely proud!"

Suddenly, with a round of applause, the old king T'Chaka appeared beside them, offering his praise to T'Challa.

"Since you've fully mastered the Black Panther's power, it seems it's time to entrust you with that mission."

The old king gave his son a deep look, then spoke slowly, raising his wrist to project an image from his device.

"Is that... the moon attacked by that Superman? You want me to gather information on him?"

"No, your destination is the far side of the moon, where no human has ever set foot."

The old king slowly rotated the lunar image, revealing a view never before shown to anyone, presenting it to T'Challa.

PS: Asking for monthly tickets and recommendation tickets again, thank you all!