"Now, immediately, at once, attack me, capture that monster!"
In the command center, Ross roared at General James.
Just moments ago, the dispatched helicopter had been shot down, and his daughter had been forcibly taken into the camp by Banner. He had no idea how she was doing.
Logically speaking, the military had a strict hierarchy where subordinates must obey superiors.
Although Ross was a high-ranking officer in the military, he was currently only a Lieutenant General.
In front of a General, he had to bow his head.
However, this time, he had painstakingly prepared himself mentally, asking his daughter Betty to persuade Banner, just like last time.
He had no choice. This time, the Red Hulk had smashed his base to pieces and kidnapped his capable subordinate.
Especially Bronksky, who had even defected with his own resources, completely betraying them and becoming Banner's confidant.
He also wanted to strike back forcefully and capture Banner again.
Although Banner had spared his life, that didn't mean he would stop pursuing Banner.
It was a joke. Banner was his hope for further advancement; how could he give up like this?
But his thoughts were beautiful, while reality was cruel.
First, they had suffered heavy losses and were not strong enough. Second, those higher-ups wouldn't allow it.
The higher-ups were already aware of the entire situation. Initially, they hadn't taken Banner's constant talk of the Blood God seriously, dismissing it as the Hulk's mind going haywire after transforming into the Red Hulk.
However, when they noticed that the soldiers following Banner had also received Banner's so-called "blessings," the higher-ups fell silent collectively.
No matter how strong Banner was, the higher-ups wouldn't care. He was just a nobody after all; could he really overthrow them?
But the appearance of the blessings made them unable to underestimate Banner anymore. Perhaps, there really was a god behind him.
Then Banner had transformed, becoming an Emissary of God.
One could not treat an Emissary of God like a monster as before, simply capturing him and locking him in a cage.
He was now a person of status, and both sides had to maintain decorum.
Otherwise, if they angered this Blood God, no one wanted to know the consequences.
"Ross, watch your words. He's not a monster, but a precious citizen of our country, an emissary sent by the Blood God. How dare you slander him with the word 'monster'?"
General James gave Ross a warning look, causing his expression to change slightly.
Times had changed. Banner was no longer a lab animal that he could toy with.
Now, he had powerful backing.
Treating him like before would likely result not in Banner crushing his head, but in himself shooting himself eight times in the back to atone to Emissary of God Banner.
"Then what do you suggest we do? My daughter has already been captured, and the special envoys sent were killed. Are we just going to stand by and watch?"
Ross suppressed his anger and spoke in a low voice.
"Wait a little longer and see what the higher-ups say. You don't need to worry about your daughter. Emissary of God Banner is so strong; perhaps she'll be very happy?
As for those special envoys, don't worry. Dying for the country is their honor. This time, I guarantee their families will receive compensation. Are you satisfied now?"
There was nothing that money couldn't solve. If there was, it meant the money wasn't enough. They believed their families would be happy that their sons or husbands died for their country, right?
As for Ross's daughter? Hmph, it was her honor to serve an Emissary of God. Many people wished they had such an opportunity but didn't.
Besides, Ross wasn't incapable down there; he could just have another child.
"Then how long do we have to wait? Is there a specific time?"
Ross stared intently at General James, trying to find a hint of concession or guidance in his eyes.
General James remained silent. Facing Ross's pressing gaze, he didn't give an immediate clear answer. Instead, he slowly paced to the operational map in the center of the command room, gazing at the complex situation and potential threats marked on it.
His silence seemed to freeze the air. The only sound in the entire command center was the faint hum of the instruments.
"Ring ring!"
Just as Ross was about to lose patience with the atmosphere in the command center, the phone rang. General James quickly picked it up. His gaze remained fixed on the operational map, but his expression became exceptionally serious.
"Hello, General James speaking."
A low voice came from the other end of the line. General James's brows furrowed gradually, and he occasionally nodded in understanding or agreement.
A few minutes later, he hung up the phone, turned around, and looked at Lieutenant General Ross. His eyes held both determination and helplessness.
"Ross, the situation has changed," General James said, his voice steady and powerful. "The higher-ups have just issued instructions. Given the power Emissary of God Banner currently displays and his 'blessings' to our soldiers, we need to re-evaluate our strategy."
He took a deep breath and continued, "They have ordered us to immediately cease all hostile actions against Emissary of God Banner and attempt to establish communication channels to resolve the current crisis peacefully.
At the same time, they have also stated that they will send a high-level representative to engage in direct dialogue with Emissary of God Banner."
Upon hearing this, Ross's face turned ashen. He could barely control his emotions. "Then what about my daughter? Is she just going to be discarded as a bargaining chip?"
He roared, his voice filled with anger and helplessness.
"Ross, I understand how you feel right now, but the higher-ups have made their decision. Regarding your daughter's situation, we will do our utmost to communicate with Emissary of God Banner and strive for her safe release.
However, before that, we cannot take any actions that might escalate the conflict. Given your unstable emotional state, to avoid provoking the other side, you are hereby relieved of your command."
Ross's fists clenched, his fingernails digging into his palms. He struggled to control his emotions, but the anger in his voice was still hard to hide.
"Fired? Just because I didn't do as you wished? You're abandoning me and my family like this? Throwing me away like trash?"
"Sorry, Ross, times have changed. We've never overlooked your abilities and contributions, but at this critical juncture, we need some different methods to achieve our goals."
Seeing Ross remain silent, General James comforted him, "Don't worry, Ross. I'll do everything I can to ensure your daughter's safe return. Who knows, you might even get a promotion then."
General James, who had just casually made a grand promise to Ross, didn't notice the eyes behind him filled with extreme rage.
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