Banner arrived at Stark's home and, just as Mercer had before him, found the way clear all the way to the underground workshop.
"Dr. Banner, we meet again." Mercer smiled and shook his hand.
"Just call me Banner," Banner said with a smile. He glanced around, then his gaze suddenly settled on Lockdown nearby.
Noticing his gaze, Lockdown even raised a hand and waved.
"Wh-what is that?"
Banner's eyes widened at the sight of Lockdown.
Although he had long since heard that Mercer owned a luxury car that could transform into a robot, he had never expected it to possess such advanced intelligence.
It had even greeted him when it saw him. Judging by its behavior, it could hardly be considered a mere robot anymore. It seemed more like a life-form!
"That's Lockdown, my subordinate. A mechanical life-form," Mercer explained with a smile, noticing his shock.
"Oh..."
Banner couldn't help taking a few more looks before turning his attention back.
He saw a 3D image displayed above the table. It looked like a communicator.
Since they hadn't shut it off when he came in, that presumably meant he was allowed to look. Banner asked, "Are you researching new equipment? A communicator?"
Anyone unfamiliar with the Armor Summoner could easily mistake it for a simple communicator when they saw the buttons on its inner side.
The features on the outside merely looked like flashy design choices rather than anything useful.
"You're half right, Banner. This thing could change the balance of power in the world. You'll be amazed when you see the finished product," Stark said with a teasing smile.
"You seem pretty excited. Is it finished?" Banner's interest was piqued, and Stark's words had whetted his curiosity.
Stark checked his watch, then looked at a machine a short distance ahead.