Chapter 257

As a long-time adversary of the Hulk, General Ross believed he understood the sheer power the green behemoth possessed.

But witnessing the terrifying combat ability the Hulk displayed now, Ross's perception skyrocketed to a whole new level.

For the first time, he realized just how much he had underestimated the Hulk. His arrogance had nearly cost him his life.

If the Hulk had unleashed this kind of power earlier, Ross knew he wouldn't have survived to tell the tale.

Yet another thought crept into Ross's mind: if he could harness the Hulk's strength, wouldn't he be invincible?

The idea alone was enough to restore the General's previously pale complexion, replacing it with his characteristic manic confidence.

No matter what, he had to capture the Hulk!

He envisioned creating an army of Hulks. With such a force under his command, Ross was certain he could dominate any battlefield, elevating his status in the United States to unprecedented heights.

As Ross became consumed by his ambitions, the dust on the battlefield began to settle, revealing the scene within the combat zone.

The once-flat terrain had been transformed into a massive, deep crater. No one could imagine how the area had looked before the battle.

By any measure, anyone subjected to the Hulk's devastating attack should have been obliterated without a trace.

Yet, astonishingly, Cain stood unharmed at the center of the destruction. In stark contrast, the Hulk lay on the ground, his massive body convulsing and green blood dripping from his mouth.

To an unknowing observer, it might have seemed as though Cain had launched the attack and the Hulk had been on the receiving end.

"Are you calm now?" Cain asked, his tone a mix of exasperation and amusement.

No matter how powerful or aggressive the Hulk's attacks were, they only seemed to harm himself.

"You're the type that gets stronger the angrier you get, huh? Looks like I'm the only one who can keep you in check," Cain remarked casually, crouching down beside the Hulk as though his earlier rampage was of no consequence, much like an owner tolerating a pet's tantrum.

"Argh!"

Hearing Cain's voice, the Hulk abruptly snapped out of his rage. He lifted his head to glare at Cain, but for the first time, a flicker of fear shone in his eyes.

In a sudden burst of motion, the Hulk leapt to his feet, retreating several steps while staring at Cain in disbelief.

The Hulk couldn't comprehend why his attacks had backfired. The moment his fists connected with Cain, it felt as though an overwhelming force, equal to or greater than his own, had struck back, leaving him gravely injured.

The sight of Cain, unscathed, filled the Hulk with a newfound sensation: fear.

"What the hell is going on?!"

General Ross was equally stunned, his jaw dropping as he watched the scene unfold.

How could that man survive the Hulk's assault unscathed, while the Hulk himself ended up injured?

"Could it be that this man possesses a power even greater than the Hulk's?"

The thought made Ross's eyes burn with excitement.

Cain, stronger than the Hulk, seemed like a more viable candidate for control. Not only was he powerful, but he also appeared rational, unlike the uncontrollable Hulk. Perhaps Cain could even be reasoned with.

As Ross fantasized, Cain continued to address the Hulk.

"So, what should I call you? I don't know your name," Cain said cautiously.

The Hulk's fear only grew as Cain approached. It was the first time he had encountered an opponent he couldn't defeat with brute strength—a sensation he found deeply unsettling.

"Hello?" Cain took another step forward, trying to communicate.

But the Hulk, like a startled animal, retreated further.

To Cain's surprise, the Hulk suddenly transformed back into Bruce Banner.

Now clad only in a pair of tattered shorts, Bruce Banner collapsed to the ground, exhausted.

"Ha… Ha… What just happened? The last thing I remember is transforming into the Hulk," Banner muttered, looking around in confusion.

"Your other half doesn't seem to like me," Cain replied with a shrug.

"What? What did you do? You didn't run, and you're still here. What happened between you and the Hulk?"

Banner's questions came rapid-fire as he stared at Cain in shock, realizing he wasn't dealing with an ordinary person.

As the two conversed, the sound of approaching vehicles and helicopters filled the air.

Soon, a team of heavily armed personnel emerged from vehicles and helicopters, surrounding Cain and Banner.

"What? Reinforcements? No… not mine!"

General Ross's initial relief turned to fury as he recognized the intruders.

"It's S.H.I.E.L.D.! Damn it, they're getting involved too! Fuck!"

S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives raised their weapons, aiming at Cain and Banner.

Cain remained calm, seemingly unfazed, while Banner grew visibly anxious, fearing another transformation into the Hulk.

"Everyone stay calm! Fingers off the triggers!"

A commanding voice cut through the tension as Agent Maria Hill strode out in full tactical gear, exuding authority.

Aware of both Cain's and the Hulk's capabilities, Hill knew that any rash action could lead to disaster.

"Dr. Bruce Banner, Mr. Cain, I'm Agent Hill of S.H.I.E.L.D. I'd like to invite you both to visit our headquarters," Hill said, her tone measured.

"Oh, you mean you want to lock me up," Banner scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Dr. Banner, we have no intention of imprisoning you. The world is facing numerous threats right now, and your strength could be vital. Our director will explain the details. As for you, Mr. Cain, I hear you're quite knowledgeable about SCPs?"

Hill's curiosity was evident as she studied Cain. Could this truly be the demigod described in their reports?

"So, there are other SCPs besides me? No problem. If you need help researching SCPs, I'm happy to assist. But for anything else, I'll need to think it over," Cain replied, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender.

"Go ahead, cuff me. It'll make you feel safer, right?"

"What?"

Hill was momentarily taken aback by Cain's cooperative demeanor but quickly produced handcuffs to secure him.

"You're really going with them?" Banner asked, surprised by Cain's compliance.

"You're awfully experienced with this," he added with a hint of incredulity.

(End of Chapter)

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